Cwmbran RFC 12 Blaenavon RFC 36 (From Free Press Series)

Cwmbran RFC 12 Blaenavon RFC 36

11:50am Monday 14th January 2013 in Sport

Cwmbran RFC 12 Blaenavon RFC 36, Div 4 East.

Cwmbran won last season’s fixture at the Kings Head ground and attacked from the kick off. But in the opening scrums the visitors had the upper hand where the front row of Lewis John, Peter Loader and Lee Baker gave their usual solid performances.

After a quarter of an hour the Blaenavon forwards drove well near the Cwmbran line and their first try was scored by number eight Lee Wright. Dan Phillips converted.

Minutes later a kick by scrum half Gareth Betts for wing Dan Morgan to chase resulted in Morgan scoring in the corner. Cwmbran had their share of attacks in the first half an hour but most of the game was in their half.

The visitors had steady possession from Tom Birch at the lineouts. Jamie Noble and Lee Baker carried over the gain line and were supported by the forwards to recycle the ball.

Outside half Dan Phillips kicked well but a recurring injury made it difficult for him and was replaced by Glenn Harvey in the second half. Full back Richard Dennington scored the third try for Blaenavon after a great run by centre Robert Tovey.

Five minutes before half time Cwmbran scored their first try which was converted but Blaenavon soon scored their fourth after a great driving play by the forwards. In the second half a break by centre Nathan Preece nearly led to a try by Dan Morgan who was held back by a Cwmbran player.

From the quickly taken penalty Robert Tovey scored the fifth try for the visitors. Their sixth try followed soon afterwards when Gareth Betts made the break , finding the support from Lee Baker who gave the scoring pass to Robert Tovey.

In the last quarter of the match Blaenavon allowed handing mistakes to creep in to their performance and Cwmbran scored a second try. In the final play Cwmbran forced Blaenavon into defence and were looking for another score but the visitors captain Lee Wright won another of his trademark steals and kicked into touch to clear.

Next Saturday in the 4th round of the Swalec Bowl Blaenavon welcome Brynithel to the Recreation ground.