Around the clubs – Gwent rugby round-up (From South Wales Argus)

Around the clubs – Gwent rugby round-up

12:00pm Wednesday 24th October 2012 in Latest Rugby

BETTWS recorded a bonus point victory over visitors Crumlin.

With the game being played with passive scrums due to Crumlin’s lack of front row forwards, Bettws scored first through a Wayne Whitehead penalty.

This was quickly followed by the opening try by Craig Currie after good work from the Bettws forwards.

Crumlin then struck back with a penalty before wing Ryan Bradford scored the hosts’ second try to make the half time score Bettws 15 Crumlin 3.

The second half started with Crumlin kicking their second penalty after Bettws were caught offside.

Bettws then scored their third try through replacement Marcello Anderson who outpaced the visitors’ defence to score after good work by Whitehead.

With the pitch cutting up badly it was a credit to both teams that they tried to play open rugby and it was Crumlin who scored the next try through their centre who beat some weak Bettws tackling to score under the posts.

Bettws then secured their bonus point through a Joe Bevister try after fine work by the pack who were now dominating the visitors’ forwards. Bettws’ fifth and final try was scored by the ever impressive Kyle Williams who crashed over from five yards. Final score Bettws 35 Crumlin 13.

Bettws Chancers travelled to Deri seconds and came away with a 15-8 victory.

Bettws’ try scorers were Chris Elliot and Luke Stannard. Gareth Sefton kicked a penalty and conversion to take the Chancers to the top of the table.

Next fixtures: 1st XV away at Trefil. Chancers are home to RTB Athletic. Bus leaves 12.45pm sharp.

A second half hat trick by Aled Penn helped Abertillery to an emphatic 30-6 victory over Newport HSOB at The Park, which underlined the Green & Whites’ title credentials.

After a fairly tight opening 40 minutes, the Old Boys, so often Tillery’s bogey team in recent seasons, were decidedly second best after the break as the hosts brushed off the loss of injured captain Luke Pegler to romp home for a bonus point win.

After an early Old Boys penalty, Dan Mock and Joe Phelps set up Matthew Phelps who barrelled his way over helped by the collective efforts of the Tillery pack.

Another Will Edwards penalty narrowed the gap, but Shaun Connor showed his class with some excellent kicking out of hand and a Daniel Haile penalty re-established a four point interval lead despite the loss of Joe Phelps to the sin bin and Luke Pegler to a leg injury.

Haile stretched the lead almost immediately after the interval with a second penalty kick and then Tillery went into overdrive with Greg Lane in imperious form.

They deservedly extended the lead with a great try by Aled Penn, set up by a great Connor long pass, which was magnificently converted by Haile.

The game slipping away, the Caerleon-based visitors resorted to a driving game that has served them well previously. But the Tillery pack was now top in the tight and Penn grabbed a second try when a Joe Phelps break allowed Connor and Kyle Griffiths to create space again for him to race over.

It was now one-way traffic with Tillery in complete control and the only real question was whether they could get a fourth bonus-point try. It came with five minutes left as Haile, Connor and Chris Stevens combined to feed Penn who went over for his hat-trick.

Llanhilleth went north to play old rivals RTB at Ebbw Vale and a thrilling game ensued which was a great advert for lower division rugby.

Llan got on top from the outset and attacked from all parts of the field, but good defence by the very young RTB side held them out until the 18th minute, when the Llan pack drove over at a scrum for No 8 Phil Leonard to touch down. Outside half Kyle Sterry converted.

RTB then upped their game and kicked a penalty after a scrum infringement.

Good play by the Llan backs, with Fred Evans and Kyle Sterry prominent, caused RTB all sorts of problems.

Good runs by second rowers Terry Blackwell and Paul Annetts saw prop Mark White crash over to end the half with Llan leading 12-3.

On the resumption the game went from end to end. The Llan wings James Foreshew and Alex Davies were seeing plenty of the ball as was centre Dominic Bevan-Jones, who was putting in some good tackles and having his best game of the season.

It was, however, the forwards who again scored through prop Mark White who went over for his second try with three defenders on his back after a barnstorming run.

Not to be out done RTB came back and scored a fine try of their own.

In the last quarter Llan were on top but RTB were not prepared to lie down, attacking whenever possible.

