Reports and results as they come for games played on Saturday, 3rd March
Please send all your results, reports and pictures to gwcymru1@aol.com for inclusion on this web-site in the Saturday night results round-up
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North Wales Division One
Caernarfon 29 v Bala 8 (Caernarfon bonus point)
Llandudno 16 v Bro Ffestiniog 32
Llangefni 19 v Pwllheli 14 (Pwllheli losing bonus)
Mold 3 v Bethesda 33 (Bethesda bonus point)
Ruthin 23 v Nant Conwy 7
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Following report kindly supplied by Caernarfon RFC
Caernarfon 29 v Bala 8
Soon after the final whistle had sounded Caernarfon rejoiced in the knowledge that the Division 1 North Title was theirs for the second year in succession as the result from Rhuthin meant that the Nant Conwy challenge had finally faded.
Earlier however Bala had proved a tough nut to crack, for the Cofis had to work hard for their victory. The opening exchanges were evenly fought with the visitors a little unlucky, having applied pressure to get within striking range but two penalty attempts drifted wide. On fifteen minutes, a take against the head in midfield led to the Cofis exerting pressure but the promising attack appeared to be floundering when a chip ahead was chosen. However, the defence failed to deal with the bouncing ball and ever-alert Dylan Gwyn pounced to open the scoring. Minutes later a telling chip created panic in Balas ranks and led to a promising attacking lineout. A clean take and cohesive drive saw the Cofi pack cross the whitewash with Andrew Williams emerging with the ball for an added five pointer.
Not to be outdone Bala picked up and drove and were finally on the scoreboard when Rhydian Jones slotted over a penalty following a yellow card offence when centre Dafydd Roberts tackled his opposite number without the ball. Playing downhill Caernarfon attempted to make the advantage tell with Dylan Parry and Dylan Gwyn combining well and the latter once again with captain Rhys Evans coming close before the break.
The second half started brightly with the Bala defence dealing confidently with midfield charges and the lively Ilan Rowlands claiming numerous turnovers. One break brought a fine tackle from wing Carnedd Williams who looked sharp and confident throughout. On fifty minutes, a lineout close to the Bala line once again bore fruit. A Paul Williams take was capitalised upon to form a driving maul with fellow competent second row Sion Gwyn emerging to crash over and record his first and fully deserved try for the club. Kelvin Morris was at hand to add the conversion. Bala to their credit responded almost immediately when an unnecessary offside led to pressure being exerted from a lineout. Numerous pick up and drives brought the pack close with Tom Hughes’s final surge crossing the line.
Caernarfon were now chasing the bonus point try but were finding stubborn resistance from a Bala side that were weakened by a number of injuries and a yellow card. However, on the seventieth minute another lineout take and rolling maul tied in enough defenders for the ball to be fed quickly to Dylan Gwyn to touch down out wide and for Kelvin Morris to add the extras.
With the bonus point safe the home team relaxed and used their subs bench with replacement second row Llywarch Davies being unselfish when he delivered the final pass for Dafydd Roberts to score at the death.
With the league title safe the Cofis will now focus on the North Wales Cup.
*****
Following report kindly supplied by Bethesda RFC
Mold 3 v Bethesda 33
Mold looked to have strengthened their squad since being well beaten by Bethesda in the Swalec Plate competition some weeks ago. However, the result was similar - Bethesda scoring the tries and defending and tackling powerfully - the Mold players looking out on their feet by the end of the match.
The visitors did well to be 7 points to 3 ahead at the break following some spirited play by the home side playing down the slope.
All their efforts came to nothing in the second half as Bethesda overcame the home side in open play and the bonus point was secured with 10 minutes of the match remaining.
It was good to see two Bethesda stalwarts, Graham Davies and Steven Ellis, once again stepping into the breach and scoring 3 tries in total. Both are wonderful examples of loyalty to their club and to their fellow players!
