NORTH RUGBY RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU Tony Bale Sports Photography Tony

AN OVAL ZONE PUBLICATION DECEMBER 2017 Comment... First of all, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all!

There has been so much going on since the last issue was out that it’s been difficult to include everything, despite going from 32 pages to 56 pages in this issue. I have tried to include something for everyone at all age groups.

I must say a big thank you Conwy Land Rover for their loyal support which helps me to print and distribute this magazine and also the new advertisers in this issue, it’s very much appreciated.

To those clubs who I have visited since the last issue, please accept my thanks for the wonderful welcome that you have given me and, as always, to those individuals who consistently send in their great photo- graphs and reports, I couldn’t do this without you. If you fancy putting pen to paper on any rugby-related matter, especially AN OVAL ZONE if it’s relevant to North and Mid Wales, then please do, it would aid me greatly and also create debate which can only be good for rugby in our PUBLICATION region. As long as it’s not libellous, you may find your contribution in the Edited and designed by next issue. Go on, you know you want to... Gary Williams, And so, thanks for reading if you’ve got this far, hope you enjoy the Wylfa, Westwood Park, magazine and best wishes to you for 2018. Welshpool, SY21 7QP Email: [email protected] Gary Tel: 07713 514 375

This magazine has been produced with the generous Subscribe to assistance of Conwy Land Rover ‘ Rugby’ and the North Wales Council magazine for just £4! Next issue will be out during If you’ve enjoyed this issue, please the first week of March don’t miss out on the remaining two issues of ‘’ www.ovalzone.co.uk Twitter: @OvalZoneRugby Facebook: Oval Zone Rugby There will be two more issues during this season (early March and May) and you can have them both delivered to your door for a one-off payment of £4.

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Please note that this is a not-for-profit magazine. The £4 subscription will cover the printing and postage. Up and running in the Conwy Land Rover Carwyn Roberts, Caernarfon North Wales Cup competitions

Caernarfon 23 v Bethesda 11 to score behind the posts to make the onslaught but a harsh high tackle call conversion easy for Aled Jones. and customary yellow card ended The following report and picture kindly the latter’s contribution. As a result supplied by Caernarfon RFC. Bethesda rallied well before half time another opportunity arrived for Aled with Arwyn Griffiths solid and Carwyn Jones to nudge Caernarfon a little Two teams who have not enjoyed the Williams and Llion Lloyd gaining valu- further ahead, an opportunity that he best of fortunes of late upped their able meters. duly dispatched to give the home side game in an effort to secure a place a reasonably comfortable cushion of Huw Owen, in the next round of the Conwy Land The visitors, inspired by the pre half twelve points with ten minutes to play. Pwllheli 2nds Reeve Wright, Rover North Wales Cup. On this oc- time comeback started sprightly and Rhyl casion it was the rejuvenated Cofis were on the scoreboard within two Bethesda during the final few minutes that had the edge, by having the nous minutes with Gethin Long slotting the were not able to mount a serious to quell the comeback spirit that the first of his brace of penalties. Contin- threat since they were unable to free quarrymen had summoned during the ued pressure led to another offside call the likes of fullback Gethin Long who third quarter. and the fullback once again dispatched above all others had shown that he the offering to further lift Bethesda had to key to unlock any defence if put Pesda showed their intent from the off spirits. Within a few minutes a long in sufficient space. with fullback Gethin Long attempting a punt downfield was not fielded and this Caernarfon therefore move on to the penalty from the half way line, however allowed Bethesda to further pressurise next round with a little renewed con- it was Cofi Aled Jones who opened the the Cofi defence. From a scrum, the fidence whilst knowing that they will scoring following an offside call with ball was spread wide but centre Llion soon face a stern test at Bethesda in five minutes played. Lloyd opted for a path back around the the shortly upcoming league fixture. scrum and found the required gap to The Cofis enjoyed a period of get to the try line to bring the quarry- Conwy Land Rover’s Man of the Match dominance after having taken the men back to within six points with at accolade was granted to Caernarfon Luke Thornhill, lead with Mac Jones prominent and least twenty five minutes to play. The stand off Carwyn Roberts who did as the rest of the pack swift to support. Cofis needed to douse the Bethesda much as anyone to steady the home However a number of penalty calls flame fairly quickly and were glad of an ship when under pressure together at the breakdown allowed the visitors opportunity to extend the lead to more with his good use of the boot and Will Morris, to clear their lines. Bethesda should than a converted try when an offside decisive try. Dinbych probably have taken the lead when call gave Aled Jones the opportunity to the astute Long took a high ball and successfully convert from thirty meters. with clever footwork glided through the North Wales Senior Cup defence but opted to offload instead of Bethesda to their credit kept plugging Caernarfon 23 v Bethesda 11 taking on his opposite number and the away with replacement Elis Jones Bro Ffestiniog 24 v Dolgellau 0 chance was lost. linking well and taking the ball at pace Nant Conwy 108 v Colwyn Bay 0 before being brought to ground. Prop Supporting rugby in Byes: Pwllheli, , Llandudno, Caernarfon chose to pin Bethesda Dylan Owen and second row Llion Bala, Ruthin back in their own half with Aled Jones Trefor rallied the troops for one final North Wales Dylan Daniels, and Carwyn Roberts finding telling Harry Jerman, North Wales Intermediate Cup Bro Ffestiniog clearance and cross field kicks. This Llanidloes Bangor 10 v Pwllheli 2nds 41 spurred the forwards to up their game Wrexham 49 v Llangollen 3 with harassing all ball Llanidloes 53 v Welshpool 0 carriers and a charge down nearly Rhyl 24 v Flint 0 bringing rewards. From the resultant Teirw Nant v Harlech - W/O Teirw Nant scrum a series of drives and good ball Shotton Steel v Rhos - W/O Shotton retention by both forwards and backs Denbigh 102 v Abergele 0 kept up the pressure before scrum half Newtown 8 v COBRA 24 Mike Downey finally found a gap and drove with intent to the try line. Aled Jones’s conversion improved the effort and the Cofis found themselves ten points to the good with twenty minutes played. Soon a move deserving of a try was served up by the Cofis, start- ing with a run out of defence by wing Adam Thomas before a forty metre break by Mac Jones ably supported by Derfel Thomas brought the Cofis close. Prop Rhobat John was then Carwyn ap Myrddin, only halted inches short but further Ieuan Williams, Nant Conwy drives from a scrum set up stand off COBRA Carwyn Roberts who powered through CONWY LAND ROVER NORTH WALES CUPS QUARTER FINAL DRAWS ANNOUNCED

Presentation by Dennis Gethin to Bala RFC On Saturday 7th October Mr Dennis Gethin (President ) U20 and Women’s Six Nations attended the Bala v Ruthin (Swalec Plate game). During his attendance fixtures announced - two double that day he presented the Rugby Club with an engraved bowl for the work that headers for North Wales the Club and especially the late Bryan (Yogi) Davies have done in the commu- The home fixtures against Scotland (Friday 2nd February) and France (16th nity with the building of the new exten- March) will be played in the newly-named Stadiwm Zip World (formerly known sion (Ystafell Yogi). as Parc Eirias). Excitingly for Wales Women, one of their three home fixtures - against Italy - will be held at Principality Stadium ahead of the men’s meeting with Mr Gethin also presented Yogi’s family FAREWELL TO A TRUE GENT The quarter final draws for with an engraved bowl to commemo- the Azzurri on Sunday 11th March. The North Wales Society of Rugby Union Referees were saddened the Senior Cup, Intermediate rate this occasion. Cup and Intermediate Plate to announce that Alan Lewis, who had battled bravely against can- Away trips will see Wales Women face England at the Twickenham Stoop, whilst cer, had sadly passed away. were made at the headquar- the men take on England at Kingston Park in Newcastle. Both sides will meet ters of Conwy Land Rover in their Irish counterparts at Dublin’s Donnybrook Stadium, albeit on different days Ieuan Williams, Secretary of the NWSRUR, said: ‘We learnt of the Llandudno. (23rd and 25th February for the U20s and Women respectively). sad passing of our good friend and colleague Alan ‘LWI’ Lewis after a courageous battle against cancer’. SENIOR CUP (Quarter Finals) Full Fixtures: Caernarfon v Llangefni Wales U20 All clubs held a minute’s silence before their games in memory. Alan Llandudno v Nant Conwy Wales U20 v Scotland U20; Stadiwm Zip World, Colwyn Bay; 02/02/2018 (20:15) Pwllheli v Bro Ffest. will be sorely missed and we pass on our most sincere condolences England U20 v Wales U20; Kingston Park, Newcastle; 09/02/2018 (19:45) to Alan’s family and friends. Ruthin V Bala Ireland U20 v Wales U20; Donnybrook, Dublin; 23/02/2018 (19:15) Wales U20 v Italy U20; Stadiwm Zip World, Colwyn Bay; 09/03/2018 (19:15) INTERMEDIATE CUP (Quarter Wales U20 v France U20; Stadiwm Zip World, Colwyn Bay; 16/03/2018 (20:15) Finals) Below: Colwyn Bay Juniors pictured on Dinbych v Rhyl Wales Women ball-boy duty at a recent RGC game Llanidloes v COBRA Wales Women v Scotland Women; Stadiwm Zip World, Col Bay; 02/02/2018 6pm Teirw Nant v Pwllheli 2 England Women v Wales Women; The Twickenham Stoop; 10/02/2018 (12:15) Wrexham v Shotton Ireland Women v Wales Women; Donnybrook, Dublin; 25/02/2018 (15:00) Wales Women v Italy Women; Principality Stadium, ; 11/03/2018 (11:45) INTERMEDIATE PLATE Wales Women v France Women; Stadiwm Zip World, Col Bay; 16/03/2018 6pm (Quarter Finals) Flint v Abergele Newtown v Welshpool Byes - Bangor Llangollen

All TIES to be completed by 17th February 2018 Tony Bale Sports Photography Tony Getting to know you... Eifion Harding times as anyone. Like with all teams there were ups and downs from season to season, the downs, mostly linked to a few seasons travelling to away matches down south every fortnight, that really eat in to quality time with the family.

The highlight on the other hand being a take against the head against no other than Robin McBryde to reach the North Wales Cup Final where sadly Frank Jarvis was not as generous. Playing for Saturday 3rd February 2018 Gwynedd and a few other representa- Wales v Scotland - 14:15 tive sides were also another highlight, for one made lifetime friends along the France v Ireland - 16.45 way. Friends, more often than not, with those on the pitch that would be totally Sunday 4th February 2018 unrelenting. Huw, Bryn Gwyn, Bala, Italy v England - 15.00 In around 1969/70 Newtown High ap- stood out as one who punched way pointed a new P.E. teacher, Mr Geraint above his weight and the wry smile on Saturday 10th February 2018 Evans, both Welsh speaking and into Dolgellau’s Trebor Davies was always Ireland v Italy - 14.15 RGC East U15 v Rhonda Valley Schools U15 Rugby. Its just dawned on me that he one that you could well do without wit- England v Wales - 16.45 has a lot to answer for, for that’s where nessing. this nigh on fifty years of involvement Sunday 11th February 2018 with Rugby began. Like Steve McCabe, When I stood down, the Cofi shirt was Scotland v France - 15.00 albeit with Denbigh High and Rhuthin picked up by my daughters, all three 3ds, I’d play for the school on Saturday having represented the club at Senior Friday 23rd February 2018 mornings and then turn out for New- level. Cenin also took up the mantle of France v Italy - 20.00 town seconds in the afternoon. I once coaching and the recently formed RGC represented the firsts at Harlech and under 18 squad has benefited from the Saturday 24th February 2018 you can just imagine how quickly Hook- dedicated input that she and others er Trefor Roberts started licking his lips have so unselfishly offered to promote Ireland v Wales - 14.15 when faced with a nine stone weakling Ladies and Girls rugby. Scotland v England - 16.45 packing down opposite. The least said about that encounter the better. Nowadays, apart from attempting to Saturday 10th March 2018 support and develop women’s rugby Ireland v Scotland - 14.15 Three years of rugby at Bangor Normal further, I parade up and down touch- France v England - 16.45 followed under the guidance of Mr Jim lines attempting to give a fairly impar- ‘link up’ Davies and then two years in tial view of the afternoons proceedings Sunday 11th March 2018 the comparative rugby wilderness of featuring Caernarfon, that Gary and the Wales v Italy - 15.00 LLanfyllin. local rags, to date, are thankfully willing to publish. Saturday 17th March 2018 On returning to the Caernarfon area in Italy v Scotland - 12.30 1979 I joined the Cofis and there then Editor’s note; We would like to thank Ei- England v Ireland - 14.45 followed an eighteen year unbroken fion for kindly allowing us to reproduce Wales v France - 17.00 playing stint, resulting in me probably his fantastic match reports both here in having worn the club shirt as many the magazine and on the website. Let there be light

Llandudno RFC proudly switched on their new floodlights recently and what a magnificent sight they looked.

