With the Senior Mens picking up points from two commendable draws against the Harlequins in their previous two BWWPL matches, there was a real sense of belief and expectation that the Dragons can triumph in this fixture and obtain their first win of the season. The Senior Men were four games unbeaten in all competitions - the two wins in the Welsh Senior League against Swansea and Carmarthen, followed by the two draws against the Harlequins. Arguably, the team should have made it four wins out of four at this point, with big chances being missed to secure two wins against the Harlequins. There was a feel surrounding the club that this particular squad was starting to solidify, becoming a stronger unit with a philosophy that the players were adapting to and competently applying to their game.
This encounter is considered as a fierce rivalry, and previous meetings back up this phenomenon. As ever, the senior squad were instructed to play with the pressurizing, pressing defence, working relentlessly and tirelessly to snuff out danger and not giving the opposition a metre of space to work or play in, to then going forward with quick movement and impetus. The team also recognized that Newport had a three-pronged attack, and if nullified, it could massively boost our chance of triumphing in this fixture. The Dragons put this strategy in full use from the first minute, constantly frustrating the home side. Like in previous matches, the squad were successfully carrying out the tactic of intercepting the ball with the opposition struggling to force a way through - this match was no exception. As soon as the Dragons won the ball, they looked to attack rapidly, exploiting the spaces Newport were exposing. Our side consistently punished them, which saw us lead the match for significant proportions of the match. However, Newport fought back to keep themselves within touching distance of us. The hosts' temperament was in question - the more we would nullify any danger from them, the more their frustrations increased. Consequently, one third of their three-pronged attack was ejected from the match with three major fouls as we continued to press play diligently when going forward and retreating back. All throughout the match, we maintained the injection of speed and energy in attack as well as defending defiantly and doggedly. We had the drive and determination to sustain this work-rate for the whole duration of the game, especially during the final stages of the match where we remained solid and counterattacked with potency, subsequently resulting in us rising to see off Newport and to hand our first victory of the BWWPL campaign. A marvellous Dragons’ display to match a fantastic victory. It felt like we had finally cracked the code – our dedication to our philosophy had finally delivered a win, one which we had thoroughly deserved.
During this match, the team had eight opportunities with the extra-player advantage. We only managed to convert four times, giving an efficiency percentage of 50%. In addition, the team was awarded three penalties, and only converted one goal. Again, this appears to be an area that demands improvement. It could have made the game a lot more comfortable for the Dragons and we would have eased to victory. However, it is still a magnificent victory for the Senior Men squad - hopefully the first of many in this season's BWWPL campaign. Our next match against Bradford-on-Avon at home is fast approaching and represents another opportunity for the team to claim another win. Newport 13-17 Cwm Draig.
Players' reaction
Alun Chesworth-Rickards: "Well played today guys. Worked hard and got the result we deserved, let's carry this through the rest of the season and become a huge force this season. We played well as a team and that's how we won the game as they [Newport] played as two or three individuals."
Steffan Geary: "What a performance lads, forward is the only way we are going now with performances like this - finally getting the results we deserve."
Jacob Edwards: "Outstanding performance lads. Our teamwork and commitment showed through. Just couldn't handle our intensity. If we can beat those, we can beat anyone. We showed experience beyond our years today in how we didn't get sucked into their typical physical game and beat them by playing with intensity on the counter."