Some excellent reports from games around the region on Saturday 12th April.
If you would like your report to be added to this round-up, please email the details to gwcymru1@aol.com - many thanks
*****
Tense time ahead at Bala for the next two weeks
North Wales RU webmaster, Gary Williams, looks ahead to the run-in for Division One North
Remaining fixtures:
Saturday, 19th April
COBRA v Denbigh
Caernarfon v Bro Ffestiniog
Bala v Bethesda
Pwllheli v Dolgellau
Saturday, 26th April
Caernarfon v Pwllheli
Bala v Nant Conwy
Bethesda v Ruthin
Dolgellau v Bro Ffestiniog
Saturday, 3rd May
Denbigh v Bro Ffestiniog
Saturday, 10th May
Nant Conwy v Denbigh
League table
Bala – P16, W13, L3, F330, A170, Bonus 8, Total 60
Pwllheli – P16, W12, L4, F406, A202, Bonus 9, Total 57
Nant Conwy – P16, W10, L6, F363, A215, Bonus 10, Total 50
Pwllheli and Nant rue poor starts to the season as they strive to deprive Bala of the Division One North title.
League leaders Bala have just two games, both at home, in which to secure the Division One Title, which will be a remarkable achievement as they were in Division Two a few short seasons ago. Saturday’s defeat at Caernarfon, however, will have done nothing to help the stress levels in the Bala area.
Pwllheli, in second place, also have two games to go, form suggests a home win against Dolgellau on 19th April, but then they face a tricky final game away to Caernarfon on the 26th. Caernarfon, buoyed by their home win this weekend against Bala, will be unlikely to take their foot off the gas as they themselves aim to finish the season on a high.
Back to the league leaders, Bala… home on 19th April to seventh placed Bethesda who everybody knows can be a severe challenge when they’re on their game. Saturday, 26th April, could well be squeaky bum time for Bala as they entertain the form team in the league at the moment, Nant Conwy (winning their last five league games).
As the season reaches it’s climax, both Pwllheli and Nant will rue their slow starts to the league campaign as the list below shows. Bala, on the other hand, have been the ‘steady Eddies’ of the league, rumbling on with just the occasional blip on the results list.
Bala – WWWWLWWWLWWWWWL
Pwllheli – LLLWWWWWWWWWLWWW
Nant Conwy - LWLLLLWWWWLWWWWW
Whatever happens in the next two weeks, there’s no doubt that we’re in for a few thrillers!
Best of luck to you all.
*****
SWALEC BOWL SEMI FINAL
Llandudno 0 v Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd 20
- report by Llandudno RFC
Llandudno put up a very strong performance in this Bowl Semi Final,but failed to overcome an experienced Clwb Rugbi side,that consisted of a number of old heads.
In the first half of play, it was Llan that had the better of possession and territorial advantage, but failed to turn this into any points. The turning point of this half, was the attempted conversion by Clwb Rugbi fly half Rhys Gosling of a penalty, which resulted in a controversial try being awarded.
Llan put their opponents under pressure from the start, using there ball carriers Billy McQqeenie, Ed Weston and Bobby Lee Davies to take play over the gain line, and they were rewarded with a penalty just on the half way line, and with a strong wind at their backs, that fly half Luke Jones had the length with his attempted conversion, just passing outside of the posts.
Llan continued to keep play mainly inside of the Clwb Rugbi half, but they managed to break out, taking play into the Llan half near the 22m line, resulting in a penalty being gained, and this was to be the controversial penalty. Gosling took the kick, which to Llan players and supporters, went between the posts, however the two touch judges flags stayed down, Clwb Rugbi centre Richard Read had followed up the kick, and was at hand to touch down by the posts, giving Rhys Gosling the easiest of conversions.
Llan came back strongly for a period of time, just near the end Clwb Rugbi who sealed their place in the final, with a try by the backs, with full back Oliver Jenkins joining the line, giving them a over lap, that he crossed for the all important try, with Rhys Gosling adding two more points with the conversion. Coach Jason Roberts and Team Manager, complemented all the squad for giving a fighting team performance till the end of the match, and said our aim now is to win Division 2 North, and gain promotion back into Division 1. Report by Howie.
