Fixture

The 1st XV's dreams of appearing at the Principality Stadium were brought to an end in a disappointing 22 points to 6 defeat at Division 2 East rivals Abercarn.

The team travelled to Abercarn minus Captain David Davies and player-coach Jamie Williams, both injured in the previous weekends victory at Blackwood and was also disrupted by the withdrawal of second-row Dale Price on the morning of the game, Greg Stephens, normally a prop, having to step into the second row, where he put in a very credible performance. This however limited the lineout options for Croesy.

The match began with both sides sizing up their opponents and the kicking game of both teams was to the fore. It was Croesy though that had the first opportunity with some crisp handling that put Stephen Drummond on the right wing into space. On a tacky pitch however he was unable to fully use his speed and he was well marshalled and tackled into touch by the Abercarn full-back just short of the try line.

Croesy slowly started to dominate territory and possession, with the pack out-muscling their opponents in the scrum, sending the Abercarn pack back at a rate of knots, but were unable to threaten the Abercarn try line. Eventually though Haydn Simons kicked his first penalty goal with Abercarn infringing at the ruck.

Abercarn were soon level however as a similar infringement by Croesy was punished by the boot of the Abercarn outside-half. Abercarn themselves now started to come back into the game, despite their problems in the scrum and were spending more time in the Croesy territory. A fine break by Ryan Bates, involving inter-passing with Haydn Simons made a try seem a certainty, however the one covering Abercarn player caught Ryan Bates who tried unsuccessfully to pass back to Haydn Simons when the supporting left wing James Tucker was possibly the better option and the opportunity was lost.

With half-time approaching Croesy again looked certain to regain the lead with sustained pressure in the Abercarn 22, a driving maul by Croesy from fifteen metres out from the Abercarn line looked certain to produce a try as it steamrollered towards the line before being brought down by the Abercarn defenders less than five metres out. The referee however declined the opportunity to award a penalty try and a possible yellow card, opting just to give Croesy the penalty on the five metre line. Croesy opted for the scrum which had been so dominant. Croesy again drove the Abercarn pack towards their own line, when the Abercarn front row collapsed it. Again a penalty try looked to be certain, however it was not given with another penalty being awarded. Croesy again opted for the scrum which resulted in a third penalty for Croesy, as Abercarn front row this time stood up to prevent the drive. A third scrum was taken and collapsed with Croesy being ordered to use the ball. Unfortunately Croesy were themselves penalised for crossing and the opportunity was lost.

The first half ended with the scores level at 3 points apiece.

The second half began again with Croesy in the ascendancy and Abercarn soon conceded a penalty 30 metres out. Haydn Simons converted to put Croesy into a 6-3 lead. Abercarn however managed to start to secure more possession and Croesy conceded two penalties close to their own line. Abercarn opted to go for the lineout and set up a driving maul which progressed towards the Croesy line before it was collapsed by flanker Luke Loder. This time the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try which was converted and a yellow card was given to Luke Loder This put Abercarn into a lead which they were never to lose.

Despite being down to 14 men Croesy went back on the attack but were unable to break down the resolute Abercarn defence, with the experienced Abercarn team using the tricks of the trade gained over a number of years. Croesy, however were soon reduced to 13 players when centre Jordan Bailey slipped as he was about to tackle an Abercarn player and catching the player on the neck, resulting in a yellow card. (This was unfortunate as a similar offence by an Abercarn player on Ryan Bates earlier in the game was only punished with a penalty). Abercarn took full advantage of their numerical superiority to score their second try by their right wing which was unconverted, with ten minutes left on the clock

Croesy tried to respond but by now knew that the game was probably out of their reach, knowing it was not to be their day. Abercarn finally brought down the curtain on the game with a third try in the final play of the game. The try was converted to seal the 22 points to 6 victory.

Congratulations to Abercarn who played well, they were superb in their defence and were clinical in taking their opportunities, deserving the victory and nothing should detract from that, unfortunately however a lack of consistency in the refereeing was disappointing. It is a very difficult job and the game relies on referees, but consistency is key to the game.

Man of the match for Croesy on Saturday was difficult to choose as most players felt that they did not do themselves justice, as they themselves have set a high bar, but for his all round performance and his outstanding scrummaging against a much bigger opponent, Rob Stark deserves it.