Croesyceiliog Ladies went into the game looking to maintain their unbeaten record so far against newly promoted Gwernyfed.
They knew this wouldn’t be an easy feat after coming up against them in a toughly fought Cup fixture last season, in which they won just 10-0. They also wanted to restore the clubs pride as the men’s team suffered a 28-30 defeat at the hands of Gwernyfed’s men’s side the day before.
The first half proved frustrating for Croesyceiliog as they failed to capitalise on their possession. They camped in the Gwernyfed half for most of the first 25 minutes and even went over the try line twice but for one to be called as held up and the other just fumbled over the line.
Frustration was becoming apparent in the teams play and a lack of indiscipline started to creep in, after a number of warnings from the referee it was Charlotte Kembrey, who took the fall for her team’s indiscipline and was sent to the sin bin with 15 minutes remaining in the first half.
One man down made Croesyceiliog regrouped and it was here they finally made the breakthrough they were looking for with Kate Wilmott-Smith, making her debut at fly half, making a strong, powerful run through the Gwernyfed’s defending line to open the scoring.
Croesyceiliog continued to be dominant at the end of the first half but again their efforts were not rewarded as for the second time of the match the referee this time denied Danielle Gagne a try insisting it was held up yet again.
The start of the second half saw the home side come out strong looking to equalise the score but it was the turn of the Croesyceiliog defence to shine and the pressure they were putting in the scrum finally prevailed giving them possession just on the halfway line which allowed No 8, Danielle Gagne, to pick from the back of the scrum, drawing a split defence and popping off to centre, Nicola Smith, who found some space and outpaced both the opposition’s wing and full back to score and increase the deficit to 10-0.
The second try seemed to settle Croesyceiliog and although Gwernyfed continued to put on some pressure with their defensive work and disrupting around the rucking area, giving them a couple of breakaway opportunities, great communication skills and covering tackles from Croesyceiliog meant they kept a clean sheet.
Great forward work allowed Croesyceiliog to go through the phases and keep ball in hand, and came close yet again only to lose possession forward just before the line, however Gwernyfed failed to clear their lines and a turnover at a ruck allowed scrum half Kerry Jenkins to dive just under the posts for the third try of the match.
Croesyceiliog’s determination and strength both in attack and defence proved too much for the newcomers to the league as Kate Wilmott-Smith went over for her second try of the match and sealed the win for Croesy Ladies.
Woman of the Match was awarded to Danielle Gagne for her excellent work around the breakdown and metres gained around the park.
Do you fancy giving rugby a try? Croesyceiliog Ladies welcome all abilities and ages – just head to one of their training sessions on Monday or Thursdays between 7pm – 8pm at Woodland Sports & Social Club, Croesyceiliog.
