Many thanks to all those clubs who kindly sent in their match reports for inclusion in this round-up.
Ruthin 30 v Bro Ffestiniog 0 - the Bro match report
Following report kindly supplied by Bro Ffestiniog RFC. Picture by John Palmer.
On a glorious day and ideal playing conditions at Cae Ddol hosts Ruthin won a much needed bonus point against Bro in this highly competitive Division 1 North encounter.
Both sides took time to settle but on 15 minutes Ruthin took the lead through a penalty from wing Nathan Jones, Bro should have evened the score through two penalties both of which went wide.
A knock on by Bro deep into Ruthin's 22 gained the hosts advantage and the Parry brothers Huw on the wing and Steffan a flanker combined well attacking out of defence before releasing full back Kyle Davies to score in the corner - the try unconverted as Jones effort hit the outside post.
Some good defensive work by the visitors kept the score down before right wing Parry went close once more but for a try saving tackle from Bro fly half Dewi Rhys, Ruthin recycled well and two phases later Bro were penalised and Jones extended the lead with another penalty goal and the sides went into the break with the score at 11-0
Bro started strongly in the second half with the slight slope of Cae Ddol with them but this time it was the home sides turn to defend well.
The play switched into Bro's half and after some great pressure from Ruthin - lock Sion Roberts crashed over for a try converted by Jones.
Ruthin's Jamie Jones was next to score following good hands through the backs - the fly half involved twice in the move crossing over for an unconverted try.
The try of the match also gained Ruthin the bonus point was scored in the final quarter of the match - from another Ruthin lineout - again quick hands out to the backs finished off in style by Huw Parry with Jones adding the extras.
Bro tried tirelessly in the final fifteen minutes to pierce Ruthin's fine defence but the home side held on to deservedly claim all the points.
Shotton Steel 61 v Machynlleth 24
Following report kindly supplied by Shotton Steel RFC.
Mach came with a minimal squad of players but still managed to strike first with an early try on 7 minutes after some elusive footwork from the travelling back line.
Shotton held their nerve, however, and they needed to as the game was being played for double points due to a postponement and fixture backlog ahead of the league re-jig.
Centre and Man-of the-match, John Ketland, scorched through for his first of his hat trick of tries and in-form Stand Off Steve Ellson slotted over the conversion and all but one other kick in a 14 point haul with no sign of him stepping away from that purple patch.
Roy Thomas-Cardus was Shotton’s next scorer after a move that started with Scrum Half Nick Wood from a ruck at the opposite side of the pitch as the ball was moved smartly through the hands.
Mach hit back with a converted try on 23 minutes followed closely by Ketland’s second score, showing the Mach defence a clean pair of heels.
Flanker Shaun Kemp was the next to cross the whitewash for Shotton as they started to tighten their grip on the game. A brilliant, probing run from Second Row Daffydd Williams and a sublime offload released Kemp who used all his strength and height to ground the ball.
Shotton turned the screw in the second half with Centre Daniel Crossley scoring with a strong run from midfield.
A smart, opportunist’s pick up, released No. 8 Steve Garratt who showed great pace to ground in the corner.
Thomas-Cardus ran in once more to complete his brace of scores but Mach hit back with two tries in 4 minutes as the Mid-Walians continued to cause problems with their stand-out play maker at number 10, once again proving very elusive.
Ketland completed his trio of scores on 75 minutes with the best try being left till last as Second Row, Rich Smith, broke free and smashed through the Mach defence to seal a convincing win, the final conversion successfully slotted over by Mark Higgins.
The double bonus point win(s) cements Shotton’s place at the head of the league with 57 points, their nearest rivals Wrexham on 49.
Shotton’s next league encounter is on Saturday March 4th at home against Llanidloes.
Caernarfon Ladies 7 v Whitland Ladies 15
Following report kindly supplied by Eifion Harding, Caernarfon RFC.
The opening exchanges of this Premier Cup competition fixture were not indicative of the dour forward battle that was to follow, especially during the second half.
Caernarfon started brightly enough with Whitland slower than usual to react meaning that they were tagged in their twenty two during the opening minutes. Brea Leung led the initial Cofi charges but it was a touch of fortune that led to the opening score when an attempted clearance was charged down by fullback Beth Davies and with a fortunate bounce she was able to collect and sprint clear to score behind the posts. Davies also slotted the accompanying conversion to establish a seven point cushion with only five minutes played.
The good work was undone some three minutes later when on Whitland's first foray a set lineout move saw impressive Becky Norris collect the off load and charge 10 meters down the tramline unhindered to score.
