Heartbreak for Maesteg

Apr 14 2008 by Staff Reporter, Western Mail

Maesteg 20 - 24 Cardiff

MIDWAY through the second half, Maesteg looked on course for a deserved win in their struggle to lift themselves off the foot of the Premiership.

Cardiff prop Scott Roberts had just been sin-binned and Luke Richards’ fourth successful goal-kick had established a 20-10 lead.

The PA system could even afford to blast out Hit The Road, Jack as Roberts headed for the dug-out.

But barely 10 minutes later a rendering of Heartbreak Hotel would have been more appropriate as the visitors struck back with two converted tries of their own.

Skipper Ian Boobyer admitted afterwards: “This match and the result summed up our year. We had everything under control at 10-0 as we were heading for half-time but Cardiff’s converted try just before the break hurt us badly. If we could have held on for another minute at that stage, then I think the result would have been very different.”

The veteran flanker also confirmed that he would be leaving Maesteg at the end of the season.

He said: “I’ve been here three years and always said that I would see out my playing days at my local club, Tondu, where I started.”

While Maesteg set out to complete the great escape act, second-place Cardiff have targets of their own.

Director of coaching Justin Burnell said: “We have two home fixtures against Neath and Pontypridd to complete our season and if we can win both of those games then we really can say we are worthy of our high finish.”