Apart from club funds, extra funding for the lights came from the Welsh Rugby Union, Gwynt Y Mor Community Fund and Llandudno Town Council. Match report Bala RFC win the Croesyceiliog 17 v Ruthin 33 After some doubt as to whether Ruthin would make it through the snow to Croesyceiliog for their Round 3 WRU Plate match, the team and trusty band BATTLE OF BOSWORTH of supporters all arrived safely and came away with a great win. Over 500 hundred years since Harri the ball from a push over scrum and Clwb Rygbi’r Bala would like to thank Tudur led an army to the market town scrum half Ilan Tal y Bont sidestepped Market Bosworth Rugby Club for their On a snow-free and soft pitch the Blues of Bosworth to defeat Richard the his opposite number to sneak in the warm welcome and look forward to WRU NATIONAL were first with points on the board af- Third in the conclusive battle of the corner. There would have been an- many more tours to come between the CUP/PLATE/BOWL ter 5 minutes with a pushover try by Wars of the Roses, Dewi Pugh led a other try had Robin Cablyd not ignored two clubs. hooker Danny Miller from a lineout on small band of warriors from Bala over an eight man overlap on the Bosworth UPDATE the home side’s 22 with fly half Nathan the Berwyn mountains to put Market try line just before the final whistle! The Many thanks to Harry Gutteridge for Jones converting. Bosworth Rugby Club to the sword. game ended12-24 to Bala. kindly supplying this report. WRU CUP Croesyceiliog immediately counter at- After a cooked breakfast in the Plas Much fun was had by all that evening tacked and within 3 minutes Rhys Wells Coch and several pints on the long watching the Autumn internationals, 6 January 2018 was over the Ruthin try line for an un- journey to Bosworth, Dewi’s hand arm wrestling, singing hymns and Round 1 converted try. picked squad of veteran players ar- enjoying the exotic dancing. Aberavon v Skewen rived in time for one more quick pint Bargoed v Trebanos In this fast moving game the Blues before kick off. Club physio, Alwyn Ambiwlans, was Cardiff Met v were back on the attack and after 20 kept busy after the match as several minutes play centres Emyr Gwynedd Cross Keys v Bala were slow to get into the game of the Bala support crew injured them- and Dafydd Lloyd combined to put wing and conceded an early try when quick selves in the post match festivities. Ebbw Vale v RGC 1404 Josh Wilson through for a fine try con- hands from Bosworth gave pacey Chairman, Tony Parry, sprained his Glynneath v verted by Nathan. winger Tim Howard the space to score shoulder whilst taking a short cut Narberth v Bedwas in the corner. Not to be outdone, through a hedge and Pete Bach ap- v Cardiff Within 5 minutes the Blues had another the Bala forwards drove the ball up peared to have been mauled by a dog Newcastle Emlyn v Merthyr converted try when after some great WRU BOWL the pitch and centre Paul Hanmer when he turned up for breakfast in the v Tata Steel phase player wing Gethin Hughes burst smashed through the Bosworth de- morning although it is unclear how he Rhydyfelin v Newbridge over to score with Nathan converting. 16 September 2017 fence to level the score at 5-5. sustained his injuries. v Newport Round 1 At 21-5 to the visitors one might have Bangor 18 v 17 Llangollen Bosworth’s quick backs responded thought that the game was over but Dinbych w/o v Holyhead with another fine try minutes later, within 5 minutes the home side came Flint 82 v 0 Rhosllanerchrugog when Tim Howard combined with WRU PLATE back with two tries by Micky Witts with Menai Bridge 14 v 22 COBRA veteran fullback, Larry Holmes, and one converted by Luke Brown. Nant Conwy II 100 v 0 Mold II scrum half, Nick Fennell, to score 6 October 2017 Newtown w/o v Machynlleth his second of the day. Bala forwards At 21-17 there was all to play for. The Round 1 Pwllheli II 24 v 10 Dinbych II fought their way back up the field and Blues tried to widen the gap with a pen- Rhyl w/o v Aberystwyth Univ Nant Conwy 34 v 8 Bro Ffestiniog flanker Rhys Morris shrugged off sev- alty goal kick which went wide and then Shotton Steel w/o v Harlech eral tackles to score under the posts on the stroke of half time Ruthin put to- Welshpool 14 v 47 Llanidloes and bring the half time score to 12-10. 7 October 2017 gether some fine play to release Emyr Wrexham w/o v Bangor University Round 1 Gwynedd through for their 4th try and a Bala scored two more unanswered Bala 10 v 13 Ruthin half time score of 26-17 to the visitors. 7 October 2017 tries in the second half when number Caernarfon 5 v 45 Pwllheli Round 2 eight Dochan Gwyn Roberts grounded Dolgellau w/o v Colwyn Bay After the free scoring of the first half Bangor 18 v 42 Rhyl Llandudno 20 v 9 Mold the second half was a different affair Benllech 0 v 36 Newtown Llangefni 16 v 10 Bethesda although equally enthralling. COBRA 30 v 18 Llanidloes Mumbles 17 v 47 Aberystwyth Flint 0 v 31 Nant Conwy II For the first 20 minutes the Blues spent Shotton Steel 17 v 15 Pwllheli 28 October 2017 most of the time in the home side’s Wrexham 41 v 12 Dinbych Round 2 half with Croesyceiliog defending well but unable to take advantage when Aberavon Quins 20 v 29 Nant Conwy 28 October 2017 they cleared their lines. Ruthin’s scrum Aberystwyth w/o v Yr Hendy Round 3 was performing well and with effective Dowlais 0 v 18 Pwllheli 33 v 7 Rhyl kicking upfield into space or touch the COBRA 22 v 16 Crymych II Llangefni 14 v 19 Ruthin Blues were controlling the game. Newtown w/o v Whiteheads Ystalyfera 16 v 3 Llandudno Shotton Steel w/o v Glais Ystrad Rhondda w/o v Dolgellau Eventually after more good play by Wrexham 22 v 13 Nant Conwy II the backs Josh Wilson scored in typi- 9 December 2017 cal fashion after a great run down the 9 December 2017 Round 3 touch line and Nathan converted. Round 4 Aberystwyth 25 v Glam Wanderers 28 Cardiff Uni 38 v Shotton Steel 12 Croesyceiliog 17 v Ruthin 33 Croesyceiliog tried to reduce the ar- COBRA v Bye Celtic v Pwllheli - postponed rears but the Blues defence held and Monmouth v Newtown - postponed Whitland 24 v Nant Conwy 27 the whistle blew with Ruthin winning Wrexham v Bye U18 GIRLS FESTIVAL Pictures by Rod Davies Photography, Dolgellau Cameron’s Canadian Call Up “My parents also couldn’t believe it, it’s an amazing opportunity and one which NORTH I would relish,” he said.

Rugby is a fast-growing sport in Can- WALES ada, in recent years it has become the third most popular sport in the country after ice hockey and basketball. DIVISION

