photo by Mark Tamplin

Cardiff Demons dominated the second half against Valley Cougars to maintain their position at the top of the Welsh Conference Premier East table, winning 72-22.

Cardiff took the lead in the fourth minute. Gareth Jones set up Wes Palmer to storm in under the posts. Jones converted.

Scott Belmont finished off a fine passing move to score in the corner to get a try back for Cougars with Simon Bailey crossing five minutes later to give them an 8-6 lead while a Demons handling error allowed Ross Lucas to easily run in for a third.

Cardiff got a try back on the half hour after Kyle Blake ran in but Belmont’s second converted by Lucas gave the Cougars an eight-point lead.

But a brace of Joey Davies’ tries, both converted by Jones gave the Demons a 22-18 lead at half-time.

Ian Higgins easily ran in another for Cardiff early in the second half. Sean O’Brien scored next with a 60 metre run while Mark Devine followed him over the line less than five minutes later.

Chris Holland’s sending off allowed the Demons to carry on with the onslaught - Blake was next over the line on 54 minutes and John Trick added another on the hour.

Jon Breakingbury got a consolation try back for the Cougars but it was just a blip in the Cardiff scoring machine as James Thatcher ran in two quick tries, Gareth Holtam scored Cardiff’s 12th try of the day, Jones added another under the sticks before kicking the final of his seven second half conversions.

article by Ian Golden
8 July 2006