Hywel's review of last season and preview and predictions for 2017/18
The long wait is nearly over, Saturday 2nd September 2.30pm sees the start of the new season. Whilst we have been sustained through the close season with Lions and other test rugby there is nothing to compare with the real thing-- the opening matches of the club rugby season.
The careful and serious preparations which have involved fully loaded training routines, friendly and sometimes unfriendly pre season encounters and the seasonal rituals of do I or do I not have another season of Saturday fun and will I be persuaded to keep playing for another 'last' season.
Last season Div 1 stakes was again a very much two horse race between Pwllheli and Nant with the Lleyn boys clinching a record breaking third successive title in the back straight. These two excellent sides were were well ahead of the rest of the field on 103/101 points with Caernarfon and Bala trailing on 78/73 points in third and fourth places.
If my memory serves me right Pwllheli were promoted from the then Div 5 North to Div 4 (now Div 1 North) in 2007/8 and have been there or thereabouts amongst the leaders until their third title on the trot last year. League title winners 2007/8 Caernarfon, 2008/9, 2009/10 Nant, 2010/11 2011/12 Caernarfon, 2012/13 Nant, 2013/14 Bala, 2014/15 2015/16 2016/17 Pwllheli.
This shows that over the last ten years the title has been shared between 4 clubs ie Pwllheli 3, Cfon 3, Nant 3, Bala 1. -- these clubs were 1-4 in last season's title race, the question is , is there a team to upset the form book this season and take the coveted title of North Wales Champions ?. What are the odds?.
One of the main objectives if not the most important in setting up our representative side was to improve the standard of rugby throughout North Wales. There are substantial differing opinions on this issue which for instance in simple parlance -would our club sides of say 30 years ago live with and beat the current crop of players ?. Does the influx of 'outsiders' into our representative team improve matters or show the lack of available talent at club level? . There will be many more issues and questions to enable us to banter in pre/post match sessions throughout the season- all part and parcel of Saturday afternoons at club level.
Before I go on a word of praise to our referees, they are an enthusiastic bunch of individuals who go about their difficult tasks with good humour and professionalism - they are a credit to our game in North Wales- daliwch ati hogia genod.
I have taken a brief look at the runners and riders and in pole position are Pwllheli who remain strong favourites with their established team and coach set up. Their power and pace made them the highest points and try scorers and they will strive to make it an unprecedented four titles on the bounce. Last year, skipper Nic Butterworth epitomises their attitude giving them an abrasive edge in organising both attacking and defensive options from his scrum half position.
One thing is certain runners up Nant will be up for the challenge and will be among the pacesetters. Whilst they still thrive on their traditional strong defence (lowest points conceded last season) they have developed a more attacking edge to their game with a very attack minded back three. Winger Jack Moriarty had a great season.
Caernarfon with a W16 L5 D1 record claimed third place and will perhaps be disappointed with their inconsistency. Their win against Nant last season demonstrated their potential. They prefer a fast flowing game with flanker Mac Jones taking the eye.
Bala W14 L8 came in fourth place. The Maes Gwyniad outfit stepped up their attacking tempo last season by more than doubling their points scored total as compared to the previous season. They are more than capable up front, well led by Ilan Rowlands and stand off Rhydian Jones is now maturing to a highly effective attacking lynch pin.
Llandudno claimed fifth spot with a W11 L11 record. With the talent available they will be disappointed, they have suffered with not having a settled side and resulting inconsistency. If they can address this issue they are fully capable of mounting a challenge for honours. The young talent they have produced over recent years continues to come through -watch out for yet another Davies -Reuben and Lloyd Evans--promising youngsters raring to impress.
Mold W11 L11 another inconsistent campaign ending in 6th position. Again on their day their well organised pack can be very effective but they have failed to fully capitalise. They ha a great WRU Bowl run, both hooker Ryan Kirby and flanker James Grundy were very impressive all season.
Bro W9 L13 faded after a very strong start ending in 7th place following their promotion. They should be happy with their overall performance and will be better equipped for the coming season. They are well coached and while they do not enjoy the comfort of a large squad you know they will give their all. Dewi James continues to give great performances at No 8.
Colwyn Bay W9 L13 another promoted side finishing 8th. Again will have a better feel of what is expected this season. Suffered from lack of forward power last season and this will need to be addressed. Impressive stand off Pat Atkinson saved their bacon on occasions last term.
Bethesda W8 L14 finished in 9th position after a disappointing campaign. One of the lowest points scorers in the league and there is no doubt that the fresh coaching set up will work on this for the coming season to enable them to challenge for the top places. I understand pre season has gone well and they are quietly confident - evergreen prop Paul Thomas remains influential and they have a young crop of players coming through. The two Llions Trevor and Lloyd could play influential roles.
Rhuthun W6 L 16 record gave them 10th position staving off relegation at the death. They have enjoyed an excellent pre season -perfect 3/3 victories and may feel confident that they will fare better this season . They have some exciting young players coming through which may need time to settle but they could cause a few upsets/surprises. Lock Chris Davies put in some strong performances last season.
The remaining clubs Llangefni and Dolgellau return to Div 1 following their promotion and will add something fresh to the competition. It will be a step up for both clubs but they have the pedigree and background to take it in their stride. With their coaching set ups coupled with some excellent individual players they will be a force to be reckoned with.
There you have it , my top three in alphabetical order are Cofis, Nant and Pwllheli.
Outsiders or each way bets -- Bala, Bethesda and Llandudno.
My choice of 'player of the season' is Nic Butterworth of Pwllheli who greatly impressed as both a key player and captain of the league title winners.
Last season I was privileged to witness a great display by a young player in the NW Plate competition games - I also witnessed him as the commentator in the final at Parc Erias scoring a match winning try. My choice of the 'young player of the year' is Gruff Roberts of CRDinbych.
On my travels last season I witnessed some great moments one of which will stay in my memory and epitomises the spirit of our great game. I was watching Holyhead playing Rhyl at the Waun. It was one way traffic with the Harbourmen taking a pasting but not once no not once did they give up , they regrouped after each try and persevered until the bitter end. Their skipper and players on that day deserves huge accolades. Rhyl also deserve our congratulations as they entered the spirit of the proceedings and lent/swopped players with the visitors to finish the game. Great to see long may it continue.
In Div 2 North it promises to be a highly competitive competition with some great matches in prospect . This could go right to the wire, my predictions for top three are Dinbych, COBRA and Shotton
We have a new format in Div 3 North with the inclusion of 2nd teams in the league. Let us hope it is a great success as to predictions I have a feeling that a fully loaded Mach, Nant seconds (Teirw Nant) will not be far off the pace at the end of the campaign.
Best of luck to all the clubs for the coming season, pob lwc
cofion
Hywel
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