What followed was a highly competitive and energy sapping tussle with the Cofis edging territorially but not able to construe the defence unlocking plan that the approach work of Iona Evans and Greta Jâms in midfield had aspired to. With half time approaching Whitland found themselves within striking distance and a quickly taken penalty and charge by Norris once again caught the Cofis unaware and granted her, her second touchdown of the day to put Whitland in the ascendancy at halftime.
The third quarter was spent almost entirely in the Caernarfon twenty two. Whitland could be proud of their ball retaining skills with some fifteen phases being put together before a scrum was called. They could however have rued the mistaken opportunities presented during this period of ascendancy.
Caernarfon on the other hand could be immensely proud of their defensive heroics during the said period with tackle after tackle keeping the line intact. Nicky Crawford and Brea Leung were immensely impressive with their 'Moriarty' type hits bringing numerous try line forays to a shuddering halt.
The Cofis eventually conjured a way out of their danger zone after twenty five minutes but were met by an equally stubborn Whitland resistance. The blue scrum cap of Elin Hywel was never more than a few meters from the ball and she often either prevented quick release or secured valuable turnover ball. Fellow flanker Jenny Collins also offered her usual frustrating presence to halt the Cofi charges.
Caernarfon lost a ball out wide and the clearance kick set Whitland up for another series of attacks. Emma Summons and Nat Walsh swapped scrum half roles when close to the Cofi try line but the same resistance was met. Eventually however the pressure told with a ball swept wide finding wing Kath Davies in enough space to ground in the corner.
During the last five minutes Caernarfon mounted a sustained attack of their own and nearly gained just reward when Nicky Crawford's try line surge was only denied by the timely intervention of Sara Davies's knee that dislodged the ball when in the act of grounding.
Everyone who took to the pitch could be proud of their efforts with valuable game time experience having been ensured for these dedicated band of ladies.
Bridgend 20 v RGC 31
Following report kindly supplied by RGC News. Picture by Liz Bryan.
RGC Head Coach Mark Jones watched his side battle through to the Quarter Final of the WRU National Cup against Bridgend Ravens.
“We expected a tough game and we got one. Bridgend Ravens are a good side who have had some good results recently. It was disappointing to give them that try before halftime and let them back in the game. The good thing was how we responded at halftime and we got those 2 tries. It then gave us a chance to make a few changes and perhaps that changed the game again. We have come away with the win, and it’s a good win on the road which tees us up for next week away at Aberavon”
RGC made a bright start at the Brewery Field with plenty of ball and territory but the Gogs had a few handling errors when they had worked the ball well.
Bridgend were opting to kick the ball as they looked to get behind the RGC defence but full-back Afon Bagshaw was comfortable collecting the ball and running it back into attack.
RGC opened the scoring with a penalty after 15 minutes but the home side drew level soon after with a Joseph Scrivens penalty.
The away side continued to build some phase play but the errors continued with ball in hand.
RGC claimed the first try and it came more from a Bridgend error rather than RGC play, after Jacob Botica charged down a kick and collected to ball to touchdown. The fly-half converted.
The 2nd try cam soon after when Tiaan Loot bounced off the tackles to break through the defence. Botica nudged the extras.
With the point gap RGC had a chance to control the game and try and reduce the errors but the home side were given a gift of a try. After a messy scrum Efan Jones spun a pass which was intercepted by Scriven who raced from the halfway line to score. He kicked the conversion.
The home crowd sensed their side was back in the game and the noise levels increased, and on the halftime whistle Scrivens closed the gap to 4 points with a penalty. As RGC headed into the dressing room they would have been disappointed not have been further ahead.
RGC couldn’t have asked for a better response from the players in the 2nd half. Aron Evans went close with a sprint down the line but the try came after Loots smashed through a gap to score. Botica kicked the 2 points.
Loots was involved again with another attack when he took an intercepted pass and broke away before Carwyn Ap was tackled.
Bridgend were then reduced to 14 men when O’Driscoll was given a red for a swinging arm. The man advantage was used straight away when the pack drove over and hooker Rhys Williams got the score. Botica’s boot hit the conversion.
RGC cleared the bench in the second half, which saw Josh Leach join the pack, Cam Davies play scrum-half and Alex Schwarz take on the fly-half role.
The home side were working hard in defence making sure RGC couldn’t find any space, which was working.
It was a case of defence into attack when the Ravens used a kick and chase which nearly ended up with a try, but the referee pulled play back for a knock on.
RGC suffered the same fate after a great break and passing move before Loots try was cancelled for a forward pass.
