Hard to believe I know, but some games did take place this weekend - please take a look at the reports
ROUND UP FROM RHYL RFC
Under 8’s
Despite putting up a very determined defence, Rhyl under 8's slipped to their first defeat of the season against a well drilled Mold side. Rhyl remained disciplined throughout the game and ensured that it was a competitive contest from the first whistle to the last. In the first game of the day despite Rhyl taking an early lead Mold ran out winner by a 9 - 5 margin. The consolation tries for Rhyl came from Ben Billington (2), Dylan Cook, Joseph Roberts and Jack Walsh. In the second game of the day the Mold team continued their winning run, managing to score 13 tries to Rhyl's 6. On the score sheet for Rhyl were Dillan Volschenk (2), Roman Hodgson, Dylan Cook, Ryan Espley and Ethan Philpotts.
Under 9’s
Rhyl U9s took part in two very entertaining and physical matches in the mud away to Mold. The first game was won by Rhyl 4 tries to 1. Rhyl try scorers were Tommy Jones with three and one for Paddy Nelson. In the second game Rhyl put in a defensive performance that a national side would be proud of. They refused to give away an inch of territory frustrating Mold who were beaten six tries to three. Try scorers were Jones, Nelson with four and a long awaited first try for Charlie Molenuex.
Under 11’s
It was Groundhog Day for the U11’s as their match against played out in a familiar pattern. Four unanswered try’s by Mold left Rhyl demoralised going in at the halftime break. Instructions from the coaches were to remember why the players loved rugby and what they were good at; direct running, hard tackling and committed rucking. Above all the players were told to go out and have fun. True to the form of the past few weeks, the team gave everything they had winning the second half 12-14. Harry Hewitt led the resurgence with his best game to-date in a Rhyl shirt with several powerful runs and committed defence. Brandon Barns also had his best game, showing the technique and determination that he has been promising all season. Rhyl’s first try was scored by Austen Webber who crashed through the Mold defence to run half the length of the pitch. Rhyl’s second try was scored by standout player Ewan Williams who powered across the whitewash surrounded by the Mold defence. James Fielding converted both try’s. Final score was 40-14 to Mold.
*****
Llanidloes under 8 Gogledd festival
By Chris Jones, Llanidloes RFC | Sunday 25th November 2012
Llani festival saw our home side down by one player from the start which didn't faze the boys confidence one bit, this side has grown in confidence with a season and a half unbeaten run, They started strong with a win over Dolgellau showing some impressive defensive play closing the opposition down and getting turnover ball on many occasions Finnley leading the defence with George on his shoulder and the younger boys holding a line to leave no way through for Dolgellau, tries from strong straight running from George Finnley and Harvey finished of Dolgellau .
Game 2 Against a Newtown side that ran us very close a few months ago Saw some cutting straight runs again from Finnley and George with the younger players running well in support showing that they are learning to stay close to their two battering rams. Tries from Finnley George again proving too much for Newtown with Teagan putting the final nail in the coffin.
Game 3 saw Cobra put up a stiff challenge Scoring early and catching us off guard this was soon put right with amazing defence again with Finnley getting 5 tags in a row to seal 2 turnover balls allowing himself and George to grab a couple of tries, Kerry put in a fantastic run only to just get caught near the lline but an impressive offload sent George over for a try Josh Skelton showing that his elusive running can score tries getting one to seal another win.
Game 4 another Newtown side pushing us close but the defensive prowess of the full team proving too much getting turnover ball yet again, these young players improving their game so much allowing their 2 strong runners to open up the defence for a brace of tries with josh having another to finish off the win.
The last game saw a strong determined Welshpool side start very strong with 2 tries, Llani looked tired and unorganised for their last game and Welshpool took full advantage, we came back at them but it was too little too late and Welshpool beat us for the first time in 2 seasons, all in all some fantastic rugby from a side with only six boys who are growing together as a formidable unit.
*****
RESOLUTE DEFENCE RESULTS IN VICTORY
Llanidloes U16 12 v Welshpool U16 0
By Geraint Jarman, Llanidloes RFC | Monday 26th November 2012
Hard work and determination are rewarded
Scorers
Tries
Frankie Bacigalupo 1
Rob ones 1
Conversion
Tom Jarman 1
Llanidloes entertained local rivals Welshpool on a heavy, energy sapping pitch on Sunday. The home team were pinned in their own half for nearly 20 minutes but resolute defence by backs and forwards prevented Welshpool crossing the try line. Rob jones, Frankie Bacigalupo and Floyd Lewis led by example tackling the strong Pool forwards at every attacking attempt. Again Llanidloes failed to take the correct options to clear their line and had several penalties awarded against them for offside.
