Croesyceiliog 10 Bargoed 54
5 April 2006
This may look like a one-sided contest from the result but Croesy battled hard throughout this game and can take a lot of positives from it. We could have gone into an early lead but for a penalty miss and a dubious line flag when we appeared to have gone over in the corner (and it was our linesman - Honest Jamie!!)
The pack were always under pressure from the powerful visitors but never threw in the towel. "Teddy" Edwards once again showed his appetite for the battle with a gutsy display at hooker. And it was good to see "Biffo" Thomas back in the fold after his personal difficulties. Veteran prop Anthony Gardner did another of his Frank Sinatra comeback impressions to good effect. Richard Gibbins as usual put his body on the line and took a knock in the ribs for his troubles. Hopefully it will not keep him out of Saturday's vital game at Mountain Ash. Fellow second row Jim Sargent having a rare run out also showed he can mix it with the best.
Half-time substitutions saw youth team scrum-half Ieuan Wakefield and second row Tom Price make their first team debuts. Both acquitted themselves well which augers well for the future. And "Larry" Williams also a second half replacement put himself about with some big charges with ball in hand.
It was difficult behind the scrum but again no one backed off. Nathan Powell kept battling and sniping around the fringes and also worked hard when he was switched to centre for the injured "Divvy" Davies. Chris Landry was constantly looking to bring the backline into play and Matthew Entwistle played another captain's game and increased his points tally by 10 into the bargain.
A 50-point beating it may have been but if Croesy continue to play with that level of commitment surely they will pick up enough points from their remaining 5 games to secure another season in Division 2 East.
On Saturday we travel to Mountain Ash. Doubts over the fitness of several players has caused the coaches to delay selection until Saturday, so all squad players are asked to be at the club for 12.15. Anyone not available should contact the coaches or Team Manager Jon Berrow.