Brynithel 9 Croesyceiliog 10
10 September 2005
Croesyceiliog kicked off their new league campaign with a "skin of their teeth" 9-10 away win at Brynithel. But the Cockerels had to wait until the last move of the game in 5th minute of injury time to go into the lead thanks to a try from replacement centre Stuart Fitzgerald converted by fellow centre Chris Landry.
The Cockerels started confidently, looking to get the ball wide to their pacey outside backs. For all Croesy's effort it was Brynithel who took the lead mid way through the half with a penalty, a lead they doubled 10 minutes later. Centre David Davies pulled Croesy within 3 points just before half time but Brynithel extended their lead again with an opportunist drop goal on the stroke of half-time.
Brynithel started the second half strongly but the Cockerels defensive organisation was up to the test and the home side could find no way through. Scrum-half Ritchie Williams in particular tackled tirelessly. As the game wore on Croesy's superior fitness began to tell and they pressed more and more. Prop Justin Smith was instrumental in turning ball over in the Croesy 22 from where his fellow prop Marc Watkins counter attacked before feeding onto wing Rhodri Davies causing Brynithel to infringe and have a player sin-binned.
Scrum-half Williams was replaced by Nathan Powell whose service helped Croesy launch a number of attacks with last season's Youth Team player of the year Richard Lewis using his pace to good effect. From one such attack Brynithel were given a second yellow.
Despite all their pressure the Cockerels couldn't breach the determined home defence. Then with the referee looking at his watch the Croesy forwards created a platform to launch their backs. Outside half Gareth Roberts fed Landry who drew the cover defence and put Fitzgerald away to run in unopposed from 15 metres out. With Croesy's regular kickers off the field it was left to Landry to slot the conversion over to give Croesy the win.
This was a scrappy affair but the Cockerels determination gave them a deserved win and Croesy now look forward to the visit of Pill Harriers on Saturday.