Rearranged league match this coming Wed against local rivals Colwyn Bay away, kick off 7.pm Next home match Saturday 19th v Rhyl,kick off 2.30.
*****
DIVISION ONE NORTH
Caernarfon 18 v Bala 14 - report by Caernarfon RFC
Caernarfon put in a workmanlike shift to deservedly claim the spoils in the days only Division 1 North encounter and by so doing making Bala’s quest for the Championship that much harder.
The home side opened briskly, spreading the ball at every opportunity and forcing Bala to defend tenaciously. Only five minutes had elapsed when Aled Jones opened the Cofi account with a penalty following an offside call. The opening twenty minutes had seen Bala concede numerous penalties but they were still in contention, as Caernarfon had not capitalised on the opportunities given. Suddenly the complexion of the game changed as from Bala’s first incursion into Cofi territory a lineout drive and release saw standoff Rhydian Jones take the initiative as he ghosted through the defence to score and convert a fine individual effort.
The Cofis responded almost immediately with Jones’s second successful penalty bringing them to within a point and a fine break by centre Dafydd Roberts nearly bringing its deserved reward only for the final offload to be intercepted and hence the opportunity was lost. Good cover tackling and steal by Aron Gwyn who had worked tirelessly as a link player all afternoon thwarted Bala’s final first half effort.
Bala had the wind at their backs during the second half and their forwards showed more urgency following the restart. After having kept possession for a number of phases Rhydian Jones again showed great pace and an eye for a gap as he waltzed through to score his second try that he also duly converted.
It may be that Bala became complacent, for during the remainder of the match they posed very little threat and spent most of the final half hour in their own half. Caernarfon capitalised on the abundance of possession that came their way, often from wayward kicking leading to the backs running full tilt at the opposition. It was such a tactic that finally wore down the resistance of Bala, wing Dylan Parry had gone close before captain Iolo Hughes drove through the centre and quick release saw Mark Jones charge in at the corner.
With confidence raising the Cofis began dominating most facets of play including rucks and mauls that had previously been the forte of the Bala brigade.
With ten minutes remaining another Dylan Parry charge got close and when old head Kelvin Morris took possession he proved that what Rhydian had achieved could be repeated as he confused everyone to drift through the cover without a hand being placed on him to give the Cofis the lead and to extend it to four points with his customary conversion.
This proved to be too much of a challenge for the current league leaders who will now hope that Caernarfon can repeat the performance to deny Pwllheli a victory when they visit the Morfa in a fortnight’s time.
*****
CAERNARFON 18 v BALA 14 - report by Bala RFC
Bala slipped up on their travels as they lost 18 - 14 to Caernarfon. To be truthful Bala were second best on the day but they tackled bravely and ferociously to hold on for a losing bonus point.
Caernarfon had the benefit of the wind first half but Bala held their own and they were 7 - 6 up at half time through a try and conversion from Rhydian Jones. The second half started well for Bala and within 10 minutes they had increased their lead to 14 - 6 as Rhydian once again scored a try and conversion but it proved not to be enough as Caernarfon dominated the last half hour and they scored 2 tries and 1 conversion in quick succession to lead 18 - 14 and for the blast 15 minutes they were camped in the Bala half but Bala held out and prevented Caernarfon extending their lead. Bala must have conceded over 50 penalties during the match ??? and this did not help their cause.
This Saturday Bala will play Bethesda at home with a 2.30pm kick off. We are looking forward to having a good crowd to come and support the team. The Youths played Wrexham Youths and once again they had a good win by beating their opponents by 20 - 18.
