Merthyr Match Report

Date:- 21st February 2009

Venue: Merthyr

Fixture:- Friendly

MERTHYR RFC 20 POINTS BEAUFORT RFC 6

Without a game for a fortnight both Clubs in this friendly encounter had the opportunity to give their large squads a much needed run out At the end Merthyr had a comfortable and deserved win . They proved to be the sharper at the breakdown and wiser tactically to earn them victory from four tries taking advantage of a litany of errors from the visitors .

Beaufort had hardly settled when Merthyr opened up with a blistering attack that ended in a corner try . They added a second to this at the end of the first quarter when they out muscled Beaufort in the loose to drive for the line

Beaufort did improve and Dylan Smith kicked a penalty to keep some sort of finger tip control on proceedings. But all too often they were undone by poor handling skills and also, in key situations, conceded hard fought possession to the hosts who punished them accordingly.

Beaufort did have the edge in the scrums and their front row trio of Roberts , West and Harding gave their counterparts an uncomfortable afternoon but their three quarters were unable to capitalise from this superiority meeting stiff resistance from a determined defence . Centre Geraint Phillips gave a decent account of himself and made several penetrative bursts as did his wing man Kyle Purnell but unfortunately there was no continuity afterwards from their efforts

With a strong wind at their backs after the break Beaufort might have expected to have done better but the home side were next to score which was the best try of the match . Slick handling skills in an impressive attack from 40 metres resulted in a third try wide out to extend their lead to 15 points to 3. Beaufort responded with another Smith penalty

Both sides then made a raft of substitutions but the jumble of changes did little to enhance Beaufort's scoreline and before the contest ended they conceded a fourth try

Beaufort will need to be stronger at the breakdown and be more creative behind the scrum before they return to league duty. However at present they are a very young side still on a learning curve and the Club coaches will be well pleased with the positives taken from this entertaining match

Beaufort's star man on the day was Geraint Phillips

Beaufort are hoping for another friendly fixture next week

BARRIE CASWELL

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