Prior to kick-off on Saturday, a minute’s silence was held in memory of ex-player/coach Alan Davies who had passed away in the week. Alan served the club with determination and skill from 1985 to 1991.

Crickhowell 13 - Bettws 22

Report by Mal Powell

Despite their dogged efforts, Crickhowell Rugby were unable to prevent the well-organised and powerful Newport side from gaining the win on their visit to Parc Broyd.

The tone was set early on when Bettws took the play to the Crickhowell 22 and a strong runner burst through the defence to touch down. The try was converted.

Crickhowell’s Robbie Lewis countered soon afterwards with a storming break from the halfway line but was brought down just short of the line. At the breakdown, the ball was passed out to Mitch Collacott who powered over.

Despite continued from pressure from the home pack, the visitors broke through to score another converted try just before the break.

Lewis Evans reduced the deficit with a penalty but this was almost immediately nullified by a successful Bettws penalty.

Bettws gained another unconverted try not long afterwards. Crickhowell were rewarded with a second unconverted try towards the end when winger Will Bevan shook off several would-be tacklers to dive over in the corner.

The club would like to thank Dean Watkins Ltd, (agricultural equipment and fencing materials) for sponsoring the game and also Ken and Tracey Birch of the Corn Exchange, Gilwern, for their after-match hospitality.

In some previously unreported cup games, Crickhowell beat local rivals Gwernyfed 2nds by 30 points to 7 in the quarter-final of Pontypool and District’s last-ever Ivor Jones Cup. Scoring tries for Crickhowell were Osian Jones, Corey Wright, Isiah Tibbs and Nathan Byrne with both Lewis Evans and Tom Keane each kicking a penalty and a conversion.

The club’s hopes of progressing further in the WRU Division 5 Cup were brought to a halt when they travelled to Ferndale in the Rhondda on January 21 and suffered a 22-0 defeat against a strong side.

The club’s next fixture is on March 25 when they welcome Brynithel to Parc Broyd.