REMAINING FIXTURES
Bala Youths v Llandudno Youths (Thursday 17th April - 7.30 k.o) Cup
Bala 1sts v Bethesda 1sts (Saturday 19th April - 2.30pm ko) League
Bala 1st v Nant Conwy 1st (Saturday 26th April - 2.30k.o) League
JUNIOR TRAINING
Training for under 8s up to under 16s takes place on Tuesday Night at 6pm until 7 pm except for the under 12s who will be training on Monday nights at 4.00pm with WRU qualified coaches. Subs for the season still only £15 and no other hidden costs. Come along and join in the fun.
*****
DIVISION TWO NORTH
Abergele 40 v Machynlleth 20
With three tries in each half Abergele ran out convincing winners of a fixture that normally yielded a close shoreline there being only a point between the teams in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. It was 20 minutes before the first score came although Mach had missed a penalty and Gele had a try disallowed. But things changed when Danny Lawrence went over and Gaz Evans converted to make it 7-0. Mach responded with a penalty after 25 mins and then a converted breakaway try two minutes later making it 10-7 to the visitors.
The visiting pack were having a torrid time at set pieces but were always dangerous on the break. Gele were trying to get the ball out to the wings quickly and these forays led to a penalty try after 39 mins when Ian Marshall was held when trying to chase a ball over the dead ball line and then almost immediately Tom Coatup went over in the right corner. Both tries were converted by Gaz Evans to make the half time score 21-10.
The second half was only five minutes old when Joe Lavin scored a try which was unconverted, 26-10. Gele were putting the Mach forwards under more pressure with their backs finding and supporting each other well but making mistakes at crucial moments. On sixty-five minutes Ian Marshall scored a well taken try out on the left and Gaz Evans converted from the touch line, 33-10. Five minutes later Mach hit back with a well taken try which went unconverted, 33-15. Almost immediately Gareth Beech went over in the corner after a quickly taken penalty. Gaz Evans again converted well from the left touchdown. To make it 40-15.
Mach continued to look dangerous playing the ball quickly from forwards to their backs and scored a good unconverted try late in the match to make the final score 40-20 giving Gele a bonus point win. They have scored over 180 points in their last 5 matches with 56 conceded and they look forward to their final three games with renewed confidence after their poor start to the season.
*****
DIVISION THREE NORTH
Menai Bridge 28 v Harlech 12 - report by Menai Bridge RFC
An emphatic 28-12 home win for Menai Bridge who started the day in second place in the SWALEC League 3 North and three points behind 1st place visitors Harlech.
A hard fought and exciting game saw Bridge take a 6 point lead through Harlech’s ill-discipline around the ruck area, full-back Iwan Jones on target in tricky windy conditions. Harlech could not penetrate Bridge’s stern defence, with some bone crunching tackles being made by Bridge’s back row. Harlech, who opted to play down field first half, gained a foothold with some good field position for 10 minutes, and were rewarded with a try from a catch and drive from 5 meter’s out just before the stroke of half time, making it 6-5 at half time.
Harlech began the second half strongly, and a titanic tussle lay ahead with Bridge’s forwards also sensing the need to up their game to meet the challenge ahead. Harlech’s ill-discipline again cost them points though, as Iwan Jones stepped up with another two penalties, one from 50 meters out! Harlech managed to put a few good phase’s together, as they crept towards Bridge’s line. With Bridge’s defence un-organised, Harlech took advantage and crashed over the line, with their stand off making up the 2 points to make the game 12 a piece.
The home side then turned the tide with a great solo try from former Ysgol Ardudwy pupil, Osian Williams, after a kick and chase from his own half, showing great pace to out run Harlech’s backs, Iwan Jones again on target with the conversion. Bridge gained steam and confidence as they were rewarded with another three penalties, again kicked by Man of the Match Iwan Jones to leave the score 28-12.
Today’s game was a great example of two teams desperate for promotion from Division 3, played in front of a large crowd consisting of Menai former players. Menai cannot rest on their laurels, as they are away to local rivals Bangor next week and are in the process of re-arranging games against, Bangor Uni, Benllech, Porthmadog and Rhosllanerchrugog before the 10th on May.