Bethesda's other scorers were Ben Stelmaszek (2 tries), Gwion Williams (3 conversions) and Mathew Parry (conversion) in the 33 points to 3 victory.
Mathew Parry and Gareth Ogwen had to leave the field with injuries and we hope that they will soon recover.
Bethesda will play Dinbych in the North Wales Plate competition on Saturday at 12.30 p.m. at Dôl Ddafydd.
The postponed Ruthin match will be played on Thursday, March 15 at 7.30 p.m. at Dôl Ddafydd
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RHUTHUN 27 v NANT CONWY 7
(Hanner amser / Half time: 8 -7)
Sgorwyr / Scorers:
Nant Conwy: Cais/Try: CARWYN ELLIS
Trosi / Conversion: CARWYN ELLIS
Rhuthun / Ruthin Ni dderbyniwyd enwau sgorwyr y tîm cartref / The names of the home team’s scorers was not available
Fel canlyniad i Nant Conwy golli heddiw ag i Gaernarfon ennill, bu i GAERNARFON ennill Cynghrair 1 Y Gogledd am y tymor. LLONGYFERCHIR Y PENCAMPWYR GAN GLWB RYGBI NANT CONWY!
Rhwng anafiadau a galwadau gwaith megis cneifio ag wyna, roedd nifer sylweddol o garfan Nant Conwy’n absennol. Ond, serch hynny, teg yw nodi fod gan y tîm cartref lawer mwy o awydd ennill na’r ymwelwyr er mwyn sicrhau eu lle yn Adran 1 y tymor nesaf. Nant oedd yn ymosod fwyaf yn yr hanner awr gyntaf heb fygwth llawer ar y llinell. Ar ôl hanner awr o chwarae troswyd cic gosb i Ruthun. Chwe munud y ddiweddarach, daeth cais cyntaf y gêm trwy i un o flaenwyr Rhuthun dirio ar yr asgell. Methwyd y cais am ddeubwynt ychwanegol. Yn yr amser ychwanegol, daeth pac Nant yn gryf unwaith yn rhagor ac nid oedd yn syndod i Carwyn Ellis (rhif 8) allu codi’r bêl a phlymio trosodd i sgorio cais. Trosodd ei gais ei hun oherwydd bod holl gicwyr eraill Nant wedi’u hanafu. Sgôr o 8 - 7 ar yr hanner felly!
Cic gosb arall lwyddiannus i’r tîm cartref ar ôl 9 munud o chwarae yn yr ail hanner cyn i gyfres o NAW sgrym gosod ar linell 5 metr Rhuthun gael eu dyfarnu a Nant yn dod i ffwrdd heb sgorio. Aeth pennau’r ymwelwyr i lawr ar ôl hyn ac enillodd Rhuthun y gêm trwy sgorio dau gais arall (29 a 39 munud) gyda’r cyntaf o’r ddau yn cael ei drosi. Roedd y cefnogwyr cartref yn crochlefain o glywed y chwiban olaf a chefnogwyr a chwaraewyr Nant yn meddwl yn syth am y gemau cwpan sydd i ddod cyn diwedd y tymor.
Bydd NANT yn chwarae GARTREF yn erbyn LlANFAIR YM MUALLT ymhen tair wythnos - Sadwrn 24ain Mawrth 2012 mewn gêm wyth olaf Plât SWALEC gyda’r gic gyntaf am 2.30 o’r gloch.
As a result of Nant losing today’s match and Caernarfon winning theirs with a bonus point, the ‘Canaries’ gained an unassailable lead in Division 1 North. ALL INVOLVED WITH CLWB RYGBI NANT CONWY CONGRATLUATE CAERNARFON ON THEIR SUCCESS!
Between injuries and work commitments (shearing and lambing etc.), a substantial number of the Nant squad were unable to play. But, after noting that fact, the home team fully deserved their win as they had more urgency in their play throughout. Indeed, they really wanted to win in order to ensure Division 1 safety for next season!
