Fixture

Maesteg Celtic 15 v 13 Bridgend Sports

Maesteg Celtic entertained Bridgend Sports at Garth Park in a WRU Division 2 West Central league game. Celtic made six changes to the team that played last week. The pack dominated position and possession for the first hour of the game. The front row of Sean Lambert, Ashley Poole and Simon Lent were solid in the scrums and held the defensive line well. Second rows Alex Jones and Captain Oliver Petty commanded their own lineout and were active in loose play. The back row of Josh Mines, Jonathan Davies and Number 8 Ryan Turner were awesome in carrying the ball and tackling their opponents.

Scrum Half Liam Healy returned to partner Scott Sainsbury at half back and put in an excellent shift. Centres Scot James and Man of the Match Sam Mines were impressive in defence and had some good runs. The back three Lee Arthur, Kristian Jenkins and Morgan Lloyd defended well but had little opportunity in attack.

Celtic opened the scoring after wing Kristian Jenkins made a break before kicking ahead. Celtic gathered the ball and, inter passing by forwards and backs, put centre Scot James over in the corner. Their second try was as a result of great work by their back row which resulted in a scrum five. Their forward dominance allowed flanker Jonathan Davies to touch down in the corner. Scott Sainsbury converted. Just before half time, Sainsbury put them further ahead with a penalty which was immediately cancelled out by one by the Sports.

Most of the second half was dominated by the Celtic but brave defence by the Sports prevented further scoring. The visitors never gave up and got themselves back in the game with a late penalty. They closed the gap even further when Celtic were awarded a penalty near their own line and attempted to run out of trouble. Their clearance kick was charged down and Sports gained a converted try. Celtic then kept play in the visitors half and ran the clock down for their first win.

 It is believed that this was the first time three brothers (Sam, Josh and Tom Mines) played in the same match for the Celtic.