A round up of reports from games involving the clubs of North and Mid Wales.
If you would like your match report included in the weekly round-up please forward the details to gwcymru1@aol.com and it will be included with pleasure.
Dinbych 2nds 25 v Machynlleth 11 - match report
Following report kindly supplied by Dinbych RFC.
Caeau Les Phillips welcomed Machynlleth RFC for what would be an exhilarating Division 3 North clash.
Caeau Les Phillips welcomed a Machynlleth side which had kicked off the 2018/19 season with a bonus point win against Benllech and had pushed Pwllheli 2nd XV all the way in a tense 12-9 loss at Parc Bodegroes.
The game’s early stages see-sawed from one half of the pitch to the other, good pressure from the visitors forced a panicked pass which gifted Machynlleth the put in at the scrum just outside of Dinbych’s 22. A steady Machynlleth scrum gave their Scrum Half a great attacking base as he tore over the 22m line and popped a pass to a team mate who crashed the ball deep into the 22. The referee penalised Dinbych for slowing the ball down and the resulting penalty was easily converted by the visitors.
Sustained pressure from several Machynlleth attacks was only relieved when a Machynlleth forward lost possession of the ball near Dinbych’s 5 meter line. From the resulting scrum Dinbych found touch but were unable to stop the visitors from stealing the ball and driving forward, the hosts ill discipline was punished again with the Referee Mr Carwyn Lewis penalising Dinbych for hands in the ruck. The kicking from Machynlleth once agains accurate as they stretched their lead to 6-0.
Dinbych continued to weather several attacks from Machynlleth, who kept Dinbych pinned in their own half for large periods of the game. Just before half time Dinbych hit back from a lineout on Machynlleth’s 22m line, with ball secured at the lineout the back line showed great handling skills to put Winger Dylan Easton in the corner for a superb finish. The resulting conversion dropping wide.
The half time team talk from Ivor Williams and Llion Edwards must have worked wonders, as Dinbych hit back at Machynlleth almost immediately. Several strong carries into Machynlleth’s half were rewarded when the Referee penalised Machynlleth for slowing the ball down illegally. From the resulting tap penalty Lock Rory Tolley crashed the ball into Machynlleth’s 22, further pressure from Dinbych saw Machynlleth penalised again and quick thinking Scrum Half Robyn Cartwright tapped the ball and quickly span the ball wide to his half back partner Iwan Johnson. The Fly Half’s slick hands put in his brother Rhys Johnson for try well deserved following Dinbych’s mounting pressure. Conversion unsuccessful.
A moment of madness from a Machynlleth Prop saw him red carded for a swinging arm tackle, but the reduction in numbers did nothing to dampen the visitors appetite for attacking. Following multiple carries from the Machynlleth pack they soon crossed Dinbych’s 5m line and looked in no mood for leaving without a try. And so it was as a final quick pass supplied a grinning Machynlleth forward as he crashed over for a try. Conversion unsuccessful.
From the restart Dinbych slowly increased the pressure on the opposition, strong carries from the forwards took them into Machynlleth’s 22 only for poor handling to gift Machynlleth the opportunity to clear their lines with a kick towards their 10m line.
Machynlleth stole the ball at the lineout and pressed forward only for the ball to spill loose and be hacked down field by Dinbych. Machynlleth turned on the speed and tried to outflank the home defence, the ball however was spilt and scooped up by Dinbych. The ball found Scrum Half Cartwright in mid field who in turn supplied Full Back Tom Wynne whose pace outstripped the covering defence for a fine try. Replacement Winger Ben Reed successful with his first conversion of the day.
Winger Reed would need his kicking tee once again, the referee awarding Dinbych a penalty which Reed slotted from over 30 metres out.
Machynlleth sensing that time was against them now threw everything at the home side, wave after wave of short range carries desperate to reach Dinbych’s try line. Outside Centre Andrew Wilson was sent to the bin for deliberately knocking the ball on, Dinbych tackling like men possessed to keep visitors out. A counter ruck by Dinbych dispossessed the visitors and the ball was sent upfield to relieve the incessant pressure.