Nant played promisingly for the first half hour without actually pressing the home line. Ruthin went ahead with a converted penalty after 30 minutes and scored their first try six minutes later when a forward dived over for a try on the left hand side. No extras were added for this score. The Nant pack regained momentum for the remaining period of the first half and it was no surprise when no. 8, Carwyn Ellis picked up and dived over for a try after 42 minutes. Due to all normal place kickers being injured, Carwyn converted his own try to make a half time score of 8 – 7.
The home team converted another penalty after 9 minutes of the second half in the second half before a series of NINE 5 metre scrums were awarded on the Ruthin line and Nant failed to score from each one. As a result, the ‘heads’ could be seen ‘dropping’ and it was no surprise that Ruthin scored two further tries (29 and 39 minutes) with the first of the two being converted. I’m sure that noise of the home supporters could be heard miles away at the final whistle whilst the Nant Conwy crew immediately turned their thoughts to the Cup matches that still have to be played this season!
NANT’s next match is a HOME game against BUILTH WELLS in three weeks time on Saturday afternoon, 24th March 2012 in a SWALEC PLATE (Quarter Final)) match with the kick off at 2.30 p.m.
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Following report kindly supplied by Ruthin RFC
In their last home league match of the season Ruthin convincingly won against second placed Nant Conwy in front of a good crowd at Caeddol.
The Blues showed their commitment from the start competing for every ball, denying Nant significant possession and maintaining territory with good phase play. They had however to wait till well into the first half to see the first points on the board from a penalty goal by full back Shay Owen. A period of considerable pressure from the Blues followed with backs and forwards harrying the visitors.
The pressure finally resulted in flanker Joe Palmer and centre Ben Syme combining to put wing Kyle Davies over for a try. Nant responded almost immediately and from a lineout on Ruthins 22 used their forward power to push over for a try which they converted bringing the score to 8-7 to the Blues at half time.
At the beginning of the second half the Blues continued to attack and Nant conceded a penalty in their own 22 which Owen put over. Nant mounted a concerted attack on the Ruthin line using their strong pack to push Ruthin's scrum towards the try line and the Blues were conceding repeated penalties as they were judged to have infringed in the scrum as they tried to counter the visitors attack.
With replacement front rows Garry Teeson and James Tetlow coming on in the middle of this series of 6 scrums the Blues scrum held and they cleared their line but not before a Ruthin player was sin-binned. Despite being a man down the Blues returned to attack and in a move which split the Nant defence second row Pete Harrison scored the Blues second try which Owen converted putting the score at 18-7 to the Blues.
In the remaining 10 minutes of the match the Blues were dominant. Wing Huw Sharples scored a further try and the game ended with a final score of 23-7 to the Blues.
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North Wales Division Two
Abergele 22 v Dolgellau 26 (Abergele losing bonus)
COBRA 16 v Colwyn Bay 18 (COBRA losing bonus)
Llanidloes 14 v Denbigh 0
Newtown v Rhyl - Postponed
Wrexham v Machynlleth - Postponed
*****
Following report kindly supplied by Abergele RFC
Abergele 22 v Dolgellau 26
Abergele came into this fixture as massive underdogs, lying 7th in the table and Dolgellau trying to continue their push towards the title. However, with two heavy away losses in the back of their minds Abergele felt they had a point to prove.
The game started with uncontested scrums, as again Abergele failed to field a front row due to injuries, and played the first half with 14 players due to player work commitments.
Gele suffered a bad start on the bright but windy Pentre Mawr field, as within 2 minutes, some sloppy defence allowed Dolgellau to score from close range.
Gele with Bobby Jones at 10 and Chris Marsh linking well, developed some good attacking platforms only for it to be broken down illegally – Gareth Evans who had a great game with the boot, collecting 17 points in all, converted 3 penalties to keep Gele in touch at half time 9-19, as Dolgellau managed to take advantages of their numbers to score twice with some clinical play and offloads down the wings.
