Harlech 20 v Menai Bridge 27 means Menai are league champions
Report kindly supplied by Menai Bridge RFC
Menai travelled to Harlech knowing that a win was vital to secure the Swalec Division 3 Championship title for this season.Having had to make several changes because of injuries, they felt some apprehension and pressure.
In an error strewn opening half, Menai were under considerable pressure and trailed by 20-5 at the interval with the game appearing to slip away from them. However, whatever their coach, Darren Owen said to them at the interval seemed to work, as a marked transformation saw the visitors' pack take full control, dominating set piece and line-out play to score 22 more points to seal victory.
Harlech were 3 points up in the opening minutes when Out-half, Ben Bailey kicked a penalty. Minutes later Harlech Right winger,Tomos Richards charged down an attempted Menai clearance kick ,collected the rebounce' and score a try in the right corner making it 8-0.
Menai clawed their way back with a push-over try credited to Hooker,Glenn Vaughan making it 8-5.
Another Menai defensive error on the half-hour mark, allowed Harlech's winger, Richards, to score his second identical try way out. A fine conversion by Bailey added the points to stretch the home lead to 15-5.
Just on half-time Harlech's left winger, Andrew Stone, crossed tor a try in the corner to give his side a well-earned interval lead of 20-5
After the resumption, in the opening ten minutes, Menai, with powerful drives set up one 5 metre scrum after another. The third one, taking the ball against the head, enabled No 8, Ieuan Vaughan, to break through for a try which Fly-half, Iwan Jones improved narrowing the score to 20-12. Soon afterwards Jones added a penalty kick to make it 20-15.
With Harlech tiring and contained in their own half in the last quarter, the game opened up for Menai and with the forwards setting up a platform for the backs, gaps were created for Centre, Sam.Williams and full-back, David williams to score a try a piece, Jones converting one for a final score of 27-20, in a hard fought but well earned victory.
Menai still have one league match left, - away at Llangollen , but having secured the title with 67 points, Rhos, having completed their programme have to contend with the Runners up spot on 64 points.
Without doubt, this has been Menai's most successful season in their 36 year's history and a tribute to their consistency,endeavour and commitment. The deserved celebrations went on late on Saturday night!!
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