Results and reports as they come in for games played on Saturday, 11th February
Please note that the following reports have been kindly supplied by individual clubs and the NWRUC are not responsible for any errors or omissions
It would be appreciated if clubs could email their results to gwcymru1@aol.com for inclusion on this web-site - any match reports and/or pictures would be gratefully received - many thanks in advance
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WRU Division One North
Bethesda vs Llangefni - postponed
Bro Ffestiniog 13 vs Bala 8 (Losing bonus Bala)
Mold 13 vs Caernarfon 24
Nant Conwy 26 vs Llandudno 14 (Bonus point Nant - 4 tries)
Pwllheli 19 vs Ruthin 12 (Losing bonus Ruthin)
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Following report kindly supplied by Nant Conwy RFC
NANT CONWY 26 v LLANDUDNO 14
(Hanner amser / Half time: 19 - 7)
Sgorwyr / Scorers:
Nant Conwy: Ceisiau/Tries: ROBIN DAVIES, CARWYN ap MYRDDIN, ELGAN DAVIES & IFAN JONES
Trosi / Conversions: CARWYN ap MYRDDIN (3)
Llandudno: Ceisiau / Tries: COSB/PENALTY & DAVID DAVIES
Trosi / Conversions: AFON BAGSHAW (2)
Mewn gêm arall gyda sgrymiau llonydd (dim rheng flaen gan Landudno), dechreuodd Nant ar dân gyda Robin (Eidda) – rhif 6 yn plymio trosodd am gais yn dilyn pwysau gan y blaenwyr. Bu i Carwyn ap ychwanegu’r pwyntiau wrth drosi. Deng munud yn ddiweddarach, rhwygwyd amddiffyn yr ymwelwyr yn llwyr a bu i Carwyn ap redeg yn gyflym i sgorio yn y gornel chwith. Bu ei ymgais i drosi’i gais ei hun grafu’r ochr anghywir i’r postyn! Wyth munud o’r hanner cyntaf oedd ar ôl pan ddyfarnwyd fod Carwyn ap wedi taclo asgellwr Llandudno’n fuan wrth i’r ddau rasio am bêl a giciwyd i lawr y cae. Dyfarnwyd cais cosb i Landudno a droswyd gan y rhif 9, Arfon Bagshall. Daeth Nant yn ôl i’r gêm a bu i’r prop a’r Capten, Elgan wthio’i ffordd yn bwerus tros y llinell i sgorio cais a droswyd gan Carwyn ap i roi sgôr o 19 - 7 ar yr egwyl.
Er tegwch i Landudno , daethant fwy i’r gêm yn yr ail hanner ond sicrhaodd y mewnwr, Ifan bwynt bonws i Nant drwy sgorio’r pedwerydd cais ar ôl 24 munud o’r hanner. Troswyd y cais gan Carwyn ap. Bu i Nant bwyso ar eu rhwyfau braidd yn dilyn hyn ac roedd cais gan David Davies i’r ymwelwyr gystal ag yr oeddent yn haeddu gyda thri munud yn weddill, Troswyd y cais hwn gan Afon Bagshaw i roi sgôr derfynol o 26 - 14.
Bydd NANT yn chwarae I FFWRDD yn erbyn DYFNANT ymhen wythnos - Sadwrn 18fed Chwefror 2012 mewn gêm Plât SWALEC (rownd 4) gyda’r gic gyntaf am 2.30 o’r gloch.
In another match where Llandudno did not have sufficient front row forwards and played with ‘passive’ scrums throughout, Nant began in a fierce fashion and it was no surprise when flanker, Robin (Eidda), six minutes into the match, picked up and scored a try after a spell of forward pressure. Carwyn ap added the extra points. Ten minutes later, Carwyn ap completed a fine back movement by diving over in the left corner for a try that he narrowly failed to convert.
Only eight minutes of the half remained when Llandudno kicked the ball downfield over the Nant defence and Carwyn ap was adjudged to have tackled the opposite winger early in the dash for the touchdown. A penalty try was awarded which was easily converted by scrum half, Afon Bagshaw. Nant returned to be a force again and Captain and prop, Elgan powered his way over for a try with only 3 minutes of the half remaining. Carwyn ap converted to make a half time score of 19 – 7.
