Fixture

For a television audience, the lineout drive probably doesn't make for the best television. If your team employ the tactic, it probably looks like an easy capitalisation of pressure, with scant entertainment value. If it happens against your side, then it's just bloody frustrating. 

However, from the pitch perspective, it's bloody hard work. You're attempting some deft, close quarter handling, whilst looking for contact. Meanwhile, everyone's quads are screaming. 

Yet, is there anything more intensely satisfying than a well worked try from a lineout drive? Probably better not ask that question to any members of the Wasps team this weekend. However, the T's contingent at Abercarn Welfare on Saturday were purring on the side as well proportioned veteran Gareth Trapnell claimed his try. 

Two other scores came from Donk and Baz. The latter a gliding affair through the middle of the Cwmcarn defence, the former a classic show and give from Baz; which gifted the try to a strong running Donk. 

I like using the word Donk. 

After that, T's long time favourite Wicky was cruelly denied a try on the right corner flag due to a (debatable) double movement. 

So, was this going to be all about the T's?  That seemed unlikely given the history of these two sides. And Cwmcarn have made tremendous progress this term, currently sitting third in a competitive Division 3E/D East, South, North. Or wherever it is we play. 

And Cwmcarn showed their strengths during an extensive purple patch. In particular, making use of a strong scrum and admirable confidence running from deep.

One try came from an interception between Richard and yours truly (I'm tempted to whine about a failure to retreat, but what do I know, I'm a second row). The other. Um. Guess I was busy. However, it was between the posts. 

With a Cwmcarn penalty, the score was poised tentatively at 21-15, with Cwmcarn looking to drive home their scrum advantage in the closing moments. 

The T's supporters on the side held their breath as Cwmcarn's scrum tore through the T's 8. Luckily for the visitors the ball popped out erratically and Glenory grounded the ball to win the defensive scrum. The same man tapped the ball out of touch from it, to grateful cheers from the men in maroon. 

A fantastic turnaround from the home fixture, where Cwmcarn were deserved winners. 

Donk!

Rev.