Thiswas always going to be a tough fixture against a Premiership 2nd side. The weird travel/changing room arrangements left us with a really odd preparation and it felt like the boys weren't ready at KO. However the match started with promise with you Joe Fullwood applying pressure and forcing the home side into errors.
Rhys Macey was kicking sensibly from 10 and Adam Howells seemed to be relishing his duty as pack leader and was looking good at line out time and behind a scrum which was holding it's ground-just.
However, the home side showed their togetherness and Premier sharpness and at each quick razor sharp attack seemed to find space and opportunity.Lots of committed tackling, combined with a few missed efforts, as much due to the skill of the attacker as anything the home side found themselves 38-0 ahead at HT.
Some honest words at the break seemed to find the mark, but the worst start for The Helmets saw Bargoed race over almost from the start for a 7th try. Logger was working overtime with the 1st aid bag. The physicality and pace taking it's toll on the bodies. Players came and went with a variety of injuries and the writing was on the wall for a real hammering.
However, this team is still made of more than that, and dug deep for the pride of the shirt. Led by by Owen Miller with the bit between his teeth and backed up all accross the park Caerleon showed a renewed determination and pride in the shirt. Greg Del impressed on his return to the fray in the back row, Luke Murdoch looked good in the lineout and young ED looked like he has the right ingredient to become a decent prop.
Great efforts from Joe and Saul kept the ever attacking Brg at bayand a final score of 58-0 didn't seem bad at all after keeping them out for the last quarter.
As expected nobody gave up and kept workin.
With this little lesson today you will only get stronger after reflection. I was impressed today with the rugby brain Rhy Macey is developing and thought that Adam Howells had a really sound game as pack leader, looking strong with ball in hand. Greg Del seemed to relish his new role in the back row late on as did Owen Miller cohersing the backline.
However, I think today's MOM was young Joe Fulwood on senior debut. Feisty and aggresive and full of mischief and endeavour and playing rugby for the fun it should be. Well done bud. A bright future awaits.Enjoy.
We should learn a lot from today's game. With excellent players hopefully training more and getting fitter, along with players returning from injury the season looks to be one to look forward to. Just remember you are in it together. Everyone is giving their all and trying their best. Keep working, keep enjoying!! Helmets!!
Processing