RAGLAN should have won this game against Llanwern comfortably but got involved in a forward confrontation instead of using the backline where there was a distinct advantage out wide. They eventually ran out winners 14-10.
The backs were also guilty of wasting possession through some poor passing and alignment, although Gwyn Bradley at scrum half and wing rob Arnett played well in their first outing of the season. Ashley Jones at full back was always threatening with the ball in hand.
The game was marred by a nasty incident in the first minute when Raglan flanker Nick Price was felled by a punch when he objected to some stamping and was forced to leave the field. Graham Smith came on as replacement and used the opportunity to show his pace and fitness.
Raglan applied pressure in the early stages and were rewarded with two penalties by Toby Smith. This was followed by a try in the corner, scored by Jamie Campbell-Baldwin after back row Colin Symonds had burst through and thrown a long pass to link with the backs.
Some strong thrusts by the Llanwern forwards led to a converted try and a penalty brought the score to 11-10. Raglan added another penalty and ten had to withstand a final onslaught after a series of penalties had been awarded against them.
This Saturday Raglan are away at Tongwynlais.