Well here we are, lovely sunny day (all be it a tad windy) in God's Little Acre and the first home league game of the season against our old friends Pillgwenlly. Of course both coaches Smith and Shutleworth have strong connections with this club so I'm sure some old wounds were,metaphorically (I hope) going to be reopened, one way or another.
News from the pitch is still not good, both influential centres Macey and Burgess are still croc and Dai`s brother Jon was not available. This led to the returning Huw, The "Teen Wolf" Wilkinson starting in the centre with James Richardson aka Porkus Chopus. Knobby found himself back on his not so favourite position of right wing with young sparkling feet Sam Woods (not a Hobbit name at all) on the left. Morgan was back at 10,Tomcat reverting back to 15 and, bugger me down dead, Saddam Swales starting at scrum half, welcome back old boy. The from row was as per last week, M`Lid, Pete Loader and Andy Grant. Dai Break was in the row with Bailey and a back row of Adam Break, Double D Duly and Jorden.
Even though I was well there for the kick off, I missed it due to a bit of club business. So I missed Dulys early try that got converted by Tom. But I didn't have to wait long for the second. A well won lineout in their own half caerleon moved the ball quickly to Knobby who made good ground and flipped the ball to a looping Tom. Tom drove the ball into the corner, someone said something to the ref, he gave a penalty and Bailey taped, bashed and just dabbed the ball on the line. No two pointer so Caeleon 12~0 up in 10 minutes. There then followed a long period of sustained Pill pressure. A unconverted scruffy forwards try was scored in the bottom right corner and if it wasn't for poor passing they should have got more. Caerleon were making mistakes regularly keeping Pill on the front foot. A mid field scrum was won by Pill, the lively ran through a gap that had no one at home, as Tom dragged him down he was able to feed the large strong running fullback for another unconcerned try. Caerleon eventually got some ball at the end of the half and a great run from Knobby oh so nearly led to a try but the scoring pass was intercepted on the line. The whistle went so the Centurians went in 12-10 up, but as they had had the use of the wind, so we're going to have to score plenty into the wind. Eggy came on for the knackered Sadam.
The start of the second saw the lads playing some great handling rugby. Great breaks by DD, two by Achey Breaky and Woody saw the lads come close, but every time Pill cleaned up they were able to flog the leather of it using the wind. Tom missed a pen but the lads were running the ball back time again only to spill it and find themselves back in their own territory. Pill then got a grip of the game, Morgan made a cover tackle adjudged to be high and dangerous (dubious to say the least) and for the next ten minutes Caerleon defended manually with 14 men.Pill missed a pen given against Eggy for his first ever high tackle. That would have given them the lead. Back to 15 but still under pressure in their own 22 Caerleon kept putting their bodies on the line, with 12 minutes remaining. Josh Povey and Mitch came on and made good impact. Mitch with some cracking turn over tackles and Old Fanny Feet with some barnstorming runs. However, Mr Feet played a man while he was on the floor and got carded. Caerleon kept a second half clean sheet and saw the game out for a squeaky bum 12-10 win. Bragging rights to Smyth and Shuttlecock and of to the bar for a scoop or two.
Hard fought win, but we'll take it. Still not up to full strength but people playing out of positions and those stepping up have performed magnificently. Thanks for the effort lads, well worth the two pounds programme fee. 4 points in the bag.
Well done the Yoof for their excellent cup win and hard luck to George Doors Helmets in an unlucky two point loss on the road.
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