After winning two matches to finish a respectful second place in the Welsh Senior League, the Senior Mens came into this match with a new breed of belief and confidence. However, we knew this would be a very different kind of battle than the likes of Carmarthen and Swansea had to offer. We had expereinces of playing Harlequins in previous BWWPL seasons - we comprehended the type of vigorous and physical game they played which had often saw them brush us aside and power to victory.
The Dragons were instructed to not be allured and drawn into the opposition's game of physical force, as it would be one Harlequins would always have the upperhand in as they have more physically developed, stronger and experienced players. Additionally, we understood that if we had used our aerobic endurence and pace against the Harlequins more than our stregnth and physicality, we would gain control of the match.
We speculated this would be a close match and the first half certainly lived up to that. We had used our speed to quickly counter-attack Harlequins whenever we dispossessed them, which helped us create good opportunities on the break. However, Harlequins would always hit right back at us and use their physical prowess to their advantage making themselves a difficult opposition to stop. We were guilty of not making the most of our opportunities, missing several clear-cut chances, especially with the extra player advantage which could have given us the edge over our opponenents. The first quarter saw the score at 3-3 before both teams scored twice more to end the half at 5-5 - a closely-battled match so far.
The second half saw more of the same of this cat-mouse chase of a match as both teams showed more promise going forward. Both, the Dragons and the opposition applying the same spark and endeavour as the first half. We matched the opposition for goals again as we went inot the final quarter with the match with seven goals apiece. Once again, we failed to score from numerous chances that came our way during the third and fourth quarters, particularly man-up situations. All these glorious missed chances almost cost the Dragons dearly as Harlequins led 10-8 in the final few minutes of the contest. However, we made a comeback and got back on level terms - could have won it as well, but in the end, we had to settle for a draw. Sharing the spoils.
Players' reaction
Matthew Griffiths: "We have given them a statement of intent - that we've returned as a more strong, more experienced, more prepared and cohesive unit. Locking horns with teams like Harlequins, where vigour is a significant part of their gameplay, is never easy- nevertheless we have taken every game as a stepping stone and started to turn good performances into points"
Jacob Edwards: "I thought that they were very physical and, despite us being a young side, we dealt with it well and showed good maturity and spirit to come back into it and get a draw against what is a good team. We're all a team here and every single one of us has had a huge input in our improvement and the fact we're now a respected, feared side in the league."
Steffan Geary: "Looking at the results from last year, they comprehensively beat us. Now we have matured and developed as a team not just a bunch of individuals with potential to win games or get points out of games, we are now the team that are getting the results we rightfully deserve."
Our coach Darryl has revealed an important statistic over our weekend of games. Against Swansea, only 62% (4 goals out of 7 spells) of our extra player advantages were converted to goals. Against Carmarthen, it was lower at 60% (3 goals out of 5 spells) were converted to goals. However, it was significantly worse against Harlequins, as a dismal 15% (2 goals out of 13 spells) was converted to goals. This proves that, even though a draw was a decent result, a win was very achieveable with all the opportunities. It is something we shall need to focus on in upcoming training sessions and during match preperation.
Cwm Draig Matchday squad (Personal Fouls)
1) Darryl Ward (0)
2) Lewis Gilmour (2)
3) Steffan Geary (0)
4) James Mayne (0)
5) Nathan Geary (1)
6) Jacob Edwards (1)
7) Alun Chesworth-Rickards (2)
8) Nick Kerley (2)
9) Baris Akay (0)
10) Peter Mayne (2)
11) Matthew Griffiths (0)
12) Morgan Griffiths (0)
13) Ryan Speck (0)
Cwm Draig scorers in first quarter (Total)
2) Lewis Gilmour (2)
3) Steffan Geary (1)
Cwm Draig scorers in second quarter (Total)
6) Jacob Edwards (1)
7) Alun Chesworth-Rickards (1)
Cwm Draig scorers in third quarter (Total)
3) Steffan Geary (1)
5) Nathan Geary (1)
Cwm Draig scorers in fourth quarter (Total)
2) Lewis Gilmour (1)
7) Alun Chesworth-Rickards (1)
13) Ryan Speck (1)