In fairness to the visitors they played better in the second half but, scrum half, Ifan secured the bonus point for Nant when he scored his side’s fourth try of the match after 24 minutes play. This try was converted by Carwyn ap. Nant rested on their laurels a bit after this score and it was no more than Llandudno deserved when they scored their second try through David Davies, which was converted by Afon Bagshaw with 3 minutes of play left. This made the final score 26 – 14 to Nant.
NANT’s next match is an AWAY game against DUNVANT on Saturday afternoon, 18th February 2012 in a SWALEC Plate (round 4) match with the kick off at 2.30 p.m.
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Following report kindly supplied by Caernarfon RFC
MOLD 13 v 24 CAERNARFON
The Cofis came through despite Mold asking serious questions of the defence for the best part of the second half to maintain their drive towards retaining the Division 1 North title.
The first ten minutes of the game were evenly contested with flashes of individualism by Kelvin Morris and Trystan Gwilym opening the Mold defence but not leading to an opening score. Eventually Mold were caught offside and Kelvin Morris duly added the three pointer. However, the lead was short lived as a hands in the ruck offence allowed Steve Quintin at outside half for Mold to gain parity with a successful penalty.
Caernarfon then settled and played good controlled rugby but the line out was not functioning as well as expected meaning that good ground gained was on occasions lost. A riposte following a high kick and gather gave Mold a glimmer of hope but the chip ahead found touch. In contrast, minutes later the bounce favoured Caernarfon as Lance Williams reacted quickly and palmed the ball to full back Dylan Parry who ran sixty meters unopposed to score. Kelvin Morris coolly added the conversion.
As Caernarfon might have expected to gain further momentum, Jamie Winning at scrum half, who had a fine game throughout was particularly inspirational in keeping Mold in the hunt. A not releasing call and a further ten meters for questioning the decision on behalf of the captain allowed Quintin to close the gap to 6–10. The best move of the match followed with quick ball releasing the three quarters who switched inside to prop Rhobat John who had an industrious and reliable performance throughout. His deft offload granted another free run for Dylan Parry to sprint clear and touchdown. Kelvin Morris extended the points tally with the conversion.
In the second half, with Caernarfon playing downhill, it was expected that the Cofis would consolidate their position by dominating territory. However, Mold had other ideas and decided to keep the ball tight and gain ground via forward drives. Two penalty attempts were missed but slowly Mold became camped in the Cofi twenty-two and after endless pick up and drives second row Patty Hughes was granted a touchdown amongst a heap of bodies. Ashley James, having taken over the kicking duties added the conversion to bring Mold within four points.
A constantly unsighted referee aided Mold’s attacking forays and frustrated the travelling support but the Cofi pack and defence rallied courageously to prevent a further score despite the loadable penalties issued against them. As the final minutes were approaching the typical eight man rugby employed by Mold found them once again nearing the try line but one spilled ball from a rolling maul was snapped up by wing Lance Williams who broke the hearts of the expectant home crowd by outpacing all would-be covering tacklers and scampered clear to score near the posts. Kelvin Morris maintained his 100% record to claim the 13–24 scoreline.
Caernarfon, although three tries to one victors will breathe a huge sigh of relief and will now look forward to a home encounter with Bala on March 3rd, knowing that the ensuing eighty minutes could basically ensure them the title without having to rely on final day heroics at Bethesda three weeks later.
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Pwllheli 19 v Ruthin 12
Ruthin travelled to Pwllheli for their first Division 1 North match for 3 weeks and came away with a loser's bonus point for the third time in the last three matches.
Ruthin started well pushing the home side towards their line with controlled pick and run and good phase play but just as it looked certain they would score they were penalised for crossing. Pwllheli cleared to their own 22 where back John Pugh collected the ball and ran the length of the pitch to score, converted by Owain Williams.
