Fixture

Stars welcomed Cwmbran to their Libanus field. This is the first ever competitive match between the two sides. Stars were feeling positive after their hard fought win against their local rivals Crumlin in the SWALEC Bowl cup the previous week

Things did not start well for the Stars due to late withdrawals in the front row. Young Mitchell Williams started his first game for the Stars at tight head and Mark Hoskins came out of retirement to start at Loose head. Tom Watkins also came out of retirement as front row cover on the bench. Mitchell competed well against a very experienced Cwmbran loose head until he had to leave the field because of a rib injury after just 15 minutes. Tom Watkins then came onto the pitch as replacement. The front row worked really hard but unfortunately could not match Cwmbrans strong scrummage. Loose head Mark Hoskins had to leave the pitch 10 minutes into the second half because of a nasty back injury and the scrums then went passive. By this time Cwmbran had a big lead and it was difficulty for the Stars to catch up.

In fairness to the Stars they did not give up and played some good running rugby scoring 3 tries, 2 by full back Kyle Tudge and one by winger Craig Evans. The eventual score was 38-17 to Cwmbran. Matthew Dix led the pack bravely winning him the man of the match award and outside half RJ Coles also had an excellent game staying on the pitch with a injury in the last 10 minutes. Young hooker Ryan Hughes also stood up to the Cwmbran forwards and his throwing in at the line out was perfect all game. It was also nice to see Lloyd Exton coming back from paternity leave for his first game of the season and together with Gmac he made some big carries.

Blackwood Stars next game is away against New Tredegar a side they have not played competitively against since both sides were District Clubs.