Nant and Bethesda get to Swalec semis, but Dolgellau go out - Shotton score 100-plus again
Swalec Plate Quarter Final
Bethesda 34 v Pontypool United 6
Cwmllynfell 10 v Ystrad Rhondda 37
Nant Conwy 18 v Builth Wells 13
Penallta 18 v Maesteg Quins 8
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NANT CONWY –18 v LLANFAIR YM MUALLT / BUILTH WELLS - 13
Hanner amser / Half time: 8 -10)
Sgorwyr / Scorers:
Nant Conwy:
Ceisiau/Tries: AERON JONES (1) & CARWYN ap MYRDDIN(1)
Trosi / ConversionS: CARWYN ap MYRDDIN (1)
Ciciau Cosb / Penalties: CARWYN ap MYRDDIN (2)
Llanfair ym Muallt / Builth Wells :
Ceisiau / Tries: ANDREW DUGGAN (1)
Trosi / Conversions: JOHN THURSTON (1)
Ciciau cosb / Penalties: JOHN THURSTON (2)
Prynhawn hyfryd o braf gyda thyrfa o gwmpas 500, yn cynnwys nifer o gefnogwyr timau Caernarfon a Bae Colwyn, yn gosod awyrgylch arbennig! Gwelwyd gêm gyda dau dîm pur debyg eu hagwedd gyda ffitrwydd Nant yn sicrhau’r fuddugoliaeth yn y diwedd. Bu i Carwyn ap (rhif 15) roi Nant ar y blaen ar ôl 3 munud gyda chic gosb o bell allan ar y chwith.
Y ddau dîm yn ceisio canfod gwendidau’i gilydd am yr 20 munud nesaf cyn i John Thurston (14) gicio cic gosb i Lanfair. Bu i Ifan Jones (9) sgorio ‘cais’ o’i hanner ei hun ar ôl 25 munud ond bu i’r dyfarnwr, a gafodd gêm dda iawn, dynnu pawb yn ôl at yr hanner gan iddo ef, a fawr neb arall ar y cae, weld fod Nant wedi taro’r bel ymlaen mae’n debyg! Gyda’r ymwelwyr yn pwyso ar ôl 36 munud, cafodd cic glirio Ifan ei tharo’i lawr ac ymatebodd rhif 6 Llanfair gyntaf i sgorio cais a droswyd gan Thurston.
Chwaraeodd Nant yn benderfynol am weddill yr hanner ac roedd cais yr asgellwr Aeron reit ar ddiwedd yr hanner ond yn haeddiannol. Methwyd y trosiad o’r asgell chwith i roi sgôr o 8 - 10 ar yr hanner.
Aeth Llanfair ymhellach ymlaen wedi 50 munud trwy gic gosb arall gan Thurston. Gwelwyd Elgan, y Capten, yn annog ei chwaraewyr i ddangos beth allent ei wneud ac ymatebodd y cefnwyr i’r alwad gan strwythuro symudiad a alluogodd Carwyn ap i blymio trosodd ar y chwith ar 56 munud i wneud y sgôr yn gyfartal. Trosodd ei gais ei hun i sicrhau fod Nant yn mynd yn ôl ar y blaen. Neilltuwyd dwy gic gosb i Nant yn eu hanner eu hunain o gwmpas 70 munud - y sgrym yn cael ei dynnu’i lawr gan brop rhif 1 yr ymwelwyr y ddeudro! Cynigiodd Carwyn ap am y pyst ddwywaith gan fynd heibio’r pyst y tro cyntaf ond yn sgorio’r ail un (atgoffa rhywun o L.H tros Gymru!). Yn munudau olaf y gêm, dyfarnwyd tair cic gosb i’r ymwelwyr heb amser yw chicio allan ond llwyddodd Nant i amddiffyn eu llinell yn ddewr gan sicrhau buddugoliaeth o 18-13.
Braf oedd clywed ar ddiwedd y gêm am fuddugoliaeth ein cymdogion o P’esda hefyd. Llongyfarchiadau iddynt hwythau!.
Bydd NANT yn chwarae I FFWRDD yn erbyn Y BALA nesaf - Sadwrn 7fed Ebrill 2012 mewn gêm rownd gyn derfynol Cwpan Gogledd Cymru gyda’r gic gyntaf am 2.30 o’r gloch.
In beautiful sunshine and a crowd of around 500, including some supporters of Caernarfon and Colwyn Bay Rugby Clubs, a grand atmosphere was created in watching two quite evenly matched sides. It appears that the Nant players’ fitness counted in ensuring a win at the end. Carwyn ap (15) was successful with a penalty kick after 3 minutes play from a distance on the left.
For the next 20 minutes or so, both sides were trying to find out each other’s weaknesses before john Thurston (14) replied with a successful penalty for Builth. Ifan Jones (9) and most of the crowd thought that a ‘try’ had been scored after 25 minutes but the Referee, who had an excellent match, had spotted a ‘knock-on’ apparently by Nant on the half way line. As the visitors were pressurising the home line after 36 minutes play, Ifan’s clearing kick was charged down by Andrew Duggan (6) who gathered the ball to score a fortuitous try in many ways – a try that was converted by Thurston. Nant became more determined for the rest of the half and it was only their due when no. 11, Aeron, squeezed over for a try in the final seconds of play. The conversion attempt was missed to give a half time score of 8-10.