The Blues resumed their attacking play and after a missed penalty goal kick evened the score when No8 Shay Owen forced himself through the Pwll defence for a try on the line. The conversion was kicked by fly half Wil Davies levelling the score at 7-7. Despite the Blues continuing to put the home defence under pressure there was no further score at half time.
After the break Pwll’s speedy backs were causing the Blues some problems and after another run down the pitch the home side capitalised on the territory gained and fly half Alwyn Treadholme went over a for a try again converted by Williams. The Blues returned to the attack but then hooker Joe Mault was injured and the game stopped for 30 minutes whilst he was helicoptered to Ysbyty Gwynedd. Replacement wing Huw Parry reduced the arrears for the Blues almost immediately after the restart with an unconverted try but after some good phase play Pwll back Emyr Jones responded with Pwll’s third try.
With the score at 19-12 to the home side game became more scrappy. Basic errors began creeping in and the Blues had to defend well to keep their loser’s bonus point. Both sides got themselves into scoring positions in the last 15 minutes but couldn’t finish and the game ended 19-12 to Pwllheli.
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WRU Division Two North
Colwyn Bay 7 vs Abergele 11 (Losing bonus Colwyn Bay)
Denbigh 10 vs COBRA 17 (Losing bonus Denbigh)
Dolgellau 29 vs Machynlleth 0 (Bonus point Dolgellau - 4 tries
Newtown 24 vs Wrexham 0
Rhyl 26 vs Llanidloes 10
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Following report kindly supplied by COBRA
Denbigh 10 v 17 Cobra
Cobra remained unbeaten on their travels this season after a very hard fought win against a battling Denbigh. Cobra started the match with a bang, from a scrum just in side the opposition half Alwyn Williams found a gap and dashed untouched to the try line. The early try however, caused Cobra to become complacent and poor play allowed Denbigh to get a foot hold in the match which they began to dictate. Denbigh's try came after much pressure and the successful conversion saw Cobra trail 7 - 5 at halftime.
The second half started with Cobra determined to improve their play tring to up the tempo but to no avail. Poor play and a vibrant Denbigh side ensured Cobra remained in arrears and poor discipline allowed Denbigh to extend their lead from the tee.
With 15 minutes to play Cobra began to string multiple phases together and after punching holes in the Denbigh defence the forwards began to carry with a purpose that had been missing and after a defensive penalty a quick tap and smart hands allowed winger Matt Jones to power over in the corner, from the narrowest of angle Scrum Half Williams slotted the kick!
With the game ticking down Cobra continued to play and centre Iwan Vaughan broke and although caught by the covering defence was able to touch down for a deserved try.
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Dolgellau 29 v Machynlleth 0
Dolgellau emerged with the honours from this keenly contested local derby, thus gaining revenge for their only defeat of the season in the reverse fixture last October. Machynlleth began the game with vigour and matched Dolgellau in all aspects of play.
However, as the minutes ticked by it seemed that the hosts were biding their time and were gradually playing their way into areas of the field from which they could threaten the Machynlleth try-line. After ten minutes the Dolgellau pack gained good ground by picking up and driving forward in centre field. The ball was then moved slickly by the backs to left wing, Tristan Evans, who crossed for a good try near the left-hand corner. The conversion attempt from out wide by full-back, Dion Jones, was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 5-0.
Machynlleth were undaunted by this early setback however and looked quite dangerous on the counter-attack, with several players in turn gaining good ground. The competitive edge briefly threatened to boil over as fiery Machynlleth flanker, Deian Hughes, and Dolgellau second-row, Cedri Williams, were yellow-carded for an altercation in midfield. However, although Machynlleth competed well they didn’t have the fire-power to breach the solid Dolgellau defence and it was the hosts that added to their advantage after thirty minutes of play. As Dolgellau advanced into the visitors` half the ball reached inside-centre, Dylan Evans, who gained further ground before slipping an excellent pass to prop, Dewi Pugh, on a charge. After breaking through several tackles Pugh crashed over for a commendable try, a few metres to the right of the posts. The conversion by Dion Jones made the score 12-0, which is how it stood as the half-time whistled sounded.
