Nantymoel 17 Croesyceiliog 18
29 October 2005
Croesyceiliog travelled to newly promoted Nantymoel in search of a first league win in 6 games and came away with a deserved win by the narrowest of margins at 17-18. The omens were not good from the start when scrum-half Ritchie Williams and wing Rhodri Davies both pulled out on the morning of the match with injuries. The scrum-half berth was not a problem with Nathan Powell returning from holiday and injury ably stepping in. But wth at least five other potential wing replacements not available Team Manager John Berrow was forced into action for the second week in succession. Added to this the coach driver decided to take the scenic route around Maesteg meaning the team arrived at the ground just 20 minutes from kick off.
But none of these potential upsets were able to phase the Cockerels as they started in determined fashion and grabbed a penalty in the first minute which Matthew Entwistle converted. Playing down the slope in the first half they put the home side under early pressure, forcing them back over the line from a five metre scrum. But they failed to capitalise and soon found themselves having to defend their own line. The line held firm and Gareth Roberts made the first of several excellent counter attacks from full-back, taking play back into the opposition half. However, one attempted counter eventually led to the Cockerels conceding a penalty for holding onto the ball and Nantymoel quickly moved the ball wide to score in the corner.
Entwistle regained the lead with a second penalty before Croesy conceded a second try right on half time. The ball squirted out of the side of a ruck and the home right wing raced in from half way to give Nantymoel a 10-6 half-time lead.
With Nantymoel grabbing a converted try early in the second half to take them 17-6 clear it looked as though the Cockerels were heading for their 6th straight defeat. But rather than lie down this was the catalyst for the visitors to take the game by the scruff of the neck. A long pressure-relieving kick by Entwistle stopped just short of the opposition try line forcing thie wing to play the ball. His clearance kick skewed off the side of his boot into touch and Entwistle following up took a quick lineout to the ever alert Richard Gibbins enabling lively winger Matthew Hiatt to dive over in the corner. Entwistle kicked the conversion from wide out to bring Croesy right back into the game.
Youth team captain Shane Williams replaced David Davies in the centre and was soon in the thick of the action. Roberts made another sublime break out of defence and the forwards carried it on winning quick ruck ball and spreading it right. Williams took the ball 40 yards out drew the defence, dummied to feed Hiatt on the wing, handed off his opposite number and raced away to score one of the best tries by a Croesy player in a long while. This put the Cockerels back in front and from then on their confidence grew. Number 8 Jason Lloyd was to the fore, making several breaks up the middle of the field. But despite battering away at the home line and having five-metre scrum after scrum they could not increase their lead.
In truth this was a scrappy affair made worse by a sodden ground and driving rain which made the handling difficult (so Buz told me!!). But despite not always taking the right options the Cockerels proved they are a far better side than their lowly league position indicates. There is a great attitude in the squad and coaches Chris Garrett and Andy Peacock are gradually building the confidence of the team after a slow start. Croesy have a week off before returning to action with a home fixture against Mountain Ash.