Crickhowell RFC - 13

Gwernyfed Seconds - 5

IN a pre-season warm-up fixture, Crickhowell welcomed near neighbours Gwernyfed to Parc Broyd last Thursday.

Crickhowell missed an early opportunity to take the lead when a penalty went wide of the mark. With the Gwernyfed forwards giving Crickhowell a testing time up front, their discipline and power led to them scoring the first try after sustained pressure in the corner.

The try was unconverted. Crickhowell rallied, however, and, having been awarded a penalty in their opponents 22 a long kick across field saw scrum-half Richard Roberts gather the ball and cross the line with Tom Keane converting.

Keane stretched the home team’s lead on the stroke of half-time by coolly slotting over a penalty. With both teams tackling ferociously, no tries were scored in the second half despite promising breaks from each side.

It was Keane who was the only scorer when he kicked another penalty after indiscipline led to another penalty in the centre of the field. The match was played in the true spirit of the game and new coach John Nash praised the efforts put in by all concerned calling it “a great start.”

The season kicks off proper on Saturday, September 7 when Crick travel to take on Crumlin RFC with a 2.30pm start.

Crickhowell have also recently started playing inclusive rugby with the introduction of Walking Rugby sessions. Presently, they take place on Crickhowell’s cricket ground in the Castle Field every Sunday at 10.30am.