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Mitchell turns back clock as Tonna claim Shield

Tonnas

Tonna celebrate winning the WRU Shield

Craig Mitchell turned back the clock to pick up the final try as Tonna romped to victory over Crumlin in the WRU National Shield final.

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The former Ospreys and Exeter Chiefs tight head prop played in front of a crowd of 73,300 on his last appearance for Wales at Principality Stadium, but the strong Tonna contingent made themselves heard as they roared on the village side in their 52-19 triumph.

Tonna scored a magnificent seven tries in all, with Mitchell, now playing in the back row, bagging the last one to seal the victory.

“It’s something to be on here playing for Wales, but to be here with these boys and see how hard they’ve worked throughout the year is what it’s all about,” said Mitchell, who gave himself an early 36thbirthday present for Tuesday with his try.

“It’s absolutely brilliant and I’m really happy for everyone involved. I’ve only had glimpses playing here before, but it’s completely different and I’m just glad to do it with these boys.”

Tonna started the game well and Josh James gave them an early lead with a penalty. The outside half went on to score 17 points as he converted all seven tries.

Before James got going with his conversions, Crumlin got stuck into the game and Kian Chess marked his 21st birthday with the opening try. Scott Barnes added the extras and then converted Tyler Lewis’ 21st try of the season.

The reply from Tonna was almost instant. Front rower Josh Jones powered through the Crumlin defence for the first try and then Chris Miller added a second to edge his side ahead.

A brace of tries just before the break for Tonna then put them in firm control. Nicky Fisher 13th of the season was soon followed by another from skipper Callum McPhee, although Crumlin hit back with a third try of the half from skipper Rhys Davies that made it 31-19 at the end of a breathless opening 40 minutes.

Miller’s second try of the game for Tonna, once again converted by James, extended the lead and Ben Thomas and Mitchell completed the job.

Scorers: Crumlin: K Chess, T Lewis, R Davies; Cons: S Barnes 2.
Tonna: C Miller, J Jones, N Fisher, C McPhee, B Thomas, C Mitchell; Cons: J James 7; Pen: J James

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