Builth went further ahead with another penalty off Thurston after 50 minutes play. Elgan, Nant’s Captain, could be heard really rallying his troops. The backs responded to the verbal row and scored a magnificent try on the left through Carwyn ap, that he converted himself, after 56 minutes. Nant were awarded two penalties in their own half at around 70 minutes play when the visiting open side prop was adjudged twice to have brought the scrum down illegally. Carwyn ap missed the first attempt but the loud roar could be heard for miles I’m sure as the second sailed through the posts (a reminder of L.H. for Wales maybe!). During the last few seconds of play, Builth were awarded three successive penalties with not enough time to kick the ball out for a line out. Nant managed to keep their opponents from scoring to complete a wonderful win by 18 – 13.
It was good to hear at the end that our neighbours, Bethesda had won as well and Nant Conwy wish to congratulate them as well!
NANT’s next match is an AWAY game against Y BALA on Saturday afternoon, 7th April 2012 in a NORTH WALES CUP (Semi Final)) match with the kick off at 2.30 p.m.
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Swalec Bowl Quarter Final
Dolgellau 11 v Talywain 18
Dolgellau’s commendable run in the SWALEC Bowl competition came to an end against Gwent side, Talywain, but they went down with all guns blazing and the result remained in the balance until the final whistle.
On the warmest day of the year thus far and with the Marian pitch in good condition, the large crowd looked forward eagerly to this north-south clash. Dolgellau however, did not make a very auspicious start as within a minute of the kick-off they were penalised for not rolling away at a ruck. Luckily for them the penalty attempt from 28 metres was a failure and within a few minutes the hosts had their own penalty opportunity. This time the outcome was successful as full-back, Dion Jones, converted the penalty from a distance of 30 metres, to the left of the posts. Playing into a breeze, Talywain, responded with a series of concerted attacks, which saw them threaten the Dolgellau try line, near to the corner flag.
It seemed inevitable that the pressure would tell eventually and so it proved as lively Talywain scrum-half, Wayne Redman, picked up from the base of a scrum and scrambled over for a good try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the visitors with a narrow, two point advantage. As the half progressed the Dolgellau forwards showed their mettle in the set scrums and took the ball against the head on several occasions, thanks to the commendable efforts of hooker, Geraint Evans. Although the visitors did most of the pressing during this period, Dolgellau threatened occasionally with lively counter-attacks. During one such attack, the Talywain backs were penalised for being off-side in midfield, allowing Dion Jones a second penalty opportunity, which he converted confidently.
By this time the visitors had realised that they weren’t going to have things all their own way and their forwards upped the tempo as they threatened the Dolgellau try line, time after time. It seemed inevitable that the pressure would lead to a score for the visitors, and so it proved. A set scrum on the Dolgellau five-metre line wheeled to Talywain’s advantage, enabling scrum-half Wayne Redman to dive over for a second try, virtually a carbon copy of his first. The conversion attempt by full-back, Morgan Parry, was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 6-10, which is how things stood as the interval was reached, with all to play for in the second half.
As the second half progressed, the Dolgellau forwards continue to hold their own in the set aspects of play, with flanker Dewi Thomas winning a great deal of clean ball at the line-outs. Another player who deserves special mention is prop, Dewi Pugh, who, faced with the heftiest prop to appear on the Marian in a good many years, stood his ground in commendable fashion. As the minutes ticked by, the match developed into a stop-start affair, with the visitors taking advantage of every minor injury to take water on board and gain minutes of valuable respite!
Dolgellau attempted to take advantage of every opportunity to counter-attack but unfortunately for them, during one such attack a pass went astray. The ball was picked up by the Talywain, number ten, Adam Williams, who showed a good turn of speed to run around the Dolgellau cover-defence to score an excellent try, near to the left-hand corner flag. Although the conversion was missed, the visitors now had a fairly comfortable 6-15 advantage. Dolgellau were by no means ready to throw in the towel however as their forwards carried the ball deep into the Talywain half. The ball eventually came to replacement scrum-half, Gethin Edwards, who fooled nearby defenders with an excellent dummy pass, allowing him to plunge over for a fine try. Although the conversion attempt by Dion Jones was unsuccessful, the hosts were now within reach of their opponents.
However, with five minutes remaining the visitors were awarded a penalty which was slotted by Morgan Parry, making the score 11-18. In the remaining minutes Dolgellau tried their utmost to score a second try but the visitors defence held firm until the final whistle, thus securing a hard-earned victory against a gutsy Dolgellau team. The Talywain Man of the Match was scrum-half, Wayne Redman, for his two tries and inspiring all-round play.
