A great round-up of match reports from games involving the clubs of North and Mid Wales.
Denbigh 58 v Menai Bridge 0
Following report kindly supplied by Denbigh RFC.
With Dolgellau not playing, this ten try bonus point victory over Menai Bridge saw Dinbych topping the Division 2 North West table for the first time this season. In complete contrast to their performance last week against Harlech the Dinbych's pack performance in dominating the scrums was a major factor for their success as was the forwards' destructive running in broken play. Outside half Jamie Winning was also influential not only orchestrating many of Dinbych's attacks but also through his long relieving and tactical kicks which kept Dinbych on the front foot for most of the match.
Sloppy defensive play by Dinbych following the kick off allowed a well drilled Menai Bridge outfit to dominate the early exchanges taking play deep into the Dinbych 22 and it took a strong defensive effort by the hosts to repel a number of short range drives by the visitors.
Dinbych gradually got into their stride with their scrum dominance soon beginning to tell as they opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute after an initial incursion into the Bridge 22 by flanker Jonathan Morgan they disrupted a scrum near the Bridge line and after recycling the ball centre Owain Davies went over for their first unconverted try.
Dinbych's next two scores came directly as a result of their intense pressure as flanker Narmer el Lamie powered his way over for two unconverted tries in the right hand corner.
The first came from a quickly taken tap penalty by Jamie Winning which set up a ruck near the Bridge line whilst for the second he took advantage of a heel against the head at a short range scrum to force his way over.
The forwards were also causing problems with their direct running in the loose with skipper David Haydock showing the way with some powerful surges into the heart of the Bridge defence .
Fellow lock Gareth Beach then got into the act by scoring following a drop out from the Bridge 22 as he showed his running skills including a sidestep as he ran through the visitor's defence for a try converted by Owain Davies.
Dinbych then added their fifth try again stemming from the restart kick with left wing Kieran Bonar taking advantage of good work by Owain Davies, Geraint Madoc Jones and Jonathan Morgan by slicing through the defence from just inside the Bridge half for a try converted by Jamie Winning.
Trailing by twenty nine points at the interval Menai Bridge's troubles increased immediately following the restart kick when No 8 Liam Allsup Jones broke on the narrow side of a scrum near half way to beat several defenders before crossing for an unconverted try. He then added a second unconverted try as he forced his way over in the left hand corner from the side of a short range driving scrum.
Left wing Aidyn Jones then went over in the corner for an unconverted try after an initial break by Jamie Winning following the ball being recycled near half way. A strong burst down the middle by prop Gareth Jones supported by Narmer el Lamie then set up the platform for centre Mat Hulse to show his strength as he powered through the Bridge defence for a try converted by Jamie Winning.
Hooker Geraint Madoc Jones closed the scoring taking an inside pass from replacement wing Tom Wynne who had made the initial break beating two defenders down the left hand touchline. Jamie Winning added the conversion to cap a workmanlike performance by Dinbych who nevertheless are aware that they need to be more precise in many aspects of their play if they are to overcome Tonyrefail in Saturday's cup encounter.
Bro Ffestiniog 40 v Caernarfon 31
Following report kindly supplied by Bro Ffestiniog RFC.
Bro Ffestiniog ended a run of three defeats with an emphatic win over visitors Caernarfon, the hosts overturning a half time deficit to secure a well deserved bonus-point win.
Through out the match Bro were much the stronger in the set scrum and on eight minutes referee Ceiron Parry awarded Bro a penalty try after Caernarfon were twice penalised for popping up under pressure in the scrum - Wing Ian Roberts converting.
Soon after the restart Bro won turnover ball in midfield and quickly spread the ball, flanker Huw Parry charged onto a short pass from lock Osian Jones but still had plenty to do before crashing over under the posts with Roberts once more adding the extras.
Caernarfon were then awarded a penalty but chose to kick for touch. A quick ball off the top and spread out through the hands with winger Dylan Gwynne showing his pace and diving over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Bro almost hit back immediately, back row marc Morris ripping possession before passing Steve Lay - the big left wing powerful run took him into the visitors 22 and put Huw Parry clean through but for a try saving tackle by Caernarfon's Carwyn Roberts.
On the half hour Bro were awarded a penalty for offside but Roberts failed to split the posts.