Menai Bridge 28 v Harlech 12 - report by Harlech RFC
Menai Bridge 25 - Harlech 12
A tight and tense game was always on the cards as the top 2 sides in Division 3 met at Llyn Y Felin on Saturday, and this one didnt dissapoint. Whilst perhaps some of the rugby fell short of the standards set by these two sides this season, they physicallity and intensity were at high levels throughout.
The large crowd present, saw Bridge take the lead early with the boot of fullback Iwan Jones, who scored 20 points on the day from the tee, set the tone with a long distance penalty following a high tackle. Jones soon after added another 3, to give Bridge and early 6-0 lead.
Harlech were pressured all day long by an impressive Bridge back row performance, and seemed to be coughing up ball across the park, and at set piece. Harlech lost inspirational hooker Richard Foulkes after 30 minutes to a leg injury, and Jack Brooks was thrown into the fray in the front row.
Harlech upped their game somewhat, and Sion Rees crashed over for the Castlemens first score, going unconverted. Further indiscipline however soon gave Bridges Jones another shot from the tee to leave the half time score 9-5 in Bridges favour. Some stern words in the Harlech huddle, seemed to wake the Castlemen, but Jones added another 3 for Bridge before the half time oranges had settled, 12-5 now. Llion Kerry saw yellow, for an inocious midfield challenge, but you could sense the official was losing patience with Harlechs indiscipline at the break down.
A second disallowed try for Rees, seemed to fire up Harlech, and Gorwel Rogers crashed over for a deserved try from the resulting lineout. Aeron Griffith added the conversion, all sqaure 12-12. Harlech could sense the tide was changing, but following a mistake in the back line, Bridge winger Osian Williams, kicked on inside his own half, and amazingly won the footrace to score Bridges only try of the game, converted by Jones. 19-12.
Two further long range penalties edged Bridge out of sight, as Harlech kept pressure on the line, but too many handling errors and stern defence from Bridge kept them out. A late yellow for the Bridge number 6, gave Harlech hope, but Bridge held on for a deserved victory, and leapfrogged Harlech to go top of the league.
*****
NORTH WALES SENIOR CUP SEMI-FINAL
Ruthin 18 v Nant Conwy 5 - report by Nant Conwy RFC
Cwwpan Her y Gogledd / North Wales Senior Cup
(Cyn-Derfynol / Semi-Final)
Sgoriwr Nant Conwy scorer:
Cais /Try: Gwion Ellis-Jones
Sgorwyr Ruthin scorers:
Ceisiau / Tries: Josh Wilson & Kyle Davies
Trosi / Conversion: Shay Owen (1)
Cosb / Penalties: Shay Owen (2)
Yn llythrennol, gwelwyd yr hen ystrydeb o ‘gêm o ddau hanner’ yn y gêm hon a’r unig wahanaieth oedd i’r tîm cartref fanteisio’n llawn ar eu cyfleon yn yr hanner cyntaf (18 – 0 ar y blaen ar yr hanner) tra na fu Nant mor glinigol yn yr ail hanner serch i’r blaenwyr guro ‘ ar y llinell’ gryn hanner dwsin o weithiau gan ddod i ffwrdd heb sgorio!
Daeth y sgôr gyntaf wedi 6 munud o chwarae gyda’r asgellwr Josh yn torri’n rhydd ac yn deifio i dirio’r bêl. Bu peth amheuaeth a diriwyd ar dir y chwarae ond penderfyniad cadarnhaol a gafwyd. Sgoriodd Shay ei bwyntiau cyntaf o’r gêm wedi 10 munud pan drosodd gic gosb. Hanner ffordd drwy’r hanner, trosodd ei ail gic gosb. Wddi hanner awr o chwarae, gwelwyd symudiad gorau’r ornest wrth i Kyle dorri’r amddiffyn yn hyfryd i sgorio cais o dan y pyst gan roi trosiad hawdd i Shay.
