WRU National Bowl Round One - Chepstow 35 Hollybush 28

CHEPSTOW RFC’s First XI booked a place in the next round of the WRU National Bowl with a seesaw victory which saw both teams take the lead.

Chepstow dominated the early exchanges and moved the ball wide at every opportunity resulting in two early, unconverted tries for Elliot Cracknell and Tom Bradley.

But as in last weekend’s loss at Whiteheads, they then took their foot off the gas and let Hollybush score two converted tries to take the lead.

A period of pressure from the Chepstow pack then produced a try for Andrew Morris, converted by Nick Williams who added a penalty after Hollybush transgressed at a ruck.

Just before half-time the visitors regained the lead with a converted try.

At 21-20 down, Chepstow knew that scoring next was vital and they threw everything at their opponents. A penalty try followed after the dominant Chepstow scrum was illegally halted while going over the Hollybush line.

Chepstow scored a further unconverted try by Chris Mills, to make the score 32-21 in their favour.

Their opponents refused to give up and raced away for a try, which was converted to close the gap to four points and make the last few seconds very nervy for the home supporters

But those nerves were settled when Nick Williams dropped a goal with the last kick of the game.

The first team’s next match is this Saturday when they welcome Hafodyrynys, kick off 2.30pm.

Bob Cypher