Malpas RFC - 13

Crickhowell RFC 32

Crickhowell Rugby Club returned to winning ways last weekend when they travelled down to take on League Three East C rivals Malpas RFC.

Crick were first off the mark when their speedy backs outpaced their opponents and with skillful inter-passing put Matt Botting over in the corner for the first of the five tries they were to score that afternoon.

Tom Keane’s conversion attempt unluckily bounced off the top of the upright. Their next try saw them utilise the pace of their backs once again and it was Matt Reynolds, on his debut for the club, raced down the wing and had a clear run in under the posts, Keane converting.

Malpas’s heavier pack were thwarted by Crick’s splendid defensive efforts many times but struck back soon afterwards with a penalty. It was the elusive Harry Summers who stretched Crick’s lead to 17 points with his customary flair. The Malpas kicker reduced their deficit with another penalty but Toby Purvis gained their bonus point try with another fine dash down the wing. Keane again converted.

Malpas never gave up, however, and relentless pressure from their forwards in the Crick 22 led to a pushover try, which they converted, leaving the score at the break 13-24 to Crick.

The home team were denied any points in the second half whilst outside-half Tom Keane slotted over a penalty and Darryl Reynolds, not to be outdone by his younger brother, crossed for Crick’s final try with Keane’s conversion attempt bouncing off the post for the second time of the day.

With their season drawing to a close the team’s next league fixture is on April 20 when they are away to Pontllanfraith RFC, though by the time this is read, will have played the semi-final of the Ivor Jones Cup against Talywain at Parc Broyd.

The club would like to congratulate both neighbouring teams, Abergavenny RFC and Brecon RFC, for reaching the finals of the National Bowl and the National Plate respectively, and wish them every success in Finals Day at the Principality Stadium.