25/10/09 FIXTURE V PENCOED U16

Pencoed are a well respected rugby club and CRICC were expecting a strong performance from the visitors having encountered Tondu and Bridgend Athletic last season.

Early stages of the game were evenly balanced. Both defences were resilient and broke down attacking opportunities. A long range clearance kick from Emyr Davies travelled from one 22m line to the other and relieved early pressure from the visitors.

Variation in the CRICC tactics, missing in last weeks encounter with Rhiwbina, saw Wil Roberts try a superb cross field kick which bounced kindly for Wil Bert Bebb, who was tackled short of the line.

Further attacks from Rhys Williams and Ieuan Atkins gradually exposed weaknesses in the visitors defence.

The wet conditions certainly affected handling skills early in the game. However, as conditions improved CRICC gained in confidence. An attack down the right side by Ifan Roberts broke down, but very quick ball, released to the left enabled the backs to set up another line of attack. As the ball reached Robbie Glastonbury he stretched every sinew in his little frame to throw a long pass out to left wing Rhys Williams. Williams sized up the opposition before outpacing and dancing his way through to the line.

He then converted to crown his score. 7 – 0 to CRICC

Probably the highlight of the first half was Josh Bowen’s crunching tackle on the opposite full back as Pencoed launched a rare attack into the opposition half.

Minutes later, a speculative chip from blind side Joel D’Auria from the half way line was followed up by Ifan Roberts who timed his run superbly to gather and sprint away for a try under the posts.

Rhys Williams added the two points and CRICC had a cushion to build on.

Pencoed fought back and from a promising attack, CRICC cleared their lines. Pencoed failed to gather and Rhys Williams swooped on the loose ball and broke through desperate defenders to score his second try. A noble attempt to convert from wide out hit the post.

Just prior to half time, Joel D’Auria was give his marching orders by the match referee for a dangerous tackle, reducing CRICC to 14 men.

HALF TIME: CRICC 19 0 PENCOED

The second half started brightly with Emyr Davies setting Josh Bowen away on a strong run through opposition territory. Only a desperate tackle prevented a break away try.

Then another scrum position for the home side, despite being down to 7 in the pack, saw Ellis Westren storm through and gather. His blistering burst took him close to the try line and excellent support from Steff Evans led to ruck on the Pencoed try line. From the ruck, the ball was swept wide left to Josh Bowen who crashed through for a deserved captain’s try.

Wil Roberts converted and CRICC were 26 –0 ahead.

Pencoed battled on but CRICC had too much pace out wide. With the forwards setting up a solid platform CRICC attacked from their own 22m. Pencoed were awarded a penalty deep into CRICC territory, but superb defence from the home pack forced the visitors to spill the ball. Josh Bowen picked up one handed and looped around the on-rushing defence. With half the field still ahead of him, BowBow turned on the afterburners and left a trail of defenders in his wake to score the try of the game.

Wil Roberts added the two points. 33 - 0

Wing debutant Jamaul Whyte then added to the CRICC score . He received a pass inside his own half and simply had too much noz for covering defence as he sprinted away to bring the score up to 40 with simple conversion from in-form No10 Wil Roberts.

The final try of the game began with The Master of Illusion, Ieuan Atkins. 30 m from the try line, he chipped, chased, gathered and sent a sublime inside pass which was taken by the solid, reliable No7 Ellis Westren who stormed through for a fully deserved try.

Wil Roberts dropped over the two points, rounding off a brilliant kicking performance, and CRICC ran out worthy winners.

After last weeks drab performance with Rhiwbina, it was great to see the boys playing with confidence and a smile.

FINAL SCORE CRICC 47 - 0 PENCOED