Playing through the mud (From Free Press Series)

Playing through the mud

Cwmbran 15 Blaina 7

Despite atrocious weather conditions both Cwmbran and Blaina put in a committed performance, trying to play rugby ankle deep in mud.

Home side Cwmbran ran out 15-7 winners outscoring Blaina by two tries to one. Half-backs Fred Evans and Carl Moore had major impacts on the game putting the visitors on the back foot at every opportunity. With ten minutes gone Cwmbran went 7-0 down, Blaina on their first excursions into Cwmbran territory scored under the posts for a converted try.

Home stand-off Carl Moore responded with a penalty after good work in the pack by stand-in captain Jamie Williams, Coombes and Teague. Cwmbran took the lead prior to half time when Carl Moore dummied, went through the gap and followed his own kick ahead to scored a 60 metre try. Second half the front row of Tunley, Copeman and Hayes began to gain the upper hand with Barnes and Williams winning good lineout ball. With minutes left on the clock, following some powerful forward drives, centre Mike Vann crashed over for a try which Moore converted from wide out. Any attacks Blaina attempted were stopped by some solid tackling from Cox, Vann, Hinnen and Bradfield.

On Saturday Cwmbran are home to Risca.