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ABERAVON NAVAL v CARDIFF SARACENS - 5TH SEPTEMBER
So, this was it. The Sarries first ever fixture in amongst the ‘big boys’, the WRU National League set up. A trip down the M4 saw them entertained by Aberavon Naval in their Division 6 Central match.
With the pre-season build up disrupted, the Sarries had only 1 warm-up match and it was an unfamiliar line-up that took to the field. With a strong wind in their faces the Sarries kicked off and an excellent chase by Paul Ames saw him leap to secure the ball. This set the marker for the first ten minutes when the Sarries enjoyed a stream of possession but were unable to score. Gradually, the ‘Naval’ settled down and, with the strengthening wind at their backs, started to control the game. With this, they were able to gain 2 penalties in quick succession, both of which were kicked to give them a 6 point advantage. At this stage, although on the back foot, the Sarries defence was strong and it did not look as if their line would be breached.
With their line-out functioning well the Sarries had a penalty, just inside their own half. Opting to go for touch, the safety of the sideline was found about 15 metres from the ‘Naval’ line. An excellent catch & drive resulted in the Sarries being able to rumble towards the line and finally saw ‘blood replacement’ Mal Fish cross for a try.
Back came the ‘Naval’ and only some sterling defence kept the Sarries line intact. However, from one attack the Sarries defence was sucked in-field and the ‘Naval’ were able to exploited the overlap to cross wide-out.
HALF TIME – ABERAVON NAVAL 11 CARDIFF SARACENS 5
With the wind at their backs the Sarries hoped that they would be able to close the 6 point gap. Unfortunately, the ’Naval’ started to disrupt the Sarries line-out and, with their outside-half marshalling his troops well, they were able gain footholds in Sarries territory. The match was settling in to contest between the 22’s with neither side able to gather momentum. However, the ‘Naval’ were able to convert a penalty to stretch their advantage to 9 points. Back came the Sarries with a fantastic mid-field break by Paul Ames taking them from one 22 to the other, but they were unable to capitalise. To add to their woes hooker Aled Jones had to leave the field with a nasty rib injury. This meant they were unable to capitalise on some excellent penalty touch finders from Nick Jenkins.
One bizarre moment saw a kick through fielded by a ‘Naval’ defender 5 metres from his line, some excellent chasing meant he carried the ball over the line and touched down. Scrum 5 to Sarries everyone, including the ‘Naval’ players, thought – no, a 22 drop-out was the referees decision !!! At this point the Sarries must have known it was not going to be their day. The ‘Naval’ were able to add one more penalty to their score and despite keeping going to the final whistle the Sarries were not to increase theirs
Some fine individual performances from the Sarries, but they will hope to build on this and work on their contributions as units
FINAL SCORE – ABERAVON NAVAL 17 CARDIFF SARACENS 5
TRIES – Mal Fish
MATCH PHOTO’S - http://www.flickr.com/photos/cardiffsaracens/
NEXT FIXTURE – WRU National Division 6 Central – Llanrumney (Home) – Saturday 12th September