However, from one of these attacks Alex Davies latched on to a loose pass and ran the length of the field for a try converted by Kyle Sterry.

With the game now won Llan relaxed allowing RTB to again score a very good try for the game to end with a 24-15 Llan victory.

Outstanding No 8 Ethan Doyle starred for Newport Saracens with four tries in their 39-12 bonus point home victory against Usk.

He scored a superb try in the first half after a fine solo run from half way as he beat man after man.

In the second half he repeated his solo effort and then grabbed two other tries.

Also touching down were scrum half Thomas James and centre Mathew Reilly.

Centre Rhys Hendley added two conversions and a penalty before going off injured in the second half. Full back Liam Foley added another conversion.

Usk got two good tries from their speedy young wingers Alex Hopkins and Joe Edwards, Hopkins after a fine individual effort.

The game was fast and open. Usk found it difficult to cope with Doyle’s speed, particularly off the back of the scrum and in the loose.

Flankers Josh Davidson and Rhys Price also stood out. The front row of John Tureberville, Delme Fisher and Neil Phillips scrummaged well. Tureberville’s strength has added grunt to the Sarries pack this season.

Behind the scrum Reilly brought off an important try-saving tackle when the Sarries were only leading 12-5. Outside half Dale Tucker ran hard and, as always, was fully committed. The Sarries are reaping the benefits of having 30 plus at training, which bodes well for the future.

This Saturday they face Trinant at home in the cup. A close game is expected, only four points separated the sides at Trinant two weeks ago.

After Risca’s grand start to the season (five consecutive victories) Abergavenny’s front five destroyed them up front to inflict the second defeat of the season, 33-18.

Risca gave debuts to wings Stephen Thomas and Liam Roberts. With Owain Biddiscombe not available at No 10, Layton Burrows moved to outside half and Adam Price to No 12.

Straight from the off Risca were under pressure and after only seven minutes Abergavenny scored their first try with ease, the conversion failed.

Risca were under constant pressure for most of the first half, but just on the half hour Abergavenny scored their second try which was converted.

Risca made a brief visit into Abergavenny’s half and came away with a lone penalty by Lloyd Mellon.

At half time it was Aberga-venny 12 Risca 3.

One minute into the second half Aber got their third try and five minutes later their fourth, both converted.

Risca were now getting more possession and scored good tries through Stephen Thomas and Anthony Simmonds, but Abergavenny put the final nail in the coffin with a try and conversion.

Risca’s consolation came when Liam Roberts crossed for an excellent try.

A very disappointing performance with only Rhys Meredith and Anthony Simmonds showing their true form.

It will be back to the drawing board before this week’s home cup match against Pontypool United.

CWMBRAN travelled to Blaina and came away with a convincing 41-7 victory.

All the visitors had to show for a strong scrum and being territorially better first half was a slender 6-0 lead.

Full back Mike Davies kicked two first penalties for the Crows as the backline struggled to get any quick ball from the breakdowns. Stand-in skipper Jamie Edwards, with the help of Dai Thomas, Mike Lang and Mike Davies, inspired Cwmbran to up the tempo second half.

Wing Martin Ellis scored Cwmbran’s first try wide out, backing up some good ball carrying by Tom Lloyd, Todd Elliot and Connor Bartlett.

Mike Davies converted the try prior to Blaina scoring their converted try, following up a sliced drop goal attempt to score.

When Cwmbran stand off Aaron James was forced to leave the field, centre Dai Thomas moved inside using his power play to good effect in scoring a brace of converted tries – the second from a charge down.

By now both teams were forced to play with uncontested scrums as Blaina’s injuries mounted.

Livewire hooker Micky Blake scored Cwmbran’s bonus point try. Mike Davies converted and then went on to score a converted try of his own to take his game total to 21 points.

There was good news back at the club as Cwmbran Athletic beat Newport HSOB 27-21 and Cwmbran Youth won their cup match against Abergavenny.

This Saturday Cwmbran host Nantyglo in the Bowl.

Trinant travelled to Rogerstone in Division Five East for the first meeting between the two clubs.

The home side started well and raced into a 15-0 lead due to a couple of missed tackles which resulted in two tries and a penalty.

Trinant came back with a try by centre Ben Booton which was converted by Lyons to make it 15-7 on 15 minutes.