However, after a superb kick ahead and with great pressure from Ashley “Ramrod” Wynne chasing, the Dolgellau winger hit the ball out into touch with his hand 5m out, the Referee showing the yellow card, giving Abergele a level playing field for the rest of the half.
The second period had Abergele back up to 15 men, and started brightly with another 2 penalties from Evans, however, a line break followed by a good offloading lead to a converted score for the opposition under the posts.
With some strong tackling in the backs, good tactical kicking – the Gele forwards started to dominate in the loose. Great running from Dylan Wyn Evans, Craig Wraight (Gaff), Mark Davies and the entire back row working hard to recycle the ball quickly lead to Gele’s only try.
An infringement at a ruck by Dolgellau in their 22 led to Chris Marsh taking a quick tap and running 20m with 3 players on his shirt to ground the ball well, Evans converting.
Every time Abergele got into the Dolgellau half, they looked dangerous, but some mistimed passes, and some desperate (offside) defence weathered the Green storm.
Gele can come away with heads held high though, a good team effort showing a lot of heart, with Dolgellau worthy champions elect. Gele will focus on the NWIC to try to end the season on a high, after a 2 week break – with 1 league match left for pride and final position over close rivals Machynlleth...
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North Wales Division Three
Bangor 46 v Holyhead 7 (Bangor winning bonus)
Benllech 16 v Harlech 5
Flint 3 v Shotton Steel 38 (Shotton winning bonus)
Welshpool 16 v Menai Bridge 10 (Menai losing bonus)
*****
Following report kindly supplied by Benllech RFC
Benllech 16 v Harlech 5
Resurgent Benllech maintain home form.
An ever-improving Benllech maintained their unbeaten home record for 2012 with a 16 – 5 victory over higher placed rivals, Harlech in this excellently contested Division 3 North fixture.
Both teams started strongly with Harlech edging the early exchanges with some good pressure in the Benllech half. However the Islanders defence remained resolute.
Despite being starved of possession for more than 10 minutes the Benllech pack began to show their dominance following some Harlech indiscipline - the resulting lineout, deep in Harlech territory saw some excellent interplay from the home side, with hooker Andrew Williams breaking a tackle while collecting an tidy inside ball to score under the posts – neatly converted by centre, Dyfed Roberts.
Much of the rest of the first period was fiercely contested with both sides showing some great attacking potential, but it was Benllech who were again rewarded through further Harllech indiscipline; Roberts adding the 3 points, making the score 10 – 0 at the break.
The visitors again started the second period as the stronger side, taking the game to the Islanders; their doggedness proving that they were far from out of the contest when winger Cai Edwards broke through two Benllech tacklers to score in the corner – Herlech were unable to add the conversion.
The continued dominance of Benllech’s pack was further reinforced with the availability of fresh legs as the game went on. This, combined with smooth running from the Benllech backline and some excellent decision making from fly-half Jon Snowden further contributing to the visitors’ indiscipline; centre Roberts adding a further two penalties to make the score 16 – 5 at the close.
*****
Following report kindly supplied by Bangor RFC
BANGOR 46 v 7 HOLYHEAD
The dwindling band of supporters must have thought they were in a time warp as they saw a Bangor team worthy of the name put in a performance reminiscent of the better times a decade or more ago. Bangor drew on the strength of players from the youth team and recalled some of the best players on their books from college as well as those who have joined the club recently and they came together to produce an energetic and talented team performance to shock Holyhead in this basement battle. It was good to see captain Wil Withey back from injury and together with Gareth Roberts and Euros Thomas made a formidable front row.
