Hollybush RFC - 0
Crickhowell RFC - 31
LIKE the gale force wind which they turned to their advantage in the second-half, Crickhowell proved an unstoppable force of nature in their uprooting of Hollybush on the weekend.
Playing into a battering ram of a 'breeze' and driving drizzle during a pulsating first-half, the Crick defence needed all its organisation to keep Hollybush at bay.
And a half-time score of 0-0 demonstrated just how well the Parc Broyd outfit had played.
Apart from two missed penalty goal kicks, Hollybush had no clear chances as Crick put a stranglehold on them.
The Crick pack dominated the scrum and only the lineout remained a bit of a lottery in the strong wind, but Hollybush were unable to take advantage of the elements.
Back-row players Chris Williams and Ed Jones scrapped for everything, with ball carriers Ken Birch, Martin Lane and James Webb retaining possession.
Fullback Matt Snead had an outstanding first half. His positional sense in the swirling wind, his safe hands under the high ball and sensible line kicking against the gale served Crickhowell well.
The platform had been well and truly set for a post-interval onslaught.
The second-half was barely five minutes old when Hollybush pinned on their own line gave away a penalty for killing the ball. Adam Howells kicked the points.
The Crickhowell pressure continued as driving runs from their ball carriers set up a ruck some 20 metres from the Hollybush line.
The ball was quickly recycled and Ioan Lilley set up Martin Lane who barged his way over. Adam Howells converted.
Crick pressed on and following a good passing movement involving James Ralph, they almost scored again. However, the ball went loose and Hollybush were awarded a scrum.
However, Crick were not to be denied and with the home team's scrum in all sorts of trouble their number nine shipped back bad ball.
Matthew Griffiths was on the loose ball in a flash and slid over the line to score.
More Crick pressure followed and a ruck on the Hollybush 22 line led to man of the match Chris Williams grabbing the ball and bursting through the defence to score.
Williams was back on the score-sheet almost immediately when from 40 metres out he cut the defence to ribbons with a cracking run. Howells again converted all three tries.
In summary this was an excellent bonus point win for Crick who now look forward to the visit of Cwmcarn on Saturday, February 19.