Rogerstone scored a good try from scrum ball inside their own half, 22-7.

After 20 minutes, another miss-fielded kick allowed the home side to score a bonus try on 35 minutes to go in at half time 29-7 up.

Trinant started the second half well. A few changes up front gave the Troggs a more solid scrum and big carries by No8 Ian Beddis took play into the home half.

A good move saw the three quarters pass the ball along the line before passing back inside for Lyons to score a good try to make it 29-12 on 50 minutes.

From a Rogerstone lineout the Troggs won quick ball for centre Ryan Jones to score a try converted by Lyons, 29-19 on the hour.

Trinant were now playing well and the home side’s ventures into the Trinant half were limited.

Trinant were denied a try when wing Thomas Burkat was adjudged to have put a foot in touch while scoring.

From a lineout the visitors moved the ball for fly half Lyons to score, he converted it to make the score 29-26.

With eight minutes remaining Trinant were awarded a penalty from the touchline to level the game, but the reliable Lyons saw his kick drift wide.

The troggs continued to put pressure on the home team.

In the final minutes good scrum ball saw Beddis pick up and take on the home defence, the backs begging for a pass.

The final whistle denied Trinant who must realise you can’t give sides a 22 point start and win.

The Troggs came away with two league points although they must have been disappointed.

Blaenavon took on New Tredegar and emerged with a 42-10 victory.

Before the kick-off there was a minute’s silence as a mark of respect for lifelong supporter and committee member Neil Lewis who has passed away.

Blaenavon attacked from the start, taking the lead after five minutes with a try by wing Gareth Groves. Dan Phillips kicked the conversion from the touchline.

Blaenavon continued to attack and scored a second try by full back Richard Dennington after ten minutes. Most of the play in the first 20 minutes was in the New Tredegar half but they fought back and scored their first try.

Darren Walters replaced the injured Lee Baker at tight head prop. The Blaenavon forwards won enough possession and well placed kicks by Gareth Betts and Dan Phillips put them into attacking positions.

Matthew Davies crossed for Blaenavon’s third try and five minutes later Dan Morgan gathered a great kick by Dan Phillips and touched down for the fourth.

Second row Tom Birch was yellow carded and Phillips increased the lead with a penalty but New Tredegar scored their second try before half time.

From the restart New Tredegar attacked but Blaenavon defended well.

With 20 minutes of the second half played, great forward play resulted in two tries by hooker Jason Bright.

A seventh try was scored by Richard Dennington after a break by centre Nathan Preece with support from Dan Morgan. It was a great win for Blaenavon over top of the league New Tredegar.

Hafodyrynys gained their first win of the season in beating Machen 37-12 and thoroughly deserved it for the effort being put in by everyone.

The foundation was laid by the front row who completely dominated the scrums and had the opposition in all sorts of trouble until they went to passive scrums ten minutes from the end.

The home side opened the scoring with an early unconverted try by Cerrig Wilson after a good drive from a line out.

This was followed by a try finished off by Rob Smith after a great set move by the backs. This also went unconverted for a lead of 10- 0.

The visitors then had a good spell of their own and scored an unconverted try.

Hafod then came back and scored another superb try from Cerrig Wilson after a great break by centre Jeremy Parsons. It was converted by Rob Smith who also added a penalty before half time for a lead of 20-5.

The home side were playing down the slope in the second half and it wasn’t long before they had a penalty try after the away side collapsed a scrum when they were going back at a rate of knots. This was converted by Rob Smith.

They continued to dominate the game and further tries came from Gethin Foxwell and man of the match Cerrig Wilson who completed his hat-trick. Both of these were unconverted.

To their credit, Machen never gave up and managed to score a converted try just before the final whistle.

This win should give Hafod some confidence for the rest of the season. This Saturday they are home to Crickhow-ell in the Swalec Bowl competition. Kick off 2.30pm.

Abercarn eventually secured their first win in Division Three East after a close fought game with fellow strugglers Croesyceiliog.

This was a typical scrappy basement battle littered with mistakes, knock-ons and poor decision making by both sides.

The home pack was dominant at scrums and secure at line-outs but they were unable to fully benefit from their possession due partly to the visitors being quicker to the breakdown.