Eventually Llanidloes broke into the opponents half driving the Welshpool team into their 22 metre area. Llanidloes were then awarded a penalty which was taken quickly by Ieuan Phillips who passed to Captain Bacigalupo to score against the run of play.
This first score seemed to settle the Llanidloes team as they improved and took control of this game. Prop Will Denham then changed position with Lewys Jones which improved the Llanidloes scrum enabling the home team to dominate as Jones, Lewis and Short came to the fore.
The second half was controlled by the Llanidloes team as forwards and backs linked well, credit to Fly half Tom Jarman and inside centre Cai Lewis who defended with accurate tackling to a high standard throughout thwarting the strong running centres of Welshpool.
After a number of attacking opportunities rob jones then followed his own kick through and was rewarded with a try near the posts which Tom Jarman converted.The Llanidloes team included three players from the -15s team Tom Owen, Lewys jones and Will Denham who all played a major part in this victory aswell as Andy Evans who supported the team when asked to play early on Sunday morning.
This Llanidloes team have a positive work ethos and a willingness to learn which will only develop and lead to success as the season unfolds.
*****
Mold U9s versus Anselmians
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Mold U9s hosted Anselmians, winning comprehensively in both encounters. The score lines (7-1 & 8-0) did not reflect Anselmians superb effort and capabilities; the games did however represent an important stage in the development of the Mold U9s.
Max Lloyd opened the scoring for Mold after receiving the ball from Lewis Craft. The defensive capabilities of both teams were tested, Sam Doughty’s well timed tackle secures touch and possession, this possession was rewarded as Mold’s U9 recycled the ball through the ranks making steady progress, Max was the beneficiary driving through for his second try. From the restart Mold’s pressure on the ball was rewarded, Garret Healy’s persistence was remarkable, as was the timing and quality of his tackles , Lewis Craft delivered the third try .
Anselmians possession and movement was well crafted, however Mold’s harrying and pressure presented quite literally too many challenges, Tom Davies was in the mix and causing disruption, Evan Davies was exceptional; his powerful driving rewarded with a solid try. Anselmians were still applying pressure moving the ball forward and getting within a whisper of a score, however Mold regained possession on their try line the result of a score saving tackle by Euan Roberts.
From this point on their own line Mold again moved the ball with increasing maturity, Brodie Howe-Thatcher was powerful, brave and direct, Evan Davies to Joe Allen to Hayden Rowe on to Tom Davies who presented the ball to Garret Healy for Mold’s fifth score and half time.
Mold introduced four replacements for the second half and in doing so welcomed Jack Sherry for his first appearance. Jack was soon involved chasing down the Anselmians line to great effect. Euan Roberts scored Mold’s sixth try in a congested passage of play , Garret was fine example to his team mates leading the line, releasing Rián O’Mallie who broke forward for a impressive seventh try.
Anselmians continued to apply pressure, a strong drive finally breaking Mold’s resistance. The score line did not reflect well on Anselmians, their play was competent, their movement coherent, Mold were had the advantage in that their pursuit was relentless and their possession effective, Rián broke through some strong tackles to complete an 8-1 victory.
The second encounter was equally emphatic for Mold and equally frustrating for Anselmians. Brodie Howe Thatcher was quick to the ball, direct and effective in gaining territory, Mold’s collective approach to ball movement while not perfect showed improving signs as Euan Roberts benefited with an opening score.
Anselmians drove forward and were driven into touch by David Cracknell; a drive forward resulted in Max Lloyd extending the lead. Sam Doughty was effective, agitating the Anselmians line and successfully recycling the ball, the tackling was strong, in some cases a bit too high, the game was however was played in good competitive spirit. Euan’s drive succeeded and Mold were 3-0 up. Possession was again taken from Anselmians through a combination of Max and Sam’s persistence.
Tom Davies was tireless, fast and a constant threat when in possession, a quick layoff released Rián for Mold’s fourth. Anselmians again drove forward but were again undone by Mold’s consistent pressure, Evan was a safe and strong pair of hands, David Cracknell released Tom and Fionntán McCann’s pace delivered a fifth.
In spite of their obvious strength Anselmians were again unable to turn their possession to an advantage; Sam Doughty drove to the line for a sixth. Anselmians pushed hard and applied pressure Max got close to extending Mold’s lead was denied in his first attempt but succeeded shortly with Mold’s seventh try. A eighth and final try came from Rián who intercepted a well intended Anselmians pass.
