Fixture

Croesy moved to the top of the league following an emphatic 37 points to 13 victory over the previous leaders Ynysddu.

This match was much-anticipated as the top two teams in the division went head to head for the second time this season, the previous match being a finely contested 19-all draw at Ynysddu in December.

The game was played in perfect sunny conditions conducive to running rugby and neither team let themselves down in this respect as the match was a lesson on taking advantage of turnover ball, with Croesy being particularly clinical in counter attack. An even opening quarter saw both teams size up their opponents with Croesy’s set piece again showing up well against the opposition pack, although Rob Stark was having some difficulties with the referees interpretation of the scrum. The lineout was also functioning well with Dan Goode finding the jumpers frequently with his accurate throwing-in.

Ynysddu struck the first blow however through a penalty goal following a Croesy infringement at the ruck, a jackal that was deemed illegal. Croesys’ response however was to produce a fine piece of counter attacking rugby from a turnover inside their own half with both second rows Micki Witts and Jamie Williams, who each put in a solid shift in the boiler house, showing their handling skills before releasing the outside backs with centre Sean Pattimore and wing Stephen Drummond combining well, with Pattimore finishing off the move, shrugging off a despairing tackle by the Ynysddu fullback, before diving over in the corner. The try was unconverted.

Croesy extended their lead when another counter attack pushed Ynysddu back to their own line, causing them to infringe twice in front of their own posts shopping release of the ball as the Croesy pack sought to score a second try with a series of close range drives near the Ynysddu line. The resultant penalty was converted by outside half Haydn Simons.

Ynysddu were stirred by the two quick scores with Croesy losing flanker Garin Eldred for 10 minutes as he prevented Ynysddu from taking a quick penalty. However, Croesy, instead of going on to the back foot and defending with the 14 men still on the pitch, went on the attack with each of the backs seeming able to gain ground at will through some sublime handling. The pressure from Croesy again told as the forwards softened up the Ynysddu defence before Sean Pattimore crossed for his second try of the day. Haydn Simons, in a rare lapse in his kicking this season failed to convert.

This was the last score of an enthralling first half which closed with Croesy leading by 13 points to 3.

Croesy started the second half again on the front foot with both forwards and backs combining and dominating a Ynysddu team that refused to give up. Eventually though, centre Sean Pattimore crossed for his 3^rd try of the day as he showed an almost sixth sense to be in the right place at the right time, while his centre partnership with Jordan Bailey had their opposite numbers chasing shadows. Croesy were now sensing the opportunity for a try bonus point but Ynysddu were not giving up the fight, gaining their second penalty goal of the game following a late tackle by 2^nd row Micki Witts.

Croesy themselves responded by once again putting Ynysddu under pressure and forcing them back towards their own line. Eventually scrum half Ryan Bates was able to spot a gap in the Ynysddu defence to dive over for the 4^th try and securing the bonus point. The try was again unconverted.

Despite being 23 points to 6 down Ynysddu refused to lie down with their pack combining well with a driving maul off a timeout close to the Croesy line. The try that resulted was converted reducing the arrears to 10 points with just under a quarter of an hour to go.

Croesy however were not going to give up the lead and a break by full back David Davies was again capitalised upon by the forwards as replacement flanker Scott Copsey eventually forcing his way over after a series of pick and goes near the Ynysddu line. Haydn Simons converted the try.

With the game won Croesy continued to play outstanding rugby with the game being rounded off by a sixth try for Croesy and a fourth for centre Sean Pattimore as the Ynysddu dst kicking game efence were unable to cope with the slick passing and movement of the Croesy players.

The 37-13 scoreline underlines what a superb performance this was by all the Croesy players who took to the field. The pack produced yet another dominating performance, the front row union of Craig Price, Rob Stark and Dan Goode getting through much of the hard graft, while Steve Thomas and Luke Loder  worked particulary hard in the 10 minutes that Croesy were down to 14 men, taking on a lot of the hard unseen work of Garin Eldred. Ryan Bates again showed why he has signed for Newport next season while Haydn Simons, although not having his best kicking game showed great handling skills. Jordan Bailey had an outstanding game in the centre allowing the wings Rhys Roberts and Stephen  Drummond to make best use of the space given to them. Full back and captain David Davies showed his class throughout. Although it is difficult to single anybody out, Sean Pattimore was named man of the match for his 4 tries, ironically coming only a week after he scored his first try of the season!

To many Croesy supporters inside the ground the performance was the best produced by the 1st XV for many years, with even the Old Codgers leaving the ground with broad grins and looking forward to some post-match beers in celebration.