Blues beaten but grab a point (From Western Telegraph)

Blues beaten but grab a point

2:20pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

Haverfordwest 22

Maesteg 44

League leaders Maesteg gained their expected win over Haverfordwest but the young Blues side deserves every credit for the way that they stuck to their task.

The home side were rewarded with a bonus point for scoring four tries in an entertaining tussle.

In fact, they were still very much in contention against the ‘Old Parish’, now coached by former top player Ritchie Webster, as they trailed by 17-24 at the break, but the visitors’ greater experience told afterwards.

The Blues took the early lead with a good support try from young winger Josh Thomas as Craig Barnett made the initial break and Thomas finished the move off.

But Maesteg responded quickly with tries from skipper and second row Michael Collins, flanker Mauro Perilli Bello and full back Laurence Howley, all converted by fly half Robert Evans.

But back came Haverfordwest as Alun Harries bounced off a tackle to score and then Matthew Clarke did the same for Ashley Sutton to add the extra points – before Maesteg finished off the first half scoring with a Robert Evans’ penalty.

The second half was equally as absorbing and the Blues grasped a bonus point when Craig Barnett raced over for a fourth try.

But the ‘Old Parish’ had further tries from Karl Hocking, Luke Hollyman and Mike Powell, plus another penalty and conversion by Evans, to firmly establish them as the section’s front runners.

The Blues have now lost all four of their opening games, but do have two bonus points to show for their efforts.