Cwmbran edged out in thriller (From Free Press Series)

Cwmbran edged out in thriller

CWMBRAN RFC are still waiting for their first win of the season after a narrow loss to Senghenydd on Saturday.

The home side was just edged out 24-27 in a nailbiter of a game that Cwmbran really should have won.

Playing up the slope in the first half, Cwmbran took early command with the set-pieces looking particularly strong.

Half-backs Fred Evans and Didcote bossed the game in the first half putting centre Mike Vann away for a run to the tryline with Didcote converted.

Vann proved a major threat throughout and was the best back on show.

Poor defence allowed the visitors back in with a converted try but Cwmbran's pack hit back with sustained pressure. Charges by Williams, Hopkins, Copeman and Hayes allowed inside-half Fred Evans to score a converted try.

Despite good defensive work by back three Rob Morgan, Barry Jenkins and Martin Ellis, Senghenydd managed to score another try to go into the break level 14-14.

Cwmbran seemed to hold all the aces in the second period as the dominant pack secured plenty of ball but the side's decision-making was not at its best.

Injuries to captain Ryan Griffiths and centre Mark Withey did not help the home side's cause either.

The Crows went behind to a penalty before a Didcote three-pointer and another Vann try gave Cwmbran the edge.

But the celebrations were short-lived as Senghenydd scored a late penalty and converted try to seal victory.

Cwmbran play Blaina away on Saturday.