In hot, humid conditions, Croesyceiliog made a nervous start but soon brushed away the cobwebs of pre-season to dominate the opposition.
The win saw the club return to the levels of performance that saw them finish in midtable in last year’s Championship and with many of the squad fitter than ever, the season ahead could be a promising one.
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Against newly formed Penallta it was the Croesyceiliog forwards who did most of the damage with Hannah Roberts and Danielle Gagne both crossing for tries.
Scrum-half Emily Smith combined well with Kerry Jenkins at fly-half as the backs benefitted from the platform laid down for them by their forwards.
Tazine Bogue and Sarah Thorne both made a number of significant breaks with the latter running in a spectacular long distance try.
Two tries were scored by Emily Smith with the referee also awarding one penalty try. Jenkins successfully converted three of the six tries.
Ainsley Gray and Victoria Maunder both made their debuts for Croesyceiliog with both players showing great promise in the forwards and it was also great to see some old faces from East Wales and Dragons Under 18s stepping up to the senior game at Penallta adding strength in depth to the Dragons regional programme.
Anyone aged over 18 who is interested in playing for Croesyceiliog ladies or aged 11-17 wanting to play girls rugby, should contact Nicola Smith on 07725 828697.
Training takes place on Monday’s and Thursdays at 7pm at Woodland Road Sports Ground, NP44 2DZ.
