Fixture

A dominant performance in appalling conditions saw Croesy through to a deserved victory over Garndiffaith in the Ben Francis Cup Final. Croesy started well and put Garndiffaith under pressure especially at the scrum where the front row of Craig Price, Richard James and Rob Stark soon had the Garn front row struggling.Almost inevitably the pressure got to the Garn front row and a head butt by one of their props led to a large fight. When order was restored the Garn player received a red card. Matthew Entwistle took the penalty to give Croesy the lead.

Despite being down to 14 men Garn competed strongly but we're unable to breach the Croesy defence. Croesy, when they attacked also struggled to break down the Garn defence, although a second penalty from Matthew Entwistle doubled the lead. When Garndiffaith attacked again it appeared that David Davies was a victim of some "vigorous rucking" and no.8 Nicky Spanswick took exception landing a number of punches. The outcome was a red card for Nicky Spanswick and both teams were now down to 14 men.

Despite dominating the rest of the half Croesy were unable to build on their lead and half-time arrived with Croesy leading 6-0.

The second half very much followed the pattern of the first with Croesy dominating possession and territory but being unable to build on the lead until almost three quarters of the game had passed when Matthew Entwistle kicked his third penalty goal of the game. This time Garndiffaith were able to respond with a penalty goal when Croesy were caught offside. Garn now pegged Croesy back but were unable to convert two long range penalty chances. Eventually Croesy managed to break out and pegged the Garn on their own line. After deciding to take scrums near the Garn line following a succession of penalties, the pressure finally paid off with centre Scott Copsey forcing his way over for a try from short range. Matthew Entwistle converted and with ten minutes to go Croesy were set for victory.

Croesy made a number of late substitutions as the game drew towards a close. Despite this in one of the best moves of the game Croesy broke from their own half releasing Haydn Simons for what seemed a certain try, only for him to be brought down agonisingly close to the Garn try line.  With almost the last play of the game, replacement flanker Stevie Spanswick received a yellow card for a high tackle. Shortly after though the final whistle saw jubilant celebrations from the Croesy team, management and travelling supporters.