Rhydyfelyn 39 Croesyceiliog 16
9 October 2005
The Cockerels suffered their 3rd successive league defeat going down 39-16 to newly promoted Rhydyfelin. Croesy started brightly despite going down 3-0 to an early penalty which Matthew Entwistle cancelled out. Entwistle looked to take the game to the home side and with some good support the gaps were definitely opening. But the Cockerels failed to make the most of their chances particularly when Rhydyfelin had 2 players yellow carded at separate incidents in the first half. At the second, wing Rhodri Davies appeared to have scored a perfectly good try only for the referee to call the game back, yellow the home centre and award a penalty for Croesy in front of the posts. Entwistle duly slotted it over to take a 3 point lead.
However, with the home side back to full strength they knocked the stuffing out of Croesy with 2 tries in quick succession just before half time. Both came from driving lineouts which the Cockerels pack were powerless to stop and gave them a 15-6 lead at the break.
After the break, the home side stepped up a gear with their highly impressive left wing causing all sorts of damage. They clocked up 2 further converted tries before Croesy came back with a score of their own. Again it was Entwistle but this time with a try after Gareth Roberts who had switched to outside half took a quick penalty. The home side came back with a further 2 tries but Croesy had the final consolation score with prop Justin Smith forcing his way over after a good period of pressure.
Whilst this was a disappointing result there were some promising displays. Blind side flanker Chris Williams worked tirelessly, putting in some big hits and taking some excellent high balls. Paul Fisher on the open side was playing his first game of the season and never threw in the towel. Debutant wing Will Hamilton did nothing wrong but unfortunately had very little ball to show what he is capable of. Youth team captain Shane Williams came on as a late replacement in the centre and showed he is going to be a player to watch in the future.
On Wednesday the Croesy Development Side makes its first appearance of the season in a home match with Blackwood Development, kick off 7.15. On Saturday Croesy entertain Rumney at Woodland Road.