Cameron continued: “The standard of rugby isn’t as good as Wales, England RGC men and women ONE or Ireland, so it’s going to be a tough tour but an incredible one for me.” seal lucrative 14th October Carreg sponsorship Bethesda 5 v Nant Conwy 34 +1 The week-long tour is taking place just Caernarfon 22 +1 v Mold 34 +1 An email sent out of the blue asking after Christmas, with Cameron travel- deal Colwyn Bay 30 +1 v Bro Ffestiniog 17 you to represent a country you’ve ling to Ireland on December 28. Llandudno 19 v Bala 29 +1 piled on the pressure and went through nine the bonus point try soon after but once never even visited, isn’t a normal oc- WELSH bottled mineral water Pwllheli 31 +1 v Llangefni 12 phases until captain and hooker more the wind affected the kicker and the currence for a teenager. He added: “I’ve been told by the brand Brecon Carreg has been Ruthin 19 v Dolgellau 11 gathered the ball and strolled over to score conversion was missed. Canadian team that if I perform well announced as an official sponsor but this also went unconverted. But that is what Canada is asking of then there’s a very good chance I’d get for RGC men and women’s team. MATCH REPORT: With only minutes left Bro were not fin- SDC pupil Cameron Railton, who is offered a contract and could study at Colwyn Bay 31 v Bro Ffestiniog 17 The last play of the half was a missed pen- ished and pressurised deep into Bay’s half. captain of Llandudno’s Youth Team. one of their universities. The company announced that it alty kick from Harding as the sides went They rucked and mauled their way up field will be committing £5,000 to the Pre-match favourites Bro travelled up the into half time with the score a close 8 - 5. through phase after phase with debutant The 18-year-old has been asked to “I’d like to study sports science next club as part of the deal, which A470 with two fine league wins under their back row Martin Williams smashed his way play in Canada’s Under 19 forthcoming year, whether it will be at Bangor will run for the remainder of the belts and were confident of another win at The hosts soon extended the lead after the over to score and Huw James conversion rugby tour of Ireland. Cameron, who University or in Toronto.” 2017/18 season. struggling Colwyn Bay with no wins and break following some missed tackles by brought the visitors to within six points. lives in Menai Bridge, on , is no points at bottom of division 1 North. Bro the ball was spread out confidently eligible through his great grandfather Sion Jones, General Manager for The Seahorses however had not read the through numerous pairs of hands to full From the re-start Bro gathered and tried who had emigrated to Canada with his the North Wales Development script and the Brookfield Drive outfit de- back Dan Parry to score with the conver- to run out of defence but a pass was inter- family in the 1900s. Region said: “This sponsorship servedly won with a bonus point. sion once more missed. cepted by Harrison and his pace took him means everything to both the over the try line to score which Harding Canada’s rugby scouts had spotted men and women’s team as they Both fly halves missed a penalty kick each Again Bro hit back quickly with fly half converted. Cameron’s potential when he played are now able to compete on the during the first quarter due to the swirl- James scything his way through would be regional rugby for the RGC the Rugby regional level. ing wind but on 25 minutes wing Connah tacklers only for his pass to Vince Suarez to The referee blew for the final whistle for Union development team that currently Harding slotted over after Bro were penal- be dropped with the try line within reach. a fine and well deserved bonus point win play in the Welsh Premier Division. “With over 40 players so far, we’re ised for holding on. for Colwyn Bay which took them off the proud to see the growth of the The visitors were now on the front foot and bottom of the league. “When I got the email, I couldn’t women’s team and we have a Bro should have scored following an inter- from a lineout deep inside their hosts 22 quite believe it,” said Cameron, who few Welsh internationals all from ception by Ian Roberts but three phases and they powered towards the try line, Colwyn is studying sports science, business Wales who have committed to only meters from the try line the ball was Bay won turnover ball but a poor clear- 21st October studies and applied science. RGC. We’re grateful that Brecon knocked on. ance kick went straight to Huw James who Llangefni 19 v Ruthin 15 +1 Carreg is supporting us on our ex- scored but was unable to convert. Mold 3 v Llandudno 27 +1 citing journey.” A turnover on the half way by Bay’s flanker Bala 57 +1 v Colwyn Bay 3 It hasn’t happened for five and twenty years Lloyd Jones, who was outstanding through- Another turnover by Lloyd Jones created Nant Conwy 43 +1 v Caernarfon 7 The money from the sponsorship out, started off an attack for his half back the next try as he passed to Harding who Bro Ffestiniog v Pwllheli - postponed What great news to will go towards helping the regional pairing of Arthur Astbury and Mike Har- combined with Dan Lycette who powered Dolgellau v Bethesda - postponed women’s in their contests against hear that Flint RFC and rison with the latter crossing over for an through missed tackles to score in the cor- , , unconverted try in the corner. ner with the conversion missed. MATCH REPORT: Holyhead RFC both put and , and the company’s Llangefni 19 v Ruthin 15 out second teams for logo will be featured on the front From the re-start the ball was knocked on A clever chip over the oncoming defence the first time in many of the Gogs’ shirt throughout the and Ffestiniog were awarded a scrum, Bro by Harrison put Harding through to score Llangefni and Ruthin served up a competi- years. campaign. tive and exciting game of rugby for those that braved the wind and driving rain on Jenna Bissell, marketing manager Saturday. In Flint’s case, it has for Brecon Carreg Mineral Water, been five years but in added: “We’re proud to be the be Ruthin were first out of the blocks with a Holyhead’s it’s over an official sponsor for the RGC penalty goal from fly half Nathan Jones twenty years! men and women’s team. after 5 minutes but were soon on the defen- sive as Cefni managed the conditions bet- “It’s such an exciting time for the Magnificient achieve- ter. After 10 minutes the home side worked club and we’re delighted to be their up field from their own 22 with pick ment by both clubs and part of it. As a Wales wide brand, and run up to Ruthin’s try line and second we wish them contin- it’s important for us to support the row Will Bown went over for a try convert- ued success over the growth of the North Wales region- ed by Rhys Hughes. coming years. al team.” The home side kept up the pressure and 4th November touched down to put his team ahead again Ruthin 33 +1 v Bethesda 22 and with Pearson’s conversion a score of Llandudno 17 v Nant Conwy 38 +1 17 – 14. Colwyn Bay 0 v Mold 39 +1 Pwllheli 20 v Bala 19 +1 The remaining thirty minutes was played Caernarfon 38 +1 v Dolgellau 31 +2 much in the same vein and whilst the visi- Llangefni 25 v Bro Ffestiniog 24 +2 tors had to use their only substitute to re- place an injured player, the hosts used their MATCH REPORT: substitutes to their advantage and replace Llandudno 17 v Nant Conwy 38 tiring players later in the game. Pwllheli his hat-trick of tries for the day with anoth- decision making and handling improved as wing to put Nant’s first scores on the doors On a sunny afternoon but bitterly cold, llan- er fast and splendid run. Three quarters way the game went on and after a lot of pressure at the 5 minute point. dudno took advantage of playing with the through the match, Nant’s final score of the on the home defenders for a long period strong breeze and began with real purpose. day arrived when Arthur completed a very in the last quarter, prop Alwyn Trenholme The run of play went back and forth be- after another 10 minutes the Blues were un- Indeed, they deserved a score but it took similar move to the one that Llandudno forced his way over the line in the fortieth tween attack/defence and it is fair to say able to prevent Tom Williams going over 13 minutes for them to gain the lead by scored in the 1st half. He brushed himself minute to touch down for the visitors. Parry that Nant’s defence was absolutely solid as the whitewash with Hughes converting. means of Ryan’s successful penalty. Iarthur down to convert his own try. this season, expected to do well on home Jones added the conversion and three min- Pwll tried to pressurise at every opportunity levelled the score soon after with his own soil against champions Pwllheli. utes later and with the score 21-17 , Pwll- using their heavier forwards effectively. At 14-3 down the visitors began to put successful penalty. Nearly three quarters Nant relaxed somewhat then and brought heli were clearly relieved to have won the some effective attacking play together and of the way through the match, the first try on all their substitutes. As a result, Llan- The first half was intense and cagey but match to maintain their 100% record for the It was difficult to see who, at times was on on around the 30 minute mark wing Josh arrived when Lloyd [No. 10] breached the dudno came more into the match. On 80 the hosts went ahead after five minutes season. top, so well matched were the two teams Wilson was released to race to the touch- defensive line to touch down underneath minutes a Nant player was sin-binned and with a successful Jack Pearson penalty kick leading to an exciting display of good solid line and get the Blues first try, converted the posts. Ryan made the try worth 7 points from the resulting touchline kick, the home for off-side at a ruck. On re-start, the visi- rugby which was a credit to both clubs. by Jones. with his successful conversion. team won the line out and the forwards tors broke free and within seconds centre 18th November At the half way point it was Nant who were rumbled towards the centre of the pitch and Robin Hughes Jones had touched down his Ruthin 31 v Caernarfon 0 on the back foot with the score standing at Both sides continued in attacking mode. It was only then that nant began to exert eventually, Kelvin emerged from a ruck first try and winger Osian Parry Jones had Bro Ffestiniog v Bala - postponed 16/15; this was a game that was going to be The home side missed an opportunity to some authority and Arthur further reduced having scored a try against the upright. added the extras. Not to be out-done, the Colwyn Bay 17 +1 v Dolgellau 24 too tight to call. widen the gap with a penalty goal attempt the arrears on 27 minutes with another Ryan completed the scoring with the last home side rounded off a fine move when Llandudno v Bethesda - postponed which went wide and the whistle blew for penalty. Arguably, the turning point of the play of the match. centre Richard Hopkins touched down and Llangefni v Mold - postponed With the start of the 2nd half the quality of half time with the score 14-10 to Cefni. match arrived just begore half time when a Pearson successfully converted to give the Pwllheli 21 +1 v Nant Conwy 24 play was pretty much as it was in the first Llandudno player was sin-binned. From the advantage back to Mold at 10 – 7 with less half with scores reflected the nip and tuck For the first 20 minutes of the 2nd half resulting penalty, the ball was passed out to 11th November than ten minutes of the game played. MATCH REPORT: nature of the game. Ruthin had to withstand a concerted on- Full Back, Sion, who out sprinted every- Bro Ffestiniog 21 v Ruthin 0 Pwlheli 21 v Nant Conwy 24 slaught by the home team and defended one to touch down for a try in the left hand Dolgellau v Llandudno - postponed Pwllheli, with a much changed team and The tension was palpable with the scores well until the 60th minute when Ian Parry corner. This gave a 10 – 11 half time score. Mold 17 +1 v Pwllheli 21 without some of their experienced players This was a highly anticipated match be- even at 21/21 and the count down to the went over for an unconverted try. Nant Conwy v Colwyn Bay - postponed due to injuries and unavailability, upped tween the current league division one north final whistle commencing, Nant found The second half was only afew seconds old Bala v Llangefni - postponed their effort in the second quarter and de- “titans” who have been fortunate enough themselves having to defend for their lives Again the Blues came back and after a pe- when Nant gained the ball from the kick off Bethesda 14 v Caernarfon 10 +1 spite a lot of pressure got stronger as the to share the top spots in recent seasons and as the Llyn pack threw everything at them riod of good pressure with Llangefni con- and Sion, once again out sprinted everyone game progressed. The referee gave two levels of expectation was high for sure. including the kitchen sink but the defence ceding penalties and the Blues opting for and evaded four tackles to score a try by MATCH REPORT: general warnings to the Mold forwards for was rock solid scrums the pack drove over with No 8 Alex the posts – one which was duly converted Mold 17 v Pwllheli 21 various infringements before, in the fortieth Travelling west for an early kick off, the A kick to touch was on the cards down the Pope touching down. by Arthur. Two minutes later, possibly the minute issued a red card to flanker Chris weather seemed to be closing in fast with left wing but fell short and sweetly into the best passing movement of the match ended Pwllheli RFC travelled to Mold for this fix- Ellis. The visitors kept their composure low mist and drizzle. On arrival, there capable hands of Jack who used his speed The last 15 minutes were spent in the when right winger, Carwyn ap completed ture expecting to be tested by the forward and pressure on the home team and eventu- seemed to have been significant rainfall and guile to gain some much needed terri- home side’s half with the Blues trying to the move with a try on the right hand side. power of the opponents and their much im- ally Hughes Jones found a way through the overnight and during the early morning, tory deep into the Pwll half and with the get a winning score but Cefni’s defence proved play this season. Mold, fourth in the defenders to touch down his second. Parry making for heavy conditions, which would pressure on the other foot the Llyn pack held and at full time with the score at 19- Nant went further ahead with another pen- league and having won convincingly away Jones again converted to give a 10 – 14 half surely favour the playing format of the conceded a penalty with literally a minute 15 Ruthin had to be content with a loser’s alty off Arthur before the ‘bonus point’ try to Colwyn Bay the previous week, and win- time score. much heavier Llyn pack. to go. bonus point. arrived when Sion, once more, completed ning five of their eight starts in the league Second half provided similar excitement From the kick off, it seemed Nant were a Although an extremely difficult angle and and entertainment and created opportuni- little over excited leading to an unforced er- distance Nant chose to go for the posts and ties but the defending was clinical and firm. ror in the first 2 minutes and a penalty give you could hear a pin drop as Arthur stepped Ten minutes into the half, Mold winger away to the Llyn boys which was duly put up to the tee. Kenny Williams went through the gears to bed leaving Nant on the chase. Not to be and the Pwllheli defenders following an ac- outdone we saw Nant regroup resulting in As the kick was taken some of the specta- curate kick ahead. He gathered the ball and a two man counter manoeuvre on the left tors simply couldn’t watch as it appeared to be drifting wide…. But lo and behold the ball grazed the far post and dropped be- tween the uprights for a 3 point win. 30th November Rhuthun were beginning to look a bit rag- 2nd September Pwllheli 21 +1 v Nant Conwy 24 Dolgellau v Ruthin Bala 42 +1 v Ruthin 3 ged and right on half time Iestyn Dylan Bala 20 v Mold 12 Llangefni v Pwllheli Nant Conwy 108 +1 v Colwyn Bay 0 Jones ran through the Rhuthun defence for Bro Ffestiniog 5 v Nant Conwy 63 30th November Mold v Caernarfon Bala’s 2nd try which was also converted Colwyn Bay 10 v Caernarfon 27 Bala 42 +1 v Ruthin 3 Nant Conwy v Bethesda MATCH REPORT: by Owain giving them a lead of 20-0 at half Llangefni 34 v Dolgellau 11 Nant Conwy 108 +1 v Colwyn Bay 0 Bala 42 v Ruthin 3 time. Pwllheli 28 v Bethesda 8 17 February 2018 Ruthin 16 v Llandudno 6 9th December Bethesda v Dolgellau Rhuthun visited Bala for the 2nd time this Straight after half time the Blues got points Bethesda 63 +1 v Colwyn Bay 0 Caernarfon v Nant Conwy season but weren’t able to come close to re- on the board with a penalty goal from Nath- 9th September Colwyn Bay v Bala peating their win in the last encounter. an Jones but that was to be their only score Bethesda 17 v Llangefni 24 16 December 2017 Llandudno v Mold in the match. Caernarfon 12 v Pwllheli 17 Bethesda v Pwllheli Pwllheli v Bro Ffestiniog The Blues came under pressure from the Dolgellau 20 v Bro Ffestiniog 12 Caernarfon v Colwyn Bay Ruthin v Llangefni home team from the start of the match and Ten minutes into the 2nd half Elgan Evans Llandudno 22 v Colwyn Bay 13 Dolgellau v Llangefni although they defended competently the grabbed another try. Ruthin responded but Mold 23 v Ruthin 5 Llandudno v Ruthin 3 March 2018 pressure increased when after 10 minutes whilst they had good possession for a while Nant Conwy 22 v Bala 20 Mold v Bala Bala v Pwllheli they went down to 14 men for the rest of and flung the ball around in Bala’s half the Nant Conwy v Bro Ffestiniog Bethesda v Ruthin the match when a player was sent off. home side’s defence was up to anything 16th September Bro Ffestiniog v Llangefni that the Blues could offer. Bala 40 v Dolgellau 22 30 December 2017 Dolgellau v Caernarfon Owain Aled kicked the penalty goal and a Bro Ffestiniog 17 v Bethesda 0 Bala v Nant Conwy Mold v Colwyn Bay further one after 20 minutes but the Blues As the home side’s confidence grew and Colwyn Bay 3 v Ruthin 68 Bro Ffestiniog v Dolgellau Nant Conwy v Llandudno were still able to mount some good attacks the visitors tired and began to miss tack- Llangefni 22 v Caernarfon 28 Colwyn Bay v Llandudno albeit without being able to cross the home les and lose out in set pieces it was only a Mold 13 v Nant Conwy 41 Llangefni v Bethesda 10 March 2018 side’s try line. After 35 minutes play Bala matter of time before Bala got their bonus Pwllheli 14 v Llandudno 8 Pwllheli v Caernarfon Caernarfon v Bethesda returned to the visitor’s half and after a point try and Rhydian Jones obliged after Ruthin v Mold Colwyn Bay v Nant Conwy short period of pressure were awarded a 65 minutes play. Bala then added a further 23rd September Llandudno v Dolgellau penalty try. two tries from Ilan Rowlands and Chris Bethesda 8 v Bala 27 6 January 2018 Llangefni v Bala Roberts before the final whistle to win con- Caernarfon 16 v Bro Ffestiniog 20 Bethesda v Bro Ffestiniog Pwllheli v Mold Pictures by Trevor Edwards vincingly 42-3. Colwyn Bay 5 v Pwllheli 69 Caernarfon v Llangefni Ruthin v Bro Ffestiniog Dolgellau 20 v Mold 32 Dolgellau v Bala Llandudno 31 v Llangefni 20 Llandudno v Pwllheli 24 March 2018 Ruthin 16 v Nant Conwy 15 Nant Conwy v Mold Bala v Bro Ffestiniog Ruthin v Colwyn Bay Bethesda v Llandudno 30th September Caernarfon v Ruthin Bala 34 v Caernarfon 17 13 January 2018 Dolgellau v Colwyn Bay Bro Ffestiniog 3 v Llandudno 17 Bala v Bethesda Mold v Llangefni Llangefni 27 v Colwyn Bay 15 Bro Ffestiniog v Caernarfon Nant Conwy v Pwllheli Mold 32 v Bethesda 20 Llangefni v Llandudno Nant Conwy 24 v Dolgellau 0 Mold v Dolgellau 31 March 2018 Pwllheli 37 v Ruthin 8 Nant Conwy v Ruthin Nant Conwy v Llangefni Pwllheli v Colwyn Bay 14th October 7 April 2018 Bethesda 5 v Nant Conwy 34 +1 20 January 2018 Bro Ffestiniog v Mold Caernarfon 22 +1 v Mold 34 +1 Bethesda v Mold Colwyn Bay v Bethesda Colwyn Bay 30 +1 v Bro Ffestiniog 17 Caernarfon v Bala Llandudno v Caernarfon Llandudno 19 v Bala 29 +1 Colwyn Bay v Llangefni Llangefni v Nant Conwy Pwllheli 31 +1 v Llangefni 12 Dolgellau v Nant Conwy Pwllheli v Dolgellau Ruthin 19 v Dolgellau 11 Llandudno v Bro Ffestiniog Ruthin v Bala Ruthin v Pwllheli 21st October 14 April 2018 Team P W D L F A BP Pts Llangefni 19 v Ruthin 15 +1 27 January 2018 Llandudno v Bethesda Mold 3 v Llandudno 27 +1 Bala v Llandudno Llangefni v Mold Nant Conwy 10 9 0 1 413 104 8 44 Bala 57 +1 v Colwyn Bay 3 Bro Ffestiniog v Colwyn Bay Nant Conwy 43 +1 v Caernarfon 7 Pwllheli 9 8 0 1 258 116 5 37 Bala 9 7 0 2 278 126 8 36 4th November Ruthin 33 +1 v Bethesda 22 Ruthin 11 6 0 5 224 199 4 28 Llandudno 17 v Nant Conwy 38 +1 Colwyn Bay 0 v Mold 39 +1 Mold 9 5 0 4 205 186 6 26 Pwllheli 20 v Bala 19 +1 Llangefni 8 5 0 3 183 172 3 23 Caernarfon 38 +1 v Dolgellau 31 +2 Llangefni 25 v Bro Ffestiniog 24 +2 Llandudno 8 4 0 4 147 136 3 19 11th November Caernarfon 10 3 0 7 177 246 7 19 Bro Ffestiniog 21 v Ruthin 0 Bro Ffestiniog 8 3 0 5 112 179 2 14 Mold 17 +1 v Pwllheli 21 Bethesda 14 v Caernarfon 10 +1 Bethesda 9 2 0 7 160 205 2 10 Dolgellau 8 2 0 6 137 216 2 10 18th November Ruthin 31 v Caernarfon 0 Colwyn Bay 11 1 0 10 103 512 2 6 Colwyn Bay 17 +1 v Dolgellau 24 pace to touch down under the posts for a Claybrook with help from the forwards Anthony Kirkham supporting the backs. converted try. was pushed over to give Llangollen their Winger Gethin Jones added another try first lead . With Rhyl struggling at scrum flying down the touchline followed by full Gruff Roberts then scored his second try time they went uncontested but that didn’t back Cameron Owen always a danger with NORTH when Dinbych attacked from a scrum on help their fortunes as winger Andrew Tudor the ball in hand. Gruff Tudur scored next half way enabling him to kick ahead and capitalised on a mistake and kicked the ball followed by Cameron Owen again and fi- win the race to touch down for the only un- over the line and won the chase to touch nally Tudur got his fourth try picking up at WALES converted try as Dan O’Sulivan’s kick hit down for his 2nd try. the back of the scrum and going over. Nick an upright. Dundee added 7 conversions in all. The game was