*****
Mold U10s vs Anselmians - Mold won 20 - 5.
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Anselmians crossed the border with good intentions and after a slightly delayed start on a cold but sunny day the match got underway. Anselmians pushed very hard at the Mold line from the start but Mold U10s have demonstrated steely resolve in defence of late and rallied hard forcing Anselmians back with interest.
Mold were eager to get the basics right and this showed in their much improved rucking and ball retention. There is still an over emphasis on the individual over the team but Mold were really trying hard to develop a passing game despite the ball resembling a bar of soap. In fact the best try of the match came from a sweeping move after good rucking released the ball for Issac Kneen who swept a pass out to the waiting speedsters who handled the ball down the line to allow Ashley Marrs to glide over.
All over the park Mold were aggressive in the tackle and the pressure told as Amselmians reverted to kicking from deep within their territory only for Mold to run creatively back at them which resulted in jinking tries by the impala like Ewan Denton and Alex Foster who benefitted enormously from the efforts of the combative Dafydd Thomas- Burnett who ran hard and direct demonstrating good strength in the tackle. Tommy Ellis was instrumental in setting the ball up with powerful mauling drives ably supported by Oliver Owen, Will Parry and Jack Lawrence.
Anselmians did get a try back but it was a consolation score and debatable as it resulted from a clearance kick with the Anselmian scorer catching it on the bounce and running over from the half way line with the nearest Mold player some way behind. Nonetheless it was an important lesson for Mold to learn as kicking thankfully has never been a Mold priority and on this evidence its a tactic to be used very sparingly as its hard enough getting the ball in the first place.
Tries. Alex Foster, Ashley Marrs. Ewan Denton (2).
Second Game Mold won 20- 0.
This game followed the same pattern as the first with Mold overwhelming Anselmians with relentless tackling and rucking. It was a little disappointing that the expansive play of the first game was not emulated but this was possibly a result of the heavy underfoot conditions and muddy ball that lost its aerodynamics somewhat and all players struggled to come to grips with it.
Anslemians luckily struggled more with the conditions and Mold scored with ease with Daniel Bell in a man of the match performance demonstrated utter commitment in the tackle and brilliant body position in thwarting would be tacklers aside as he weaved powerfully to cross over for 2 tries. Alex Foster and Jack Lawrence also went over after the dirty work of securing ball and territory was carried out by Charlie Barnes, Tommy Ellis, Oliver Owen, Piers Metcalfe and Rhys Hewitt which left the players feeling exhausted but happy with a hard fought victory.
Tries: Alex Foster, Daniel Bell (2), Jack Lawrence. Man of the Match: Daniel Bell.
*****
Mold U10s versus Wrexham
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Game 1 Mold won 83-22
Mold had previously played against Wrexham a month ago in the Mold festival and on that occasion triumphed narrowly over a much shorter game time. The Wrexham side are a big bunch with two towering forwards and proved a very imposing side however Mold were in "Barbarian "mode with all players contributing magnificently to what was an emphatic victory to win by 15 tries to 4. The score line suggests Mold had it all their way but this was certainly not the case.
Mold with a miserly and tenacious defence turned seemingly inevitable scoring opportunities by Wrexham into confidence inspired attack resulting in some delightful full length of the pitch intercepts by the fleet-footed Taylor Morris who benefitted from this commitment by running in 4 tries. Some achievement!
Mold were very good using the ball cleverly away from the Wrexham pack who were good at the breakdown although Mold dealt with this and certainly man of the match Isaac Kneen who demonstrated good body position in the ruck along with others Henry Wilson and Ethan Williams who were quick to feed the ball to others in scoring positions. Ashley Marrs showed typical speed in scoring 3 tries and Alex Foster also ran in a hat-trick to return to early season form with his new shiny blue boots.
Daniel Bell (2) , Rhys Hewit, Braeden Miller the "Canuk Raider" who was typically abrasive and Will Parry all scored tries which were very much built upon by excellent teamwork and hard direct running. Daniel Bell running with ball in both hands showed lovely vision and spatial awareness as he weaved his way past the struggling Wrexham defence for his two tries.