Holyhead suffered a set back from the kick off losing a player with a bad knock on the nose. After a long wait to restart Bangor went straight on the offensive and launched waves of attacks. Wing forward and youth team captain Declan Jones was really fired up making ground and setting up rucks resulting in prop Gareth Roberts forcing his way over for an unconverted try. Soon after centre Alex George showed his talent chasing a kick downfield and taking advantage of a Holyhead fumble fell on the ball for the first of his hat trick of tries.
The next was set up by Declan Jones and Gruff Tudor and scrum half Iwan Roberts slipped the ball to No.8 Ashley Randell standing off who charged through the opposition to dive over in the corner. Outside half Dafydd Roberts converted. The last try of the half was made by Declan Jones breaking down the touch line and an amazing flip of the ball in field from behind his back to Alex George to finish the move. Daffydd Roberts converted to make the score 24 - 0 at half time.
Holyhead had more of the game in the second half and with bad temper creeping into the game the referee was kept very busy. 2nd row Rhun Morris from the youth team had to leave with an injured arm. Bangor got the ball moving again taking a lineout and mauling it up field before releasing it along the backs to winger Dan Davies (back from a long break) and he showed his worth with a good run in to the corner. The next try came from a free running bout of play with youth team player the other Dafydd Roberts at full back involved passing the ball through many hands resulting in Robin Jones touching down under the posts. Holyhead at last put together a good back move and centre Mike Storeman got their only try running in under the posts for fly half Aeron Edwards to convert. Robin Jones got his second try taking a pass from a tap penalty and racing to the try line. Roberts converted. Alex George completed the scoring when the ball was pun out to him on the wing for try in the corner.
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WRU Division Two West
Aberavon Quins 38 vs Aberystwyth 18
Builth Wells 18 vs Kenfig Hill 19
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WRU Division 6 Central
Llandrindod Wells vs Ynysowen
Llandrindod Wells 0 v Ynysowen 23
Llandrindod did not have much of a look-in against Ynysowen last weekend. On the offensive from the start and using their fast backs to good effect, the visitors scored the first of their three tries within 10 minutes of the whistle after overcoming desperate Llandrindod
defence. Llandrindod's defence continued to hold for the rest of this half despite conceding two penalties, and they did have moments of their own in the Ynysowen half.
This was a highly competitive game and the referee was kept busy maintaining order amongst the two sets of forwards, and also being forced to have words with the Clubs' vocal supporters. Despite the tension though, the game was played in a good spirit and was well worth braving the wind and cold to watch.
The second half was much like the first, with Llandrindod still defending against slick ball handling, though taking their chances to attack in the loose through their forwards when given half an opportunity. Ynysowen's first score in this half came from a lineout
close to the Llandrindod line, and their second, which was converted, was the result of more good handling, this time by the Ynysowen forwards.
Ryan Williams scored two tries for Ynysowen, with Gavin Wathen also picking up a try. Gavin Richards kicked two penalties and a conversion. Llandrindod have no game until 24 March due to the Internationals. On that day, they travel to Cefn Forest in the League.
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North Wales Youth Plate
Welshpool 15 v Pwllheli 29
Newtown 5 v Nant Conwy 14
*****
Following report kindly supplied by Newtown RFC
Newtown 5 v Nant Conwy 14
Newtown Youth welcomed Nant Conwy on a windy Saturday afternoon for an early kick off league and cup match double header. Newtown got off to strong start using the wind to their advantage and were quickly rewarded with a try in the corner from Tom Davies. With the try going unconverted the game got under way, again with Newtown applying the pressure, but seemingly unable to cross the try line. Things got a lot harder with Josh 'Beef' Owen receiving a yellow card for the second game running. With Newtown using the wind to full advantage but still unable to put anymore points on the board, the half time whistle blew.
H/T: Newtown 5 - 0 Nant Conwy.