finished with errors from DIVISION Bangor showed their character by still both sides but the conditions contributed competing strongly but conceded the final to most of these and the game finished 31- Saturday 4th November 2017 try when flanker Tom Eden turned over 19 to the Home side to claim a bonus point Dinbych 45 +1 v Shotton 15 TWO possession at a breakdown allowing prop win. Llangollen 25 +1 v Bangor 32 +1 Gareth Jones to carry strongly before Dan Llanidloes v Abergele - postponed Saturday 14th October 2017 O’Sullivan sliced through the defence to Captain Cameron Lumsden said after the Rhyl 17 v Wrexham 10 +1 Bangor 12 v Dinbych 61 +1 put Narmer el Lamie over for his second game “ we stuck at the task today , we’ve Welshpool 15 v Newtown 33 +1 Llangollen 20 v Llanidloes 54+1 converted try to seal a satisfying victory. worked really hard for this win and slowly Newtown 50 +1 v Abergele 0 we’ve been improving , really happy for the MATCH REPORT: Rhyl 19 v Welshpool 13 +1 win and boys deserve the credit from 1-20 Dinbych 45 v Shotton Steel 15 today everyone contributed for the win “ Wrexham 33 +1 v COBRA 3 Saturday 21st October 2017 COBRA 12 v Bangor 0 This top of the table Division 2 North clash MATCH REPORT: Dinbych 43 +1 v Newtown 10 between two unbeaten teams lived up to its Bangor 12 v Dinbych 61 Llangollen 31 +1 v Rhyl 19 Saturday 28th October 2017 expectations in an evenly fought encounter ie over for the first try converted by Dan in a temporary scrum half role which left Llanidloes 0 v Shotton Steel 21 Bangor 74 +1 v Welshpool 0 with Dinbych claiming the spoils through a After their exit from the Bowl competition O’Sullivan. Bangor reacted immediately Dinbych ahead by 21 points to 12 at the Welshpool 6 v Wrexham 23 +1 late three try burst which gave them a seven at Wrexham the previous week Dinbych with prop Mikey Roberts forcing his way interval. MATCH REPORT: try bonus point victory over their title chal- quickly got back to winning ways with a over for a try from a driving maul after a MATCH REPORT: Bangor 74 v Welshpool 0 lengers. bonus point victory at Bangor to keep them short range line out which was converted The second half followed a similar pattern Llangollen 31 v Rhyl 19 at the top of Division 2 North. by fly half Nick Dundee. to the first with errors from both teams giv- Bangor fielded a strong team and over- An efficient Shotton side competed ing plenty of opportunities to counter-at- Llangollen claimed their first win of the whelmed the visitors from mid Wales who fiercely in all departments especially in the A determined Bangor side made them work Dinbych then went ahead again when they tack which suited Dinbych’s style of play. season in atrocious conditions as storm fielded a young team. It was sombre setting scrums and their attacking play was only hard for the victory however as the hosts counterattacked from their own 22 with full They increased their lead with an attack Brian headed in. for the game with all the players lining up thwarted by an strong defensive effort by gained an equal share of possession but back Gruff Roberts taking advantage of a from their own half when centre Mat Hulse for a minutes silence for the club’s treasurer Dinbych. The Dinbych forwards however were thwarted by Dinbych’s generally solid turn over to beat five defenders with some sent Kieran Bonar on a touchline run who The game started win a Llangollen mistake Alwyn Hughes who died suddenly at home won enough quality possession for outside defence whilst the visitors clinical finishing elusive foot work then run the length of the then found Tom Seddon in support to go from the kick off and Rhyl scored with their and would have enjoyed seeing his team half Dan O’Sullivan to launch his danger- resulted in a nine try haul. Outside half Dan field for an outstanding try converted again over for a converted try. Dinbych went fur- first attack , Llangollen replied with some gain a winning bonus point to keep them in ous three-quarters all of whom got on the O’ Sullivan converted eight of them as well by Dan O’Sullivan. ther ahead when replacement hooker Chris good kicking and possession to see winger mid position of the league. score- sheet as a result of their excellent as scoring a try for a 21 point match total. Forshaw went over for a converted try on Andrew Tudor score in the corner with running and handling whilst full back Gruff Dinbych were then caught napping at his debut following a driving maul from a some good footwork , but the Home side Welshpool started vigorously and Bangor Roberts was always a threat with counter- Dinbych could not have had a better start as the restart and gifted the hosts possession short range line out. made an error from the kick off and from has to defend hard for a time but getting attacking runs from full back. they opened the scoring in the first minute from which the well orchestrated Bangor the resulting set piece the visitors scored hold of the ball their backs broke away when they attacked from inside their 22 forwards drove deep into the Dinbych 22 This was soon followed by a converted try again , llan had plenty of possession to be and forward Gruff Tudur was up in sup- Dinbych were given a wake- up call in from the kick off. The backs took the ball and ending with lock Kevin Roberts forc- by Mat Hulse after good approach play by buoyed and with a quick pen lost the ball on port to get the first of his 4 tries. His second the second minute as Shotton took the upfield to release wing Kieran Bonar on a ing his way over for a try. Dinbych then Dan O’Sullivan and John Winning. They the try line and Rhyl scored with a length came soon after when Nick Dundee put a lead when left wing Darren Rees kicked run stopped just short of the line on the left. started to pull away with a converted try increased their lead from another counter of the field try to push further ahead , with penalty to the corner and from the line out a penalty when Dinbych offended at a ruck When the ball was recycled infield centre by Dan O’Sullivan after good work by the attack when slick handling by forwards half time approaching flanker Daniel Grif- Tudur forced his way over. This tactic was 21 metres out. The hosts responded imme- Tom Seddon put skipper Narmer El Lam- backs and Gruff Roberts who was playing and backs gave Kieran Bonar to show his fiths made a good bust to score the conver- repeated another two times this time Ban- diately when they took play deep into the sion was missed to make the half time score gor’s new No.7 Andrew Curbi got over and Shotton 22 for No 8 Liam Allsup -Jones to 19-10 to the visitors. then prop Karl Roberts. The back division go over for an unconverted try in the cor- wanted to show their paces too and No. 10 ner after good work by Garin Roberts and Llangollen playing down hill but into the Nick Dundee beat the defenders to score. Gareth Beach from the blind side of a short wind started the 2nd half strong with an range ruck. error from Rhyl the resulting scrum the The second half started quietly until Ban- Home side marched the visitors 30m to gor started running the ball and new centre Dinbych edged further ahead after a quarter Within their 5m line and captain Cameron George Redwood scored a try followed by of an hour when centre Tom Seddon went Lumsden crashed over and with centre Iestyn Hughes conversion the lead was down to 2points , with a dominant scrum and llan playing the conditions better a superb 65m break from full back James Saturday 4th November 2017 2nd September Newtown v Bangor Llangollen v Wrexham Dinbych 45 +1 v Shotton 15 Bangor 21 v Newown 17 Shotton Steel v Rhyl Llanidloes v Rhyl Llangollen 25 +1 v Bangor 32 +1 Llangollen 6 v Abergele 11 Welshpool v Bangor Llanidloes v Abergele - postponed Rhyl 5 v Shotton Steel 45 30 December 2017 Rhyl 17 v Wrexham 10 +1 Welshpool 0 v Dinbych 78 Llangollen v Dinbych 3 March 2018 Welshpool 15 v Newtown 33 +1 Llanidloes v Newtown Abergele v Llanidloes Saturday 9th September 2017 Rhyl v Abergele Bangor v Llangollen MATCH REPORT: Abergele 5 v Rhyl 41 Welshpool v COBRA Newtown v Welshpool Dinbych 45 v Shotton Steel 15 COBRA 59 v Welshpool 7 Wrexham v Shotton Steel Shotton Steel v Dinbych Dinbych 98 v Llangollen 6 Wrexham v Rhyl This top of the table Division 2 North clash Newtown 22 v Llanidloes 29 6 January 2018 between two unbeaten teams lived up to its Shotton Steel 26 v Wrexham 24 Abergele v Wrexham 10 March 2018 expectations in an evenly fought encounter COBRA v Llangollen COBRA v Shotton Steel with Dinbych claiming the spoils through a Saturday 23rd September 2017 Dinbych v Rhyl Dinbych v Abergele late three try burst which gave them a seven Bangor 7 v Shotton Steel 85 Llanidloes v Welshpool Llangollen v Newtown try bonus point victory over their title chal- Llangollen 8 v COBRA 43 Shotton Steel v Bangor Llanidloes v Wrexham lengers. Rhyl 6 v Dinbych 69 Rhyl v Bangor Welshpool 25 v Llanidloes 41 13 January 2018 An efficient Shotton side competed Wrexham 106 v Abergele 0 Bangor v Abergele 17 March 2018 fiercely in all departments especially in the Llangollen v Welshpool Llanidloes v COBRA Saturday 11th November 2017 Saturday 18th November 2017 scrums and their attacking play was only Newtown v Shotton Steel Abergele 7 v Dinbych 62 +1 COBRA v Abergele - postponed Saturday 30th September 2017 thwarted by an strong defensive effort by Rhyl v COBRA 24 March 2018 Bangor 5 v Rhyl 20 Llanidloes 7 v Dinbych 57 +1 Abergele 10 v Bangor 24 Dinbych. The Dinbych forwards however Wrexham v Dinbych Abergele v COBRA Newtown 20 v Llangollen 6 Rhyl 34 +1 v Newtown 12 COBRA 32 v Rhyl 3 won enough quality possession for outside Bangor v Wrexham Shotton Steel v COBRA - postponed Welshpool 0 v Shotton Steel 61 +1 Dinbych 22 v Wrexham 19 half Dan O’Sullivan to launch his danger- 20 January 2018 Dinbych v Llanidloes Wrexham 37 +1 v Llanidloes 17 Wrexham 47 +1 v Bangor 7 Shotton Steel 45 v Newtown 14 ous three-quarters all of whom got on the Welshpool 13 v Llangollen 6 Abergele v Newtown Newtown v Rhyl score- sheet as a result of their excellent COBRA v Wrexham Shotton Steel v Welshpool MATCH REPORT: MATCH REPORT: running and handling whilst full back Gruff Dinbych v Bangor Bangor 5 v Rhyl 20 Welshpool 0 v Shotton Steel 61 Saturday 14th October 2017 Roberts was always a threat with counter- Bangor 12 v Dinbych 61 Llanidloes v Llangollen 31 March 2018 attacking runs from full back. Welshpool v Rhyl Rhyl v Llanidloes Rhyl climbed to one point behind Bangor Welshpool proved no match for Shotton Llangollen 20 v Llanidloes 54 in division 2 North with a win they ground who ran out convincing winners at the Newtown 50 v Abergele 0 Dinbych were given a wake- up call in 27 January 2018 7 April 2018 out at Cae Milltir. Bangor had enough of the Maesydre in Division Two of the North Rhyl 19 v Welshpool 13 the second minute as Shotton took the Bangor v COBRA COBRA v Dinbych game to win and their forwards were domi- Wales League. Wrexham 33 v COBRA 3 lead when left wing Darren Rees kicked Newtown v Dinbych Llangollen v Shotton Steel nant in the scrums but the magic finishing a penalty when Dinbych offended at a ruck Rhyl v Llangollen Llanidloes v Bangor touch was missing and lady fortune failed Dan Lynskey starred with four tries for the Saturday 21st October 2017 21 metres out. The hosts responded imme- Shotton Steel v Llanidloes Welshpool v Abergele to smile on them. Rhyl took an early lead Steelmen while John Ketland crossed the COBRA 12 v Bangor 0 diately when they took play deep into the Wrexham v Welshpool Wrexham v Newtown using a penalty kick to set up a line and No. whitewash twice. Dinbych 43 +1 v Newtown 10 Shotton 22 for No 8 Liam Allsup -Jones to 10 Richie Williams crossed for a try con- Llangollen 31 +1 v Rhyl 19 go over for an unconverted try in the cor- 17 February 2018 14 April 2018 verted by full back Harri Thomas. Bangor Further tries from Darren Rees, Shaun Llanidloes 0 v Shotton Steel 21 ner after good work by Garin Roberts and Abergele v Shotton Steel COBRA v Abergele quickly replied after Nick Dundee disposed Kemp and Richard Grace completed the Welshpool 6 v Wrexham 23 +1 Gareth Beach from the blind side of a short COBRA v Newtown Rhyl in a tackle and the recycled ball went visitor’s nice try rout with Rees kicking range ruck. to Bangor’s hooker Sam Hughes who went eight conversions to seal an emphatic vic- Saturday 28th October 2017 over in the corner. Thomas added a penalty tory and maintain their challenge at the top Bangor 74 +1 v Welshpool 0 Dinbych edged further ahead after a quarter for Rhyl but they could have scored two of the Division. of an hour when centre Tom Seddon went more tries but for handling errors. Saturday 4th November 2017 over for an unconverted try to finish off a Dinbych 45 +1 v Shotton 15 sweeping attack from half way involving Bangor had the best of the second half ter- Llangollen 25 +1 v Bangor 32 +1 slick interpassing by the backs after a line ritorially and only the hard Rhyl defence Rhyl 17 v Wrexham 10 +1 out steal by Gareth Beach and a run infield prevented them scoring. Cameron Owen Welshpool 15 v Newtown 33 +1 by hooker Chris Forshaw. Left wing Owain made several runs from fall back but was Davies then added Dinbych’s third try after barged off the ball when he chased his kick Saturday 11th November 2017 another good long range attack after Gruff Team P W D L F A BP Pts ahead. Winger Gethin Jones also had a few Abergele 7 v Dinbych 62 +1 Roberts had made inroads down the right runs but Rhyl was always there to make Bangor 5 v Rhyl 20 hand touch line. Dan O’Sullivan added the Dinbych 9 9 0 0 534 82 8 44 the tackle. Thomas added another penalty Newtown 20 v Llangollen 6 conversion points. to increase their lead and with game slip- Wrexham 37 +1 v Llanidloes 17 Wrexham 8 5 0 3 300 98 9 29 ping away Bangor tried to attack from deep Shotton then gave notice of their threat Shotton Steel 7 6 0 1 295 95 4 28 in their own half but a dropped ball was Saturday 18th November 2017 just before the interval when outside half hacked over the line and scrum half Tom COBRA v Abergele - postponed John Ketland broke through from a line out Rhyl & District 9 5 0 4 164 222 2 22 Jones just got a hand to it before Bangor to Llanidloes 7 v Dinbych 57 +1 seal the game with a converted try. Rhyl 34 +1 v Newtown 12 COBRA 5 4 0 1 149 51 3 19 Welshpool 0 v Shotton Steel 61 +1 Wrexham 47 +1 v Bangor 7 Bangor 9 4 0 5 182 278 2 18 Newtown 8 3 0 5 178 192 4 16 9 December 2017 All games postponed Llanidloes 6 3 0 3 148 179 2 14 Llangollen 8 1 0 7 108 290 4 8 16 December 2017 Abergele v Llangollen Welshpool 9 1 0 8 79 394 2 6 COBRA v Llanidloes Dinbych v Welshpool Abergele 6 1 0 5 33 289 0 4 the score at 10 to 12 and crucially Bridge 21 October 2017 4 November 2017 a conversion from Iwan Jones the score at 18 November 2017 were within a penalty of the lead. Dinbych 2nds 7 v Holyhead 3 Benllech 5 v Flint 52 the half was 17 - 3. Menai Bridge 23 v Flint 20 Flint 6 v Nant Conwy 2nds 24 Holyhead 23 v Nant Conwy 2nds 15 Pwllheli 2nds 13 v Holyhead 16 Having worked their way into the Pwllheli Menai Bridge 27 v Rhosllanerchrugog 7 Machynlleth 24 v Menai Bridge 15 The second half continued in similar fash- Rhos 5 v Nant Conwy 2nds 67 NORTH half, Bridge were awarded a penalty from Pwllheli 2nds 26 v Dinbych 2nds 5 ion as Mach threatened to run away with near the half way but McGrath’s effort fell Match report: Rhosllanerchrugog 25 v Mold 2nds 26 the game. A break down the left wing and Match report: just short. The miss spurred the home side Dinbych 2nds 7 v Holyhead 3 some slick passing opened up the field for Menai Bridge 23 v Flint 20 WALES on and an attacking play was rewarded with Match report: fly half Steffan Price to touch down under a further penalty in the 22 for hands in the Dinbych Seconds superb defensive display Machynlleth 24 v Menai Bridge 15 the posts. Jones converted to take the score Good playing conditions and two well ruck. was the key to their narrow victory over to 24-3. matched teams led to a highly entertaining DIVISION joint leaders Holyhead in this Division 3 The hosts enjoyed an early breakthrough game at Lyn Y Felin. McGrath duly slotted the ball over for a one North clash especially in the first half when from a fine attacking move off the back of With the bonus point secured Mach were point lead of 13 -12. Bridge reclaimed the the visitors played with the advantage of a scrum. A pickup by the number eight was hoping to stretch the lead, however Bridge Dion McGrath opened the score for Bridge THREE ball from the restart and happily managed the slope. shifted on to full back Cameron Sandys had other ideas and rallied strongly. with a penalty from the 10 metre line. Flint the ball over the touchline for the end of who carved up the napping defence for a then piled on the pressure on the home de- the match, to the relief and delight of the Richard Williams starting as lock then fine try. The referee lost patience with the the home fence , forcing them to concede a number 14th October home crowd. moving to prop typified Dinbych’s defen- sides persistent infringing at the ruck and of penalties. Damien Goss slotted one for Holyhead 64 v Mold 2nds 15 sive effort with his excellent tackling and After the early setback Bridge settled into two yellow cards reduced Mach to 13 play- Flint to equalize the score. Bridge then won Machynlleth 19 v Flint 8 work at the breakdown. the game and forced a penalty for infringe- ers. With the numerical advantage Bridge a scrum and Darren Jones sprinted away for Menai Bridge 13 v Pwllheli 2nds 12 ment at the ruck, which was converted by managed a sweeping move that number 8 a 30 metre run to score a try converted by Rhos 24 v Benllech 12 Although this was predominately a back Dion McGrath. Both teams enjoyed plenty Sam Williams fiinished with a try. Dion McGrath. Flint got back into the game to the wall defensive effort Dinbych almost of possession with neither dominating the through their forwards. A series of 5 metre Match report: took the lead after an attacking run by cen- play, as defences held fast. An intercep- Williams then scored a further try from a scrums lead to a try for Ryan Tyrone, con- Menai Bridge 13 v Pwllheli 2nds 12 tre Alun Davies who was unlucky to lose tion broke the deadlock and Mach’s James series of forward drives to take the final verted by Goss. On the stroke of half time control of the ball as he crossed the Holy- Owen raced for the line to stretch the lead score to 24-13. Bridge won a penalty that was slotted by Bridge took the spoils by the narrowest of head line. to 10 - 3. McGrath for a 13 -10 half time lead. margins, defeating Division 3 table topping Pwllheli 2nds in the closing phases of the Despite their possession and territorial Machynlleth were dominating play and se- Flint started the second half pressurising match. dominance Holyhead did not take the lead cured a 5 metre lineout. The home forwards Bridge and soon earned a penalty to equalise until the final minute of the first half when executed a text book catch and drive for the scores. With the game on a knife edge This was a very tight match, with both outside half Rhodri Parry kicked a penalty hooker Hedd Griffiths to touch down. With Bridge produced the best play of the game. teams struggling to score against solid goal. A quick line out ball was spread to midfield defences. It wasn’t until the half hour that where centre Vaughn Francis shredded the the first points came to Bridge, thanks to Leading by three points to nil at the interval Flint defence with a direct run, Full back a Dion McGrath penalty. Just before half Holyhead continued to dominate but came Pat Roberts joined the attack and was fed time Bridge conceded a try, with full back up against a brick wall as Dinbych defend- the ball to score. The conversion from Dion 11 November 2017 Gethin Jones ghosted through the home ed for their lives with both forwards and McGrath left the score at 20 - 13. Menai Bridge 55 v Benllech 0 defence for the touch down. Alan Jones backs forming an impenetrable line with Nant Conwy 2nds 23 v Pwllheli 2nds 12 converted for a half time score of 7 to 3 for forwards Jake Jones and Aron Evans lead- Flint were not to be outdone and impres- the visitors. ing the way with their efforts. sive winger Andrew Hewitt raced in for a Menai Bridge 55 v Benllech 0 try converted by Goss to equalise at 20-20. Bridge started the second half with a pur- Midway through the half Dinbych pounced With a quarter of an hour to go the game Menai Bridge were eager to avenge the der- pose. A series of forward charges on the for their vital winning score when the for- could have gone either way, critically by defeat that Benllech inflicted on them Pwllheli try line were rewarded with a try wards generated a driving maul taking play Bridge scored the next points. Scrum half when they last met. They did so in style, for Bridge Captain Ollie O’Brien who pow- near to the Holyhead line. The ever alert Darren Jones slotted a penalty that was with a comprehensive 9 try win. Benllech ered over the line for the score. McGrath Llion Edwards playing at inside centre the final score of the game. A tense final struggled to cope with the pace of the home converted to give Bridge a lead of 10 - 7. snatched possession at the back to go over session was played out without further side’s game. Bridge used their forwards ef- Pwllheli responded with a similar forward for the try which was converted by skipper score. A losing bonus point was scant re- fectively, their direct running causing real try. Capitalising on a close range line out Tom Evans. ward for Flint’s impressive contribution to problems in the Benllech defence. followed by a number of forward phases, the contest, however Bridge ground out a Pwllheli number 8 Wil Piper crossed the Despite continuing Holyhead pressure Din- good home win to keep the pressure on the The forwards hard work laid the foundation line for his try. The missed conversion left bych held out for a hard earned victory. league leaders. for Bridge’s backs to cut loose. Winger Dan Hughes bagged a pair as did full back Pat Roberts. The 4th try and bonus point was secured in the first 20 minutes of the match. A dominant home scrum also secured a penalty try when Benllech infringed , as their scrum was shunted backwards over their try line.

