Following report kindly supplied by Llangefni RFC.
This was a pulsating contest which went right down to the wire. The visitors scored a fine overlap try within 3 minutes, and may have imagined a repeat of their easy win in the autumn. However, the hosts knuckled down and were only 19-11 down at the break after a try and 2 precious Rhys HUGHES penalties had kept Cefni in the hunt. In the last minutes of the game a Ruthin attack in the home 22 was called back as the referee had to deal with some off the ball foul play when a try beckoned. Two red cards were given and Cefni survived the final onslaught under their posts.
Ruthin`s 1st try scored by flying winger Josh Wilson was a clear warning to the hosts to deprive Ruthin of quick ball. Rhys Hughes made it 5-3 after 5 minutes, before the visitors found touch within 10 metres of the home line. Their attack was stopped on the right flank, but when they moved the ball left Jamie Jones had an easy run in for a try which he converted: 12-3 after 11 minutes.
Ruthin got back into the red zone, but Sior Grieves made a superb break through some heavy traffic, before hoofing the ball up to the Ruthin 22. Their 15 was penalised for holding on and Cefni found touch near the 5 metre line. After Cai Oliver was twice stopped within a metre, scrum half Aled Jones fed his no.8 from a 5 metrescrum and Aaron Jeffreys powered over at the flag: 8-12 on 17 minutes.
Ruthin bagged their 3rd try after centre Jamie Jones cutback on a 50 metre run into the 22. The ball was moved right and 2nd row Chris Davies was on hand to run in near the posts: 8-19 on 23 minutes. As the 2nd quarter wore on, Cefni found success with their driving mauls from line outs. The pack were starting to dominate in loose play, and Rhys Hughes added his 2nd precious 3 pointer for 11-19.Hughes also raised the siege in his 22 soon after with a massive 60 metre punt upfield.
The 2nd half started badly for the hosts when a quick drop out 22 backfired and let the visitors back into the red zone where they patiently went through the phases until Liam Davies was able to go full stretch to score: 11-24. It was now that the home pack really upped the ante. Their tireless ball carrying and power through the collisions put the visitors on the back foot for long periods. From a 10 metre line out Cefni drove the maul and Aled Jones powered over . Hughes hit a superb conversion for 18-24. Aled Jones` physicality gave Cefni an extra back row presence at times as he shunted players back in the tackle. The home pack were now on the rampage as all 8 were keen to test the Ruthin defence. The next try came for hooker Alex Phillips when prop Iwan Evans latched on to help him reach the line. It was 23-24 with 25 minutes to play.
After Rhys Hughes had added his 3rd penalty to put Cefni ahead at 26-24, Ruthin were reduced to 14 men after a red card was administered. Cefni sensed their big chance, and after Declan Griffiths and Sior Grieves had carried to within 10 metres, the pack took over and Cai Oliver was able to power over from close range for the bonus point try and a 33-24 lead with Hughes`extras.
The visitors` were certainly not done, and after a penalty they were able to kick to within 5 metres. Once again, Ruthun`s ball retention was good and finally Cameron Lumsden stretched for the line. Jamie Jones added the 2 points and so at 33-31 a nail biting finish was assured. The dramatic finale was set up by a superb 50 metre sprint by winger Josh Wilson. He was stopped 10 metres short, but the ensuing ruck led to red cards and no try. Cefni survived the final onslaught under their posts, and held on for the win.
Next up for Cefni is a visit to Bala. The lakesiders are in a rich vein of form but this win will be a huge confidence booster for the Moniars.
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