Caernarfon put Ffestiniog's defence under a great deal of pressure and following a charge down Bro were unable to clear and touched the ball down behind their own try line. Bro destroyed the attacking scrum 5 but the ball popped out to Caernarfon scrum half Bryn Granville and once more quick hands from the backs and Gwynne claimed his second try in the exact same spot. Fly half Guto Pierce adding the conversion.
Now with their confidence high Caernarfon continued to pressurise deep into Bro's 22 and were awarded a lineout. Once again quick ball out to the backs found centre Dafydd Lloyd who side stepped two defenders but was tackled on the line, the Cofi's recycled quickly and Lloyd was on hand to crash over and converted his own try.
The sides went into the break with the visitors leading 14 - 19.
Only two minutes into the second period Ffestiniog regained the lead through a try from Rhodri Williams - the right wing's run from the half way line - pirouetting through the tackles and diving over for an absolute stunner which Roberts converted.
Bro were by now in complete control as they gained momentum the bonus point try came only 3 minutes later, a rolling maul by Bro's forwards created the try for Marc Morris to claim. Roberts adding the conversion with a little help from the goal post.
A try saving tackle and turnover on his own five meter line by Caernarfon's prop Robat John stopped Morris from claiming his second try.
From a lineout on the Cofi's 10 meter line Bro's hooker Tom James charged down the touch line and offloaded to Parry who's clever angle of run put him clean through to score his second and Roberts once more added the conversion.
But that momentum soon shifted and Caernarfon were camped deep inside Bro's 22 for a good fifteen minutes as they battered the home defence through rumbling mauls and quick recycling. Phase after phase Bro kept them out until a quick tap penalty taken by Granville culminated with flanker Mike Downey crossing the white wash out wide for an unconverted try and the Cofi's were back in the match.
With only five minutes left on the clock Bro all but sealed the victory following another well executed rolling maul - man of the match and Bro's inspirational captain Dewi James claiming the unconverted try.
The visitors were not finished though as they dominated the final minutes of the match. Attack after attack they piled on the pressure and pinned Ffestiniog deep inside their own 22m line. All this pressure was rewarded by a try out wide from left wing Iolo Huws which was converted by Pierce.
This was a highly entertaining Division 1 North encounter and both clubs should be complimented on the high quality of play. While Caernarfon were probably
pre-match favourites - Bro bounced back from a dip in form and stunned the opposition with a comprehensive triumph.
Dolgellau Youth 52 v Treharris Youth 0
Following report kindly supplied by Dolgellau RFC.
Dolgellau Youth welcomed Treharris to the Marian for the third round of the WRU Bowl. At stake was a coveted place in the last eight of the national competition.
The gogs set their stall out early through a try by Dean Thomas taken within the first three minutes of play. Henri Roberts added the extras for the seven point lead. A further two tries followed in quick succession with Jake Hinge and Dafydd George both touching down.
Treharris were unable to contain the home team boys, who were running rampant. Quick hands, intelligent running and support lines put pay to any chance Treharris had of breaking into the game.
The tries kept coming with Dean Thomas and Dafydd George both crossing for their second and further tries by Lewis Jones, Rhys Lewis and Samuel Jones before the break. Three more conversions brought the score to forty eight before the interval.
With five minutes of the first half remaining, All seven Dolgellau subs were sent on to ensure they had game time. The bench was strong and it was particularly pleasing to see no drop off in intensity or performance.
After the break, Dolgellau set about wrapping up the contest and within five minutes, Lewis Jones crossed for his second. With the score over fifty, the game was ended.
The score line suggests a walkover for Dolgellau. Indeed the home team boys dominated every aspect of play. Treharris were starved of possession and territory. It was however as fine a display of simple rugby played well as you could hope to see.
Outside Half Dafydd Roberts (Capt) controlled tempo, put players into space and ran some great lines.
Man of the match, picked by Treharris, was open side Dafydd George. Two tries and some direct running proved too much for the visitors to contend with.
Great effort by all, we look forward to the upcoming quarter final, draw and venue to be confirmed.
Tries: Dean Thomas (2), Dafydd George (2), Lewis Jones (2), Jake Hinge, Rhys Lewis, Samuel Jones
Conversions: Henri Roberts (4)
Ruthin 32 v COBRA 15
Following match report kindly supplied by Ruthin RFC.
