Cwmbran let it slip (From Free Press Series)

Cwmbran let it slip

CWMBRAN RFC came away from New Tredegar bitterly disappointed that they had blown a 20-point lead to lose 30-27.

Despite missing a number of first-team regulars, the Crows started much better. Winning the toss, captain John Hopkins played with a strong wind and slight slope in his favour.

After only five minutes, James Didcote opened the scoring with a penalty. Not long after, a surge by the pack and excellent handling by Kenny, Didcote, Maidment and Edwards resulted in wing Chris Haddock racing between the posts for a try, which Didcote converted.

Charges by Reynolds, William and Copeman near the home side's try line paved the way for Didcote to score a try, which he converted, and then added a penalty.

In the second half, the chinks in Cwmbran's armour started to appear with the home side breaking through a very frail-looking defence.

They quickly raced in for three converted tries and a bunch of penalties to take a 10-point lead into the final 10 minutes.

A great effort by the pack from scrum, lineout and subsequent ruck saw Gary Coombes crash over for a try near the posts. Didcote converted to complete his 17-point total.

Time ran out, however, and Cwmbran will be hoping some of the injured and unavailable will be back for Saturday's home game against Rhymney. The coaches will no doubt work on defence and the tactical naivety for this disappointing loss.

The positives from the game were the performance of individuals such as Tunley, Copeman and Hopkins, plus a very competent first 40 by everyone.