To their credit Benllech rallied in the sec- ond half and enjoyed long periods of pos- sesion , but were unable to breach the home defence. Bridge kept asking questions and scrum half Darren Jones’s typical sniping run opened up the field for a fine try.

The final try of the match was reward for the forwards graft as Morris bulldozed his way to the line. 22nd September Dinbych 2nds 22 v Benllech 8 Mold 2nds 13 v Menai Bridge 29 Nant Conwy 2nds 22 v Machynlleth 15 Pwllheli 2nds 48 v Flint 0 Holyhead 61 v Rhos 0

9th September Benllech 10 v Nant Conwy 2nds 53 Flint 27 v Mold 2nds 28 Menai Bridge 25 v Dinbych 2nds 8 Rhos 0 v Pwllheli 2nds 60 Menai Bridge v Nant Conwy II Machynlleth v Benllech 23rd September Mold II v Dinbych II Nant Conwy II v Flint Dinbych 2nds 36 v Mold 2nds 12 Rhosllanerchrugog v Menai Bridge Holyhead 29 v Benllech 8 6 January 2018 Nant Conwy 2nds 36 v Menai Bridge 6 Dinbych II v Flint 17 February 2018 Pwllheli 2nds 28 v Machynlleth 24 Holyhead v Menai Bridge Benllech v Menai Bridge Rhos 0 v Flint 18 Nant Conwy II v Mold II Holyhead v Flint Pwllheli II v Benllech Machynlleth v Mold II 30th September Rhosllanerchrugog v Machynlleth Pwllheli II v Nant Conwy II Benllech 5 v Pwllheli 2nds 81 Rhosllanerchrugog v Dinbych II Flint 16 v Dinbych 2nds 10 13 January 2018 Menai Bridge 18 v Holyhead 24 Benllech v Rhosllanerchrugog 3 March 2018 Mold 2nds 18 v Nant Conwy 2nds 41 Dinbych II v Nant Conwy II Dinbych II v Machynlleth Flint v Machynlleth Flint v Menai Bridge 7th October Menai Bridge v Pwllheli II Holyhead v Pwllheli II Machynlleth 45 v Holyhead 7 Mold II v Holyhead Mold II v Benllech Nant Conwy II v Rhosllanerchrugog 14th October 20 January 2018 Holyhead 64 v Mold 2nds 15 Holyhead v Dinbych II 10 March 2018 Machynlleth 19 v Flint 8 Machynlleth v Benllech Pwllheli II v Mold II Menai Bridge 13 v Pwllheli 2nds 12 Mold II v Pwllheli II Rhos 24 v Benllech 12 Nant Conwy II v Flint 14 April 2018 Rhosllanerchrugog v Menai Bridge Flint v Holyhead 21 October 2017 Machynlleth v Dinbych II Dinbych 2nds 7 v Holyhead 3 27 January 2018 Flint 6 v Nant Conwy 2nds 24 Holyhead v Dinbych II Menai Bridge 27 v Rhosllanerchrugog 7

4 November 2017 Benllech 5 v Flint 52 Holyhead 23 v Nant Conwy 2nds 15 Machynlleth 24 v Menai Bridge 15 Pwllheli 2nds 26 v Dinbych 2nds 5 Rhosllanerchrugog 25 v Mold 2nds 26

11 November 2017 Menai Bridge 55 v Benllech 0 Nant Conwy 2nds 23 v Pwllheli 2nds 12

18 November 2017 Menai Bridge 23 v Flint 20 Team P W D L F A BP Pts Pwllheli 2nds 13 v Holyhead 16 Rhos 5 v Nant Conwy 2nds 67 Holyhead 9 7 0 2 270 150 7 35

9 December 2017 Nant Conwy 2nds 8 7 0 1 281 95 5 33 Holyhead 43 v Machynlleth 29 Menai Bridge 9 6 0 3 211 144 4 28 16 December 2017 Pwllheli 2nds 8 5 0 3 280 86 6 26 Benllech v Dinbych 2nds Flint v Pwllheli II Machynlleth 6 3 0 3 158 121 6 18 Machynlleth v Nant Conwy II Flint 8 3 0 5 147 159 4 16 Menai Bridge v Mold II Rhosllanerchrugog v Holyhead Dinbych 2nds 6 3 0 3 88 90 2 14 Mold 2nds 6 2 0 4 112 222 2 10 30 December 2017 Benllech v Holyhead Rhosllanerchrugog 7 1 0 6 61 271 3 7 Flint v Rhosllanerchrugog Machynlleth v Pwllheli II Benllech 7 0 0 7 48 318 0 0 North Wales junior rugby star steps out on to the hallowed turf

What an honour for one of North Wales’ up-and- coming rugby stars as he walked out on to the hallowed turf of the Principality Stadium.

We’ve all dreamed of Dream comes true for Jaydon doing it, but for Colwyn Bay RFC’s Jaydon Blears is was to be a dream coming true as he was chosen to be the Ball Bearer at Saturday’s Wales v Georgia game.

Jaydon, aged 10, goes to Ysgol Llanddulas, plays junior rugby for Colwyn Bay RFC and states his favourite player is Liam Williams.

When asked about how he felt about being the official matchday ball bearer, Jaydon, replied: ‘I feel honoured to have been chosen, it has always been my dream since I started playing rugby to be able to walk out on to the Principal- ity Stadium pitch and I can’t wait to watch the game and the rest of the series’.

