Flint welcomed Shotton to Cae Castell on Friday night to what was going to be a thrilling encounter of the North Wales Intermediate Cup, which Shotton eventually won 24 – 31
Following match report kindly supplied by Flint RFC
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Flint RFC 24 v Shotton RFC 31
An ever improving Flint side are visibly narrowing the gap between the two rival clubs and dominated proceedings up front throughout the game, but it was Shotton who drew first blood through their man-of–the-match Louis McDonnell, who was to be the difference between the two sides. Flint hit back with an excellent kick and chase by winger Ryan Beck. The scores were even after Richie Williams converted from out wide.
Both sides then gave away penalties near their own posts which were duly converted to make the scores even at 10 – 10.
With Shotton struggling at the scrum and Flint’s back row getting the better of their counterparts in the loose, Flint started to get the upper hand, but with what scraps Shotton forwards managed to get for their backs, their centres made good use, making inroads deep into the Flint half, eventually Shotton scoring with their centre partnership making the break and scoring (10 -15), Shotton added the conversion (10-17).
Flint forwards continued to exert control and won a line-out near the Shotton try line and after a text book catch & drive from Brice Vionnet, captain Mitch Martin powered over fro arty, converted by Richie Williams (17-17).
Flint’s failure to retain possession relieved the pressure on Shotton, a loose ball was scooped up by the ever dangerous Louis McDonnell who raced from half way to score a converted try under the posts (17-24).
Undeterred by this Flint fought their way back into the game through their forwards (yet again) where Flint’s man-of-the-match, Jon Hanford controlled the set piece and was ever present in the loose.
Flint fortunes were turned when Shotton were awarded a breakaway try by the unsighted referee, despite not grounding the ball over the try line. The conversion was good (17-31).
Flint refused to give up and finished the stronger, winning a scrum against the head they moved the ball along the back line, drawing the Shotton defence, then quick recycled ball, gave the room for a kick to the corner which was followed up by winger Beck to touch down for his second try; Williams again kicking the conversion from out wide (24-31).
This Saturday Flint again entertain Shotton at Cae Castell, this time in the SWALEC Division 3 North League – kick-off 2:30 pm.
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