The second-half began with Machynlleth working hard to put points on the board, but a promising attack came to nothing as the ball was knocked-on. Dolgellau then launched a concerted series of attacks which saw their hefty forwards launching themselves in turn towards the Machynlleth try-line. The ball was then released to the backs, reaching centre Dylan Evans in quick time. He swept by on the outside of his opposite number before releasing Dion Jones with a well-timed pass which enabled the full-back to dive in at the corner for a fine try.
He followed up his try with an equally fine conversion from near the right-hand touchline, extending his team’s advantage to nineteen points. Machynlleth continued to resist stubbornly however and seemed intent on denying the hosts the bonus point which they sought. The visitors then advanced towards the Dolgellau try-line with a good break-out from a defensive situation but again the solid Dolgellau defence snuffed out the danger.
During the ensuing period the Dolgellau forwards pressed hard for the all-important fourth try but were denied, in turn, by good defensive play by Machynlleth. With the home backs obviously in good form it could well have paid dividends had Dolgellau spread the ball wide on more occasions. The fourth try, when it came, was virtually a repeat of the third, with Dylan Evans putting Dion Jones in for a try in the corner with another well-timed pass. The conversion attempt missed narrowly but Dolgellau, with their tails up, pressed for a fifth try in the few remaining minutes.
Their efforts were rewarded when prop Dewi Pugh gained good ground, charging through several tackles in the process. The ball was then quickly recycled to the left, allowing left-wing, Tristan Evans to cross unopposed for his second try of the afternoon. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful but it hardly mattered as the hosts had secured another bonus-point victory which keeps their promotion push on course.
Dewi Pugh was nominated Man of the Match for his excellent performance in both tight and loose play.
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WRU Division Three North
Bangor 7 vs Llangollen 97 (Bonus point Llangollen - 4 tries)
Benllech 16 vs Menai Bridge 13 (Losing bonus Menai Bridge)
Harlech 15 vs Shotton Steel 33 (Bonus point Shotton - 4 tries)
Welshpool v Flint - postponed
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North Wales Youth Division One
Mold vs Denbigh
Pwllheli vs Caernarfon - postponed
Rhyl and District vs Colwyn Bay
Ruthin 15 vs Llangefni 34
Wrexham vs COBRA
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North Wales Youth Division Two
Bangor vs Llanidloes
Nant Conwy 33 vs Bro Ffestiniog 0
Welshpool vs Llandudno - postponed
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Gwynedd Districts League
Bro Ffestiniog 2nds vs Bethesda 2nds - postponed
Caernarfon 2nds 25 vs Bala 2nds 8
Dolgellau 2nds 24 vs Nant Conwy 2nds 20
Pwllheli 2nds vs Llangefni 2nds
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Clwyd Districts League
Denbigh 2nds vs Rhyl 2nds
Mold 2nds vs Llandudno 2nds
Ruthin 2nds 58 vs Colwyn Bay 2nds 0
Wrexham 2nds vs Abergele 2nds
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RUTHIN 2nds 58 v COLWYN BAY 2nds 0
The Bay 2s travelled to Ruthin for their third difficult game in a row and lost as expected against a strong Ruthin side which would do well in two leagues above if they were allowed promotion. The League Champions for the last three years won by ten tries (four converted) to nil.
It did not take the home side long to release their skilful and swift backs and they crossed line regularly to be 29 – 0 up at half time.
With possession from the line out and scrum impossible, the visitors had to live off scraps which they did bravely but without much success as the Ruthin backs were as well organised in defence as attack.
In the second half the home side doubled their tries and conversion count to run out 58 – 0 winners.
The Bay 2s will not have long to lick their wounds before their Clwyd Plate tie against Rhos Wrexham away next Saturday – a game they can look forward to with much more confidence as they pit their indomitable team spirit and improving skills against more evenly matched opponents.
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WRU Division Two West
Aberystwyth 23 vs Maesteg 27
Glynneath 3 vs Builth Wells 7
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WRU Division 6 Central
Cambrian Welfare vs Llandrindod Wells - postponed
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