A good chase was rewarded when a poor kick by Machynlleth was fielded and ran back by Flanker Rhys Johnson, offloading in the tackle the ball was then taken up field by Lock Rory Tolley who’s timely offload found Fly Half Iwan Johnson who jinked past the covering defence to score his side’s 4th try of the afternoon. A fitting reward for a fine afternoons work from the youngster. Conversion unsuccessful.
Next weekend the 2nd Team travel to 3rd place Pwllheli 2nd XV in what should be a great advert for 2nd Team rugby in the National Leagues.
Llangefni 26 v Nant Conwy 31 - the Cefni match report
Following report kindly supplied by Llangefni RFC.
This certainly was a game of 2 halves as the visitors controlled matters for the vast majority of the 1st half. It was 21-5 to Nant at the break, but Cefni won the 2nd half 21-10. Nant started very well eager to display their champions pedigree. They hit the hosts with 2 quickfire tries on 12 and 14 minutes : the 1st was scored by winger Gethin Roberts, the 2nd by Carwyn Ellis, both improved by Steffan Horan. Although Nant were well contained in the 2nd quarter, they still managed one excellent try by 2nd row Carwyn Roberts whose gallop to the line would not have shamed any centre 3 quarter.
It was 21-0 in stoppage time, but Nant were penalised. Cefni kicked to the corner, and executed an excellent driving maul for Dave Jones to score. So it was 21-5 at the break and a glimmer of hope for the hosts. That glimmer soon shone brighter as Greg Horsman raced over soon after the break and Rhys Hughes added the extras. 21-12. Nant replied with a 2nd try from Gethin Roberts on 54minutes, Horan making it 28-12.
Cefni were the better team in the 2nd period and were in no mood to lie down. They came up with 2 excellent tries , both scored by Richard Foulkes, and both converted by Rhys Hughes. At 26-28, there was a lot of nail biting from the champions` supporters, but another penalty for Nant allowed Steffan Horan to maintain his 100% accuracy from the tee with a 3 pointer which proved to be the final score of the match.
It was an excellent effort from the Cefni squad and a result which shows they are closing in on that elusive 1st win of the season. Indeed , had their ball retention been marginally better, they would have won this game.
DIVISION 3 NORTH
Llangefni 2nds 68 v Mold 2nds 0
The magical mix of youth and veterans was far too much for Mold to handle as the hosts scored 10 unanswered tries, with 9 of them being converted by super marksman Carwyn Milburn.
The try scorers were as follows : Ioan Davies 3, Tom Glyn 2, Danial Jones 2, Alun Jones 2 and Morus Whalley 1.
Llangefni Youth lost at home to Dolgellau.
Llandudno 2nds 10 v Wrexham 2nds 44 - match report
Following report kindly supplied by Wrexham RFC.
A strengthened Wrexham 2nds team made the trip to Llandudno on Saturday with the aim of maintaining their winning ways from Bala in their previous encounter. Over the past 2 weeks the squad had worked on complex tactical improvements, such as fielding more than 13 players.
With a squad based around the 13 heroes who had triumphed at Bala, the squad was bolstered by heavyweights such as Jamie Weston and Mike Moore in the pack and lightweights Ed Evans, Jacob Hughes and Cillian Paget in the backs.
The game began with some intense Wrexham pressure. Calmly going through phases, Gavin Jones orchestrated the attacks to get Wrexham in a good position in the Llan 22. When the pressure was too much, Llandudno went offside and conceded a penalty which Jones took quickly, feeding Mike Moore who was able to crash over in the corner.
The restart led to a period of pressure from Llan, however Wrexham’s defence remained solid. Kerry Powell particularly stood out, chasing down any errant attackers and contesting fiercely any ball on the ground. Wrexham cleared their lines and began another attack. This like a well crafted move in the backs allowed Scott Leckie to jog over under the posts.
