Well what a day!!! It all started having to make the difficult decisions as to who would be in the 22 for the final league game of the season. We had to balance having a strong side to win what we knew would be a very tough fixture and thus take the title, with loyalty to people who had been making the backbone of the side for the season and training regularly. With probably 30 players available some were going to be let down.
However we hope we got it right and with the performance that followed I think we did.
With darren gregg playing at 10 we had the control required to keep the ball in the right areas and after a good start, a long kick from Greg Del led to a scrum back and then a lineout to them 10 metres out. A huge controlled drive by their pack, containing several 1st teamers, saw the opening try although there was some doubt as to the grounding.Con added and 0-7.
Quick response from the Helmets and the 1st of several scrum wins against the head, where the front 5 of OJ, George ,Nathan Rich and Luke were dominant all afternoon, and Revvsy picked up and a clever kick and chase by him, Rhys Collier and Dai Rossiter sa their winger hauled into touch 5 yards from the try line. Quick thinking and long throw to Czerko saw him crash over and with Darren adding the extras 7-7.
The Helmets dominant now hungry for the ball.Tackles hitting hard, chasing everything putting the opposition under pressure. Darren varying the play with miss-moves, little kicks and inside balls, with strong running from Gerard ,Dai Rossiter at centre and Owen and Rhys Collier coming off their wings seeing some lovely flowing moves. Also with some strong carrying from the Rogerstone forwards tackling had to be of high quality and with the back row of Revvsy , Czerko and Gareth Tovey working themselves to a standstill and Rhys Macey, having the game of his life at 9,putting in some brave tackles.
A quick tap penalty from him saw him take the ball to within 5 yards and a try seemed a certainty, but an infringement at the ruck saw the chance go.
Not long later though , a lovely move seeing Greg bursting into the line and lovely hands to Dai Rossiter saw him skip his way over for the 2nd try. Conversion added and 14-7 to the Helmets.
Some lovely rugby being played now by both sides and although my nerves were being shredded, the game was of high pace and quality and really entertaining to watch. More lovely handling and timing of the pass and some big carries from Luke and Richie saw us once more into the 22, but a loose bobbling ball seemed to stop the momentum, but Owen , looking fresh and sharp whisked it up and scooted through the defence and under the sticks. Darren adding the 2 points and 21-7.
Rogey back in the ascendancy for a bit then, and another infringement at the ruck saw a kick to touch 15 metres out.Another impressive drive from them and a second try made it 21-12.
Immediately from the KO saw pressure on the Rogey 10, and a charge down of his attempted clearance by Georgie Dawes saw the chase on . Their full back went down on the ball , and George showing great disciplne allowed him the opportunity to get up, and with the back row swarming all over him the pen went the Helmets way for holding on!! Darren popped it over for 24-12 and 2 minutes later another long range penalty from him made it 27-12 and half time.
The boys were up for everything at the half but knew the job was only half done.
2nd half and as the temperature rose, Rogey also upped their game, and it took some huge committment from everyone to keep them at bay. Great tackling again from everyone and our defence of their driving line-out was excellent as we split their drive on a number of occasions, and with the scrum shunting them backwards we were also enjoying plenty of ball.
Bodies were tiring now in the sun , and gaps were starting to appear around the fringes and Rogey exploited it well with some big carries . But scrambling defence with Rhys Macey again in the forefront, kept them at bay and Gareth Tovey time and again holding the ball up in the tackle.
James replacing Big Rich in the second row after a mammouth effort and a tweaked hammy but still the scrum dominated with 2 more turnovers and pressure for us in the 22. No score though and 5 minutes of pressure then from Rogey saw the Helmets defence eventually breached after some fine continuity and their winger went over on the RH corner for 17-27.
Jason on now for Darren who gave us everything but his legs had given out, and with Couchy on for Gareth and Pank for OJ the fresh legs were needed to see out the game.
Another fine surge from Rhys Macey down the right touchline saw a lineout to us in the corner and from the drive Dai Rossiter carried the ball up and I thought we must score again but the ball adjudged to be knocked forward and chance lost.
Finally a scrum in their 22 saw Jason dancing through to within touching distance of the line and ball passed out to Rhys Collier clear 2 metres out and surely the 4th try to seal the win. Alas no! After having a great game today his hands let him down and he table tennis batted the ball over the line, but it didn't matter as the whistle sounded for the end of the match and the celebrations could begin.
Awesome effort from everyone today , as over the whole season, you just wanted it so much.You got everything you deserved, led from the front by Revvsy. Man of the match could have been just about anybody but I have to give it to Rhys Macey. Huge committment today, brave tackling and some high skill levels, and eventually showing the discipline required to become a complete footballer. Well done!!
Great game, great performance and fantastic night!!!! It's been a pleasure to work with you all this season lads, thank you all for your efforts. A huge thanks to all the work behind the scenes to get these games on this week , especially Dai Bevan and Shutty, and to everyone who has contributed to the Helmets cause this season. Finally a massive thanks to my old mate Pecker, without who none of this would have happened over the last 3 seasons , he is the glue who holds it all together, and believe me , it takes some doing!!!Top effort.
Let's look forward to bigger and better things next season!!!!