News

Match Report

As our best summer on record drew to a close, last Saturday opened a new season for the Brocks, travelling away to old rivals Whitchurch Warriors. Back in the old familiar struggles of Division 3 East Central C, Hirwaun know this isn’t a division to take too lightly and travelled through the jungle of Hailey Park in big numbers, focused on bringing home our first win of 2018. Unfortunately our new kit along with some players found it difficult to navigate their way to the pitch. In particular Shane “Chewy” Jones, who possibly got lost somewhere in the undergrowth of Hailey Park – seriously though guys, it’s been 72 hours now so I think it’s time to send out a search party. 

Once the ref (taking a leaf out of Hiba’s book turning up fashionably late) finally got the game underway, it was clear to see both sides attempted to play running rugby from the start. Both defences standing bravely with big hits coming in left right and centre. A big shout out to Lewys Blayney here for the hit and rip on a man mountain in the Whitchurch 2nd row. Nobody knows how you did it but I guess this makes up for being smashed by Bunny in preseason. However, some may say a few players defended too bravely. The Whitchurch prop found out early on what it was like to be on the receiving end of one of Nicky Bailey’s many rampaging runs during the game. Unfortunately he was unable to continue, much to the delight of Bash and co. as the mighty Brocks began taking control at the set piece. The game remained scoreless until the 11th minute as Jamie Price, returning from injury, slotted home a neat penalty from distance making the score 0-3. 

Both sides continued to rumble in the jungle at Hailey Park for a while. The Whitchurch no. 6 clearly out to impress with his lady friend in attendance, taking it upon himself to go on many rampaging runs but was equally matched by the stern back row trio of Dai Neck, Jamie and Lewys. A talking point came as the referee blew for tight call at the breakdown. Hirwaun were soon marched back 10 yards for backchat and another 10 yards more moving Whitchurch within kicking distance. The lads need to remember this is NOT football and the referee’s decision is final. I will not name names as DAI NECK and co will be already be disappointed with this unprofessional behaviour. Luckily Whitchurch were unable to capitalise and the scores remained the same.

On the 25th minute some well-organized handling and running lines by the Hirwaun backline parted the Warriors backline quicker than Katie Price’s legs during a football presentation. Johnny Ed, providing the most exquisite of dives, crossed the whitewash. Jamie slotting over the conversion to make the score 0-10.

Hirwaun began to show their dominance with complete lack of respect to their own lack of fitness with lineouts, scrums and back moves all functioning extremely well. Rhys Stone took it upon himself to act out his own rendition of Moses and The Crossing of the Red Sea as he ran under the posts unopposed for Hirwaun’s second try. Jamie again, slotting home the conversion to make it 0-17.

As half time approached, Hirwaun began to blow and like a gam of sharks circling an injured seal Whitchurch could smell blood. Quick hands and powerful direct rugby tested the Brocks defence and it wasn’t long before the ref pinged Hirwaun for an infringement at the breakdown. A sneaky quick tap set Whitchurch off for the corner flag only to be caught by a recovering Rhys Coxley, somewhat illegally resulting in a yellow card for the scrum half/winger that was making his debut for the Brocks. With the Brocks down to 14-men, Whitchurch capitalised on some slow organisation to put the ball through all the hands and score in the opposite corner. Conversion unsuccessful, keeping the score 5-17.

To the delight of the 29 men on the field, the whistle blew. Half time 5-17.

After a well-earned rest, the recharged Brocks stepped up a gear. Nicky Bailey produced a 50 yard run that wouldn’t look out of place in a 1990’s Detroit Lions uniform. Bouncing off would be tacklers and weaving through the Warriors defence with ease until he reached the last defender. A fantastic last ditch tackle prevented Bailey from scoring the try and Calum must have been kicking himself as a pass inside, would have sent in under the sticks. Instead it was Captain Sean, like a true hooker tracking behind, was able to pick up the scraps and finished off a superb try on 45 mins. Jamie kept up his 100% kicking record, scores now 5-24.

A repeat infringement by a Whitchurch forward saw them down to 14-men and the Brocks wasted no time in capitalising. The pack now completely dominant at both line out and scrum took it upon them in the 55th minute to overpower a disheartened Whitchurch pack from 10 yards out allowing Jamie Price to collect the easiest of his tries in a Hirwaun jersey. This gave Hirwaun a scoring bonus point in the process. Unfortunately his kick proved a little too difficult leaving the score 5-29.

At this point the Brocks made all their remaining changes. This didn’t disrupt the tempo though and a combination of quick ball from set piece along with some strong running by Jarad Lee allowed him to trundle over the line on 65 mins. Jamie returned to his normal kicking ways making the score 5-36.

Within 5 minutes, we witnessed possibly the try of the season. Like watching a rerun of that famous Barbarian try 45 years ago, the Hirwaun backs and forwards interlinked with switches and dummies mesmerizing those watching by running the full length of the field to score under the posts. Coincidently, the try was finished off by Hirwaun’s very own Gareth Edwards in Brett Law. Jamie kicked the kick to make it 5-43.

Whitchurch can take plenty of positives from the closing 10 minutes. The Brocks continuously attacked the Whitchurch 22 looking for their 7th try and possibly reach the 50 point mark. However the Warriors staunch defence did not budge when others would have faltered. In fact, Whitchurch nearly had the last laugh as their winger broke free and flew up the line on breakaway and if it wasn’t for a combination of Dent and Bash (Mr I haven’t got 80 minutes in me today) tracking back 40/50 yards.

Final Score 5-43 Fantastic effort from all the boys today. Great to see the set piece and backline working in tandum too. Massive thanks to those who made their debuts too. Let’s make every effort to make training this week so we can build ready to welcome Llanrumney RFC to the welfare this coming Saturday 9th September, 14:30 kick off.

Also, there’s massive congratulations to one of our own Paddy McBride for not only starting, but standing out in Merthyr’s big win over Cardiff at the Arms Park. Keep it up big man we’re sure it won’t be long before you’ll be playing regional rugby.

Post Game 

Clubhouse – Rival’s the powerhouses of Welsh rugby. 

Food – No sausage and chips here. Whitchurch pulled out all the stops with their half rack of ribs and chips.

Beer – 6 x bottles of Heineken for £10, enough said. 

Hirwaun RFC – Starting XV 1. Ashley ‘Bash’ Moss 2. Sean Forward © 3. Jason Murphy 4. Joe Fenlon 5. Luke ‘Bubbles’ Read-Jones 6. Lewys Blayney 7. Dai ‘Neck’ Norwell 8. Jamie Price 9. Brett Law 10. Rhys Stone 11. Rhys Coxley 12. Nicky Bailey 13. Jarad Lee Williams 14. Johnny ‘Ed’ Edivine 15. Gareth Robinson

Subs From: Matt Price, Richard Truman, Calum Rossiter, Michael ‘Spike’ Law, Gareth ‘Dent’ Howard, Jay Smart