Llan's heavier pack had caused problems early in the game but as they began to tire space opened up for the Wrexham backs. Jones saw a gap in his 22 and fed the ball along the backline where Ed Evans pace and agility allowed him to dance 50 meters to another try.
Things became tighter towards the end of the second half. Wrexham’s oldest player Keir Harding was brought into the team to bring a measured, clinical and thoughtful influence to the team, based on his years of experience. He was able to do this not only for the players on the pitch, but also the substitutes on the sideline during the 10 minutes he joined them after his yellow card for persistent infringements. Llan seized the opportunity and sneaked a try in at the close of the half.
Hooker John Morton joined the Wrexham front row for the second half. Oddly wider than he is tall, John is not most people’s picture of an elusive runner, yet once again he lived up to his slippery John nickname and sidestepped two backs to get under the Llan posts. Tries were becoming easier now. The Llan kickoff went to a freshly returned Harding. After going through a gap he made a pinpoint reveres pass Sonny Bill style/hurled the ball in a random direction – which allowed Ed Evans to once again surge up the pitch. A quick off load meant another Wrexham try followed by another when back row John Gormly was fortunate enough not to have moved from the preceding scrum and took the ball for an easy touchdown.
Generally it isn’t a Wrexham 2nds game without Scott Davis getting on the score sheet and this week he once again eschewed dainty running and sidesteps, opting to pick up a dropped ball in the 22 at pace and hammer his way over the tryline.
Wrexham took their foot off the gas at the end of the game and Llan seized the opportunities. Penalties allowed them to kick into good positions and a lineout in the 22 set up a maul where 2 players crashed over for a try.
Once again Wrexham extend their thanks to the opposition and the referee for giving us a great afternoon. I don’t think I’ve ever had the opposition pull me up from the ground as much as happened yesterday. I suspect Llandudno are particularly gracious although I can’t rule out that these days I may just look more deserving of pity.
Of those that didn’t score, Jamie Weston and Kerry Powell stood out for their work around the park. Dylan Hills was like William Tell with his lineout throwing and Keir Harding was outstanding for Llan, giving them great match position throughout the first half. In the backs Jacob Hughes and Cillian Paget played crucial roles in most of the tries, while Torio de Rosa created a lot of space under high pressure.
2 wins from 2 for Wrexham. With a number of todays players missing next week it will be a challenge to keep up the current momentum.
Bro Ffestiniog 12 v Ruthin 25 - match report
Following report kindly supplied by Ruthin RFC.
A Ruthin team much changed by injury and unavailability visited Bro expecting a hard game as they had not recorded an away win there in the last 7 seasons. Many regulars were missing and some had to play in unfamiliar positions. Fortunately despite recent heavy rain the pitch was in good condition thanks to recent drainage work carried out. This helped Ruthin’s lively back division who scored 3 tries on the day.
After a short period of Bro dominance Ruthin were awarded a penalty in the 22 for a deliberate knock-on and following a quick tap Jordan Jones burst over the line only to be denied as the ball was held up and not grounded. All was not lost however as following a long penalty kick to the 22 and a quick passing move Jordan touched down near the posts and Dyfan Humphreys was successful with the conversion.
Following high tackles both sides had players yellow carded. As Ruthin were the more effective in the loose the extra space gave them the edge and following a long penalty advantage Bryn Shepperd touched down for an unconverted try. Yet another high tackle gave Ruthin a penalty that was kicked by Dyfan to end the half that Ruthin had won decisively.
The second half started in much the same way with Dyfan scoring try that he converted. Bro came back and applied long periods of pressure as the sin- binned players returned. The pressure resulted in their first try by skipper Tom James converted by Danny McCormack. As the pressure continued Ruthin were glad to have a penalty opportunity from a scrum kicked by Dyfan to increase their lead. Bro were able to score another try by Ewart Williams this time not converted. Despite pressing for another try to secure a bonus point Ruthin were unable to score and so the game ended 12–25.
Llandudno 37 v Bethesda 5 - match report
Following report kindly supplied by Llandudno RFC.