Congratulations Jaydon, doing the region proud. RGC Women U18 0 v Scarlets Women U18 53 RGC Women win Super Sunday thriller against Scarlets From the kick-off the Scarlets showed was quickly followed by Darcy Thomas their attacking intent and were throw- scoring and converting a try of her own, A nailbiting win for RGC The Scarlets were out of their blocks in the ground had their eyes closed as ing the ball around at every opportunity. making it 0-38. Women but what a fantastic early in the second period and crossed the ball sailed just wide, RGC gathered Some sterling defence by the young for a cracking try, well converted to and cleared in to the arms of the Gogs kept them out until the 15th There was no thought of throwing in advert for women’s rugby. lead 5-12. ecstatic crowd. minute when Caitlin Lewis opened the the towel by the game RGC team who scoring the visitors with their first try of fought like terriers for every ball and For the next ten minutes, RGC Well done to both sides for a superb the afternoon. then enjoyed their best period of the RGC Women 13 v Scarlets Women 12 enjoyed most of the territory and pos- game of rugby and best of luck in the game in a fifteen minute spell when

session but were finding it hard to get next round. Two minutes later some sublime pass- they deserved to get a score of some What a game! RGC were under the through a solid Scarlets defence. ing along the line led to the second try, sort on the board. cosh for the first twenty minutes, Pictures below by Tony Bale finished off by Sian Davies and a lead defending well but having very little of However, twelve minutes in to the half, of 0-10 to the Scarlets. As the game entered the fourth quarter the ball. Gradually they started to inch Nicky Crawford got her second try and replacements were made by both upfield and start to pose the visitors which was greeted with an enormous RGC were battling hard to get their teams, the Scarlets upped the pace problems, especially in the set piece. roar by the noisy home supporters. hands on the ball and enjoyed a period and were rewarded with a quick brace 10-12 and game on. of possession and some time spent in of tries scored by Ellen Morris and Ce- Hammering away at the Scarlets line the opposition half. However, it was lyn Lazenby. but just falling short, it was the visitors It was nip and tuck as both teams went Caitlin Lewis who scored her second who cleared their lines and broke up- for that all-important next score and try after 27 minutes, converted by Dar- The final score of the game came late field with some tremendous handling, just in to the last ten minutes of the cy Thomas, to extend the lead to 0-17. in the half when Rosie Davies crossed moving the ball along the backs, to game, RGC were awarded a penalty, and made a full time score of 0-53 to touch down in the corner and score the coolly converted by Nicky Crawford, to With half time approaching the Scar- the impressive Scarlets. game’s first points. edge 13-12 ahead. lets forwards were now joining in with the backs and some fine interplay saw Disappointment for RGC but they The Scarlets bounced back and were Hatty Davies make a break and score, regained the initiative and were re- making it a very nervy ending to the with Darcy Thomas converting, giving a warded when Nicky Crawford powered game for the home side and their half time score of 0-24. over to bring the scores level on the supporters and, when Scarlets were stroke of half time. 5-5 and all to play awarded a penalty in what was likely A second Sian Davies try early in the for in the second half. to be the last kick of the game, most second period, converted by Thomas, Pictures by Omega Photography COMBINED PREMIERSHIP Merthyr v Llanelli 14 April 2018 FIXTURES Neath v Pontypridd Aberavon v Pontypridd Swansea v Bedwas Bargoed v Ebbw Vale 30 December 2017 Quins v Newport Carmarthen Quins v Swansea 24 March 2018 Cross Keys v Cardiff Ebbw Vale v Llanelli Bedwas v Carmarthen Quins Llandovery v Bridgend Llandovery v Aberavon Cardiff v Aberavon Llanelli v Neath Merthyr v Cross Keys Cross Keys v Bargoed RGC 1404 v Bedwas Neath v Bargoed Ebbw Vale v Swansea Swansea v Merthyr Newport v Cardiff Llanelli v RGC 1404 Pontypridd v Bedwas Merthyr v Bridgend 21 April 2018 RGC 1404 v Bridgend Newport v Neath Aberavon v Newport Pontypridd v Llandovery Bargoed v Pontypridd 3 February 2018 Bedwas v Cross Keys Bedwas v Merthyr 30 March 2018 Bridgend v Swansea Bridgend v Cardiff Aberavon v Bedwas Cardiff v Llanelli RESULTS + FIXTURES + LEAGUE TABLE Carmarthen Quins v Aberavon Bargoed v Cardiff Ebbw Vale v RGC 1404 WRU National Cup 2017/18 Llandovery v RGC 1404 Carmarthen Quins v Ebbw Vale Merthyr v Carmarthen Quins Round 1 (matches to be played on the Neath v Cross Keys Llandovery v Newport Neath v Llandovery RESULTS Carmarthen Quins 39 v Neath 17 weekend of 6 January, 2018) Llandovery 31 v Bridgend 10 Newport v Ebbw Vale Llanelli v Bridgend Pontypridd v Llanelli Neath v Merthyr 5 May 2018 26 August 2017 Llanelli 31 v RGC 1404 48 Aberavon v Skewen Swansea v Bargoed RGC 1404 v Cross Keys Bridgend v Bargoed Aberavon 40 v 15 Bridgend Bargoed v Trebanos Swansea v Pontypridd Ebbw Vale v Bedwas Llandovery 31v 10 RGC 1404 11 November 2017 Cardiff Met v Llanelli 10 February 2018 Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins Llanelli 24 v 8 Carmarthen Quins Bridgend 21 v Swansea 19 Cross Keys v Pontypridd Aberavon v Swansea 2 April 2018 Llanelli v Swansea Neath 39 v 16 Swansea Carmarthen Quins 21 v Aberavon 14 Ebbw Vale v RGC1404 Bargoed v Llandovery Bedwas v Bargoed Neath v Aberavon Llandovery 29 v Llanelli 8 Glynneath v Bridgend Bedwas v Newport Newport v Cross Keys 2 September 2017 RGC 1404 31 v Neath 19 Bridgend v Neath Narberth v Bedwas Cardiff v Merthyr Bridgend 13 v 31 Llandovery Cardiff v RGC 1404 Pontypridd v Cardiff Neath v Cardiff Neath 18 v15 Carmarthen Quins 17 November 2017 Cross Keys v Bridgend Cross Keys v Llanelli RGC 1404 v Merthyr Newcastle Emlyn v Merthyr RGC 1404 25 v 22 Llanelli Aberavon 27 v RGC 1404 30 Ebbw Vale v Pontypridd Ebbw Vale v Aberavon Pontypool v Tata Steel Swansea 28 v 41 Aberavon Neath 19 v Llandovery 5 Llanelli v Carmarthen Quins Merthyr v Llandovery 12 May 2018 Rhydyfelin v Newbridge Swansea 21 v Carmarthen Quins 43 RGC 1404 v Neath Newport v Swansea Aberavon v Bridgend Swansea v Newport 9 September 2017 Pontypridd v Carmarthen Quins Bargoed v Merthyr Byes: Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins, Aberavon 12 v 28 Carmarthen Quins 18 November 2017 17 February 2018 Cardiff v Ebbw Vale Bedlinog, Beddau Llanelli 5 v 19 Llandovery Llanelli 23 v Bridgend 18 Bargoed v Aberavon 7 April 2018 Carmarthen Quins v Neath Neath 18 v 31 RGC 1404 Bridgend v Ebbw Vale Bedwas v Cardiff Cross Keys v Pontypridd Swansea 22 v 6 Bridgend 24 November 2017 Llandovery v Cardiff Bridgend v Carmarthen Quins Llanelli v Bedwas Bridgend 26 v Carmarthen Quins 34 Merthyr v Pontypridd Cross Keys v Ebbw Vale RGC 1404 v Newport 16 September 2017 Llanelli 15 v Neath 13 Neath v Bedwas Llandovery v Llanelli Swansea v Llandovery Bridgend 27 v 18 Llanelli Newport v Llanelli Merthyr v Aberavon Carmarthen Quins 10 v 6 Swansea 25 November 2017 RGC 1404 v Carmarthen Quins Newport v Bargoed Llandovery 29 v 15 Neath Llandovery 21 v Aberavon 8 Swansea v Cross Keys Pontypridd v RGC 1404 RGC 1404 32 v 24 Aberavon RGC 1404 35 v Swansea 34 Swansea v Neath 24 February 2018 23 September 2017 1 December 2017 Bedwas v Bridgend Team P W D L F A BP Pts Aberavon 20 v 19 Llandovery Carmarthen Quins 25 v RGC 1404 22 Cardiff v Neath Carmarthen Quins 30 v 28 Bridgend Neath 8 v Bridgend 15 Carmarthen Quins v Bargoed RGC 1404 13 10 1 2 348 284 6 48 Neath 17 v 40 Llanelli Cross Keys v Llandovery RGC Under 18’s Swansea 16 v 16 RGC 1404 2 December 2017 Ebbw Vale v Merthyr Carmarthen Quins 13 10 0 3 329 242 5 45 Sunday, 7th January, 2018 A v Blues South Swansea 14 v Llandovery 18 Llanelli v Aberavon Llandovery 13 9 0 4 284 181 7 43 30 September 2017 Newport v Pontypridd Sunday, 14th January Bridgend 28 v Neath 20 3 December 2017 RGC 1404 v Swansea Llanelli 13 6 0 7 297 330 8 32 A v Scarlets Llandovery 32 v Swansea 9 Aberavon 40 v Llanelli 26 Sunday, 21st January Llanelli 36 v Aberavon 22 10 March 2018 Aberavon 13 6 0 7 323 322 7 31 H v Dragons Sunday, 28th January RGC 1404 26 v Carmarthen Quins 13 Aberavon v RGC 1404 Bridgend 13 5 0 8 261 315 5 25 REMAINING FIXTURES Bedwas v Llandovery H v Blues South 7 October 2017 Cardiff v Swansea Swansea 13 2 1 10 245 324 8 18 Sunday, 4th February Aberavon 41 v Neath 20 23 December 2017 A v Blues North Cross Keys v Carmarthen Quins Neath 13 3 0 10 240 329 4 16 Carmarthen Quins 26 v Llandovery 12 Bridgend v RGC 1404 Ebbw Vale v Neath Sunday, 11th February Llanelli 33 v Swansea 27 Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins Llanelli v Bargoed H v Ospreys RGC 1404 18 v Bridgend 17 Swansea v Llanelli Merthyr v Newport Pontypridd v Bridgend RGC Under 16’s 28 October 2017 26 December 2017 Sunday, 28th Janary, 2018 Bridgend 37 v Aberavon 21 Neath v Aberavon 17 March 2018 A v Scarlets West Carmarthen Quins 37 v Llanelli 16 Aberavon v Cross Keys Sunday, 11th February RGC 1404 24 v Llandovery 7 Bargoed v RGC 1404 H v Blues North Sunday, 18th February Swansea 24 v Neath 17 Bridgend v Newport H v Ospreys East Carmarthen Quins v Cardiff Sunday, 25th February 4 November 2017 Llandovery v Ebbw Vale Aberavon 13 v Swansea 9 A v Ospreys West October 28th, 2017 November 4th, 2017 RGC 24 v Llandovery 7 Llanelli 31 v RGC 48 RGC rose to the top of the Principality RGC put in a sparkling 1st half Premiership West Conference after a performance that blew Llanelli away strong win against Llandovery. to pick up a bonus point win at Parc Y The Drovers arrived at Stadiwm Zip Scarlets. World top of the league and looking to do the double over RGC, a after their Llanelli missed a penalty opportunity win on the opening day of the season. in the opening minutes, but the hosts Nerves were settled after 2 minutes opened up the scoring when winger when winger Harri Evans touched went over for the try down, and the boot of Jacob Botica and Williams converted. added the conversion. That sparked RGC into life, and scrum-half Alex Schwarz was Seconds later RGC were reduced to rewarded with a try after some good 14 men when Tiaan Loots was given work from a line-out, to put down un- a yellow card and Llandovery cranked der the posts. Botica added the simple Pics by Liz up the pressure with a number of conversion. scrums. The RGC defence stood wing, and Evan Yardley went close to Llandovery’s captain Richard Brooks. strong and the relief was felt in the scoring. Llanelli suffered a couple of injuries, Three minutes later it was try number kept the game alive when Ollie Ryland stands after Tom Hughes picked up Tim Grey believes this sets RGC up including Wales U20s winger Ryan 3 for RGC, and it was an opportunist scored and Williams converted. the turn over ball and cleared it 50 The highlight of the 2nd half was a for the next block of games “To beat Conbeer who was the danger man score. Bagshaw kicked ahead from The Gogs had a bright start to the yards. It was important that Llando- Tom Hughes try, and it was started in the team at the top of the table is great for the home-side. Afon Bagshaw and his own half, and as Llanelli full-back 2nd half when Harri Evans ran in try very didn’t score when RGC where a the RGC half when Dion Jones made for our confidence and we can look to Tom Hughes made some good inroads looked to shepherd the ball out but number 5 and again Botica was suc- man down, but RGC went one better a break before offloading to Hughes push on against Llanelli next week. I to the Llanelli half, lighting the blue Dion Jones caught him unaware and cessful with the kick. when Botica hit a penalty just before and the centre powered on the evade thought we were disciplined in defence touch paper with some impressive grabbed the ball to run the ball in. Loots returned to the play. The fly half the tackles and score. and clinical in attack, along with a runs before RGC took the lead with a Botica kicked to conversion. That was as good as it got for much knocked over another penalty to add strong set piece.” Botica penalty. of the 2nd half for the Gogs, with the to his tally. Llandovery picked up a try when The quick hands and clever offloading intensity and attacking ebbing away as Mathew Moore crossed the whitewash Try scorer Tom Hughes had another RGC were looking to attack at every from Bagshaw, Hughes, Schwarz the temperature dropped. Head Coach The visitors did have plenty of ball and and the conversion was successful impressive game with some key at- opportunity and Tom Hughes made and Jones nearly resulted in one of Mark Jones rang the changes and moved through the phases, but they as well. tacking runs “We knew they would play another run before knocking on. They the most breath-taking tries but the brought on the replacements which weren’t going anywhere and that frus- wide, so if we stuck to our game and were attacking from deep in their own fullbacks pass couldn’t find winger seemed to take the edge from the tration ended in some knock ons. The pace of the game ebbed away in had that line speed then we knew we half broke tackles with ease on numer- Harri Evans. RGC game. the final 10 minutes, with a few niggles would test them. We play a lot of touch ous occasions. Tom Hughes and Afon Bagshaw were from both sides which interrupted any rugby and offloads in training so that If much of the play was about gainline Llanelli took full advantage and Craig proving to be a useful outlet for RGC flow and momentum. RGC finished the ability to turn defence into attack with Bagshaw extended the Gogs lead breaks and impressive backline at- Thomas got the try with Williams con- making some important runs to ease game with 14 men when replacement turn over ball is important to us. Dion with a try in the corner, the winger was tacks, the bonus point try came from verting. The homeside sensed a bonus the pressure. Botica extended the lead Jordan Scott was yellow carded. The Jones made a few breaks today, and proving hot to handle when he rock- some patient build up. After some point and were going for the fourth try. to 16 – Nil with another penalty, and game became more scrappy and the I managed to get on his shoulder and eted down the line to race over. Botica pressure on the Llanelli line, RGC kept they were clinical in making sure they final play of the game was a yellow for pick up that try” fizzed the ball over for the extras. the ball before Tim Grey crashed over. Substitute Jordan Scott was given got some points when they had an The boot of Botica was on form with a yellow card, and the extra man opportunity. The RGC fly-half was successful with the conversion. sparked Llanelli into another gear. another penalty in the 27th minute of They piled the pressure on the Gogs Drovers still having the possession, the game. Just before half time the home side line and as much as RGC held them and territoty but credit to RGC who back, the try came when were disciplined in the tackle area. broke the defence. With the score at 26-41 kicker Williams missed the The second half didn’t really get going, conversion. and when Botica made it 4 penalties from 4 the game started to slip away RGC were not controlling the ball and from Llandovery. Harri Evans was it was giving Llanelli the opportunity making some good runs down the to build some attacks, and the tackle count for the visitors was racking up. Pictures by Tony Bale Dion Jones was making some impor- tant tackles as the last line of defence.

