Chepstow score away-day victory (From Free Press Series)

Chepstow score away-day victory

Crumlin 14 Chepstow 22

This Division 4 East match played in good conditions and good spirits was won by Chepstow despite trailing 14-5 at one stage.

Tom Bailey, the Chepstow outside half, was 'on fire' and after 20 minutes pounced on a loose ball 20 metres out to score out wide.

Tom was hurt while scoring and had to leave the field. Crumlin answered shortly after with a converted try to make half time 7-5.

The second half was great value for entertainment with both sides starting good moves but making errors.

It was Crumlin who scored next with a great opportunist try by their scrum half which was converted to make the score 14-5.

As the second half progressed it was the Crumlin forwards who tired and Chepstow forwards, who were excellent to a man, pushed the heavier Crumlin pack over for a try by No 8, Darren Deeley, converted by Mark Roberts 14-12.

A fine chip over by Chepstow outside half Mark Roberts, followed up by Ollie Davies (Centre) and Colin Parnell (Wing) resulted in another tremendous scrum by Chepstow and scrum half Danny Thorne scoring and Mark Roberts converting.

With ten minutes to go Chepstow were in the lead for the first time 14-19. Further pressure from Chepstow resulted in a penalty for handling in the ruck which Mark Roberts converted to make it 14-22.

Crumlin never gave up and retained possession but the Chepstow 22 line was as far as they got.

Superb team performance from Chepstow and it is difficult to single any individual player out, but I will, Stevie Reece, Chepstow's longest serving player after 27 seasons and 44 years young, and Captain for the day was immense.

Chepstow supporters outnumbered Crumlin supporters and lifted a determined Chepstow team in the second half.