Defeat despite early lead (From Free Press Series)

Defeat despite early lead

Cwmbran 11 Blaina 19

Cwmbran put in a good performance at Blaina on Friday evening going down by three tries to one.

After taking an early three point lead via a Carl Moore penalty the Crows were dealt two very costly blows. Firstly a very harsh yellow card for a lineout infringement aided Blaina in the scrummage area. From one such scrum a penalty try was given. Not long after a Carl Moore clearance kick was charged down to gift the home side another seven points, good play by the Blaina three-quarters resulted in a try for their left wing to lead 19-3 at the interval.

Second half was a different story, with the wind now on their backs Cwmbran took the game to Blaina. With forwards Hopkins, Copeman, Kirkup and Gavin Teague in particular prominent in many forward charges they were rewarded when stand-off Carl Moore was driven over for a try. Defensively second half Cwmbran were excellent - Vann, Evans, Cox and Ellis tackling superbly. More pressure from the Crows after a good Tom Birch lineout take resulted in Cwmbran closing the gap to eight points with a Carl Moore penalty.

Unfortunately there was not enough time to overcome the first half lapses which gave Blaina their first half lead.

On Friday, they are away again at Pontypool United.