A round up of reports from games involving the clubs of North and Mid Wales.
If you have a report you would like added to this round-up, please email the details to gwcymru1@aol.com - many thanks
Dolgellau 37 v Shotton Steel 18
Following report kindly supplied by Dolgellau RFC.
Dolgellau came through this hugely entertaining encounter to secure a bonus point victory, showing plenty of character to come from 0-8 down and having been reduced to 13 men in a highly charged opening half hour.
Shotton came out of the blocks on fire, and went ahead after only three minutes, when centre Adam Lynskey created space for wing Darren Rees to squeeze over in the corner. Ten minutes later Shotton full-back Steve Ellison slotted over a penalty for high tackle to put the Steel men 0-8 ahead and looking very comfortable. In a bizarre few minutes half way through the half Dolgellau lost both half backs, Gerwyn Thomas and Jac Roberts to yellow cards. But the hosts responded well, and with first half injury time looming, prop Dan Brazier broke free to release his fellow prop, Greg Smithies to cross the whitewash.
Skipper, Gerwyn Thomas, now back on the field, added the conversion to make it 7-8.
Six minutes into added time Shotton extended their lead, with Ellison putting over a penalty as Dolgellau handled in a ruck situation.
But straight from the re-start came the try of the match as Dolgellau full-back, Gerwyn Pugh countered from his own 22, Thomas took it over half way, and prop Dan Brazier was again involved to put in flanker Iwan Evans under the posts for a great try. Thomas again added the conversion to put Dolgellau in an unlikely 14-11 lead in a half that had lasted fifty five minutes.
Ten minutes into the second period, Dolgellau scored their third try, as Dan Brazier scored following a drive from five meter line out, to give them a 19-11 lead. But Shotton always looked threatening behind, and centre Adam Lynskey intercepted a loose Dolgellau pass on half way to sprint home under the posts. Full back Steve Ellison added the extras and they were right back in it at 19-18 after fifteen minutes.
Dolgellau made the changes, and replacement full-back, Henri Roberts finished a move started by brother Jac on half way, and aided by centre Dylan Evans. Roberts added the conversion and put over a penalty to put Dolgellau 29-18 ahead after half an hour.
Henri Roberts added his second penalty at the end of normal time, but seven minutes into stoppage time Dolgellau replacement Danny Evans sped away down theleft and chipped ahead, with replacement wing Rhys Lewis touching down to close the scoring on a great contest and making the final score 37-18.
Referee : John Grifiths
Caernarfon 67 v Bro Ffestiniog 7
Following report kindly supplied by Caernarfon RFC.
The opening exchanges were not indicative of the twelve try score fest that was to follow in this league fixture. Indeed, Bro were confident enough with ball in hand during the opening ten minutes but it was the quick thinking of Cofi scrumhalf Bryn Granville that opened the scoring following Caernarfon's initial four phase charge when he snipped blind to ground out wide. Aled Jones landed a fine conversion to improve the effort.
As the first quarter was drawing to a close Bro struck back when wing Gethin Jones outfoxed the defence, freed himself from numerous attempted tackles and scored close to the corner flag, another try that was classically added to by the boot of Mathew Williams. This riposte stirred the Cofis to life, led admirably by stand off Carwyn Roberts who soon showed that the Bro rearguard could be breached. One of his many breaks found Mike Downey in support and the quick feed freed wing Ellis Roberts to score. Next to cross was ever improving prop Armando Morgan who's support play granted him a fully deserved touchdown.
The game ended as a contest when Caernarfon were able to add another two tries prior to the halftime whistle. Derfel Thomas broke free from a forward charge in centre field and the quick release was ceased upon by Griff Ifor who disregarded the awaiting overlap to charge over. With half time approaching strong running Mac Jones nearly got on the scoreboard but on being tackled just short had the presence of mind to offload to supporting livewire Bryn Granville, for the scrumhalf to run in unhindered and to see the effort being improved by Aled Jones to draw the half to a close with the Cofis 29 points to 7 to the good.
The second half followed the same pattern despite the best efforts of the Bro faithful. Dewi James carried well from the base of scrums and Stephen Lay charged with purpose but ball was too often coughed up, so no sustained period of pressure could be maintained. Caernarfon were by contrast relishing the supply that came their way with a neat backline interchange enabling Dylan Gwyn to outpace the defence for the opening try of the half. There followed, probably the try of the match as a clearance kick was fielded by replacement and stalwart Rhys Evans who having seen the ball move via Rhobat John and Bryn Granville was yet again at hand to collect and score.
Another clearance effort was parried by Griff Ifor and on being held up short found Carwyn Roberts in support to cross the whitewash. The timing of passes was bewildering the defence with Mike Downey's opening try being a good example. Morgan fielded a clearance and with the aid of Granville and Roberts the final pass granted the flanker his try.