Pressure was growing on the away side and it was no surprise when they try came from Bridgend Ravens. After being camped in the RGC 22 line Jonny Kenny got over to get the touch down. Scrivens kicked the conversion.
In the first half the centre combination of Hughes and Loots were making the darts in attack and as the game went on they were racking up the tackles in defence.
Credit to the home side as they didn’t drop the intensity and a few RGC supporters were having a nervous glance at the scoreboard.
The game was still in RGC’s favour but the player numbers were levelled when Captain Maredydd Francis was yellowed in the 70mins.
The remaining 10 minutes was pretty much played in RGC’s half with Bridgend Ravens throwing everything at the Gogs defensive line. In turn RGC threw everything in defence to make sure that line wasn’t broken and when the full time whistle went there was a sense of relief and exhaustion from the RGC players and staff.
Denbigh 59 v Harlech 0
Following report kindly supplied by Denbigh RFC.
Dinbych gave another fine all round performance in this convincing win over fourth placed Harlech as they showed great defensive strength to thwart Harlech's ability to keep possession for long periods as the visitors went through multiple phases of play.
Then when the opportunity arose the hosts showed their handling skills and pace to score from distance as they racked up nine tries themselves. For Dinbych right wing Aidyn Jones, centre Owain Davies and full back Sion Rowlands each scored a brace of tries whilst others were contributed by skipper and lock David Haydock, left wing Kieran Bonar and outside half Dan O'Sullivan who also added seven conversions.
Harlech started impressively with their well drilled side keeping possession for the first six minutes through pick and drives and close support play by both forwards and backs and continually recycling the ball but invariably stopped by strong Dinbych tackling.
When Dinbych eventually gained possession for the first time in the seventh minute centre Owain Davies broke through the first line of defence and wrong footed the cover defence for a try at the posts. Aidyn Jones increased Dinbych's lead midway through the half with a try at the posts after centre Mat Hulse crashed through the Harlech midfield defence following a short range scrum out wide. Two minutes later Kieran Bonar then went over for Dinbych's third try after gathering a neat chip ahead from halfway by Dan O'Sullivan.
Dinbych then had to defend strongly as Harlech hammered away close to the line for their only sustained period of pressure with Dan O'Sullivan's long relieving kicks finally easing the pressure.
Sion Rowlands closed the first half scoring as he finished off an attack involving Mat Hulse and Aidyn Jones from halfway with a try at the posts. Dan O'Sullivan converted all four tries to leave Dinbych twenty eight points ahead at the interval.
Skipper David Haydock who led by example throughout then increased Dinbych's lead eight minutes into the second half with an outstanding solo try from just inside the Harlech half as he regained his footing after being tackled but not being held and then breaking through several attempted tackles on his way to score at the posts which left another easy conversion for Dan O'Sullivan.
Owain Davies then replicated his first half try as he bamboozled the Harlech defence with some elusive running from near half way after No 8 Liam Allsup -Jones had pinched a Harlech line out with Dan O'Sullivan again adding the extras.
Then initiated by a line out take by replacement lock Gareth Beach and a midfield surge by Mat Hulse, Dan O'Sullivan then crossed for an unconverted try near the corner after scything through the defence on a diagonal run from just inside the Harlech 22. Sion Rowlands then took advantage of good support play involving forwards and backs to go over for another unconverted try wide out and then set up Dinbych's ninth try with Mat Hulse when Aidyn Jones went over for his second try which Dan O'Sullivan converted with his seventh successful kick.
Once again Dinbych were able to give opportunities for players such as Tom Eden to show their talents with the ubiquitous David Underwood showing up well at scrum half whilst prop Peter Shoosmith and lock Gareth Beach both had a welcome return following injury lay offs.
Bethesda 7 v Caernarfon 12
Following report kindly supplied by Caernarfon RFC.
Caernarfon, with the amount of possession at their disposal should possibly have ensured a far more convincing victory but this was Bethesda at Bethesda, a different proposition, and their combined stubborn resistance nearly saw them hold on to take the spoils.
The game was keenly contested from the off with both defences nullifying any possibility of sustained fluidity thus meaning that the match official was kept busy at the breakdown.
Caernarfon stand off Carwyn Roberts showed good hands and timely distribution skills to grant Iolo Hughes a promising line break early on but with twelve minutes played his own charge and link with Dom Yau led to wing Liam Hughes gathering and cutting inside his opposite number to cross the whitewash and open the scoring.