Newidiodd pethau yn yr ail hanner gyda’r ymwelwyr yn ymosod yn gyson – yn bennaf drwy’u blaenwyr. Cafwyd goruchafiaeth yn y sgrym ond roedd y bas olaf yn feius dro ar ôl tro. Pum munud cyn y chwibanaid olaf yn dilyn cic ymlaen, llwyddodd Gwion, yr eilydd o asgellwr, i ddal y bêl gan fynd o amgylch yr amddifynwyr a thirio’r bêl i roi sgôr derfynol o 18 – 5 i’r tîm cartref.
Dymunir y gorau bosibl i Rhuthun yn y rownd derfynol a bydd raid i Nant Conwy bellach lanhau’r gwpan cyn ei throsglwyddo trosodd i enillwyr newydd y tymor hwn!
As the cliché goes this was literally a ‘game of two halves’. The difference between both sides was that Ruthin were clinical in their finishing but Nant Conwy were not so!
The half time score of 18–0 identified which team was on top during the first half. The first score arrived after 6 minutes when winger, Josh outpaced the defence and dived over in the corner. There was some uncertainty whether the ball was touched down inside the goal area or not and the decision was taken that it had. Shay scored his first points of the match after 10 minutes when he slotted a penalty between the posts..
Half way through the half, he extended the home lead with another penalty success. After 30 minutes play, possibly the best movement of the match was observed when Kyle broke through the defence to score a try beneath the posts. A simple conversion followed by Shay.
The pattern of play changed dramatically in the second half with the Nant Conwy forwards, in particular, gaining superiority. Although the scrums were now being won, the final pass for a scoring opportunity always seemed to go astray. Five minutes before the final whistle, a deserved score arrived for the visitors when the ball was kicked ahead and young replacement winger, Gwion, caught the ball and rounded the home defence to touch down for a try.
Ruthin are wished the very best in the final (against Pwllheli, apparently) but Nant Conwy will have to return home now and polish the Cup before handing it over to the next winners of the trophy!
Gêm nesaf Nant Conwy’s next match:
I ffwrdd /Away v BALA (Sadwrn / Saturday) 26.04.2014
(Adran 1 y Gogledd / Division 1 North)
Ruthin 18 v Nant Conwy 5 - report by Ruthin RFC
Ruthin scored all their points in the first half and then defended their position well in the second half to win this North Wales Cup semi-final against last year’s winners Nant Conwy.
Wing Josh Wilson was first with points on the board after being put through by wing Huw Parry.
After defending well against the visitor’s response Parry led the Blues back into Nant’s half and after a penalty was awarded centre Shay Owen kicked the goal.
Ruthin kept up the pressure in the visitor’s half and were awarded another penalty which Owen kicked putting some space between the teams at 11-0. Nant again responded but were unable to break through the Blues solid defence and when the play switched back to their half they had to defend well against the home sides attack.
With 10 minutes to go in the first half the Blues won a lineout on the half way line and No 8 Chris Davies combined with Wilson to put fullback Kyle Davies through for a lovely try which Owen converted. There was no further score before the players broke for half time with Ruthin 18-0 ahead.
In the second half Nant were clearly determined to reduce the arrears and had most of the possession. Ruthin had to muster all of their defensive strength to keep the visitors at bay and played some great and probably exhausting defensive rugby.
Ruthin had a couple of forays into the visitors half but were unable to keep the ball in hand for long and eventually the visitors pressure paid off with a try by replacement winger Gwion Ellis-Jones.
The last 10 minutes were played out in similar fashion with Ruthin 18-5 winners at the final whistle.
Ruthin will be looking forward to playing Pwllheli in the Cup Final at Eirias Park on Saturday 3 May.
*****
NORTH WALES PLATE SEMI FINAL
Bethesda 28 v Dinbych 17 - played Wednesday night
Bethesda progressed to the Final of the North Wales Plate as they took advantage of a poor first half display by Dinbych to build a match winning lead which they held on to withstand a fight back by the visitors in the second half despite losing their most influential player who was sent off just before the interval.