Wrexham showed brief forays into the Mold twenty -two and crossed over for 4 well taken tries to remind the Mold players that they had a match on their hands but excellent offensive tackling by Charlie Barnes , Jack Lawrence, Henry Wilson and Oliver Owen laid the platform for the speedsters out-wide to outwit the bewildered Wrexham team who could not deal with the controlled aggression and superior skills of the rampant Mold players. There was never any respite and the desire and hunger to pressure the opposition put a smile on the coaches faces.
Tries: Alex Foster (3), Ashley Marrs(3), Braeden Miller (1), Daniel Bell ( 2), Rhys Hewitt (1), Taylor Morris (4), Will Parry (1).
Conversions: Alex Foster, Braeden Miller (2), Charlie Barns(1).
Man of the match: Isaac Kneen
Game 2 Mold won 15-10
This game was played in the spirit of the first and Dafydd Thomas-Burnett and Henry Wilson were prevalent carrying the ball forward strongly and Rhys Hewitt sacrificing hugely for the cause saw Mold win by two tries to one. Wrexham came back after the shell shock of the first game but Mold were very much in control and did not fall off the pace or the tackles which was certainly promising for the remainder of the season.
Tries: Daniel Bell (2) , Taylor Morris (1)
*****
Mold U9s vs Wrexham
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Mold U9s overcame a strong and well organised Wrexham team in two absorbing encounters.
From the off Brodie Howe-Thatcher drove purposefully down field and was met by strong resistance, a quick off lay saw Garret Healy score at pace. The conditions were a challenge to all with footing a problem, this however made the contest all the more dramatic as possession was won and lost with frequent tackling and handling errors. After a passage of play involving good ball recycling and movement Max Lloyd provided the pass for Garret to increase the lead to 2-0.
Wrexham came back strongly pressing forward to the Mold line, stout defensive work from the entire team saw a turn over and from the restart Max was able to leave the Wrexham line in his wake. The passage of play was again repeated with Wrexham passing, pressing and moving forward, Mold stood together Jack Hughes and Lewis Craft heavily involved in the defence , Mold again regained possession, Max to Garret for another superbly taken try. Mold’s defensive capabilities were tested and withstood yet another Wrexham onslaught, Fionntán McCann’s well timed tackle putting the Wrexham attacker into touch and regaining possession.
Euan Roberts scored to make it 5-0 on the end of a good exchange involving Tom Davies and Sam Doughty. It was only a matter of time and effort, Wrexham did get their reward with a well deserved score, this invigorated the team who again applied pressure on the Mold line, pressure that was resisted and countered as Max Lloyd made it 6-1 with a daring run.
Wrexham were defeated but stuck to their task , a late push saw a second well deserved try making the final score 6-2.
The second encounter was a more even contest with both teams demonstrating great collective resistance in defence. Max broke through from the first play to give Mold 1-0 lead. Wrexham again were unable to break Mold’s stubborn defensive line; brave tackles going in from Jack, Hayden and Euan. Sam Doughty made it to the line to make it 2-0 after the ball was moved left to right and recycled throughout the team.
Fionntán McCann was able to use his pace to avoid the clutches of the Wrexham defence making it a comfortable 3-0 although the score was not a reflection of Wrexham’s performance. Wrexham’s efforts were rewarded on the stroke of half time with a well deserved score.
The second half saw tremendous physical effort and commitment from both teams with the tackles coming thick, fast, high and low. Both teams were brave as the ball continued to be moved and retained, a great tackle by Garret Healy denied Wrexham a certain score. Wrexham got back in the game with a collective push across the Mold line for 3-2, the game was finely balanced and could have been tied had it not been for the bravery of the Mold defence. Sam Doughty was rewarded with the final try making it 4-2, a brave performance by both teams.
*****
Mold U11s v Anselmians
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Mold U11s played host to Anselmians at the weekend and gave their visitors a lesson in attractive, attacking rugby. The strength of the Mold team was evidenced by the fact that no fewer than 12 players scored tries in two games where Mold scored 77 points to Anselmians 22. William Roberts, Harry Millington and George Abbott picked up two tries each. Mold's other try scorers were: Seth Geary, Monty Roberts, Alun Evans, Kyle De-Lloyd, Sam Alberston, Harvey Arrowsmith, Alex Murphy, James Flint and Ieuan Evans.
*****
Mold U11s vs Wrexham
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Mold U11s gave local neighbours Wrexham a master class in thrilling, expansive rugby. Mold ran in 8 unanswered tries to record a 54 point to nil victory. William Roberts and man of the march Seth Geary picked up a hat trick of tries each with Harvey Arrowsmith and George Abbot also crossing the whitewash for Mold.