After a shaky first half, the Goats in the second half put together a strong attacking platform, and a firm defence, making it three wins out of three played at the start of this new season.
The first half was one of a evenly balanced encounter, but with the Goats just having the edge of play in general. During this first half they were awarded three penalties which there talisman Ryan Pike converted, giving them nine points lead going into the second half.
Within five minutes of the restart the Goats broke from defence, cutting a path through
the visitors defence, and it was Nick Dundee who was at hand to take a try scoring pass near to the posts, which gave Ryan Pike an easy conversion.
The next try again came out of defence, when Byron Davies noticed a rushed defence, and
chipped the ball over for Ryan Pike to run onto and collect, and touch down under the posts also adding two more points from the conversion.
The Goats now had there tails up,and continued to probe the visitors wall of defence, and it was from a Line out deep inside of the visitors half that they split the defence open, with Ed Weston crashing over for a converted try by Ryan Pike.
The Goats were now on a high in the final quarter of play playing out of defence, and from a movement from well inside of there own half they raced up field with the ball being exchanged along the back division, with Byron Davies touching down for a try, with the final and maximum points being gained from the conversion by Ryan Pike.
Man of the Match Dan O"Sullivan.
Next Saturday Round 1 Plate Comp away to Ruthin, KO 2.30pm.
Match Report by Howie.
Llangefni 26 v Nant Conwy 31 - match report
Following report kindly supplied by Nant Conwy RFC.
LLANGEFNI – 26 V NANT CONWY – 31
[Adran 1 y Gogledd / Division 1 North]
Trefn y sgorio a'r sgorwyr / Scoring Sequence and scorers:
12m: 0 – 5 GETHIN ROBERTS & 0 – 7 STEFFAN HORAN, 14m: 0 – 12 CARWYN ELLIS & 1 – 14 STEFFAN HORAN, 38m: 0 – 19 CARWYN ROBERTS & 0 – 21 STEFFAN HORAN,
40m: 5 – 21 Dave Jones 44m: 10 – 8 Greg Horsman & 12 – 21 Rhys Hughes, 54m: 12 - 26 GETHIN ROBERTS & 12 – 28 STEFFAN HORAN, 59m: 17 – 28 Richard Foulkes & 19 – 28 Rhys Hughes, 67m: 24 – 28 Richard Foulkes & 26 – 28 Rhys Hughes, 70m: 26 – 31 STEFFAN HORAN
Dyfarnwr / Referee: Mr Gwion Davies, Caernarfon
Ystrybed bellach yn fod y gêm yn un o ddau hanner ond, yn wir, dyna oedd yr hanes ar yr ynys heddiw. Nant yn llwyr reoli’n yr hanner cyntaf ond y tîm cartref yn dod yn ôl yn gryf iawn yn yr ail hanner gyda Nant yn meddwl ei bod yn ‘rhy hawdd’ hwyrach ar hanner amser. Am y tro cyntaf eleni, aeth Nant ar y blaen – fel arfer, dechrau’n araf y mae Nant ond heddiw, gwelwyd chwarae hynod ddisglair gan y tîm ifanc yn enwedig yn y chwarter cyntaf. Tawelodd pethau’n yr ail chwarter ond sgoriodd Carwyn Roberts, yr ail reng, drydydd cais yr ymwelwyr tra’n rhuthro fel canolwr mewn un symudiad. Y tîm cartref yn sgorio ymhell i’r amser ychwanegol drwy wthio Nant trosodd yn dilyn tafliad oddiar gic gosb i’r linell bump.
Yn wir, Llangefni oedd y tîm gorau’n yr ail hanner gyda chryn dipyn o gnoi ewinedd ymysg y cefnogwyr o’r tir mawr. Ond, gwelwyd symudiad ardderchog wedi 14 munud gyda’r asgellwr ifanc, Gethin yn gorffen yn dda a sgorio’i ail gais o’r dydd. Dau gais da iawn gan Richard, asgellwr Llangefni ,wedyn i ddod a’r sgôr yn agos iawn cyn i Steffan, a lwyddodd gyda phob ymgais at y pyst heddiw, sgorio cic gosb. Fel y trodd pethau allan, dyma sgôr olaf y gêm gan roi canlyniad o 26 – 31 ac un pwynt bonws i Nant Conwy a 2 fonws i Langefni.
