Early wake-up call for Crows (From Free Press Series)

Early wake-up call for Crows

Welsh Cup Round Two Cwmbran 18 Kenfig Hill 17

A kick-off, lineout and converted try, that's how Cwmbran received their wake-up call in this difficult home match on Saturday; all happening within the first minute.

The visiting 'Mules' are flying high in Division Three West, currently second, and showed why with their three quarters always a threat.

Their forwards, however, were not, as from the first scrum to the last, Hopkins, Copeman, Hayes, Mustoe and Williams ran their opponents backwards.

Home stand off James Didcote reduced the lead with a penalty goal. The Crows eventually took the lead when Number 8 Gary Coombes touched down, Didcote converted to take a slender lead as half time approached.

Just prior to the whistle, Kenfig Hill tied the scores at 10-10 with a penalty.

Kenfig Hill's try-line was crossed by Rob Morgan, Richard Copeman and Gary Coombes, twice, from scrums; all 'tries' disallowed.

The Crows were not going to throw this one away, however, with the backline putting wing Gavin Tuck over for a corner try. Another Didcote penalty gave a clearance of eight points with Kenfig Hill closing the gap to a point at the end with a corner try.

Coaches Evans, Doughty and Coombes will no doubt be pleased with this excellent win as the Crows defence in their own 22 was huge.

Backline players Parry, Vann, Maidment and Morgan were prominent in this aspect. However, the coaches will have recognised a lot of missed tackles occurred further out.

Cwmbran's next league game is Dinas Powys away on Saturday, November 13.