Crickhowell RFC 20 Natgaredig RFC 27

CRICKHOWELL RFC’s progress in the WRU Bowl competition came to an end last Saturday when they met up with a lively Nantgaredig RFC.

The home team were caught off-guard in the first minute and the West Walians took full advantage to score, and convert, a try.

Stung into action, Crickhowell replied six minutes later with a try from a powerful driving maul touched down by Jake Powell-Thomas which was converted by full-back Leon Rees.

The visitors pulled ahead a little later with a well-worked try in the corner which was unconverted. They added a penalty not long afterwards but Crickhowell pulled back some points when a penalty for offside was slotted between the posts by Leon Rees just before half time, leaving the score at Crickhowell 10 Nantgaredig 15.

Nantgaredig began the second half strongly and a breakaway burst looked set to cross the whitewash but for the superb covering work and try-saving tackle from Harry Summers allowed the home team to clear their lines. They were unable to stop the visitors crossing for two more tries later, one of which was converted.

The prolific Leon Rees managed to score and convert another try leaving Crickhowell ten points adrift with time running out.

Another Rees penalty brought Crickhowell within scoring range of a draw and the final minutes were frantically played near the opponent’s line but indiscipline awarded them a penalty, giving them the opportunity to boot the ball off the field just before the whistle went for full-time.

The club would like to thank the match sponsors Porth-y-Berllan Guest House, whose host Paul Whitney, was the first person to pay his subscriptions to the club when it was re-formed back in 1981.

Wales kick off their autumn series against Australia this Saturday so there is no game. The action resumes at Parc Broyd on November 12 with a league game against Girling RFC.

Interest in this game is high as it is being sponsored by Old Boys from the club. They will be able to enjoy a few pre-match drinks, watch an absorbing game and then head to the Britannia Inn to swap memories of the days when they were playing.