Playing in his 100th game for Abercarn, full-back Jason Evans kicked two penalties which were the only scores in the first half.

Croesyceiliog started the second half brightly and scored a fine try to briefly take the lead.

Abercarn finally managed to put together a flowing move for centre Trevor James to set off from the half way line with a weaving run to score. Evans duly added the extra two points.

Poor discipline by the home side enabled Croesyceiliog to claw back three points.

Abercarn began to pressurise the visitors’ line and following several reset scrums were deservedly awarded a penalty try.

With the clock running down, the visitors scored an unconverted try to earn a losing bonus point.

Back at the clubhouse several players were in the mix for the man of the match award, including the whole front-row. The award went to centre Trevor James.

Abercarn do not have a game this weekend and are due to entertain Tredegar Ironsides the following week.

Ynysddu returned to the Welfare after a few weeks on the road to host Chepstow in what was to be a very entertaining game ending with a 24-20 victory for the home team.

Ynysddu started strongly and with the forwards winning plenty of ball the backs were running it from all over the field.

Chepstow’s defence stood firm for the first 20 minutes and they then started to put phases together themselves until a moment of magic from the Ynysddu backs, with some improvised passing movements, ended with Rhys James scoring in the corner.

Straight from the kick off Ynysddu forward Ed Ongley went on a storming run before releasing the backs again and when Dean Acreman gave what looked like a try scoring pass to full back Ryan Evans the supporters’ joy was short lived when the referee called a forward pass. With the half coming to an end Ynysddu’s captain was shown yellow for disagreeing with a referee’s decision.

Chepstow made full use of their numerical advantage as the second half started and scored a well worked try by their wing.

Dean Acreman then scored wide out before Chepstow scored two tries to lead 15-10.

There was more to come when a Chepstow forward was binned for persistent offside. Ynysddu hit back with a Browne try, converted to give them the lead 17-15.

In the final minutes the hard-working Ynysddu pack were rewarded with a penalty try after the opposition had repeatedly infringed. Browne converted it to take the game.

Croesyceiliog failed to build on their first win of the league season in a desperately disappointing performance against fellow strugglers Abercarn.

Abercarn began the game strongly and edged ahead through a penalty goal.

The only other score in the first half was a further Abercarn penalty.

The second half began with Croesy at last showing some fluency and eventually centre Matthew Entwistle burst through some weak tackling to score under the posts. He then converted his own try.

Unfortunately, as Croesy seemed to be improving, they fell to a sucker punch as one of the Abercarn centres spotted a gap in the defence and ran in a converted try.

Croesy did hit back and Matthew Entwistle converted a penalty from 30m to make it 13-10 to Abercarn.

Late on Abercarn looked the better side and they used the scrum at a penalty ten metres out to push the Croesy pack backwards.

The Croesy front row was deemed to have stood up and a penalty try was awarded. This was converted.

Finally, Croesy started to put some passages of play together and after some good handling Dale Price dived in near the corner. The try went unconverted.

Croesy were unable to secure enough possession to put pressure on Abercarn who held on for a deserved win. Full time: Abercarn 20 Croesyceiliog 15.

This Saturday Croesy travel to Gwernyfed in the WRU Plate competition.

Croesyceiliog Ladies brushed off the previous weekend’s defeat by beating Gwernyfed Ladies 29–0 on Sunday.

The game was dominated by forward play, with the now recognisable strong runs by Danielle Gagne, Charlotte Kembrey and Lee Hatherall and outstanding driving play by Carly Salter and Kristina Cantello.

Tries came from Kem-brey, Gagne (2) and number 9 Hannah Roberts, with two successful conversions by fly half Kerry Jenkins.

Gwernyfed managed to stop many more Croesy attacks, defending their line well, and were able to clear with a number of long kicks.

But full back Justine Desmond caught all the high balls and made excellent ground straight back at Gwernyfed and scored her own try through what was a relatively unusual period of backs’ possession.

Player of the match for the forwards was Lee Hatherall and for the backs, Justine Desmond.

Pontypool & Newport WRU Seconds League results: Abergavenny 18 Risca 25; Monmouth 14 Garndiffaith 17; Usk 6 Caldicot 32; Chepstow 0 Gwernyfed 39; Cwmbran 26 NHSOB 21