The second half got under way with Nant getting off to a strong start and Newtown unable to string many phases together. Nant kept the pressure up, eagerly picking and going from each ruck to the next, but the Newtown defence held strong. Nant eventually crossed the line under the posts after a blatent knock on, but with the ref not noticing this, the try was awarded. The try was converted, leaving the scores at 7-5. With the wind not dying down, Newtown found it hard to gain territory and press towards the Nant tryline. With their tails up Nant took full adavantage of sloppy play by the Newtown boys and scored another try in the corner, which as well converted. The game was then played out and contested in the middle of the field before the final whistle blew.
It was a great effort by the boys, but unfortnately they couldn't take their chances, which in the end cost them dearly.
F/T: Newtown 5 - 14 Nant Conwy
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North Wales Youth Division One
COBRA 65 v Colwyn Bay 10
Following report kindly suppliex by Colwyn Bay RFC
COBRA Youth 65 Colwyn Bay Youth 10
The Bay travelled to the Mid-Wales title contenders COBRA knowing that damage limitation was the order of the day bearing in mind that they were reduced to fielding 12 players due to injuries, work commitments and unavailabilities.
The Bay battled hard through the match with an agreed formation of five in the pack and a full complement of backs,the later of which comprised regular forwards namely captain Sam Ryan,back-rower Lloyd Jones in the centre and front-rower Ant Edwards on the right wing,this back line combination worked well in attack with Sam Ryan punching holes in the home defence and Lloyd Jones’s pace carrying on the momentum to cross the advantage line linking well with their half-back partnership of Harry Donegan and Josh Lloyd with Matt Jones on the opposite wing and Dan Parry at full-back both of whom were always willing to join the line and hit the gaps.
The forwards won good ball at the line-outs with hooker Jordan Wilson hitting his only option of Matt Phelan consistently but the intense work-rate of the COBRA defence gave the visitors minimal time to build phases of play and turned the ball over on several occasions due to lack of support.
Numerous second half substitutions were made by the hosts which seemed to disrupt their game and The Bay took advantage of this by carrying the ball up the middle and forcing the home team into mistakes,second-row Nathan Jackson’s led the way from his own 22 then prop Sean Jones’s penetrating run into the COBRA 5m saw the revitalised Bay keep possession and worked the ball out to fly-half Josh Lloyd whose determination saw him open The Bay account with the first try.
The visitors were forced to make positional changes due to injuries, Lloyd Jones whose bruised rib eventually saw him leave the park was replaced in the centre by prop Dewi Hughes and the half-back pairing swapped roles due to Josh Lloyd’s leg injury.Self-proclaimed playmaker Dewi Hughes’s inclusion in the back line was rewarded when he was instrumental in creating The Bay’s second try when he spread quick ball wide for winger Anthony Edwards to score the first try of his Colwyn Bay career.
All twelve players who represented Colwyn Bay Youth put in a creditable performance due to the circumstances and enjoyed the post match hospitality that COBRA are renowned for where Josh Lloyd was awarded The Bay’s man of the match for his attacking and defensive work.
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North Wales Youth Division Two
Bala vs Bro Ffestiniog
Llandudno vs Llanidloes
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Gwynedd District League
Bala 2nds vs Bro Ffestiniog 2nds
Llangefni 2nds vs Bethesda 2nds
Nant Conwy 2nds 17 vs Caernarfon 2nds 18
Porthmadog vs Dolgellau 2nds
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Clwyd District League
Colwyn Bay 2nds 16 vs Abergele 2nds 22
Denbigh 2nds vs Ruthin 2nds
Llandudno 2nds 49 vs Rhos 2nds 36
Rhyl 2nds 8 vs Mold 2nds 45
*****
Following report kindly supplied by Abergele RFC
Colwyn Bay 2nds 22 v Abergele 2nds 26
If it’s one thing that the players of Abergele 2XV understand, it’s that you have to accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue. Some days you’re on top of things and in control and other days…well, you’re not.
