The Helmets travelled to Caldicot to resume GNP div 1 action. After early morning drop-outs they were depleted in numbers but it was still a very good side that took to the field on a bitterly cold afternoon.
The game started and the only thing to report in the early stages was an injury to the home 2nd row. The Helmets had a large pack on show , but Caldicot also weren't small and the scrum was evenly matched.
After a stalemate 1st quarter, Caldi broke the deadlock with a well worked try down the left flank converted for 0-7.
Caerleon got into the game more, but were guilty of wasting opportunities by trying too hard. Overlaps wre wasted by cutting inside, missed passes and not committing a defender. Too many miracle passes were being tried and passes given away to the opposition.
However, a nice little break by Joe Fullwood saw Revvsy throw an outrageous pass behind his back, then somehow charged the ball down twice to get Caerleon on the front foot.Twice the ball was won well on the deck on the home 22, firstly by Saul, then Joe Fullwood again, and finally nice hands from Rhys and Saul put Owen Miller away under the sticks for a try converted by Brad for 7-7.
The back 3 of Joe Mac, Brad and Jack had been looking lively especially in counter attack, and straight from the kick off Jack fielded the ball and tried his luck with a run. He stepped passed the first 2 chasers, then bumped and twisted through a few more then accelerated away over halfway. As he reached the 22 another tackler got hands on him , but he stumbled out of the lunge and raced off under the posts for a brilliant indivindual score. Brad again converted for 14-7 HT.
The second half began as most of the first. Lots of endeavour for no success and 2 evenly matched sides. Jack went on another mazy run and Rob was driving on the Helmets pack. Ollie replaced Brad and Lloyd W_N Craig who had turned his ankle.
The big boys were starting to have an effect now with some carrying from Richie, Rob , Revs and Dave and the Helmets backline was starting to create as skipper for the day Rhys got some fluidity into the movement. Joe F. decided it was time for a dust-up, throwing a couple into the home hooker for tackling him as he knocked the ball on and was probably lucky not to get carded.
Caerleon on top now into the final quarter and big carries from the pack saw them into the home 22. However, everyone forgot to win the ruck, eager to carry next and a home pen for holding on.
Finally a break by Jack saw quick re-cycled ball, and Ollie hit a great angle to burst into the 22 and drew the final defender to put Big Richie away for the 3rd score under the sticks, converted by Rhys for 21-7.
Helmets with tails up now, Greg D swarming over them and spaces opening up. Mullett replaced Joe Mac and the push was on for the BP try. Joe F broke down the right flank and gave the ball inside to Owen Miller who looked like he would run itr in from the 22, but as he was ambushed he got the ball away back to Joe racing towards the try line. He too was swallowed up but popped the ball up to Saul in support who cruised round behind the uprights for the 4th try . The offloading game paid off at last for what was awell worked try, again converted by Rhys for 28-7.
Caldicot were still giving their all and Veteran Pank entered the fray. As fingers began to freeze we anticipated the refs final whistle, but turnover ball saw Jack race away down (and over) the right touchline and eventually to touch down in the corner. Brad was gossiping down the wrong end and didn'r raise his flag so the try stood, much to the displeasure of the home team and the missed kick was the final act of an enjoyable match. Final score 33-7.
The boys took a while to get going in the freezing conditions, but this was an entertaining encounter and a credit to both clubs working to get people playing. The Helmets showed resilience and fitness to pull away in the end in what was a match between 2 well matched sides. Good individual performances all round but MOM for me goes to Jack Davies for an all round livewire performance and THAT try. well done bud. Helmets!!!
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