Simon Kalafusz and Rhodri Williams were tenacious in the tackle for Bro and debutant hooker Ynyr Woolway was only found wanting in the technical aspect of lineout work. Changes saw the Cofi scrum dominant as Downey was able to pick up and score from five metres but minutes later when uncontested scrums were introduced the intensity lessened and only one try was added during the final fifteen minutes. On this occasion a series of forward drives finally saw Gareth Pritchard collect and charge over. Aled Jones missed the final conversion effort but had been successful with four out of five previously during the half.
A number of matches in the league of late have seen score lines that do very little to promote the league as a competitive entity, Caernarfon will be hoping and fairly confident if in this mode that their next encounter with current Champions Pwllheli will not follow such a trend.
COBRA 19 v Ruthin 5
Following report kindly supplied by Ruthin RFC.
After withstanding some early pressure from Ruthin, COBRA clicked into gear and after 15 minutes play centre Iwan Vaughn popped over the line for a try with Will Worthington converting.
COBRA kept up the pressure and their ascendancy In the scrum paid off when after 25 minutes No 8 Jack Jukes nipped out from a COBRA scrum 5 yards out from Ruthin’s line and scored.
The Blues tried to reduce the arrears but couldn’t get past a solid home defence and just before half time prop Hywel Jones got COBRA’s third try converted by Harry Jukes.
At 19-0 down and having lost two starting players to injury in the first half the Blues had their backs to the wall and had to try and claw back some points.
After 5 minutes they got some relief when the pack drove over the line and 2nd row Pete Harrison got a much needed try.
The Blues exerted some long periods of pressure in the COBRA 22 for much of the 2nd half but again the home side’s defence held.
Just before full time it was the visitors turn to defend well as COBRA tried to get their bonus point but all to no avail and the whistle blew with the score 19-5 to COBRA.
With just 4 points separating the two relegation contenders everything now rests on the last game of the season for both teams with Ruthin at home to Mold and COBRA away to Colwyn Bay.
Wrexham Youth 17 v Denbigh Youth 17
Following report kindly supplied by Denbigh RFC.
A proverbial game of two halves saw the spoils shared between the two sides. Before kick-off Wrexham held second place in North Wales League Division 1 game by a narrow margin of 2 points over Dinbych in third position, with each having 2 games to play. Dinbych will be disappointed that they missed the opportunity to go second but will settle for a point that keeps them in contention for the runner up spot.
In fine conditions, Dinbych started well with early pressure forcing the hosts to concede a penalty on the 22-metre line. Gruff Roberts slotted the ball safely between the posts to open the scoring for the visitors.
Wrexham then responded with their pacey back line looking very dangerous. As Wrexham attacked on the right flank, Dinbych’s efforts at a rush defence misfired allowing the home wing over in the corner for their first try.
Wrexham increased their margin a short time later as Dinbych were caught napping from a quick tap penalty that saw Wrexham go over under the posts. The conversion took their lead to 10-3.
Dinbych continue to battle well, with full back Jac Jones and the superb Rhys Johnson on the flank making dangerous breaks. However, despite this early promise, Dinbych could not retain possession to truly threaten the Wrexham line. As the interval approach, a further lapse in defensive concentration allowed Wrexham through for their third try. Although the conversion went well, Wrexham now had a seemingly daunting 17-3 lead at half time.
Dinbych’s prospects were not improved as the second half opened with a yellow card for one of the visiting forwards following a technical offence at the scrum. The depleted Dinbych side held out and once restored to full strength, started to take control of the game.
Coaches Nigel Jones and David Jones took the opportunity to bleed Mini-Junior section products Ryan Davenport, Curig Brady and scrum-half Henry Maitland-Davies (the latter fresh from the Wales Under 18 training squad). The debutants immediately blended into the team and played their part in the second half turnaround.
Dinbych’s recovery started with an excellent solo effort from number eight Connor Hinchcliffe who powerfully weaved his way through the Wrexham defence and took 3 tacklers with him as he touched down under the posts for the visitors’ opening try. Gruff Roberts had a simple conversion to narrow the margin to 17-10.
Dinbych were now in the ascendancy and were rewarded for their efforts a short time later after a period of sustained pressure in the right-hand corner. A quick tap penalty was taken by hooker Harri Evans, who used his power and handling skills worthy of Inspector Gadget to reach over to put the ball over the line for Dinbych’s second. This conversion attempt was trickier but Gruff Roberts showed no sign of pressure as he coolly kicked it straight through the uprights to bring the teams level at 17-17.
The teams continued to battle for the win but robust defence on both sides denied any further scores. The last act of the game saw Wrexham moving towards the Dinbych 22 metre line and the visitors agonisingly conceded a penalty in kicking range. A defeat at that final stage would have been painful for Dinbych to stomach after their second half efforts. The penalty attempt was straight but fell just short confirming the result as a tie. Both teams will have been disappointed not to have secured the win but the neutral observer would consider it a fair result.
For the second successive season, Dinbych go into the final game with the prospect of securing runners-up status in the League. Dinbych will need to overcome neighbours Rhuthun away (date to be confirmed) and hope that Wrexham do not take any points in their last game. Wrexham face league champions Nant Conwy whose only defeat this season was inflicted by Dinbych so the final round of games should give an exciting finish to the season.