Two Cofi penalty attempts failed to master the cross field wind and gradually Bethesda began to secure their share of possession with Paul Thomas instrumental in leading charges around the fringes. With just over thirty minutes played Bethesda's harassing paid dividends as a loose Cofi pass led to a dropped ball in mid field that winger Alwyn Roberts was able to hack on and win the chase to collect and ground by the posts to level the scores. Captain Carwyn Williams added the conversion to give Bethesda a two point advantage at half time.
Caernarfon opened the second half brightly with Mac Jones charging effectively to gain ground, numerous other line breaks were thwarted by ankle taps that allowed Bethesda to regroup and nullify the threat. With other missed penalty attempts it soon became apparent that the next score would be vital as regards the outcome of the game. Bethesda however were finding it difficult to gain a foothold in Cofi territory with the defensive capabilities of centre Dafydd Lloyd Hughes a formidable barrier. Stand in scrum half Mike Downey was also one who frustrated Bethesda, being dominant as regards gain line charges and distributing well throughout.
With time ebbing away a penalty brought the Cofis deep into Bethesda territory and the trusted lineout take set up what was to become the match winner. Roberts again brought Iolo Hughes on to the ball at pace in mid field and on this occasion he broke the attempted tackle and was then focused solely on sprinting clear to score a fine individual effort. Replacement Aled Jones stepped up to slot the conversion to ensure a five point advantage.
The Cofis were surprised to note that seven minutes were to be added but their series of pick up and goes consolidated their position in the Bethesda half thus preventing any possible home team comeback at the death.
Nant Conwy 21 v St Peters 5
Following match report kindly supplied by Nant Conwy RFC.
Trefn y sgorio a'r sgorwyr / Scoring Sequence and scorers:
24m: 3 – 0 DELWYN JONES
29m: 3 – 5 LUKE THOMAS
35m: 6 – 5 DELWYN JONES
55m: 9 – 5 DELWYN JONES
59m: 14 – 5 TOM OLIVER
76m: 19 – 5 JACK MORIARTY & 21 – 5 DELWYN JONES
Dyfarnwr / Referee: Mr Dylan Llyr Jones
The fifth round of the SWALEC Plate saw Nant Conwy beat St.Peter’s from Cardiff, to proceed to the semi-final, their third victory against a team from South Wales this season.
A large crowd of supporters from both teams witnessed an exciting and hard fought game. Nant Conwy started the game well, coming close to scoring on three occasions in the first few minutes, but, unforced errors and last ditch defending thwarted their efforts.
Twenty nine minutes into the game, St.Peter’s conceded a penalty for offside under their own posts enabling Nant to gain the first points of the afternoon. Within two minutes of the restart the visitors replied with a fine individual try by Luke Thomas on the left wing, putting the visitors ahead by five points to three. Another conceded penalty for offside saw Nant regain the lead going into the break one point ahead.
St.Peter’s opening gambits in the second half were far more positive and looked dangerous at times. However, stout defending by the home side ensured no additional points were scored by the visiting team. Yet another penalty award to Nant on the nineteen minute mark, this time for a high tackle saw Nant extend their lead by four points. Eighteen minutes in, a scrum on the five metre line saw Tom Oliver ground the ball for Nant’s first try.
With St.Peter’s now chasing the game, the game became much more open and enabled Nant to capitalise on the spaces created. Four minutes from time, the victory was sealed when Jack Moriarty scored a magnificent individual try on the left wing. Delwyn Jones’ successful conversion made the final score, Nant Conwy 21 St.Peter’s 5.
Congratulations and a very big thank you to Kevin, Wyn and the boys who have trained and worked so hard. A very big thank you and best wishes to Becky our Physiotherapist, who has kept the squad fit and healthy throughout the season. We look forward to seeing her again next season after her period of maternity leave.
Y bumed rownd o Blât SWALEC, ac am y trydydd gwaith yn y gystadleuaeth , Nant Conwy yn trechu tîm o’r de, sef y tro yma, St. Peter’s, - tiîm o’r brifddinas.
Torf dda iawn o gefnogwyr o’r ddau dîm yn gwylio gem gyffrous iawn. Dechrau da gan Nant gyda cyfle i sgorio tri chais yn y munudau cyntaf ond yn anffodus, cael eu rhwystro gan gymysgedd o gamgymeriadau ac amddiffin da gan yr ymwelwyr.
