Bala seconds got off to the perfect start to the season winning both of their pre-season friendlies against division three first teams at Maes Gwyniad.
On Saturday 22nd August they dispatched Rhosllanerchrugog 34-10 with tries from Dylan Anderson, John Emrys, Big Aran, Lee Cefnmeirch and Aaron Duffy. These were Lee and Big Aran’s first ever tries for the club, despite veteran prop Lee having played for Bala for as long as anyone can remember.
This year's captain, Neil Penlan, led by example doing all the dirty work behind the scenes. The Bala scrum was dominant as usual and the referee even asked props Declan and Lee to “go easy” for fear of hurting their younger and inexperienced front row opponents. Rhys Edwards looked as sharp as ever at number eight despite having nearly a year out of the game and pocket rocket Dei Bach popped up all over the place. Newcomers Will Roberts, Sam Carey, Iwan Spar and Tomos Roberts impressed at scrum half, winger, centre and back row, respectively.
The following Saturday, 29th August, Bala seconds whitewashed Porthmadog 38-nil with tries from Liam Anderson, Miall Roberts, Iwan Morris, Iolo Defaidty and a brace for Dei Bach.
Number eight Rhys Edwards made good ground from the base of the scrum and flanker Iwan Morris’ support play was exceptional. Dei Bach forgot he was playing at hooker and made several surging runs deep into into the Porthmadog half.
Always on the front foot, backs John Emrys, Sam Carey, Iolo Defeity and Iwan Spar combined well to find gaps in the Porthmadog back line.
Perhaps the greatest strength of the team is the sheer size of the squad, which means there will be plenty of healthy competition to wear the red and blue jersey.
However, there is no room for complacency and, due to a restructuring of the second team league, Bala now play some of the strongest teams in the first half of this season. There is still much scope for improvement and lots for Manager Richard Branas to work on.
Come and support the lads this weekend in their first league game at home against Denbigh seconds on Saturday 5th September 2.30 pm KO.
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