RUGBY PICTURES: Rugby Welsh slideshow

Rugby Welsh v Long Buckby 2nds PICTURES BY MIKE BAKER

Rugby & District Clonmel Cup

Rugby Welsh 8

Long Buckby 2nds 24

Welsh put up a spirited performance, but were knocked out of the Clonmel Cup by a well-drilled Long Buckby outfit.

Conditions, typical of many of this season, were poor with the wind and rain playing a big part in the game, although the excellent Alwyn Road pitch continues to hold up well.

The game started well for Welsh and they were ahead in the opening minute catching Long Buckby out with a slick handling move which saw Anthony Reynolds scored an unconverted try.

However, they were not ahead for long and Buckby were level when they created an opportunity for their full back to score a try.

Rugby Welsh in action against Long Buckby 2nds PICTURES BY MIKE BAKER

Both sides tried to play enterprising rugby despite passing being difficult and Welsh retook the lead after fifteen minutes with an Angus Wilson penalty.

Buckby then had a period of dominance with their useful half backs causing problems for the home side.

From a five-metre scrum, caused when a Welsh kick remarkably travelled the full length of the pitch in the wind, Buckby forced their way over for an unconverted try. Welsh were also forced to reorganise as Matty Richards suffered an eye injury as he tried to prevent the score.

Welsh then responded well and had a good period of pressure as the half ended. Jamie Roche was outstanding at the front of the lineout and this was a constant source of Welsh possession.

However, the Buckby defence was outstanding and prevented any Welsh scores. This proved to be the turning point of the game as Welsh conceded a try in the opening minute of the second half which extended Buckby’s lead.

Welsh battled hard to get back into the game with Pete Head at the heart of the forward effort but they struggled to gain territory as conditions deteriorated. Buckby’s defence was strong and they sealed their win with a late try which was well converted from the touchline.

# Third-place Welsh face second-place Keresley in a Midlands 5 West (South) league game at Alwyn Road this Saturday, kicking off at 2.15pm.