Match Reports 2009/10
Caerphilly (32) Tredegar (22)
Sept 19th 2009
Caerphilly put Tredegar through their paces to gain that first elusive victory in Divison 1, the difference between the teams being the magic of Matthew Minty at outside half for the cheesemen . Minty,s personal tally included two tries , three conversions and two penalties, and his control of the game with the boot saw Caerphilly gain a bonus point win.
Tredegar welcomed back captain David Ford from injury and veteran centre James Richards made his first appearance in a Tredegar shirt for some time but going into the game much of the focus had been on the visitors early-season indiscipline with four players having been sin binned in their opening two fixtures.
Caerphilly ran up a lead of fifteen points in just as many minutes and a lethargic Tredegar only woke up when Luke James slotted a penalty. Playing in fits and starts Tredegar showed flashes of brilliance that saw them win the Division two title last term but when the referee awarded a dubious penalty try with the Tredegar pack on their feet and competing, that man Minty slotted the conversion. Daniel Horseman showed exceptional pace but couldn't link with Darren Hughes and it was left to David Ford to cross for Tredegar's first try. Jamie Henthorne sped away to record the visitors second try and Luke James' conversion reduced the home sides lead to a converted try at the break.
Second row Wayne Sims started to dominate the line out and flanker Chris James put in an all action display, always first to the breakdown and destructive in attack. With Tredegar gaining the upper hand the usually immaculate Rob Smith should have got the try that would have evened matters but instead of scoring the full back hesitated and lost the ball only to see that man Minty gather and sprint the length of the field to score ,much against the run of play. Minty's conversion extended the cheesemen's lead to fourteen points but Tredegar still fought back and when Darren Hughes crossed and James converted Tredegar were back in the game. Luck deserted Tredegar when Hughes chased the ball over the tryline but was unable to get the touch down that would have seen Tredegar snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
It was left to that man Minty to complete the scoring with a last minute penalty. Tredegar were thoroughly unlucky not to get that first victory and played in flashes as they did in winning division 2 last year. Jamie Parry at scrum half showed immense potential and can form an effective partnership with Darren Pierce. On Saturday Tredegar are at home to Ystrad Rhondda and another tough tussle is expected
