1st September 2007: Waunarlwydd V Merthyr

Played: Home
Result: Lost 10 - 15

Report

The first match of the season saw Waun field a side similar to that which dramatically avoided relegation at the end of last season. David Norman , Daniel Moyle and Paul Morris were making their debuts ,while Andrew Gwynne is the only first team player to have left during the summer as he has joined several former team mates at Tonmawr. The weather was sunny which was a surprise to any local cricket followers as the sun has hardly been seen on a Saturday since early May.

Merthyr made a dramatic start by scoring two tries in the first eight minutes which put them twelve points ahead. This was a similar pattern to many matches last season when points were conceded early on leaving Waun to chase the game. As the half wore on, Merthyr continued to look dangerous when in possession but were helped by Waun frequently losing the ball in contact and by attempting to progress through the Merthyr midfield. Some forward pressure close to the try line followed a John Lewis break and one penalty was missed so the visitors were still twelve points ahead at half time.

Paul Morris came on as substitute early in the second half and Waun shortly afterwards scored two tries in three minutes. The first was scored by Rob Bagley following a catch and drive, and the second by Alan Pope which was set by Rob Bagley with an outrageous dummy when running from his own 22.Unfortunately both conversions were missed so Waun trailed by two points. Merthyr increased their advantage to five points with a long range penalty, and despite some near misses foe both sides, there was no further scoring. At least Waun had the consolation of a losing bonus point, and let us hope that the significant improvement in the second half will continue at Corus next Saturday.

Team Sheet

1	Tom Gronow
2	Lee Brooks
3	James Headley
4	Simon Evans
5	Robert Bagley
6	Daryl Moore
7	Daniel Joseph (C)
8	Daniel Moyle
9	Michael Harris
10	Sturat Fletcher
11	Alan Pope
12	Matthew Mason
13	Jonny Lewis
14	David Norman
15	Gethin Lillicrap
16	Adam Lee
17	Steffan Jones
18	Matthew Daniel
19	Paul Morris
20	Matthew Watts

Referee: Alan Sheppard (Cardiff)

Scores

Tries - R. Bagley (1), A. Pope (1)

Photos

Photos coming soon