Both sides were determined to play attacking rugby in this exciting tussle at Cae Ddol.
COBRA withstood some early pressure from the home side and then began to trouble the Blues in their 22 with Bryn Davies finally going over for a try after 15 minutes.
The Blues responded and after some good work by fly half Jamie Jones the ball was passed out to centre Iestyn Davies who went over the whitewash with centre Nathan Jones converting.
The lead didn’t last long however as the visitors were straight back in the Blues half and after driving towards the line were awarded a penalty try which Will Worthington converted putting them 12-7 ahead.
Play was oscillating from end to end and the visitors went further ahead with a penalty goal from Worthington 5 minutes before the break.
The Blues clawed back 3 points almost straight away with a penalty goal from Nathan and the game ended with the visitors ahead 15-10.
A minute into the 2nd half the Blues got the lead back with a try from Jones which he converted. COBRA went down to 14 men with a yellow card and the Blues capitalised with another penalty goal from Nathan and shortly afterwards wing Huw Parry was released along the wing by Jamie Jones and jigged past a couple of defenders for a fine try converted by Nathan.
With 20 minutes to go and a 12 point lead the Blues were playing with confidence in their search for the bonus point try.
Wing Kyle Davies finally broke through COBRA’s defence with 5 minutes to go for an unconverted try and the game played out with the Blues winning 32-15.
This was a good and timely win for the Blues against a robust COBRA side and sets them up well for their Conwy Land Rover North Wales cup tie at Abergele next week.
Llangollen 23 v Wrexham 20
Following report kindly supplied by Llangollen RFC.
Llangollen got back to league rugby on Saturday when they hosted local rivals Wrexham in Division 2 East match up.
It promised to be tight affair as Wrexham who had only lost to Shotton so far in the league and had beaten Llan 3 weeks earlier in the North Wales cup would be looking to push on and Llan who were still un-beaten in the league would want to keep that record going.
The first 20 mins was a very tight and cagey affair with both sides swapping penalties, Llan outside half Roger Chadwick on target for the home side. With the Llan pack starting to dominate at scrum time it was some loose back play that gifted Wrexham the ball in the Llan 22 they quickly setup the scoring chance and crossed the the line and converted to take a 3-10 lead.
As the half wore on the dominance of Llan's forwards started to have an impact as the Wrexham scrum was beginning to creak and Llan were now applying the pressure. A clearance kick from Wrexham was taken by full back Josh Wilson inside his own 22 and he proceeded to beat the first line of defenders, he then showed the rest of the Wrexham defence a clean pair of heels as speed and footwork took him all the way down to the corner and he crossed for the try. Chadwick couldn't convert from out wide.
Llan now with the bit between their teeth dominated possession and territory and were soon awarded a 5 meter scrum, their dominance at scrum time continued and they steadily drove the Wrexham pack over the line enabling captain and number 8 Chris Jones to pick up and cross the line for the try. Chadwick missed the conversion but Llan looked good for their 13-10 lead.
With halftime approaching Llan looked to extend their lead with hooker Jack Wilson and Flanker Peter Smith making in roads into the 22 but couldn't quite get over the line.
The second half saw Wrexham look to get back in the game and looked to get the upper hand they pressured Llan but Llan managed to withstand this and Outside Half Chadwick increased the Llan advantage with a well struck penalty to take the score to 16-10, Wrexham came back and after 10 minutes the pressure paid off as they crossed the white wash to bring the scores back to within a point following a missed conversion.
Half way through the second half Wrexham were dealt a blow as their winger was shown a red card for a no arm tackle on Llan second row Iwan Lloyd Jones who landed heavily on his neck.
Llan could sense the victory and began piling on the pressure which finally paid off when fullback Wilson capitalised on the forward pressure and acrobatically crossed in the corner. Chadwick converted and Llan took a 23-15 lead.
Wrexham however were not giving up and with 10 mins to go and both sides having a player in the sin bin they looked to steal the game from Llan and applied concerted pressure this finally paid off as they crossed the line out wide. The conversion to take them within a point was missed and Llan settled down and played out the final minutes to secure the victory.
