Fixture

Kian Chess carried well all game but has now added the offload to his bullocking runs. There was one outstanding moment as well for Kian as he dashed through a lineout and absolutely nailed the Whitehead player.

The second rows were carrying for fun as Jordan Hughes made great ground and was unlucky not to have scored a couple but for small errors. Cerrig Wilson was back in the Black and Amber for the second time this season and as always delivers a stream of lineout ball as well as being another back rower around the field. These pair along with Euan Lewis gave scrum half Steele Jones a flood of lineout possession that set Crum’s backs away at every opportunity. Wilson and the younger Hughes added exactly the nowse required from senior players and led the way with their quality experience.

Then Franky secured his brace following a quality driving maul from the Crum pack. As the lineout was driven towards the line, Kian Chess broke from the back and was dragged down just short. Hughes and Powell made some purposeful carries towards the line, and eventually Franky cut a great angle back towards the ruck. There is no way he is going to be stopped from this far out. Ryan Lewis converted.

HALF TIME: CRUMLIN 26 Whiteheads 0

Franky had secured the try bonus point before the break, and was joined by Joe Tigg in the front row who came on for Cameron Powell. Tigg slotted straight in continuing to make the scrum power count and provide quality lifts at the lineout. Tigg is the 44th player to wear the Black and Amber this season, the number of players used in the full season last year, which emphasises the step up in level between the leagues. It was Crumlin’s ball and they were only going to allow Whiteheads momentary phases of possession. Crumlin put the ball down a couple of times to leave 3 tries out on the paddock. Steele Jones was unlucky with one fine break from a well won kick off, but then was not to be denied for a second time as he was brought down short, but had the good sense to place the ball for the score.

CRUMLIN 31 Whiteheads 0

The next try came from Steele’s half back partner and Captain Ethan Chess. Crumlin were building and building and maybe could have scored in a number of phases but eventually Ethan received the ball and ghosted passed the defence to score.

CRUMLIN 36 Whiteheads 0

Rhys Hipkiss was on in the row for the excellent Cerrig Wilson and ensuring the average age was not diminished in any way. Tyler Roberts was on in the centre for Cole Jones who had a huge game carrying superbly. Roberts in his first appearance for the Mighty Crum received the ball on the 22 and cut back showing good speed and a deception on the defence to cross for a well worked try that also showed real individual quality. Ryan Lewis converted.

CRUMLIN 43 Whiteheads 0

Corey Strickland on the left wing had a few good runs until injury forced him off. Taylor Smith though on the right continued his fine form and was bumping players out the way like they were English backs trying to stop Jonah Lomu. When he fielded a kick 10 metres inside his half he set off through the defence and with options either side Taylor didn’t need them as he fooled the one remaining defender and cruised in at high velocity. Ryan Lewis converted again to bring up the half century.

CRUMLIN 50 Whiteheads 0

Ryan Lewis put Kyle Walton in with the final pass. The speedy number 8 just had to put his head back and burn the 40 metres outpacing the remaining backs cover. Obviously having faith in the kickers abilities Kyle chose to dive in at the corner. Left footed Ryan Lewis nailed the touchline conversion from his wrong wide to take him to 130 points for the team.

CRUMLIN 57 Whiteheads 0

There was time for Whiteheads to pay their first visit of the game to Crumlin’s 22 but the spiteful defence were not going to let their line be breached. The Poacher Euan Lewis administered another dose of turnover therapy for a penalty which Ethan Chess kicked away and the ref blew the final whistle.

FINAL SCORE: CRUMLIN 57 Whiteheads 0

The game was played in wet conditions but great spirit with both teams never giving up trying to play rugby rather than relying on kicks to gain an advantage. It was great to see so many of the Whiteheads players back at Crumlin Club after the match and we would like to thank the club for making the journey as well as wishing them the very best for the rest of the season – well, at least till we visit Pye Corner in the new year.

The next 2 games could possibly be season defining for Crumlin, so the team need YOUR support.

Next Saturday we welcome the team from Talgarth - Gwernyfed RFC. They aren’t far from Brecon and not too far passed Llangorse lake. Historically though the club was part of Pontypool and District in the days of Junior teams before we had the league system across Wales. The club house is a lovely looking stone building perched just off the roundabout between Brecon and Hereford and leads on to Builth Wells heading north.

#UPPACRUM!

TEAM:

1. G.Spencer

2. J.Hill

3. C.Powell

4. J.Hughes

5. C.Wilson

6. K.Chess

7. E.Lewis

8. K.Walton (Vice)

9. S.Jones

10. E.Chess (Capt)

11. C.Strickland

12. C.Jones

13. R.Lewis

14. T.Smith

15. J.Witcombe

16. R.Hipkiss

17. T.Roberts

18. J.Tigg