Llandudno through to semi final of North Wales Youth Cup as the away team after thrilling 12-12 result.
Match Report Bala v Llandudno Youth: North Wales Youth Cup
Thursday 17th April 2014.
“Llandudno Youth through to North Wales Cup Semi Final”
Llandudno Youth’s defence of the North Wales Youth Cup took them to the shores of Llyn Tegid for another away fixture against Division 1 opposition.
Bala started much the stronger and turned their early territorial dominance into a deserved 7 point lead with a short range converted try. A combination of unforced errors and wrong options prevented Llandudno establishing a foothold in the game and some weak tackling allowed a further score to the hosts.
Trailing 12-0 heads didn’t drop and the strength and character of the Llandudno team came to the fore. Captain Johnny Stokes lead the fight back with Ash Morgan and Jake Lovatt carrying strongly with some good line breaks and flanker Max Delacoe flying into contact.
As the levels of physicality and pace increased the Goats forced their way back into the game with forwards Alwyn Lister, Luc Davies, Mikey Williams and Sam Hughes disrupting Bala possession and securing valuable turnovers. With a supply of good quality ball being delivered Scrum Half Lloyd Evans upped the tempo and Llandudno’s dangerous backline of Ash Morgan, Andy Wynne Jones, Ross Williams, Ethan Jones, Ryan Pike and Will Whittington tested Bala but their defence held firm.
Just ahead of half time a sustained set of quick pick and drives involving second rows Seiorse and Sam Hughes combined with an excellent off load from Johnny Stokes set free Sam Hughes 5 metres into the Bala half. Hughes burst through a tackle and sprinted to touchdown under the posts leaving defenders in his wake. Ross Williams added the extra 2 leaving the match very much in the balance at 12 7 to Bala at the break.
Every match has a turning point but this one had two. Early in the second half Bala launched a wave of attacks and camped on the Llandudno line for a relentless five minute spell. The organisation and physicality of the Llandudno defence was excellent and is testimony to the work Head Coach/Chief Goat Jason Roberts has put in with the players this season.
Seiorse Hughes was at the heart of this game changing battle which had powerful carries from Bala repelled time and again by ferocious tackling and great team work from the Llandudno forwards. Patience and power prevailed, Hooker Davies secured the turnover and lines were cleared. The effort used for no points in return clearly had an impact on Bala but gave Llandudno a huge lift and the backs made some threatening breaks only to be dragged down by the Bala defence.
Bala then came back strongly and were awarded a number of attacking scrums. Defence was turned into offence as the Llandudno front row of Williams, Davies and Lister got on top and time and again Hooker Davies took strikes against the head. With scrum half Evans directing play a scything run from Centre Ryan Pike nearly breached the Bala defence before he was hauled down by the last defender.
With time ebbing away in the final quarter Llandudno were still 5 points in arrears but it was clear that the tide had turned. After a period of sustained pressure in the Bala 22 a clearing kick had height but lacked distance and direction. The kick was expertly caught by Outside Half Andy Wynne Jones on the Bala 22, who quickly released his back line with Wing Will Whittington side stepping his way to the line for an excellent try. With the try unconverted and the scores tied at 12 all Llandudno went on the offensive again and were awarded a penalty in Bala’s 22 with minutes remaining. Much to the surprise of the Llandudno coaches a kick at goal was not taken on.
Llandudno supporters thought that Lloyd Evans had won it after a quick tap, sprint to the corner and touch down but the referee brought it back. Llandudno then tried to drive over for the winning score but the ball was turned over and cleared to touch by Bala. The referee immediately blew for time drawing this pulsating encounter to an end with the scores still tied at 12 all.
A period of uncertainty followed until the referee clarified the competition rules and announced to a delighted away changing room that Llandudno were the victors as the away team.
Congratulations to the 17 players who travelled and contributed to this great team effort. A match in which no quarter was asked or given by either side and a great advert for Youth rugby in North Wales. A contest of 1st Division standard!
Thanks also to the Llandudno supporters who made the trip and had to endure and brave the attacks of squadrons of midges as well as a very tense rugby match!
Appreciation and thanks also to our sporting and generous hosts Bala RFC coaches and players.
Phil Davies
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