photo by Mark Harris

Cardiff Demons and Blackwood Bulldogs fought out an honourable 10-10 draw to put both sides into the play-offs. Demons take the East Wales title on points difference and now face Aberavon at home next week while Blackwood travel to Bridgend.

Defences ruled in the first half hour as both sides proved to the fans why they were joint top of the table.

Demons’ Sean O’Brien had a chance to score but didn’t quite get to a bomb kick and it was pushed into touch. He saved a try at the other end, pouncing on a grubber that bobbled precariously close to the Demons try-line.

Blackwood attempted to be the first on the board as they chose to kick a penalty from 30 metres out by Jeremy Lloyd’s

attempt sailed wide, however he made up for it two minutes later by successfully kicking from a similar position to put Blackwood 2-0 up.

Blackwood were let off when Demons’ Miles Davies knocked on near to the line and they took full advantage as Gareth Price played a nice one-two with Trevor James to cross for the first try on 35 minutes. Lloyd converted.

Demons regained possession from kick-off and didn’t waste it. It took them two sets, but on the final tackle, Jamie Iles took advantage of a deflection and pounced on the ball to score. Gareth Jones converted.

With the score 6-8 at half-time, the Demons had a perfect chance to score not long into the second period but Adam King just failed to touch the ball down as he was tackled over the line.

But they took the lead on the hour as King did well to touch down under pressure after being set up by Gareth Holtam.

Demons’ Daz White missed a penalty but Jeremy Lloyd didn’t waste his opportunity as he equalised with a minute remaining.

article by Ian Golden
29 July 2006