Abergele were boosted by the welcome return of Callum Mattock and Gareth ‘Smudge’ Smith in the backs and retained a hard edge with the inclusion of Alan Wraight, Big John Battersby and Mark Dillworth. Scrums were once again uncontested with Simon Kennedy taking over the hooking duties and Sion Pritchard moving to second row, making him possibly the shortest and least agile lock outside under 14s rugby.
It was a game of contrasts in Colwyn Bay on Saturday. Abergele’s last result was a 54-0 drubbing at the hands of Denbigh and confidence was low. The first 20 minutes were cagey with both sides guilty of handling mistakes and squandering possession. Some big hits were taken by both sides and Kennedy was flattened by a huge hit that left him looking like an extra from an old vampire film with blood pouring from his mouth.
Colwyn Bay were on the front foot and it took a huge effort by Abergele to stop them from scoring. Colwyn Bay scored a penalty to make the scores 3-0. Although Colwyn Bay dominated position early on ‘Gele looked dangerous on the counterattack. Josh Stocker and Martin Berrie worked tirelessly carrying ball and a sweet interchange between Smudge and Pritchard put new winger Simon Acton into space but the Bay defence stood firm.
Colwyn Bay scored the first try towards the half hour mark. The left winger split the tiring Gele defence and stepped inside the fullback to score a well taken try under the posts. Abergele rallied but the Bay’s pressure was too great and a slick move combined with some very strong running from their number 8 resulted in another try. With both tries converted this bought the scores to 17-0 with 3 minutes to go in the first half.
Abergele took one last throw of the dice and put in a huge effort to get upfield. The forwards worked tirelessly and Smudge and Mattock combined to ensure quick ball for the backs. A delicious switch between lock/centre Pritchard and battering ram Mark Dilworth (the Jonathan Davies and Jamie Roberts of Abergele 2XV) caused several Bay players to be sucked in by desperately trying to stop the nightmare on legs. The ball was quickly recycled to the backs with captain Azz Brian showing good hands and picking the ball up from his shoelaces to pass it on to Leon Fields.
Fields showed uncanny speed and determination and despite the attention of 2 defenders managed to squeeze over in the corner for a very welcomed try. He also got a knee in the ribs for his trouble which stopped him performing his no-doubt carefully choreographed and long overdue try celebration. Jaws dropped to the floor in astonishment when wing Simon Acco Acton smashed the conversion over from the touchline to make the score 17-7 at the break.
The second half started with a bang with Abergele showing a lot more purpose. Big John and Martin Berrie bossed the contact area and never took a step backwards. Hooker ‘Count’ Kennedy combined well with the adaptable Jordan Bamber and took the ball up through the middle of a shell-shocked Bay defence. Chris Meyers was returning to his old club and desperate to make a point was getting involved all over the pitch carrying the ball superbly and tackling like a man who’d had his last rolo pinched.
What happened next was vintage Dilworth as quick ball found itself to his hands. He shunned the overlap and ran the ball himself through a desperate Colwyn Bay defence to score a marvellous try. Simon Acton stepped up to add the extras to make the score 17-14.
Next it was the Bay’s turn to rally and they attacked a tiring Gele side with vigour. Abergele can’t remember what having subs feels like anymore and Colwyn Bay used their large squad to their advantage by bringing on fresh legs.
Evergreen colossus Dino capitalised on his side’s hard graft and found himself in the 12 channel running straight at Jordan Bamber and Azz Bryann. He scored a well taken try despite the attentions of the 2 ‘Gele defenders who brought him down a foot too late. The conversion was missed and the score was now 22-14 with the Bay looking in control.
Abergele looked to hit back quickly and worked hard to get the ball up to the Colwyn Bay try line. The Bay’s defence was doing a superb job and somehow managed to scramble across to deny Fields his second in the corner. Relentless pressure from Abergele resulted in a penalty 15 meters from the Colwyn Bay line, and the crafty Al Wraight took it quickly and smashed through a napping Bay defence to score a try despite having half of the opposition side hanging off him. The 3:15 express train to pain had arrived at Colwyn Bay. That man Acco converting once again brought the scores to a nailbiting 22-21.
