Fixture

Flint set off Saturday morning for their trip down to mid Wales to face their bogey away side Machynlleth, whom they've never beaten on the road.

With conditions good for a game of rugby, though a bit muddy under foot, Machynlleth's pitch held up well after the recent rain. Both sides kicked off in confident mood but with Flint knowing full well from past experiences that they'd have to keep the home side from scoring early as they are a hard side to keep down once their tails are up. However, it seemed history was set to repeat itself, even though Flint had the better in the set piece they struggled out wide and in the contact area.  The home side forwards out mussled their counterparts and after some loose kicking from the Flint backs, Machynlleth had plenty of possession in open spaces, which inevitably ended up in Machynlleth scoring their first of 4 first half tries, going into the break 26-0 up with bonus point secured.

 

Half time produced some stern words and a realisation of some home truths, as the cleanliness of the bright yellow kit against the muddy conditions on some of the Flint players told it's own story. They needed to lift their game for the 2nd half to prevent the game becoming a one sided affair and to restore some pride. This they did with conviction, with skipper Mitch Martin leading the way and the front row of Loz Rogers, Scott Jones and  Dom Lovelock being the pick of the forwards. Owain Roberts and Jack Evans, both playing out of position in the backs, scrum half and fullback respectively, had quality games, but the pick of the backs was veteran utility back Dustyn Parry, playing centre, who played through the pain to be a thorn in the side of the home side forwards as well of the backs.

 

Flint had the majority of the possession in the 2nd half, but could not penetrate Machynlleth's strong defence, but after drawing the home side's players in Flint found some room out wide for strong running winger Jamie Elder to dive in at the corner to score Flints only try and cap a an excellent but frustrating game for the big flyer. Score 26-5, conversion missed by centre Damian Goss. Machynlleth finished the game off with a late try of their own against the run of play to finish the game 31-5 desrved winners.

 

Flint were able to lift their game in the 2nd half, proving to themselves that they have steel in their DNA, they just need to start games better when on the road.

 

Man of the match for Flint went to No8 and Captain Mitch Martin, who also played through the pain and led his team throughout.

 

TOM - Josh Moss

 

Report by Aled Davies