The homeside had to take some risks to move the ball, and in the 74th minute Bagshaw capitalised and broke from the halfway line before passing to Hughes who ran in for the 6th try. Bagshaw hit the conversion.

The try-fest wasn’t over yet, as the final score went to Llanelli’s Nathan Hart to end a hugely entertaining 80 minutes of rugby. November 11th, 2017 November 17th, 2017 RGC 31 v Neath 19 Aberavon v RGC

RGC Assistant Coach Phil John RGC head coach Mark Jones was was frustrated by the sides 2nd half delighted with the intensity shown by performance in the Bonus Point win his side for the entire 80 minutes as against Neath “It was a game of 2 they celebrated a narrow victory at the halves in true form, and at halftime Talbot Athletic Ground on Friday night. the boys came in thinking job done, whereas Neath would have talked In recent games Jones has been less about discipline and not giving us field than satisfied with his team’s tendency position and it worked for them. We to build-up a sizable first-half lead, only gave away far too many penalties in to go off the boil in the second period. the second half, and the frustrating thing was many of them happened With the game at Aberavon pretty tight when we had the ball. We gave away all the way through, it meant the Gogs the ball far too much, got turned over had no opportunities to take their foot when we had possession and our ball off the gas at any stage. carriers were isolated.” Pics by Liz At the final whistle, the Premiership “The positives include we picked up West leaders had gained another another bonus point win, and I thought bonus-point win which stretched their RGC have struggled in the second half “In the first half we ‘messed around’ Cam Davies had a great 1st half. He Cam Davies was beginning to put his undefeated run to 10 matches. in recent games, so when Aberavon a bit, kept possession a bit too deep controlled the play and that gave us a mark down on the play, and it was an picked up a try early after the restart in our own half; and that allowed good platform. This is another learning impressive run from the scrum half that Under the Friday night lights at Aber- through Chris Banfield nerves could Aberavon to pressurise us more than experience for the team and we move set Afon Bagshaw on his was for the avon, RGC’s Harri Evans opened the have kicked in for the visitors. I’d have liked. on, and as long as we learn from the opening try after 18 minutes with the scoring with a try before the home side 2nd half then we will be in a better extra points for Botica. replied with a Ben Jones five-pointer. However, Botica edged them in front at “In the second half we got into their position next game” 23-22 with another penalty. half more and got the ball in behind The All Blacks were reduced to 14 The Wizards moved ahead with a try their backs more often. If RGC deserved credit for some good men when prop Ryan Thomas was and conversion from James Garland. The lead swapped hands again when rugby in the 1st half, then they have a shown a yellow card and RGC ramped the Wizards grabbed a try through “Overall, we gave a good 80-minute lot to improve on based on the 2nd half up the pressure on the Neath line. Back came RGC and they made it two Garland before in the 74th minute performance, we kept up the intensity performance. That pressure turned into points when tries apiece when Will Bryan crossed Hughes touched down for his second throughout, with and without the ball. Tiaan Loots smashed his way over the whitewash. of the night and Botica hit the extras to The lead changed hands a few times The game was very stop/start for the the whitewash for the try, with another seal the victory. and we had to work hard for the win.” opening 15 minutes, and the visitors Botica conversion to extend the lead. dressing room at the break the crowd Centre Tom Hughes has been in try- would have been happy in containing were expecting more in the following scoring form and that continued when Outscored by five tries to four, RGC Jones praised the performances of the RGC attacking threat. That lead was extended to 24 40 minutes. he ran in for another before Jacob still defended superbly against a number eight Alex Taylor, returning points on the half hour mark when Botica landed his first conversion of highly-motivated Aberavon. after six weeks out injured, second row As soon as the first real RGC break Aron Evans broke the defence to RGC went close to getting the bonus the evening. Rhys Williams and Caernarfon young- occurred then the home side sparked touchdown. Once again fly-half Botica point try early in the 2nd half when Both sides kept up a remarkable pace ster Ellis Roberts, who impressed on into life. Aron Evans and Tiaan Loots nudged the kick over. Botica had chance, but from that point The fly-half found his kicking boots throughout, providing a real thriller for the wing. combined to make some good yards it all began to fall apart. again when he smashed a penalty the crowd. just short of the line. It was the quick hands and fast feet over to make it 20-12. that of the RGC backline that were The Gogs struggled to keep the ball, Winning coach Jones said: “It was a The trusted boot of Jacob Botica hit causing all the problems with Cam and when they did have it the found As half time approached Aberavon great game for the neutral. Conditions the first points with a penalty to get the Davies setting much of the tempo, any way possible to give it away. As edged closer to RGC with a Shaun were perfect and it was one of those scoreboard flashing. and as the players headed into to the temperatures dropped so did RGC’s Pearce try seven minutes into overtime games where whoever lost wouldn’t intensity and game management. to reduce the arrears to three points at have felt too disappointed as both the turnaround. teams played so well. Credit to Neath as they won the battles in the 2nd half and picked up 3 tries in the process, Ed Howley dabbed down twice to close the score.

Jordan Scott was yellow carded for RGC, but surprisingly the home side became more composed with the man less and nerves were calmed when Tom Hughes grabbed the bonus point try, Replacement Dion Jones kicked the conversion.

It was the visitors that claimed the last try of the match when Scott Gibson ran over in the 70th minute but RGC saw the game off in the final 10 minutes to

Tony Bale Sports Photography Tony claim the five point victory. November 25th, 2017 December 2nd, 2017 RGC 35 v Swansea 34 Carmarthen Quins 25 v RGC 22 After leading 32 to 17 at half-time RGC had to hang on deep into the 2nd half RGC came away from Carmarthen Pics by Liz for the bonus point victory. with a losing bonus point, against a Head Coach Mark Jones expected a second placed Quins side. test, but his players also caused their own problems the 2nd half “We never Head Coach Mark Jones said his side underestimated Swansea, as we only competed well in the game “I’m as drew with them when they had 14 men happy as I can be with a defeat. It’s last time outs, so we didn’t take them a big point and a brilliant effort from lightly. “When you look at the game ers to run in from the halfway line. the Swansea maul as time and time the players against a top Quins side. we went from controlling it, to giving Botica nudged the kick over. again they tested the RGC defence. The 4 players who came in from the them the control and that was due to North Wales Clubs did us well, and the our poor discipline. If we had solved The scoreboard edged on with a Try number 4 came for Swansea from other players looked after them in the that then we would have solved all our Botica penalty and RGC were looking another maul and they sensed they game. It is difficult to single out any problems.” pretty comfortable. had a chance to pull the game back individuals as they all performed but when Davies hit the conversion and it I though Alex Schwarz controlled our “Unforced errors giving away penalties If Swansea were offering one threat it was a 6 point lead for RGC. game, Tiaan Loots did the dirty work in then gave Swansea the opportunities was the line-out/driving maul combina- attack and more importantly defence to get back in the game. Swansea RGC managed to keep them out, but The RGC line-out began to work well tion and they went close again to With 20 minutes left the game was and Tim Grey led well from the front. has a good driving maul and in these the problems increased when Joe for RGC in the 2nd half, which was giv- scoring before RGC managed to get pretty much penalty, line-out, maul and The players train hard with skills and conditions you can look at conceding a Simpson was given a yellow card. ing Schwarz a platform to build some turnover ball. repeat as Swansea tested the RGC conditioning and we know that comes couple of tries but to give them 4 was play with the back-line. defence over and over. into play during the last 15 minutes of down to our lack of discipline. Stop Quin’s supporters felt the try was The All Whites scored with a penalty games” coming, as once again the home side Quins were the ones to get the next giving the penalties away and then to close the game midway through Every time RGC manged to clear with they don’t have the chance to e it. If drove forwarded. The line was crossed try though, after some more pressure the half. the boot or a break they were soon The home side began to dominate the you look at the stats we defended over after some more pressure and scrum from the pack it was a clever kick penalised around the breakdown forwards arm wrestle from the opening 50% of their driving mauls but they just half Benyon-Thomas darted over for along the ground that set up the score Try number 3 came for RGC after area and the All Whites attack gained minute with a big scrum, and clearly had too many chances to use it as a the touchdown. with Steff Marshall getting the score. Bagshaw kicked ahead, Dion Jones momentum again. the took confidence from it. weapon.” Thomas added the extras. Jacob collected before a pop pass to Tom 11 points down and a player down as Botica and Tom Hughes came off the Hughes and the centre did the rest. That momentum turned into try when It was soon to be 3-nil for Carmarthen Swansea led with an early try after well, RGC expected a tough 10 min- bench and both began to make an The boot of Botica was in target again Aldc Cockwell went over in the 78th when Aled Thomas knocked over a a driving maul, with Ashley James utes but credit to the West Conference impact in the game as the physical with the extras. minute and fly-half Davies had a penalty. RGC began to get some ball getting the touchdown. Fly-half Davies Leaders who managed to keep the Quins defence began to tire. chance to win the match but conver- and worked their way up the field, with knocked over the conversion. RGC ball and play in the Quins half. Another Scwharz was next to test the line with sion dropped short much to the relief Alex Schwarz controlling the ball well. then came out the blocks and he break from Quins following a knock It was Hughes who played a part in a pick and go from the scrum but of the Stadiwm Zip World crowd. They would have been disappointed backline fired the ball around along on caused more panic in the RGC de- the RGC try, after winger Harri Evans was stopped short. On form Botica at not putting points on the board, and with some direct running. It wasn’t long fence but Dion Jones snuffed out the broke down the line before passing to extended the RGC lead to 27-10 with Those nerves were still to be tested when Quins broke down the field the before Tom Hughes spotted the gap danger with a super cover tackle. the centre Hughes and he set up Dion another penalty. deep into the 80th minute as Swansea visitors had to scramble a defence. To and went over. Conversion from Botica Jones to run in against his former side. had multiple scrums that got close to make matters worse Thomas extended squared the score. Jones then got some points on the Botica converted. The warning sides from the visitor’s the RGC line. the lead for Carmarthen with another board for RGC with a penalty, just pack were clearly visible and it was penalty. before they were back to a full side. The game fired into life minutes later If the temperature was dropping it no surprise that the opted for another Credit to the RGC defence to man- was hotting up on the field when great The Gogs finished the half in a positive when Tom Hughes scored and when line-out and maul in the RGC 22 metre aged to put bodies, arms and every The home side were ramping up the hands from Tiaan Loots gave the ball manner with some good phases play, Botica added the conversion RGC line, and the 2nd try for hooker James other part of their bodies between the pressure up front, and they tested to Dion Jones who fired the afterburn- but they couldn’t break the Quins made the score 18-17 to the delight of arrived. ball and the try-line. RGC with a number of driving mauls. tackles. the travelling supporters.

Just before halftime RGC picked up That defensive work earned the win in With 8 minutes on the clock both the bonus point try, after the home side the end, but RGC made hard work of sides felt they had a chance to win the worked the ball wide to Bagshaw for the 2nd half to get it. game, but it was the home side that the winner to get over the whitewash. had the ball and opted to kick to touch with a couple of penalties looking for With the score 32-17 at halftime RGC that line-out, driving maul combination. left the field in control of the game with plenty of points on the board. That all RGC managed to keep the Quins changed in the 2nd half and it began out a couple of times, but the referee with anther Swansea try from a driving gave the home side a penalty try in maul, the pack drove on and rumbled the closing minutes. Credit to RGC over the line. The Gog’s answered who still played to the final whistle and back with anther direct run from Loots after Tom Hughes ripped the ball from which led to a Botica penalty score. a Quins player the following break resulted on a 2 on 1 attack and Afon The penalty count was racking up Bagshaw finished with a try in the cor- for RGC, which was leaving the door ner to claim the losing bonus point. open for Swansea to get back into the

Tony Bale Sports Photography Tony game. As the minutes rolled on so did Caernarfon Ladies 42 v Whitland Ladies 17 Super Series at the Arms Park - Following report kindly supplied by Eifion Harding, Caernarfon RFC.

