Crickhowell -18

St Julians -14

AS an advertisement for fast, flowing and attractive rugby, Crickhowell's match against St Julians failed, but as a gritty, determined, and above all winning performance from a team four weeks without a game, it proved just the ticket.

The match which was sponsored by Crickhowell former players, saw the home team slug it out for a hard fought Division Six East victory.

With their set pieces under huge pressure and indiscipline at the ruck costing them dear, Crickhowell did well to salvage this win, after such a long layoff from competetive league rugby.

The match lacked a pattern and was a very stop start affair with the referee's whistle frequently vying for attention.

For Crickhowell's part they stuck doggedly to their task, depsite falling behind twice in the match.

James webb kept the side together and the winning score came right on time.

St Julians opened proceedings with an early try from close range when they seized on a loose ball to score.

Julian Powell replied with a penalty for Crickhowell, but just before half time St Julians kicked a further penalty to take a lead into the interval.

After the break Crickhowell upped the ante and the heavy St Julians pack found it hard to defend against the homeside's pace.

Quick ball through quick hands saw left wing Mark Jones go over, wide out, to put Crickhowell in front for the first time.

The lead was short lived as St Julians claimed a further two penalty goals.

With time running out Crickhowell spun the ball from corner flag to corner flag and on the stroke of time Julian Powell got over for the winning try and added a conversion for Crickhowell to claim a timely victory.

Man of the match was Rob Ireland for a real gutsy performance and Crickhowell will now look to build now as they prepare to travel to Abertwsswg next Saturday.