Blackwood Stars Match Report

Date:- 11th April 2009

Venue:- Beaufort

Fixture:- WRU Division 6 East

BEAUFORT RFC 10 POINTS BLACKWOOD STARS 24 POINTS

It was a gallant effort from Beaufort in this last home fixture of the season but they were unable to recover the points deficit after an explosive opening first quarter from the top of the league contenders. In the opening exchanges Beaufort were simply unable to achieve any kind of momentum falling foul of the referee's whistle in which they conceded 8 penalties in 15minutes and 13 in highly charged up first half .

With clinical precious Blackwood punished Beaufort kicking for good field position . Then from a whole volley of attacks at close range they clobbered the home side with two tries and a 14 point lead.

Beaufort did regain some composure after Dylan Smith kicked a penalty but before the first half ended Blackwood crossed the line again for a highly contentious third try when Beaufort claimed the player was in touch . But the lineman's flag stayed down and what was a pivotal score, stood.

Beaufort found a new resolve in the second half and they had much the better of the exchanges. They were able to establish a bridgehead to launch a wave of attacks from their where their try was crafted .

From good possession Matthew Burrows's turned the defence inside out with his side steps to scuttle over between the uprights to reduce the lead 19 points to 10 . It was the fillip that Beaufort needed . Having their best period of the encounter they destroyed the Blackwood scrum . Sadly this new found vibrancy was not converted into any more points because at crucial moments they failed to retain the ball to nail their scoring opportunities.

To their credit Blackwood withstood the onslaught until their threequaters who had been starved of any quality posses ion were able to break away from the shackles of their own heartlands to score a fourth try to end what had been an enthralling contest.

The Beaufort pack had an outstanding second half several of whom could justly be counted as Beaufort star player on the day . Their front three of Harding, Moon and Roberts excelled. Mark Heasely had fine performance in the second row while Dylan Smith gave an gritty display at scrumhalf. But edging the glory on the day was full back Darrell Roper for his all round performance

Next week Beaufort head for St Julians Newport

BARRIE CASWELL

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