Coach Mark Price added "what a great performance we knew it would be tough but we also knew we could compete with them. We made a couple of mistakes in the cup game and we knew if we cut them out we could win. I am so proud of the lads the shift they all put in was immense, we are classed as a little club by many but games like this and the fact we are still un beaten in the league shows that this little club can compete. We have a tough away game next week at Welshpool and we will start work for that in training".
Llandrindod Wells 62 v CIACS 0
Following report kindly supplied by Llandrindod Wells RFC.
Llandrindod Wells 62 v CIAC (Cardiff International Athletic Club) 0
Llandrindod continued their winning ways with a comprehensive victory over a spirited CIAC team who never gave up. The writing was on the wall for the away team early in the game with an again dominant scrum leading to a pushover try for Geraint Evans which was converted by Jonathan Duggan.
Winger Gareth Oakley was next on the scoreheet after a strong run for another converted try before tries from Ash Hammond and Skipper Richard Watkins, one converted, ensured that the bonus point was in the bag after half an hour. Two further tries were added in the first half with winger Mark Davies pinning his ears back to finish superbly with the second try being from his own half. Both tries were converted by Duggan.
The second half saw uncontested scrums as a result of injuries to the CIAC's pack.
This gave the Llandrindod backs more ball and with Aled Price pulling the strings at 10, full back Ben Williams squeezed over in the corner for an unconverted try.
Next was a second try for second row Ash Hammond before the Penybont flier Davies completed his hatrick after a neat offload from Bon Williams. Duggan converted from in front of the posts. The final try was scored by Bon Williams who finished well from a slick handling movement before CIAC finished the game with some possession but could not break down the home defence.
Llandrindod are now building some momentum after a slow start to the season and their next game is away to Hirwaun in the League on 17th December.
Colwyn Bay 0 v Nant Conwy 43
Following report kindly supplied by Nant Conwy RFC.
Dipyn o bryder cyn y gêm yma gan fod nifer o chwaraewyr dewis cyntaf Nant ddim ar gael a hefyd y wybodaeth fod gan Bae Colwyn flaenwyr nerthol. Serch hynny, eithaf cyfartal oedd hi yn y munudau cyntaf gyda’r un tîm yn ildio dim tir.
Diffiy disgybliaeth gan un o flaenwyr Bae Colwyn yn arwain i gerdyn melyn ac yn rhoi y fantais i Nant i ymosod yn hanner y tîm cartref am y rhan fwyaf o’r hanner cyntaf. Ar y pum munud a’r hugain, gwelwyd Derwyn Williams yn codi’r bêl o’r ryc ac yn sgorio’r cais cyntaf i Nant. Ar ôl tri deg pump munud, pêl sydyn allan o’r sgrym a Gwion Ellis-Jones yn rhedeg fel milgi i lawr yr asgell dde i sgorio’r ail gais. Ar yr hanner amser roedd Nant ar y blaen o ddeg pwynt yn erbyn dim.
Yn yr ail hanner, gwelwyd Nant yn chwarae rygbi ysbrydol a chyflym,ac unwaith eto yn dangos sgiliau o safon uchel yn mhob agwedd. Bae Colwyn yn trio eu gorau i rwystro ond unwaith eto cerdyn melyn, y tro yma am dacl beryglus ar Cai Jones, yn ychwanegu at fantais Nant ac ar ôl pum munud gwelwyd Delwyn Jones yn rhedeg yn nerthol i sgorio’r trydydd cais.
Gyda phwynt bonws o fewn golwg, gwelwyd Jack Moriarty yn ochor gamu ei ffordd at y llinell gais, pasio’r bel i Rob Parry ac yntau wedyn yn trosglwyddo’r bel i Carwyn Ellis i sicrhau’r pwynt bonws. Yna, ar yr awr, Robat Lewis yn sgorio ei gais cyntaf i’r clwb gan roi y bêl o dan y pyst i Arthur Lennon ei throsi yn llwyddianus.
Er gwaethaf yr anfatais yn mhwysau’r blaenwyr, dangosodd blaenwyr Nant eu nerth i wthio pac y tîm cartref yn ôl o’r llinell pum medr i ganiatau Carwyn Ellis sgorio ei ail gais am y prynhawn. Gyda’r bib ar fin cael ei chwythu, cydnabyddiaeth a dealltwriaeth dda rhwng Gwion Ellis-Jones ac Arthur Lennon yn dilyn i’r cais olaf am y dydd.
