Blackwood Stars Match Report

Date:- 6th December 2006

Venue :- Blackwood

Fixture:- Second Round Cyrus Davis Cup/ WRU League Division 6

BLACKWOOD STARS RFC 8 POINTS BEAUFORT RFC 0

It was a double blow for Beaufort losing to Blackwood in what was a double headed fixture to determine the second round tie of th Gwent District Cyrus Davis Cup and the League. It was though a closely fought encounter with for long periods both sides failing to unlock the other's defence

Beaufort started well but they suffered a crisis in the lineout. This ultimately proved to be the decisive factor in Beaufort's demise . By contrast Blackwood's linout was well organised and the corner stone of their current success to make them undefeated at the top of Division 6. This dominance allowed their half backs to tactically kick the corners and keep Beaufort pinned down territorarily

There was no score at the break which demonstrated how tight the exchanges were but just before the hour a neat chip over Beaufort's aggressive defence had its cover scrambling back. A failuure to check the loose ball allowed Blackwood to hoof the ball to the line which rewarded them with the only try of the match.

This was the defining moment because after that Blackwood kept control and made sure of a penalty attempt to stretch the score to 8 points to nil.

In the final quarter Beaufort did let loose a barrage of attacks but the home side were content to soak up the pressure to ride the match to no side. Flanker Andrew Morgan and centre Mike White did carve up the defence on two occasions which might have brought a better result. Also their only kickable penalties came too late to make any differnce . However Beaufort can have no quarrel with the final result. Their defence was suberb and their commitment could not be faulted . Centre Geriant Griffiths represented this commitmment in no small measure which was why he was selected Beaufort's man of the match.

This week Beaufort face the jumbo pack of St Julians( Newport) RFC at home in their next league fixture .

BARRIE CASWELL

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