This was a game which Dinbych could have won as they had more than their share of possession from Niall Duke and Gavin Rizzi at the line out and from a scrum which was dominant throughout but this was not exploited with attacking play which lacked penetration because of poor handling and too much lateral running. This was compounded by an out of sorts defensive display as all four Bethesda tries stemmed from turn overs and missed first time tackles.
Bethesda opened the scoring in the eighth minute when a defensive clearing kick failed to find touch allowing left wing Llion Lloyd to gather and score in the corner after a touchline run. Outside half Mathew Parry converted with an excellent kick from the touchline. He then increased the hosts lead five minutes later with a 25 metre penalty when Dinbych were caught offside. Parry was not only controlling Bethesda’s tactical play but also gained large chunks of territory with long penalty touch finders and he took the hosts further ahead with a well struck drop goal.
Dinbych at last managed to launch some attacks with some straight running by centre Mat Hulse and some driving play by the forwards. Unfortunately after going through a number of phases an attack broke down near the Bethesda line for the hosts to launch a long range counterattack with second row David Buckley running in through a despairing defence from thirty metres for an unconverted try. With the half coming to a close Bethesda then suffered a double blow when they lost two players following an off the ball incident with their outstanding player Mathew Parry receiving a red card.
Dinbych should have taken immediate advantage of this as they pressed in attack only for Bethesda to break away from inside their 22 with Huw Williams going over near the corner for an unconverted try in the last play.
Trailing by twenty three points to nil at the interval Dinbych finally struck back after only five minutes of the second half following a good move by the backs with replacement wing Huw Mars Jones winning the race to touch down Jamie Winning’s deft grubber kick into the corner for an unconverted try. Dinbych were playing with more assurance and reduced the deficit further when lock David Haydock went over for another unconverted try. Next it was Dinbych’s turn to score a breakaway try from inside their own 22 after a Bethesda attack had broken down when Mat Hulse found Jamie Winning in space for the full back to run in from seventy metres to touch down under the posts leaving an easy conversion for outside half Dan O’Sullivan.
This now took Dinbych within one score of the hosts but the game was taken away from them when they failed to defend a blind side attack from just inside their 22 with missed tackles allowing Gareth V. Edwards over near the corner for an unconverted try to settle the tie.
*****
Rhyl 1sts 19 v Colwyn Bay 18
Rhyl's power pack held the key to this close win, dominating up front and negating the silky smooth skills of the visitor's backs. There was a poignant minute's silence before the game in memory of ex club secretary and club stalwart Charles Williams, who passed away earlier in the week.
Rhyl 2nds game at Flint was called off at short notice by Flint, who were unable to raise a side.
*****
Rhyl Youth 12 v Dolgellau Youth 14
In what will probably end up as the game of the season at the Waen, last Sunday showed two very determined, committed and attack-minded sides in an action-packed game which went down to the wire. Rhyl took an early lead when full back Matt Jones and wing James Blythin interpassed to give Jones space down the wing to race over, with Toby Davies converting.
Dolgellau fought back and levelled the scores by half time with a run through midfield which wasn't picked up.
When Rhyl threw the ball wide they always looked dangerous and it took some desperate scramble defence from the visitors to keep Rhyl out. They also scored against the run of play, with a pickup from the back of a ruck and a run through for a converted try to make it 14-7.
Time and time again, Rhyl broke through, with the backs running some good lines. For their part, Dolgellau relied on their pack and some accurate kicking to keep them ahead but Liam Jones ran back the ball well. Scrum half Morgan Jones got the ball out whenever he could and Toby Davies and Harri Thomas gave Matt Parnell space to run with the ball and slice through midfield but was stopped short. But shortly after another move let him through for a try which went unconverted for a 14-12 score.
With time running out, number 8 Connor Deacon, who had a tremendous game in the loose, freed the ball up for both Matt Jones and James Blythin down the right flank and Blythin touched down but only after his feet had been forced into touch by some more desperate defending to give the visitors a deserved win.
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