Dewi Pugh was awarded the Dolgellau Man of the Match award for giving his massive opponent a tough time, but he was hard-pushed for the award by centre, Dylan Evans, who, despite his slight build, crossed the gain line on virtually every occasion that he received the ball.
Dolgellau’s next fixture is at home to COBRA on April 7th.
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WRU Division One North
Bala 31 v Llandudno 12
Bro Ffestiniog 13 v Ruthin 9
Pwllheli 26 v Mold 13
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Pwllheli 26 v 13 Mold (h/t 7 - 7)
It took some time for the home team to adjust to the rules of an uncontested scrum match forced upon them by the opposition but it took them less than a minute to score the first try when second row youngster Williams crashed over after slic passing split the Mold defenders. Geraint Martin, playing outside half for the first time this season, was successful with the conversion.
Ten minutes later, the visitors failed with a penalty attempt from mid field but on re-start they worked their way to the home team's try line and hooker Dave Meshum reached over the whitewash. Winger Luke Jones converted and the score remained 7-7 at half time.
The second half reflected the first in that Pwllheli started strongly, scoring two tries in the first five minutes. No 8 Richard Hughes broke a tackle in mid-field and his fitness saw him score under the post for Martin to add an easy conversion. Young winger Robin Jones scored the second out wide, his first attempt at reaching the line thwarted by an excelltent defensive cover tackle.
The visitors were reduced to 14 men when Dan Bowden went off injured but you could not fault their defensive play and resolve and determination. Jones converted a penalty ten minutes into the half and another attempt hit the post before Ollie Jenner was successful with a drop goal. Mold were however denied a loosing bonus point in injury time when full back John Pugh intercepted a pass and raced clear to score the fourth an bonus point try for Pwllheli. He converted his own try with a drop kick - a fitting conclusion to the league season.
Pwllheli have a home game against Llanidloes in a North Wales Plate semi-final match next Saturday (31st March) with kick-off at 2-30 pm.
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Bro Ffestiniog 13 v Ruthin 9
Ruthin played their last league game of the season against 3rd placed Bro Ffestiniog in summer-like conditions on Saturday.
First points went to the Blues within the first ten minutes when Shay Owen kicked a penalty goal. The home side responded with some pressure on the Blues line and given Bro’s stronger pack the visitors did well to keep them out. Eventually Ruthin conceded a penalty and Bro opted for another scrum from which they scored and the try was converted.
For the rest of the first half play was pretty even with both sides with scoring chances. Ruthin always looked dangerous and although play was interrupted by numerous penalties on both sides they could easily have been ahead at half time if they’d been a bit more effective in set pieces.
The sides went in at half time with Bro 7-3 ahead.
Bro were playing downhill into Ruthin’s half after the break and for significant periods kept Ruthin pinned in their own half. Penalties were still numerous and Bro went further ahead with two penalty goals in the first ten minutes of the second half. Ruthin were still effective on their breaks from defence and were causing the home side to make errors.
Replacement Deian Williams reduced the arrears to 7 points with a penalty goal and then after a Bro player was yellow carded for dissent grabbed another penalty goal to put the Blues a try away from a win. Bro were not going to let that happen though and the Blues defended well for the last 5 minutes before the whistle blew for full time and 13-9 win to Bro and a needed bonus point for Ruthin.
Again there were good displays by players migrated from the youth team with Ben Taylor, Mike Jones and Harry Higgins having effective games.
Ruthin will play Bethesda at home in the North Wales Plate semi-final on a date yet to be agreed.
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WRU Division Two North
Colwyn Bay 18 v Llanidloes 14
Denbigh 44 v Newtown 3
Machynlleth 46 v Abergele 15
Rhyl v Wrexham - postponed
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WRU Division Three North
Benllech 39 v Bangor 5
Harlech 36 v Flint 3
Llangollen 82 v Holyhead 3
Menai Bridge 8 v Rhosllanerchrugog 54
Shotton Steel 103 v Welshpool 3
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WRU Division Two West
Aberystwyth 9 v Crymych 12
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WRU Division 6 Central
Cefn Fforest 11 v Llandrindod Wells 10
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North Wales Youth Division One
COBRA 41 v Ruthin 11
Denbigh 20 v Colwyn Bay 0
Llangefni v Mold
Wrexham v Pwllheli
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North Wales Youth Division Two
Bala v Newtown
Bro Ffestiniog 17 v Bangor 20
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Clwyd Districts League
Colwyn Bay 2nds v Llandudno 2nds
Mold 2nds v Wrexham 2nds
Rhos 2nds v Denbigh 2nds
Rhyl 2nds v Ruthin 2nds
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Gwynedd Districts League
Bethesda 2nds v Bala 2nds
Bro Ffestiniog 2nds v Nant Conwy 2nds
Caernarfon 2nds v Porthmadog
Dolgellau 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds
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Sunday, March 25th
WRU Women's National Cup Semi Final
Caernarfon Ladies v Cross Keys Ladies
Sea View Ladies v Welshpool Ladies
Dolgellau Ladies v Pontyclun Ladies
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