Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys rugby team are celebrating two excellent victories over Neath Port Talbot College and Coleg Morgannwg in the Welsh Tertiary Colleges League.
Last week the Coleg Gwent side beat Neath 25-23 in an exciting match which started with a penalty from Nial Martin.
Neath scored two tries before Coleg Gwent forwards started to exert some pressure and after a penalty kicked to the corner a driving lineout resulted in Steve Brown scoring a try converted by Nial Martin. A further penalty by Nial was cancelled out by Neath, leaving the half time score 13-17.
Two early Neath penalties in the second half gave them a ten point advantage before the Coleg Gwent side raised the tempo and after some good work from Prop Jamie Tucker- winger Dom Franchi squeezed over in the corner.
Coleg Gwent players then stopped making the errors that had cost them in the first half and increased the intensity of attack and defence. A number of penalties were awarded resulting good gains from the kicking of Nial Martin. Coleg Gwent were camped in the Neath 22 for the final minutes of the game. Following last play of the game signalled by the referee – the last lineout was caught by James Benjamin and the forwards drove on.
Wing Dom Franchi entered from the blind side wing and wriggled over to draw level with Neath. The final act of the game was converted by Nial Martin who held his nerve and was awarded the man of the match for his kicking out of hand and at goal.
Last week’s victory over Neath Port Talbot College was followed up by a well deserved victory over Coleg Morgannwg finishing 25-10.
The first try of the match was a spectacular full length of the field sweeping move involving multiple players and resulting in Dom Franchi crossing.
Further tries were scored by Scott Matthews, Tom Ashmead and Leon Burgess. Penalty and conversion were kicked by Nial Martin.
Sports Lecturer Steven Llewellyn said: “After two excellent victories the team are looking forward to next week’s Topflight Rugby Schools Nations Tournament in half term held at Hartpury College. The top teams from Wales, England and Ireland will be competing and students hope to build on their recent success.”