Cambrian Training Mid Wales Shield Final at Llanidloes RFC. Report and picture by Gary Williams, Oval Zone Rugby.
This final started in rip roaring fashion as both teams showed their intent to attack at every opportunity and it came as no surprise that we had an early score, coming from Welshpool’s number eight and man of the match Ryan Goodwin, crossing the whitewash after just three minutes to score the first try of the game, converted by Dan Earle, to give Pool a 7-0 lead.
Welshpool’s pack were dominant at the scrum and Builth countered this with quick ball at the set piece allowing their speedy backs to clear their lines on many occasions.
Both sides enjoyed periods of possession and territory but their defences snuffed out the few chances that came along. Indeed, it took until one minute before half time for the next real scoring opportunity, a penalty for Builth which was wide of the posts.
Half time: Welshpool 7 v Builth Wells 2nds 0
As in the first half, Welshpool started strongly in the second period and three minutes in were awarded a penalty which Dan Earle converted to give his side a bit of breathing space with a 10-0 lead.
This score inspired Builth to up the tempo and, after some good forward play, they were awarded a penalty of their own, Kyle Hopkins converting to reduce the deficit to 3-10.
The second period mirrored the first half in that both sides failed to turn their periods of pressure in to points. With just two minutes remaining however, Builth hammered away at the Welshpool line and finally Rhys Lewis broke through to make it 8-10 with the conversion to come. Kyle Hopkins coolly converted and we had a 10-10 scoreline and less than a minute remaining.
With a level score and the officials hastily checking the rule books, Welshpool restarted and won the ball back in the Builth half. An indiscretion by the Bulls gave Welshpool a penalty and the opportunity to seal the win. Youngster Earle showed no nerves and calmly slotted the ball straight through the posts and gave his side a dramatic 13-10 win.
Full time: Welshpool 13 v Builth Wells 2nds 10
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