Crumlin RFC proud of effort despite losing to Tonna in WRU National Shield final

Crumlin RFC have said it could not be prouder of its players after they lost 52-19 against Tonna in the WRU National Shield final, held on Saturday, April 30.

Tonna scored seven tries at the Principality Stadium as they boasted former Wales international Craig Mitchell in their line-up.

The former Ospreys and Exeter Chiefs tight head prop, now playing in the back row, scored the last try of the match.

In a statement posted to social media, Crumlin RFC said: “Huge disappointment on our part, but we’ll take on the lessons learnt and bounce back stronger. We look forward to meeting you again next season. We couldn’t be more proud of our team, on and off the field who got us to the final.”

Tonna started the game well and Josh James gave them an early lead with a penalty. The outside half went on to score 17 points as he converted all seven tries.

Before James got going with his conversions, Crumlin got stuck into the game and Kian Chess marked his 21^st birthday with the opening try. Scott Barnes added the extras and then converted Tyler Lewis’ 21^st try of the season.

The reply from Tonna was almost instant. Front rower Josh Jones powered through the Crumlin defence for the first try and then Chris Miller added a second to edge his side ahead.

A brace of tries just before the break for Tonna then put them in firm control. Nicky Fisher 13^th of the season was soon followed by another from skipper Callum McPhee, although Crumlin hit back with a third try of the half from skipper Rhys Davies that made it 31-19 at the end of a breathless opening 40 minutes.

Miller’s second try of the game for Tonna, once again converted by James, extended the lead and Ben Thomas and Mitchell completed the job.

Scorers: Crumlin: K Chess, T Lewis, R Davies; Cons: S Barnes 2.
Tonna: C Miller, J Jones, N Fisher, C McPhee, B Thomas, C Mitchell; Cons: J James 7; Pen: J James

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