Bro Ffestiniog i ffwrdd fydd y gwrthwynebwyr yr wythnos nesaf yn rownd 1af Plât SWALEC
It is a cliché by now that ‘it is a game of two halves’ but that was certainly true at Cae Smyrna today. Nant were in complete control in the 1st Half while Llangefni were the masters during the 2nd period. Perhaps Nant thought it was too easy at half time! For the first time in a match this season, Nant scored first – usually, they have to come from behind after their opponents have scored. Indeed, all present saw a Nant ‘purple match’ during the first quarter when the young team completely out ran the homesters.
Things quietened during the rest of the half but the third try is worth mentioning as Carwyn Roberts, Lock, played as if he was a Centre for one move and hurled over the line for a try. Deep into extra time, Llangefni scored their first try of the day from a line-out on the 5 metre line after a penalty.
The fact is that Llangefni were the better team in the second half and the supporters from the mainland were obviously biting their nails as the half wore on. But another superb move was seen by the young backline of the visitors after 14 minutes and Left winger, Gethin, scored his second try of the afternoon. Two excellent tries from the home winger Richard followed to give a two point difference only in the score.. Steffan, who had his kicking boots on today [100% success rate], scored the only penalty attempt at the sticks from either side throughout the match. As it turned out, this was the final score of the match [26 – 31] giving Llangefni two bonus points and Nant Conwy one.
Next week, it will be Bro Ffestiniog who will host Nant Conwy in the 1st Round of the SWALEC Plate for this season.
Canlyniad arall / Another result:
Dolgellau 11 v TEIRW NANT -7
(Adran 2 y Gogledd / Division 2 North)
(Cynghrair Ieu. y Gogledd Orllewin / North West Youth League)
Sgorwyr Teirw Nant scorers:
Cais / Try: BRYCHAN DAFYDD
TrosiAD / Conversion: GWION ELLIS- JONES
Dolgellau 11 v Teirw Nant 7 - match report
Following report kindly supplied by Dolgellau RFC.
Dolgellau squeezed home to claim four very hard earned league points against a Nant side who gave everything to the cause and caused Dolgellau problems all around the park, all afternoon.
Their defence was impeccably organised and their young forwards were ever alert at the breakdown. However Dolgellau had the better of the early exchanges. Wing Jake Hinge put them ahead with a penalty after ten minutes, when the Nant back line strayed off-side.
Seven minutes later Dolgellau were threatening, and both hooker Celt Lewis and no.8 Dylan Llewelyn threatened the Nant line, but it took a quick miss-pass to find full-back Gareth Hughes to burst through two tacklers to touch down, for his third try of the season, and put Dolgellau 8-0 ahead.
Jake Hinge stretched Dolgellau’s lead to 11-0 just going into the second quarter of the match with a 40m penalty. Dolgellau were pressing again when Nant wing Carwyn Owen interrupted Dolgellau’s threequarters and fly hack from near his own line and he duly chased ahead and came agonisingly close to touching down. The half ending 11-0 to the hosts.
With the Nant forwards marauding across the fringes the usually nimble Dolgellau three-quarters found themselves continually on the back-foot and could not make any inroads, and Nant grew in confidence as the match progressed. They enjoyed their fair share of possession, but they also lacked any fire power up-front, and it took them half an hour to threaten the Dolgellau line. Their moment came with seven minutes remaining.
Encamped on the Dolgellau try line, prop Brychan Dafydd finally squeezed through to touch down. Full-back Gwion Ellis Jones’ conversion from the touchline made it a one score game at 11-7, but time was up without any further incident.
Referee: Amanda Leah
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