*****
Mold U9s vs Caernarfon
By Roger Cracknell | Saturday 24th November 2012
Mold U9s prevailed at home against Caernarfon in two games played in wet conditions with a muddy pitch. In spite of the adverse conditions for ball handling, the Mold performance showed a new level of maturity in passing and offloading from tackles.
Game 1 Mold 8- Caernarfon 2
Max Lloyd barged his way through the Caernarfon defence to score first try for Mold. The game then reached a stalemate with good attacking play from Mold being countered by strong defence from the visitors before Garret Healy crossed the line for Mold with a diagonal run to the corner. There then followed a passage of play in which Caernarfon were trapped between the try line and dead ball line unable to escape from the relentless Mold pressure , which eventually resulted in a Mold try following a demonstration of physical power from Brodie-Howie Thatcher.
Mold then started passing the ball around and started to dominate the match: a strong run from Max led to a try for Garret. Max then benefited from fluent Mold ball interchange to score twice in quick succession and Euan Roberts crossed the line following a strong diagonal run to make it 7-0.
In the final minutes of the match Mold scored again through Garret, but twice allowed the visitors to penetrate their defences for the match to finish 8-2.
Game 2 Mold 4 Caernarfon 1.
The Mold defensive frailty that had characterised the closing minutes of the first encounter persisted allowing Caernarfon to take the lead. Mold regained their composure and managed to build momentum through off loading the ball from the tackle with Euan and Max scoring tries which were a credit to the whole team. A strong run from Sam Doughty made it 3-1 and another excellent piece of teamwork allowed Lewis Craft to score the final try of the match.
*****
Mold U8 24 v Rhyl U8 12
No Remedy for Ricketts
By Don Davison | Sunday 25th November 2012
A cold wind blew on the visitors Rhyl as a red hot Mold team took control from the whistle.
Will Cottle first to score, then the deserving man of the match Archie Ricketts running through for a hatrick of tries before Aaron Martin grounding to finish the half 5 – 4.
The second half saw Mold run away with the game, some fantastic team defending kept the visitors out while the ever reliable Archie McParland (3) and Byron Davies (2) sealed the win 10 – 5.
In the second game Mold started where they left off, Archie Ricketts again on the score sheet and Mathew Pryce powering over to score his first of 3. Rhyl showed some slick passing to keep in touch, but further scores from Ricketts, Pryce and Aaron Martin saw Mold lead at the interval 7 – 4.
In the second half Archie McParland opened the scoring followed by a fine solo effort from Will Sandos. A penetrating run and pass from Jonathon Cummins allowed Byron Davies to score between the posts. Mold, confidence growing, scored again through McParland (2) and Sandos before Matthew Davison sprinting down the wing like an impala and touching down in the corner finished an impressive team performance. Mold 14 – Rhyl 7.
Try scorers:
Will Cottle 1; Aaron Martin 2; Archie Ricketts 6; Archie McParland 6; Byron Davies 3; Mathew Pryce 3; Matthew Davison 1; Will Sandos 2.
*****
Hoylake U7 61 v Mold U7 47
By Alexandra Ghattas | Monday 26th November 2012
Mold under 7s travelled across the border to Hoylake. Due to a fantastic turn out, Mold were able to field two teams: The Sharks and the Jets.
Game One
Mold Jets narrowly missed out with a final score of 16 to Hoylake and 13 to the Mold Jets. Calon Wilcock opened the scoring for Mold and scored a further two tries with the captain, Luke Bewley, also scoring a hat trick. Ewan Millington and Rhys McQueen scored two fantastic tries each with further points coming from Hari Thompson, Jac Morgan and Ieuan Antrobus.
In the second half the Jets really put Hoylake under pressure with great support and strong tagging from Joseph Parry-Yapp.
This was a really hard fought battle with a great team effort from Mold on a very wet and difficult pitch.
Man of the match was Luke Bewley.
Game two
Mold Sharks took the game to Hoylake straight from the whistle in a tightly fought match which finished Mold Sharks 12 Hoylake 10.
An early try came from Dylan Cummins followed closely by a superb try from Logan Denton two tries each came from Matthew Foster and Sion Hellen with further tries coming from Dylan Kilshaw and Thomas Cottle who celebrated his sixth birthday with a debut appearance and took captaincy of this winningside. Top scorer for the Sharks in this game was Louis Pritt, who scored a massive four tries, earning him man of the match.
Again there was great support play from Charlie Wainwright and Bradley Hann, with strong passing skills demonstrated by Adam Clark.
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