Caerleon - 12

Usk RFC- 14

Usk RFC recently visited highflying Caerleon to play on a pitch that was underwater on the Friday but incredibly cleared in time for this game.

Caerleon fielded an extremely heavy and experienced pack and for the most part pushed Usk off the ball.

However, the Usk pack gave it their all and were rewarded with the first score of the match when a driving maul saw Dan Richards ground the ball for a try.

John Green added the extras with a fine kick from the touchline. With both sides putting in the tackles and hits, the home side were rewarded with a pushover try which they converted to level the scores. Late in the half Caerleon crept into the lead with a second try which carried them into the interval with a 12-7 lead.

The second half saw the battle continue but neither side could gain the ascendancy until Usk introduced Rob Bailey and Evan Whitson into the fray.

Evan injected extra pace into the Usk attacks and with the clock running down Barry Bailey got the ball on the 25 and broke a number of tackles to go over for a try in the corner to level the scores.

The million dollar question now was could John Green do what he had failed to do all season and achieve a 100 percent success with his kicks. He answered that question with a resounding yes.

As the referee called time with Usk victorious by 14-12, Green was enveloped by the whole team, who were ecstatic with the unexpected win.

Every Usk player was a hero but special mention must be made of Barry Bailey who had an immense all round game with his tackling and trademark battering runs, and of course his game winning try.