Free Press Sport
Cwmbran battle back for bonus point win
12:59pm Wednesday 25th January 2012
Cwmbran 27 Chepstow 15 It was a question of villains turned heroes as home side Cwmbran, after gifting Chepstow a first half lead, battled back superbly to a bonus point win.
The Crows having soaked up early pressure gradually got on top in most areas of play for the first half hour. However, two lapses in discipline and two yellow cards turned the tide.
Chepstow kicked a penalty on the half hour and quickly followed it with a well worked corner try which was converted. At this point the visitors driving lineout was their main attacking weapon.
Second half looked even bleaker as a Cwmbran attack from deep was intercepted to gift Chepstow their second try and a 15 nil lead. The home team always looked capable of getting back into this game, however, with Gavin Cook outstanding in the pack ably backed by Mark Cox, Jamie Edwards, Micky Witts and Kyle Steed.
With both yellow cards back on, forward drives near the line by Peart, Lang, Witts and Gavin Phillips opened the line for Mark Cox to score a try wide out. Centre Chris Wannell converted the try to increase the home sides belief in a comeback.
The game was now opening up and Roberts, Wannell, Clarke and Ellis all went close prior to centre Dave Thomas scoring Cwmbran's second try. Excellent carries by the pack continually caused problems to Chepstow and Wannell capitalised on these as the ball was quickly spun wide for him to go over twice more for his hat trick - Ashley Goode narrowly missed both conversions.
Cwmbran have no league game next week but travel to Brynmawr for a friendly.