Fixture

Forgeside RFC | 1st Team 56 - 6 West Mon RFC | 2nd Team
Bradley Jenkins
Try 4
Daniel Fieldhouse
Conversion 1
Robert Livings
Try 2
Richard Nash
Conversion 1
Gareth John Baxter
Conversion 1
Try 1
Connor griffiths
Try 2
Richard Sam Forward
Try 1
Brandon Lamb
Try 1

Match Report
18 November 2017 / Team News

1st XV V West Mon 2nds

Fact of the week:- Saturdays result is the first time Forgeside have won 2 consecutive games since January 2016.

This weekend saw West Mon 2nds travel up to Forgeside for a friendly fixture amid the autumn internationals. The Forge boys chuckled to themselves as a few West Mon spectators arrived in attire clearly unsuitable for the 364 day winters experienced at such altitude. Due to the early kick off both sides were missing players, even with Richard Nash and Brandon Lamb on hand Forge started the game with 14 which included Darren “many injuries” Wagg making a premature return to action. For the benefit of season first teamer Jonny Coleman it is important to clarify that Forge played West mon2NDS and not “us firsts”. To the clubs credit they are running a genuine second side giving their boys plenty of the opportunities to play rugby.

West Mon 2nds decided to warm up in the changing rooms before the game, a wise decision given they came out firing. After an early period of pressure in the Forge half West Mon were awarded a penalty 40 yards out, the visitors outside half knocked the ball between the sticks with a few yards to spare sending an early warning to Forge. Forge failed to claim the restart which was allowed to roll into touch. From the resulting lineout Forge’s pack mauled and carried their way up the field with Darren Walters working effectively. Several phases later from the other side of the field Forge stalwart Richard Nash playing at Nr.8 burst through the opposition defence and carried deep into the opposition 22, it took a fantastic cover tackle to bring the strong man down before the line. (OK, Nashy play’s for Pontypool United but trains with Forge twice a week without fail) from the resulting ruck Bradley Davies picked up and drove over the line for the first of his 4 tries.

At the next scrum perpetual party boy Matt Meredith finally made it to the ground and after running around 3/4’s of the field found himself packing down at 6 for the first time where he showed up well with his trademark tackles and kamikaze running technique. From the scrum swivel hips Swinny set off through the West Mon defence ghosting past opposite number and recently deceaseddeparted Forge player Simon Davies. Forge worked through a number for phases before crossing for their second try when Connor Griffiths scored his first of the match. Shortly after the restart West Mon won possession and set about causing Forge a few problems of their own, their efforts were rewarded with a penalty in a similar spot to the first and again their outside half knocked the ball over with ease.

Forge dominated play for most of the next 60 minutes as their experience showed. Returning Peter Walker shepherded the ball well at full back and looked for work in attack. Connor Griffiths was breaking the defensive line at every opportunity as did Centre Brandon Lamb. Centre/Wing Gareth Baxter found himself with the ball in hand 20 yards out and carved his way to the line for his first Forge try in a fantastic solo effort. Old dog Ioan Williams worked and complained about his hamstring tirelessly. Sam Forward played out of position in the second row and scored a good try from 10 yards out dragging 2 defenders with him. Hooker Leighton Williams showed off his sidestep beating multiple defenders every time he received. Scrum half Rob Livings crossed in the corner for Forges last try, most notably captain fantastic Dan Fieldhouse converted the try up the hill with a drop kick from the touchline, Andrew Fry is still frozen on the side of the pith in disbelief.

West Mon dominated the last 5 minutes of the game and were camped on the Forge 22, they worked through multiple phases and forced a number of penalties. They came closest to scoring when West Mon’s centre carried hard from a quick tap. However, the Forge boys quickly noticed that the ball carrier was former team mate Simon Davies and put in the extra effort to bundle him into touch ending the attack. In all fairness to West Mon seconds they played some good rugby and defended valiantly. Forge wish them well for the rest of the season and in the rest of their league games.

 

Man of the match was again awarded to Bradley Davies (its getting a little tedious now) for his all round display and 4 try haul.

Try scorers: Bradley Davies 4, Connor Griffiths 2, Brandon Lamb, Gareth Baxter, Rob Livings and Sam Forward.

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