Newbridge 13 v Blackwood 21

A disappointing game and a disappointing season saw us go down 21-13 to a Blackwood side who look odds on to finish the season in the top three – well done them.

An error-strewn game saw Blackwood’s Jeremy Lloyd kick the opening penalty, which was the only score of a sterile first quarter.

Sean Thomas, and David James exchanged penalties before Sean Emery produced the one piece of quality of the opening stanza, when he collected his own chip to score comfortably.

Thomas kicked another penalty to narrow the half time score to 11-6 in Blackwood’s favour.

In the second half, Owen Williams was bundled out at the corner flag, but Jeremy Lloyd added a drop goal at the ensuing line out to extend Blackwood’s lead.

Former club centre Luke Knight got the killer score, when he broke through to score the winning try. Lloyd converted and the game was all but over.

It didn’t help our cause, when at one stage we were down to 13 men, after successive red and yellow cards. In fact we did manage to gain a consolation try. It was a very popular one, as retiring prop Andrew Oliver was at the bottom of a rolling maul to claim it. Thomas converted to give a final score of 21-13.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Other results from the division saw bottom placed Fleur De Lys pip near neighbours Bargoed 27-26 whilst Llanharen ended Caerphilly’s title ambitious with a hard fought 24-19 home win. Rumney recorded an away win (21-14) at Newport Saracens and Pontypool thrashed Beddau 53-09. The students from UWIC also rattled up a big score beating Llantristant 54-15.