Before the kick-off, a respected minute of silence was observed for Alan Ockenden, a long-time sponsor of Cwmbran RFC.
The referee then blew the whistle, and it was non-stop action with both sides having opportunities in the initial exchanges, but it wasn't until the twentieth minute that points were registered on the scoreboard.
CWMBRAN RFC 30 - 22 NEWPORT SARACENS RFC
Cwmbran exerting pressure on the Newport Saracens defensive line in the bottom right corner, executing a driving maul, with David Powell delivering a delightful pass around his back to Jack Colcombe, who skilfully ran through behind the posts without facing opposition.
Converted by Aneurin Evans. 7- 0.
Aneurin Evans easily converted a penalty for Cwmbran after thirty-three minutes following a high tackle by Newport Saracens, from twenty-five metres out. 10 – 0
Aneurin Evans failed to capitalize on a chance to extend Cwmbran's lead a few minutes later after another high tackle, this time from thirty metres.
Half Time 10 – 0
The second half continued in a similar manner to the first, with Newport Saracens creating opportunities but the Cwmbran defence remaining resolute and suppressing the Saracens' advances, all while seizing chances of their own.
After forty-five minutes, Newport Saracens conceded another penalty, which Aneurin Evans converted effortlessly. 13 – 0
It was bound to happen that the Saracens would score, and on forty-eight minutes, following eight or nine phases of play along the Cwmbran line, they succeeded in getting the ball over for an unconverted try. 13 – 5.
The Saracens, now rejuvenated, continued to apply pressure on Cwmbran and managed to score their second try just three minutes later.
A well-executed scrum about ten meters from the bottom left corner saw the ball picked up from the back and run over the line for a successful converted try. 13 - 12
Cwmbran maintained their composure and, not panicking, on the sixtieth minute executed a lineout in the top left corner on the Saracens' five-metre line. Joe Challingsworth carried the ball over for a try, successfully converted by Aneurin Evans. 20 – 12
It was end to end rugby as the Saracens rapidly answered back with a converted try of their own.
20 – 19.
Seventy minutes have elapsed, a yellow card for the Saracens due to accumulating penalties as Cwmbran apply the pressure. Aneurin Evans chooses the corner for the lineout, a catch and drive for a Dylan Clark try in the left corner, with Aneurin Evans successfully converting. 27 – 19.
With only six minutes to go and time running out, Newport Saracens apply pressure on the Cwmbran line; after defending a few phases, the referee determines that Cwmbran has committed too many offenses and issues Jacob Jeremiah a yellow card and awards a penalty to Newport Saracens.
Looking to stay in touch, the Saracens choose to take the points. 27 – 22.
Final Score 30 – 22
Tries
Jack Colcombe
Joe Challingsworth
Dylan Clark
Conversions
Aneurin Evans (3)
Penalties
Aneurin Evans (3)
Cwmbran responded a few minutes later, following several phases in the Saracens' twenty-two, earning a penalty for yet another high tackle. Aneurin Evans skilfully converted it to widen the lead, putting Cwmbran two scores in front. 30 - 22
The final play of the match saw a Saracens attack down the left wing, resulting in their player being driven into touch. This sparked a bit of a melee, likely out of frustration, but we must not allow this to overshadow what was truly an excellent game of rugby by both teams.
MATCH PHOTOGRAPHS
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