Llandudno 20 v Pwllheli 27
Following report kindly supplied by Llandudno RFC.
This was a match that could have gone either way due to some refereeing decisions which mainly affected the home side from gaining match winning points.
Llan took the lead with a well executed movement along the back division resulting in centre Dave Davies touching down for an unconverted try after only two minutes of play.
Pwll however hit back shortly afterwards with a similar try by John Pugh and they were next on the score line when from quick ball from a set scrum that Nick Butterworth scored the first of his three tries.
Pwll always looked dangerous with ball in hand, and increased there lead with Nick Butterworth touching for his second try which was converted by Owain Jones.
Llan however had the final say of this first half taking the lead with a Cameron Davies penalty. Just before the half time whistle an incident took place between Kelvin Davies and a Pwll player resulting in him receiving a red card which to the home supporters was unjustified, and the Pwll player a yellow.
The second half was one of both teams counter attacking with Pwll scoring three tries one by Nick Butterworth, Tom Parry, and Tom Pugh, with Llan responding in the final
quarter of play with an outstanding try by Cameron Davies who from within his own half outstripped the Pwll defence with his pace to score a try which he also converted, bringing an end to match that was marred by refereeing decisions.
Next Saturday away at Abergele KO 2.30.
Match Report by Howie.
Denbigh 40 v Llanidloes 22
Following report kindly supplied by Denbigh RFC.
Dinbych had secured a bonus point in a six try first half performance including four by centre Owain Davies as they built up an unassailable lead against Llanidloes by the interval. They then gave a disjointed display in the second half as they were pegged back by a competitive aggressive display by Llanidloes who refused to concede defeat at any stage.
With Dinbych's pitches unavailable because of a major junior tournament they were grateful of Rhyl RFC's kind offer of hosting the match at their Waun ground with the encounter also having an unreal feel as it was played with non contested scrums due to the visitor's front row problems.
Dinbych started poorly as they conceded a penalty in front of their posts in the second minute when they failed to release the ball at a breakdown allowing Aran Price to put points on the board for Llanidloes with an easy kick. Dinbych quickly responded four minutes later with an attack initiated by wing Alun Davies from inside his own half.
Two strong carries by skipper David Haydock and flanker Namer el Lamie allowed outside half Dan O'Sullivan to release Owain Davies through a gap on a forty metre run to touch down under the posts for his first try converted by Dan O'Sullivan.
They went further ahead after they kicked a penalty into touch inside the Llanidloes 22 which was secured by lock Gareth Beach. Flanker Tom Eden made ground infield from a driving maul before being halted just short of the line for the evergreen Llion Edwards having a rare first team outing to recycle. Owain Davies then took advantage of a neat pass by co centre Dan Lawrence to go over for his second try under the posts, converted by Dan O'Sullivan.
With Dinbych intent on all out attack they then suffered the consequence of an intercepted telegraphed pass on their 10 metre line which allowed Llanidloes centre Paul Jehu an unopposed run in for a try converted by Andi Price.
This setback failed to deter Dinbych's positive approach and they increased their lead when Dan Lawrence made a 20 metre break from a tap penalty inside his own half which was carried on by Tom Eden and Dan O'Sullivan. The ball was then released to full back Tom Wynne who offloaded to the supporting Owain Davies to outpace the defence for his hat trick try again converted by Dan O'Sullivan.
Dinbych went further ahead after another line out take on the Llanidloes 10 metre line by Gareth Beach for prop Richard Williams to drive forward and Dan O'Sullivan to take play deep into the Llanidloes 22 on the right. The ball was then recycled infield and only halted by strong Llanidloes defence before drives by No 8 Liam Allsup Jones and Richard Williams ended with Tom Eden going over in the corner for his first senior try.
Dan O'Sullivan added Dinbych's fifth try just before half time when he caught a Llanidloes chip ahead on halfway to brush off a tackler and run in for a try which he converted himself.
Dinbych then scored following the restart kick when Dan Lawrence picked up a loose Llanidloes pass for Llion Edwards and Dan O'Sullivan to release Owain Davies on a touchline run brushing past a defender before touching down under the posts for his fourth try again converted by Dan O'Sullivan.
Leading by forty points to ten at the interval Dinbych might have expected to carry on in similar vein in the second half but they then produced a disjointed performance as they squandered a number of try scoring opportunities to increase their lead.
At the same time Llanidloes continued to compete strongly in all aspects especially at the breakdown whilst their support play enabled them to retain possession through multiple phases of play.
It was now Dinbych's turn to defend especially as they had emptied the bench with the replacements finding themselves under increasing pressure. Despite their strong defence they were unable to stop the visitors clawing back the deficit as they forced their way over for two short range tries by scrum half Iwan Jones and centre James Davies, one of which was converted by Price to give the visitors some confidence for the return fixture at the end of the season.
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