Abergele scented blood and went in for the kill. Big John, Berrie, Myers and Stocker rumbled forwards into the opposition half and once again scrum half Smudge gave the backs quick ball to show their skills. Young at heart centre Nigel Davies, who had been imperious all game long, showed his class by drawing in defenders before releasing Dilworth who left everyone flabbergasted by passing the ball on to make its way to the brilliant Callum Mattock. With the scored 22-21 and less than 10 minutes remaining it was the dream opportunity to score the winning try and become a legend. Mattock is a class act and a gentleman and was gracious enough to knock the ball on despite having the line at his mercy to give someone else the chance of glory.
Abergele picked themselves up and threw everything they had at the Bay. Josh Stocker carried, tackled and contested everything like his life depended on it and Jordon Bamber showed why he is in such high regard by putting in another incredible shift at the coal face. The Green Machine rumbled on into the Colwyn Bay half yet again and spread the ball wide through Mattock, Davies and Dilworth to feed Simon Acton on the wing for him to score a marvellous try in the corner. The whole team jumped for joy (especially Mattock). With the conversion missed the last 3 minutes were a very tense affair with the Bay surging forward desperately looking for a score.
Serge and Dino worked tirelessly trying to find a gap to exploit and the wiley Bay fly-half used good footwork to put the bay into useful territory and set up their big runners. Silver haired juggernaut Dino found himself in space and ran directly at poor Sion Pritchard who was flung through the air and flattened by one of the best hand-offs ever. Fortunately for the blushing lock his team mates were there to save the day.
Finally the full time whistle was blown and players on both sides could finally rest after a lung bursting game. It was a hard but friendly game with both sides showing good sportsmanship and respect. The supporters enjoyed a very entertaining game and Colwyn Bay, as ever, were gracious hosts. The next time these two sides come together will be in the Plate Final in Eirias Park in April and let’s hpe that these two sides remain pretty much unchanged for another brilliant contest.
Captain Azz Briant was very proud of his side and looks forward to the next game with optimism.
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Mid Wales Cup Semi Final
Following report kindly supplied by Newtown RFC
Newtown 2nds 12 v Rhayader 15
Newtown 2nds dream of a third successive appearance at Finals Day ended with a tense 15-12 home defeat to Rhayader.
Short on match sharpness, Newtown struggled in the early stages, their bouyant visitors using the elements wisely to keep Town pinned deep in their own half. For practically the whole of the first half, Town were on the defensive, and only superb work at the breakdown where Town consistently won penalties, and fine scramble defence kept Rhayader at bay. Inevitably though, Rhayader did cross the whitewash, their powerful No.8 picking up and driving over from a 5 metre scrum, which added to their early penalty, and subsequent conversion gave them a 10-0 lead. Town did claw a penalty back through Danny Hill to go into half time 10-3, and could be optimistic with the wind in their favour in the second half.
Town were quickly deep in Rhayader territory and soon clawed their way back to 10-6 with another Hill penalty. However, soon after came the decisive moment in the match. Rhayader broke out of defence and made inroads into the Town half. The Newtown defence seemed to go to sleep, and five missed tackles later, Rhayader were celebrating their second try. Town came back however, and quickly cut the deficit, another Hill penalty bring them back to within one score. By now it was all Newtown, and forced Rhayader into conceding another penalty which Hill duly accepted, bringing the score to 15-12 in Rhayader's favour.
Rhayader were now, by their own admission, hanging on by the skin of their teeth, but Newtown were unable to make the breakthrough, or at least force another penalty that would have seen extra time. Rhayader hung on until the final whistle, and celebrated their safe passage through to the final in May.
This was a great effort by the boys, with a second half performance that deserved more. Credit must go to Rhayader however, who have turned themselves around from last season and fully deserve their place in the final, and we wish them well in May.
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