Y sgôr cyntaf yn dod i Nant drwy gic gosb o flaen y pyst,am gamsefyll wedi naw munud a’r hugain. Yna, o fewn dau funud, Luke Thomas yn carlamu i lawr yr asgell chwith i sgorio’r cais cyntaf a rhoi yr ymwelwyr ar y blaen o bump pwynt i dri. Wyth munud a’r hugain wedi pasio, cic gosb arall i Nant am gamsefyll, a Delwyn Jones yn ychwanegu at y sgôr, i roi Nant ar y blaen ar yr hanner amser o chwe phwynt i bump.
Yr ymwelwyr yn dechrau’r ail hanner yn llawer mwy cadarnhaol ac yn edrych yn beryglus. Nant yn ildio dim, yr amddiffin yn gadarn ac yn rhwystro pob symudiad yn llwyddianus. Chwarter awr i mewn i’r hanner,cic gosb arall i Nant, y tro hwn am dacl uchel, a Delwyn Jones yn ymestyn y sgôr i naw pwynt i bump. Pedwar munud ar bymtheg wedi pasio, gwaith nerthol gan y pac a dyma Tom Oliver yn sgorio’r cais cyntaf i Nant yn dilyn sgrym ar y linell pum medr.
Gyda St. Peter’sy nawr yn erlid y gêm, a Nant yn manteisio ar y sefyllfa,daeth y gêm yn llawer mwy agored. Yr ymwelwyr yn ei chael hi’n anodd i amddiffyn yn erbyn y symudiadau cyflym, ac, yn wir, pedwar munud cyn y diwedd, gwelwyd cais unigol bendigedig gan Jack Moriarty ar yr asgell chwith,a gyda throsiad llwyddianus gan Delwyn Jones yn sicrhau’r fuddugoliaeth.
Y sgôr terfynol, Nant Conwy 21 St. Peter’s 5
Llongyfarchiadau,a diolch i Kevin, Wyn a’r bechgyn, sydd wedi gweithio mor galed i sicrhau’r fuddugoliaeth yma. Diolch yn fawr iawn hefyd i Becky am gadw’r bechgyn yn iach, a dymunwn bob bendith iddi yn ystod ei chyfnod o absenoldeb mamolaeth. Edrychwn ymlaen i’w gweld ar y cae tymor nesaf.
[John Parry]
Ruthin 30 v Bro Ffestiniog 0
Following report and picture kindly supplied by Ruthin RFC.
Ruthin bagged a much needed bonus point win in this competitive match at Cae Ddol on Saturday.
It was clear from the start that both sides were up for the contest on a lovely early Spring day and a firm pitch.
Although Ruthin were first on the scoreboard after 15 minutes with a penalty goal from wing Nathan Jones, the visitors missed a couple of opportunities to even up the score themselves as penalty goal kicks went wide.
The Blues added to their score after a further 10 minutes when the Parry brothers Huw, on the wing, and Steffan, flanker, combined to release full back Kyle Davies to score the first try.
Ruthin camped in the visitor’s 22 trying to increase the score but sterling defence by Bethesda kept them at bay until on the 40th minute the Blues were awarded a penalty which Nathan kicked over and Ruthin were 11-0 up at half time.
The visitors started strongly in the second half and it was Ruthin’s turn to successfully muster their defence to prevent a score.
The play switched to Bethesda’s half when after some great phase play, Sion Roberts seared over the line for a try which Nathan converted.
The Blues began to play with more freedom and less anxiety and in the next 10 minutes playing some lovely rugby fly half Jamie Jones and wing Huw Parry grabbed a try each, one of which Nathan converted putting the score at 30-0 to the Blues.
With 20 minutes to go the visitors tried to reduce the arrears and Ruthin had to defend well against a determined attack with at times having to put all their energy and resources into keeping Bethesda from getting over the try line.
Eventually the Blues were awarded a scrum in their own 22 from which they were able to clear their lines, the play switched to Bethesda’s half and after a few minutes play the whistle blew for full time.
This was another good performance by Ruthin against strong opposition and sets them up well for the crucial match against Bethesda in 2 weeks time.
Colwyn Bay 45 v Abergele 20
Following report kindly supplied by Abergele RFC.
A much closer encounter than the score line suggests, the Bay outside half making the difference. Gele took the lead with a couple of penalties but midway through the half the hosts opened their account with a converted try.
An entertaining match ensued helped in no small amount to the ref playing advantage at every opportunity, with the play going back and fore but Bay never relinquishing their lead. Half time came with the hosts holing a 14 – 6 lead.
Gele crossed the line twice through Joel Stirling in the second half but Bay kept the lead and went further ahead to take a deserved victory.
Next up for Gele is a home fixture in a fortnight against Bala following next week’s Murrayfield trip.
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