News

It would be harsh to dwell on any negatives for this game due to the fact that on the eve of the game Forge had a squad of 22 confirmed players, however during the course of the night and even up until 10 minutes before kick off they were reduced to a bare 15. Not only that but there were players who had to play out of position, Dan Fieldhouse returning from injury had cover the back row from his customary role as Fly Half, Luke 'Smeg' Jones filling in at centre from his normal role at Scrum Half as Matt Meredith had to leave prior to kick off, and Club Captain Steve 'Chesty' Howard having play at Hooker from No8. This didn't deter the home side from their efforts to win this crucial game, however the visitors were the recipients of an early try as Forge were unable to clean up a loose ball from the kick off, with a driving maul from the huge opposition side resulting in a try and conversion. This seemed to spur the host side and within minutes they were on the attack, and with their dominant scrums were rewarded with 2 penalties in quick succession, both converted by Fly Half Morgan Parry. Forge continued their dominance and were rewarded with a penalty try as the visitors were penalised for collapsing the driving scrum over the try line, converted by Parry. Pontllanfraith seemed to implode as their discipline worsened and with Forge on the ascendancy a neat kick and chase by Parry ended up with him scoring from his kick, and converting his own try. During the second half things seemed to go a little flat with neither side able to make any in-roads. It was on the 60 minute mark where things changed due to the serious injury to Forge's Flanker Ross Walsh, who had a cracking game up until that point where he dislocated hiis knee. Pont capatilised on their numerical advantage and scored a try soon after with their Flanker bursting through some tired defence. With the scores at 23-21 to Forge, the next 10 minutes became a nervy affair but it was Forge who had the grit and determination to deny the visitors any territorial advantage with their resolute defence. With only minutes left Forge were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but Parry played the advantage and slotted a neat drop goal to seal the game. This was a much needed win for Forgeside who have the potential to rise up the league, particularly with the squad that they have, it's just a case of having a little bit of luck and a full squad on match day. There were plenty of candidates for Man-of-the-Match but it had to be shared by Morgan Parry for the way he controlled the game and Flanker Cain Preece for his dogged work around the field. Up next are Newport Saracens at home where Forge are looking to make amends for the heavy defeat during their first game of the season.