Hartridge 19-16 Caerphilly
Saturday February 4, Hartridge
Caerphilly RFC suffered their first defeat in 14 league and cup matches at the hands of promotion-chasing Hartridge at Llanwern High School on Saturday February 4.
Fielding a big pack on a narrow pitch, it’s not difficult to understand how Hartridge have maintained their 100% record in the National League Division 3 East A. Caerphilly will take solace in earning a losing bonus point which could well be vital come the season’s end.
The home side took the lead in the opening exchanges, taking advantage of Caerphilly defenders straying offside to slot a simple penalty.
With their tails up, Hartridge quickly scored again. The Castlemen did their best to spoil a lineout, but Hartridge moved through several phases, maintaining possession before crossing under the posts for a converted try.
At 10-0 down, Caerphilly needed to find a foothold in the match, and turned to their reliable kicker Matthew Hurley to get their score moving with a difficult effort from the tee.
Both sides huffed and puffed, but neither could break down their opposition’s defence until Caerphilly managed to play the style of rugby that has brought them so many points this season.
Swinging the ball through the centres, and moving from right to left, the forwards eventually straightened the attack. Quick ruck ball saw the ball moved wide, and with the defence stretched winger Will Worthington crossed out wide for Caerphilly’s first try. Hurley missed the conversion.
Another penalty for the home side was cancelled out on the stroke of half-time by Hurley, leaving the score well poised at 13-11.
The second half began well for the visitors, with centre Chris Thomas making yards through the middle of the field. Recycling the ball wide, and still with much to do just inside the ten-metre line, winger Gareth Dare broke through three tackles to score under the posts.
The conversion was charged down, leaving Caerphilly with a slender three-point lead.
The match became a scrappy affair before the home side levelled with a penalty on the far right hand side. Ten minutes later, with Caerphilly struggling to get out of their own half, Hartridge made the best of handling errors and refereeing decisions going for them and put themselves ahead with a decisive kick through the posts on 65 minutes.
Caerphilly were starved of all attacking prowess and, unable to break down the home defence, the match finished 19-16.
The Castlemen’s next outing will be their National Bowl quarter-final fixture against Taff’s Well RFC at the Contructaquote Stadium on Saturday February 18.
• Match report and photography by Mark Tamplin of Caerphilly RFC.