Gronow shines as Blues beaten (From Western Telegraph)

Gronow shines as Blues beaten

Blaengarw 31 Haverfordwest 3

Nathan Gronow was the architect of Blaengarws win against Haverfordwest as he crossed for two first half tries and finished up with a personal haul of 16 points as reward for his involvement in difficult conditions.

The Blues were 12-3 adrift at half time having lost centre David Jones with a nasty cut to his face, his place taken by Carl Rees, and the absence of eight regulars from their squad, including skipper Richard Brazell, was bound to play a part, although they still travelled with a useful squad.

Indeed, they made slightly the better start but conceded points from Blaengarws first real attack in the 14th minute as the ball went to ground and when it was hacked through Gronow was first to react, winning the race for the touchdown.

The Blues responded with a Steve Williams penalty as Andrew Thicker, Karl Weake and Gareth Thomas established the platform - but Gronow added his second try from a good handling move in the 27th minute, slicing through to the posts and converting as a bonus.

The second half was equally as hard-fought as Steve Williams and Steve Hamer tried to keep the Blues going forward but in the last quarter they were hit by three tries in quick succession, the first two from lively centre Jamie Davies, one of them converted by Gronow.

As Haverfordwest tried to play catch-up rugby they were hit again as replacement winger Steve Atkinson crossed for a try that Gronow converted - and although the Blues could consider the final margin a little unflattering in view of their efforts there was no doubt that Blaengarw adapted to the murky conditions better on the day.

Haverfordwest: Danny Field: Johnnie Llewhellin; Dai Jones (Carl Rees); Mike Jones; Paul Mason: Steve Williams; Steve Hamer: Jamie Picton (Arthur Day); Gareth Green; Chris Thomas: Mark Busch; Karl Potter: Gareth Thomas; Karl Weake; Andrew Thicker.