Y sgor terfynol Bae Colwyn 0 Nant Conwy 43
Y gem nesaf Dydd Sadwrn y 10ed o Rhagfyr bydd gêm Plât SWALEC yn erbyn Maesteg Quins yn Pant Carw am ddau o’r gloch.
Mae’n bosibl gwylio penawdau o rhai o’r gemau ar You Tube Highlights tryfest
With a number of Nant’s boys unavailable combined with the physical make-up of the Colwyn Bay pack, it could have been be a tough day at the office and in the opening minutes we saw both sides going toe to toe.
However, with just over 12minutes down, Colwyn Bay lost their tight head to a yellow card for insubordination towards the referee giving Nant the one man advantage.
With the Nant pack gaining territory on the home team and with a quick ball out of the ruck, the first unconverted try went to tight head Derwyn Jones.
Following a short period of unforced errors on both sides, it was scrum down and a quick ball out to Gwion Ellis-Jones who showed his explosive speed down the right wing popping the second unconverted touchdown neatly over the line within 35 minutes of play.
Try as they might Colwyn Bay were unable to breach the Nant defence for the remainder of the half.
With the scores on the doors being 10 – 0 at the break.
A dangerous high tackle delivered by Colwyn’s number 22 on Cai Jones resulted in a further yellow card for the home team. Within minutes Delwyn Jones powered through the home side’s defence and touched down for the third try.
Within sight of the bonus point, we saw a three man assault on the home team with Jack Moriarty showing pace, side stepping the opposition and skilfully off-loading to Rob Parry who powered through the Colwyn’s defence neatly off-loading to Carwyn Ellis who touched down for the bonus point which Arthur Lennon deftly converted.
Following a very fast three minutes of free flowing rugby, new boy, Rob Lewis touched down neatly between the posts for his first try for the club with Arthur Lennon adding the extras.
Despite having a considerable weight disadvantage in the pack, the Nant boys showed their strength and determination to drive Colwyn backwards off their five meter line allowing Carwyn Ellis crossed over the line again.
As full time approached a nifty piece of footwork between Gwion Ellis-Jones & Arthur Lennon saw the last try of the match placed right between the posts by Arthur Lennon who swiftly added that final extras.
Final score 43/0
The next fixture is the SWALEC Plate game against Maesteg Quins on Saturday December 10th at Pant Carw. Kick off 2.00pm.
Highlights of Nant Games can be viewed on You Tube Highlights Tryfest
Sgorwyr NANT CONWY scorers:
Ceisiau / Tries: Carwyn Ellis [2], Derwyn Williams, Gwion Ellis-Jones, Delwyn Jones, Robert Lewis & Arthur Lennon
Trosi / Conversions: Arthur Lennon [4]
[Sue & JohnParry]
Abergele 22 v Mold 37
Following report kindly supplied by Abergele RFC.
This was another high tempo, highly competitive match to keep the crowd at Pentre Mawr entertained. Referee, Dylan Llyr Jones, kept this game flowing helping to keep both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats to the end.
Both sides looked to throw the ball around at every opportunity, the difference between the two sides being Mold’s driving maul which won them three of their six tries. Gele’s discipline let them down on a couple of occasions, twice being sent back 10mtrs by the referee but overall it was a much improved performance scoring three excellent tries.
The first Gele try came straight off the training field some brilliant hands from the backs opened up the defence for Jac Gronow to run straight and hard to score under the posts. Both teams used the boot effectively, for Gele Rob Bingham looked comfortable under the high ball and countered well on every occasion.
Jac Gronow crossed for another try, which was added to by Rich Medlicott who scored a superb solo effort, Ben Jones added a couple of conversions and a penalty.
Both sets of forwards battled for every ball and for Gele the usual outstanding performances from Josh Woods, Joe Lavin and Anthony Tilley were complemented by the rest of the forwards who are gelling as a hard working, cohesive unit.
The match was close, with just a single score between the teams up to seventy minutes but a late converted try and a penalty saw Mold out of sight to take the spoils in a very entertaining match.
Next Saturday, Gele are at home to Ruthin in the Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup with a 2pm kick off.
There are no events to show yet.