IT PROVED to be a frustrating end to the 2015/16 season for Rugby Welsh who lost out on promotion from the Midland Five West (South) division after losing 12-10 on the road at Trinity Guild.
The promotion party has been put on hold once again for Welsh who always knew they were in for a difficult task against a motivated Guild outfit and with players missing themselves it was the home side who dominated the opening half with their large pack controlling the set pieces.
The home scrum half also created problems for the Welsh defence with some sniping runs and quickly taken penalty moves.
To their credit the visitors did defend well throughout with Matty Richards putting in an immense performance and Guild were limited to just one penalty mid-way through the first half.
But the two sides went into the break on level terms after Welsh had scored a penalty of their own after their first venture into the opposition half ended with an Angus Wilson penalty.
A series of tactical changes at half-time allowed Welsh to enjoy more possession after the re-start and Jamie Cranham began to cause the home defence problems, while Jack Taylor too was a threat.
For the first time in the match the visitors went ahead when following a quickly taken free kick the ball was given to Goerge Lowe who showed good skills to give the scoring pass to Curly for a try which was converted by Wilson.
Unfortunately as the weather conditions worsened Welsh could not capitalise on their lead and Guild worked their way back into the game.
Three well struck penalties allowed the hosts to take a narrow lead into the final 15 minutes and despite throwing everything at their opponents, which saw both Jason Reynolds Curly held up by the line, they were unable to find another breakthrough.
It was a disappointing end, but Welsh can reflect on a positive season both on and off the pitch which saw them finish fourth and a number of new players have come in and bought into the club’s ethos.
