Fixture

Trinant travelled to Hartridge in the SWALEC bowl missing several first team regulars. The Troggs started well, aided by the strong wind, from a quick tap penalty, taken by Jason Leadbeater took play up to the home 22 only for a penalty to be awarded to the home team at a ruck. From that penalty, Hartridge took play up to the Trinant 22 and gained another penalty, which they converted to take the score to 3-0 on 12 minutes. Good handling by the Trinant backs took play into the Hartridge 22. Trinant showed their intensions of playing running rugby by refusing several attempts at goal and instead opting for line kicks or quick tap penalties. The Trinant no.8 Kyle Watkins, from a scrum on halfway, put in a good run to within 10 metres of the line, which sadly lacked support and seen the home side turn the ball over in the ruck. Hartridge moved up field, going through the phases with a series of rucks and mauls, eventually spreading the ball across the backline to score a try on 38 minutes, the score 8-0 at half time. Prior to half time, Trinant lost influential full back Dwaine Smith with a hamstring injury which is thought could keep him out for the rest of the season. We wish him a speedy recovery. The 2nd half started with Trinant playing into the wind were holding their own and putting pressure on the Hartridge line, only for the ball to be turned over and the pressure relieved for Hartridge. The home team, applying pressure to the Trinant line were awarded a scrum, from which they scored a push over try on 65 minutes, which was converted to lead 15-0. Trinant in the final 15 minutes put pressure on the home line through good play from the forwards. Kyle Watkins, Scott Rees, Nick Bishop and Adrian Greening all going close, with Rees' effort looking a certain try only to be denied by the referee who called it short. In the final minute Hartridge added a further try to seal victory by 22 points to nil. Despite playing into the strong wind, The Troggs in the 2nd half more than held their own. Next week we revert back to the league and head into the 2nd half of the season with a home game, Pontllanfraith being the visitors. The game is followed by the annual Christmas Carol Concert. Tickets are also on sale for Past v Present on Sunday 27th December which sees the game followed by a comedian and a band. Tickets available through commitee members or behind the bar at Trinant Sports and Social Club.