Following report kindly supplied by Llandudno RFC.
The goats left behind the blue skies of Llandudno, to travel to Trefriw to take on reigning champions Nant Conwy on a ground where they had not tasted success for a number of seasons.
The match commenced with the Goats playing into a strong wind, in torrential rain. It was apparent the the conditions would have a massive bearing on the game.
Playing with the wind, Nant started the stronger and following a poor penalty kick by the Goats, Nant Conwy following a flowing backs move with Steffan Horan running strongly and beating a number of tacklers to touch down in the corner after five minutes of play. The conversion attempt was not successful.
Nant made better use of the conditions and with the wind to their backs kept the play in the Llandudno half for long periods. Following a heavy tackle the Goats 2nd row, Dylan Coulter was yellow carded on 28 minutes. The Nant attack by this stage was relentless and although they had three five meter attacking scrums, they were held out by the well organised defence of the goats.
At half time, Nant led 5 -0 and the Goat's coaching team would have been delighted with this score at the turn around when considering the elements.
The second half started with Nant pressing in the Llandudno half and they were soon rewarded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted by Horan to give the home side an 8 - 0 lead.
At this stage, Llandudno coach and talisman, Kelvin Davies entered the fray with his vocal words of encouragement ringing in his teammates ears.
This had the galvanising effect on the Goats who soon began to have the upper hand in both the loose and set plays with most of the play now taking place in the Nant half.
There soon followed a yellow card for Nant 2nd row Carwyn Coch for an over exuberant challenge on the Goats full back and former Nant player, Arthur Lennon.
The Goats had an attacking five meter scrum and with the Nant scrum collapsing whilst retreating at pace, referee Dylan Llyr ran under the posts to signal a penalty try to leave Nant leading 8-7 with 18 minutes to go.
The match continued with the Goats dominating possession and territory leading to the home side conceding a number of penalties two of which were excellently converted from a distance by Arthur Lennon much to his delight following the somewhat exuberant vocal opinions of a certain element of the home support.
The match ended with a winning score line of 13-8 to the Goats who next face an in form Rhuthun who will travel to Maesdu Road next Saturday full of confidence following their defeat of title challengers Pwllheli.
Howie inabsentia – no odd socks required.
There are no events to show yet.