Sorry folks, just found my notes.
Its Saturday 26th November and the first CRFC game I’ve been to for over a month due to Autumn internationals (where Wales have looked like the crumpled brown leaves of the season and Mr. Howley the hapless park keeper who sweeps them up and, moronically, tries to stick them back on the branches) and the boys jolly to celebrate the mighty Eggs 50th B’Day. That weekend Caerleon entertained Brecon and had an entertaining win, coming from behind, to win 30-19 with a BP.
I find myself at the resplendent Sue Noakes Leisure Centre in Ystrad Mynach today for Caerleons second visit of the season having lost to Penallta in the plate a couple of months ago.
As there was no team sheet in the programme (for which I requested a refund, and got one) My fellow supporter Biggles Beedles Bon Bon made a note of the full team and subs, but we forgot to exchange notes. So, dear Biggles, can you post team after this rubbish please? But it was nice to see Knobby Knobs back on the flank and Jon Burgess back on the wing.
Within the first five minutes, Caerleon were on the defence, thwarting at least two Penallta attacks with some sound defence. When Morgan tried a chip over the top it was charged down but straight back into his arms, Dai Rossiter took up the charge, Chris Macey, Porkey (playing at 15) took it up to the 22, Macey again and a penalty was awarded, taken and after 7 minutes Caerleon were up 0-3. Three minutes later and Captain Macey was making inroads again, he bagged a penalty that was tapped and dashed right, a chip over the top was awarded as a double penalty for a late challenge. Quick tap again close to the line and Duly went close, but a foul led to a penalty try. So a point a minute and the green and Blacks were 0-10 up.
Within minutes Penallta hit back with a catch and drive at a line out to score wide out. No conversion 5-10. There followed a period of play in which both teams attacked and defended well as play went to and fro in the low sunshine that was glaring in my eyes making viewing difficult. After 30 minutes Dwayne went off to be replaced by Pete Loder and the Penallta centre (Tank) went off for ten minutes due to a blatant shoulder barge. Unfortunately, from the ensuing penalty, Morgan struck the upright and the line was cleared. Another missed penalty added to the Caerleon’s woes after Curtis had ripped a ball from an attacker and ran deep into the Pens 22. Penallta now had the bit between the old teeth and were starting to gain the upper hand. They attacked after gathering a Poor Porkey Poke down field (He’s good but kickings not his forte) Caerleon eventually cleared but gave up an easy penalty in their 22. The wing, taking the kicks, missed by a mile letting Caerleon off the hook. The half ended with a superb run from JB, coming off his wing and backed up by Curtis who, again. Went deep into the Pen 22. There was a flurry of rucks and mauls and we were surprised to see the ref blow up and flash a yellow to Dai Ross for something or other. The Penallta faithful (definitely the equivalent of our Compost corner) were shouting ‘Kick him’ and ‘Put your boot on him’. I retorted, ‘Have you lot just transported from the 70’s’. ‘You should know’, they replied ‘Why don’t you F*** off back there Max Boyce’?! Fifteen all.
So the half ended with Caerleon down to 14 but leading 5-10. Great Uncle Tim was impressed with the new insult of POSH ****s being shouted by some Cave dwellers instead of the ultimately boring and inaccurate Townie ****s.
Start of the second half did not go well. More or less from the kick off an attacking chip over the advancing Caerleon pack was gathered by the left wing (luck of the bounce) abaley supported by the rest of the team they were camped on the Caerleon try line. Caerleon brilliantly turned the ball over but lost it again in double quick time and Penallta went over for the touchdown. Caerleon behind for the first time 12-10.
Pete Loder back on for Dwayne who I think may have taken a knapp on the swede.
Eight minutes later Pen land another pen and they were now attacking at will (Will had gone off) Caerleon were struggling to retain the ball. The left wing ran back a relieving kick and the Big Centre (Jammie – they all loved him, even the 70’s crew) he showed his deft hands to put a man through the gap and it was 22-10 after 12 minutes of the half. After Caerleon put themselves under more pressure in their own half, Ben gets pinged for a yellow and the game seems to be going mammary glands upwards. Caerleon were soaking up a lot of pressure now and while they were again down to 14 the Penallta right wing went on a lazy loop around to the left wing causing havoc in the ranks that led to Pens bonus point try. That’s how it ended really, Penallta attacking and Caerleon busting a gut to keep them out and the shoreline respectable. Unfortunately, the very last move of the match Knobby (having a good game) brought a man down from behind, the guy fell back on him and his ankle was damaged again. Poor bloke had to be strechard off in some considerable pain. Bloody hard luck mate, hope your back soon. Thanks to the Penallty crew for aiding Rhys in looking after him and giving him First Aid.
Back at Gods Little Acre, The Mighty Helmets were putting West Mon to the gladius, so all was not lost.
Sorry about the lateness of this report, please show your support by liking it anyway (I love to see the likes, makes my day)
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