This opening Premier league fixture between two sides who plenty of positives for RGC U18 have been fairly evenly matched for a number of seasons turned out to be another hard fought contest. RGC had a successful Super Series in Cardiff with the U18s picking up two wins and a draw against the other Considering the long spell of inactivity the handling and regions. tackling was consistently good but more fluidity in attack will surely follow as the season progresses. Performance Manager Josh Leach saw plenty of posi- tives from the training week and games The scoreboard remained unused for the first twenty minutes with Caernarfon edging the contest territorially. Teleri Davies “It was a busy week with skills day on the Monday and had numerous meter gaining charges with returning flanker Tuesday with the national age grade coaches, and then Becky Williams busy at the breakdown to ensure good ball re- followed up with a training camp and overnight stay at tention. Number eight Jenny Hawkins peeled well off scrums Surf Snowdonia. It was a good opportunity to see a cou- and centre Katie Thicker showed a turn of speed that led to ple of new faces that we have brought into the squad. gain line crossing surges for Whitland. We are looking to add a bit of depth and competition with a few new additions.” The opening score came courtesy of a sweet midfield break by speedster Elen Evans who sprinted all of seventy meters “We had a couple of intensive days training and the time before being hauled to ground yards short, however winger Caernarfon Ladies 41 v Pontyclun 14 at Surf Snowdonia was really good for the group and Hannah Williams had remained in support and was able to collect the pop pass to score close to the posts, thus affording they all enjoyed it, so thanks to everyone at Surf Snow- Following report kindly supplied by Eifion Harding, Caernar- Beth Davies the added extras. donia for their welcome.” fon RFC. Picture courtesy of Pontyclun Ladies RFC. Caernarfon continued to apply pressure with another break “The boys seemed to all come together and found their The score line may suggest that this was a fairly comfort- from near the half way line bringing rewards as home Number place in the group which was another positive. I think able victory for the home side but in reality it was a very eight Nicky Crawford sprinted clear to crash over. Minutes all of these factors added to the our performances and keenly contested league match with everyone making a later the surprise element saw Elen Evans take a quick tap results in the Super Series and as a squad we were valuable contribution during the afternoon. more positive and tighter. We built some momentum and penalty and with dancing feet, wriggled free to score from distance. Beth Davies maintained the 100% kicking record by picked up 2 wins before ending in draw” “It was a suc- It was apparent from early on that both sides were quite converting both. cessful week on and off the field and we also managed evenly matched with dogged defence from both outfits to see a few more faces as well. It was a big positive for ensuring that all of twenty minutes were played before the The second half saw Whitland playing uphill and eager to the group and we can take plenty of positives into the first points were recorded. At this juncture Pontyclun were make amends but the Cofis were not in generous mood with next RAG block in January”. able to feed the ball wide to Rafiuke Taylor in space, so try flanker Olwyn Jones enjoying the fray with her all action play. time was evident from the moment she set off on her angled It was her fine take following a Nicky Crawford charge that Congratulations to the following boys who represented run to round the defence and ground close to the posts eventually saw the ball spread wide to allow Beth Davies to RGC and did us all proud: to give Brogan Jones an easier conversion, that she duly round the defence and gain the bonus point try and yet an- Forwards - Shaun Thomas, Llew Williams, Williams converted. Sandersno, Pedr Jones, Shaun Owen, Dillon Edwards, other conversion. Almost immediately she was back in action deploying a touch line chip followed by a kick and chase that Sion Davenport, Oscar Crowe, Jacob Aldridge, James Caernarfon rallied with Teleri Davies impressive with her saw her win the race to ground and again convert. Goodwin, Cian Ireland, Brenig Hughes, Guto Davies, Olly constant gain line crossing charges. Slowly they worked White, Daniel Jones, Tomos Lydford, Tom Walker, Deio their way up field and following a series of surges the ball Lesser teams than Whitland would have caved in at this point Terfel was spread wide to wing Rhian Pritchard who had the pace but to their credit they showed great fighting spirit and clawed Backs - Henry Maitland-Davies, Owen Randell, Ben Wil- to outflank the cover and score. Fullback Beth Davies con- their way back into the match. Flanker Elin Gapper, who liams, Mathew Buchanan, Gruffydd Davies, Rhys Hend- verted to draw the scores level. Five minutes later a similar showed star quality throughout as regards tackling, disrupting erson, Bailey Rae, Rhys Spencer-Price, Peter Joens, sequence of events saw opposite wing Lowri Hughes power and ensuring turnovers eventually rounded off a period of sus- Sam Earl-Jones, Ieuan Dewi Griffiths. her way to the line to give the Cofis the lead. tained Whitland pressure when on the sixth attempted charge she succeeded to cross the whitewash for a fully deserved try. Pontyclun were however adept at slowing Cofi possession with the back row of Georgia Evans and Megan Oaten Emma Summons at scrum half was directing play well and following her quick tap and go, had speedster Mari Griffiths at hand to run in and score a fine opportunist try. Holly Couzens at stand off also slotted the conversion with twenty minutes to go. Numerous substitutions took to the field with no one hav- ing greater impact than Caernarfon flanker Sophie Richards who relishes tough forward battles and who with five minutes to play drove from a ruck with sufficient determination to score her first ever points for the club. Each of the six tries were duly converted by Beth Davies.

Whitland however fought to the end with the most creative move of the match coming at the death, Hawkins and Gapper did the initial driving before crisp passing amongst the backs saw centre Heather Rees take at pace and beat the cover to score a fine try to bring to an end an entertaining tussle. prominent as regards tackling and harassing the opposition. defence to score. Seven Sisters replied almost immediately timed pass found Jess Kavanagh Williams in support to field positions and capitalising on quick tap and goes that on Teleri Davies featured again at the outset of the move that with a tried and trusted lineout move bringing reward to round off under the sticks. this occasion saw Lily Snape plough over to tie the scores. led to the home side’s third try. Her break out of defence Number 8 Carole-Ann Burt out wide. There followed the first successful conversion of the day eventually resulted in the ball being fed wide to grant Rhian Busy Rachel Rees who had strived to vary her play at from the boot of Beth Chancellor. Pritchard another run in that was again improved upon with Caernarfon extended their lead a few minutes later when a standoff eventually got close and a series of drives finally Beth Davies’s conversion. telling move from deep via Teleri Davies, Beth Davies and culminated in scrumhalf Kathryn Stevenson grounding A settling down period of some 15 minutes saw the Cofis Jenny Davies eventually found young winger Leah Roberts against the upright to gain Seven Sisters a fully deserved begin to show more cohesion and retain possession more The second half began beneficially for the Cofis with power- who’s agile footwork avoided the efforts to halt her progress bonus point. Rachel Rees duly added the conversion. effectively together with securing a major boost from domi- ful surges and good offloading finding gaps in the Pontyclun to score her first senior team try. She then became the pro- nating the scrums. Elen Evans wriggled free along the touch rearguard. Tawny Travis drove at the heart of the defence vider to release Beth Davies for her second of the afternoon Caernarfon however had the final say when Jess Kavanagh line but had Kavanagh-Williams in support who on being for the Cofis to camp in the danger zone before fullback that she again converted. Williams beat the cover on the outside to score her fifth of brought to ground just short was able to return the ball to Beth Davies was able to weave her way through to score the day. Beth Davies also equalled that feat together with Evans to score in the corner. with less than four minutes played. Nicky Crawford was also A Hannah Mai Jones interception nearly saw Seven Sisters slotting twelve of the fourteen conversions on offer. stamping her authority on the midfield, being strong in the claw their way back into contention but the Cofis capitalised The Cofis had thought that they would hold on to their three tackle and with ball in hand. almost immediately when a Iona Evans break found Elen The Cofis returned home with a broad smile on all faces point lead to half time but the home pack, spurred on by Evans at hand to nudge Caernarfon further ahead. Caernar- with Seven Sisters hoping to regroup and build on the com- their vociferous coaching staff and loyal supporters had The next score came on the hour mark when Beth Davies fon were then gifted a try when a back pass from a scrum mitment and powerful forward play already at their disposal. other ideas. conjured a try from nothing, chipping through and then win- went astray and scrum half Jess Kavanagh Williams seized ning the race to ground successfully. the opportunity to score beneath the posts. Beth Davies A series of charges close to the line eventually saw Lily maintained her 100% conversion account by adding the Caernarfon Ladies 93 v Penybanc 10 Snape emerge victorious from beyond the whitewash to Pontyclun, to their credit, stuck to their task with scrum extras and later adding to Jess’s next score when she was restore Gwernyfed’s two point lead. half Jess Pritchard aggressive and controlling at the base at hand to take the final pass following an Elen Evans break of all mauls and rucks . Kim Jones and Amy Evans were to score on the stroke of halftime. Caernarfon had the slope in their favour during the second also allies that could be relied upon to gain valuable yard- Gwernyfed Ladies 22 v Caernarfon 39 period and were glad to be able to regain the lead fairly age. Cofi fitness levels were tested but the likes of Emma There was no let up in Caernarfon’s approach from the quickly. Molly Shuttleworth, from fullback, broke through and Edwards and Brea Leung kept up a high tackle count to the restart, Jess broke clear to ground as did Elen Evans when Following report kindly supplied by Eifion Harding, Caernar- had speedster Evans in support to canter over for the bonus end, whilst Janet Small took to the field for her first taste of in close support to Rachel Taylor minutes later. Seven fon RFC. point try. competitive rugby. Sisters strived to get back into contention with a solid Beth Harvey tackle lifting the spirits. However an interception by Viewing league positions can often give teams a major false It was indeed Evans who added the next with 18 minutes Eventually Pontyclun were rewarded for their unyielding at- centre Molly Shuttleworth saw her sprint all of sixty meters impression and this most certainly happened to be the case of the half played, this time outpacing the defence on the titude when Jess Pritchard who had gone very close on one to score. Thankfully the home crowd had something to as far as Caernarfon were concerned when they travelled to outside to establish a seven point cushion. previous occasion took a quick tap penalty and scrambled cheer when incisive hooker Tara Finnegan picked up and Gwernyfed. to the try line. Brogan Jones again added the extras. As drove with commitment to score out wide mid way through The game then went away from the gallant but tiring Gw- the game was drawing to a close a break out of defence by the half. The final 22-29 score-line may suggest a comfortable ernyfed side from the restart as the kick-off was gathered replacement flanker Sophie Richards found her in space but victory, but the Cofis had to withstand a spirited challenge by Kavanagh-Williams, who sprinted through the heart of seventy meters from the try line. However she pinned her The reprieve was however short lived as the good approach before pulling away to claim the spoils. the defence and sidestepped the remaining cover to score a ears back and went for it with real determination leaving a work of Claire Wright led to Beth Davies finding space to classic solo try, also adding the conversion. trail of would be tacklers in her wake to receive the loudest surge to the try line on two occasions in quick succession. The fact that Cofis scored almost direct from the kick off cheer of the day as she grounded between the sticks. Busy Yet again Seven Sisters refused to bow with a Kelsey when Jess Kavanagh-Williams rounded the defence to Entering the final 10 minutes Gwernyfed were given a boost ball carrier Olwyn Jones stepped up to slot the final conver- Jones cover tackle on Rachel Taylor a testament to their all squeeze in at the corner lulled them into an even greater and new lease of life when yet another quickly taken penalty sion. round commitment. This upped the forwards to galvanise false sense of security. saw Megan Snape emulate her sister’s achievement by their resources with another lineout move called and mar- scoring her second of the day. shalled by Bethan Howell leading to Tara Finnegan scoring Gwernyfed were however soon back in contention, apply- her second try of the day in identical circumstances to their ing pressure via their forwards to entre the danger zone. The 10-point gap however could not be closed further opening score. Numerous infringements led to short penalties being utilised and on approaching the last play and with a nip in the air well, before Megan Snape’s quick tap and go caught the Caernarfon’s dominant scrum came to the fore with Nicky Menna Preece drove purposefully to hopefully find a gap in defence cold to level the scores. Crawford joining the ranks to plough over from the base. Caernarfon’s rearguard but a downfield kick taken by Beth Kavanagh Williams converted. Davies at pace led to another Caernarfon try as her well Amid the frantic exchanges that followed during the next 10 minutes two further tries were added, Kavanagh-Williams The Cofis will know that far greater focus will be required adding her second, again from a quick tap penalty some 30 when facing Swansea away next week whereas Gwernyfed meters out that took her beyond the defence to score. can take great heart in the knowledge that a bonus point was secured and if this squad remains together then the Gwernyfed, not to be outdone, reverted to the tried and league table will look far rosier as far as they are concerned tested rumbling forward amongst the forwards to gain good come the end of the season.

Seven Sisters 22 v Caernarfon Ladies 94

Following report kindly supplied by Eifion Harding, Caernar- fon RFC.

The score line may suggest a comfortable passage for the Cofis but the forwards knew that they had been in a tight tussle throughout in order to provide ball that the rampant back line could use to mesmerise the opposition backs.

The first points of this league encounter were scored and added to by Beth Davies who took at pace to split the Swansea Ladies 27 v With the centres linking up well, Swan- WRU WOMEN’S PREMIERSHIP sea made repeated sorties into the WRU Women’s Caernarfon Ladies 15 Caernarfon 22. When the ball was lost 17 September 2017 ‘The Cofis’ were hemmed in and could Caernarfon 42 v 17 Whitland Division One Following report kindly supplied by not regain the field position they en- Llandaff North 43 v 0 Gwernyfed Swansea Ladies RFC. joyed in the first half. Pressure told and Seven Sisters 0 v 7 Penybanc quick hands from Preece to Donovan Swansea 36 v 0 Pontyclun 3 December 2017 Swansea RFC Women’s team returned sent speedster Ffion Bowen over for an Abergele 21 20 Ynysddu to the top of the Premier League af- unconverted try, 24 September 2017 Senghenydd 21 19 Haverfordwest ter yesterday’s impressive win at St Gwernyfed 32 v 15 Seven Sisters Helen’s over their nearest rivals Caer- With the game going away from them Pontyclun 29 v 0 Penybanc 19 November 2017 narfon WRFC. Caernarfon were still able to grab a life- Whitland 7 v 19 Llandaff North Ynysybwl 17 33 Haverfordwest line half way through the second half Saturday’s home tie with Caernarfon with a move that saw them travel the 8 October 2017 12 November 2017 was always going to be a testing en- length of the pitch to score out wide at Caernarfon 41 v 14 Pontyclun Ynysddu 10 22 Pencoed counter and so it proved to be. An early the Mumbles end. The conversion at- Llandaff North 17 v 31 Swansea Ynysybwl 24 41 Senghenydd Penybanc 22 v 5 Gwernyfed infringement allowed Beth Preece to tempt was always a difficult one but a Seven Sisters 17 v 55 Whitland get ‘The Whites’ on the board with a great effort saw it hit the crossbar, only 29 October 2017 straight forward penalty. But Caernar- Abergele 31 17 Haverfordwest to bounce the wrong way for ‘The Co- 22 October 2017 fon were able to establish themselves fis’. 20 - 10 to Swansea. Gorseinon 24 39 Ynysybwl inside the home 22 and good recycling Caernarfon 19 v 10 Llandaff North Senghenydd 24 39 Pencoed produced the overlap to allow the open- Pontyclun 20 v 12 Gwernyfed Late pressure from the visitors saw Swansea 64 v 7 Seven Sisters ing try for the visitors. It was just reward Swansea back in their own 22 but a 22 October 2017 for a constant period of pressure. The tremendous break out by Lucy Jones Pencoed 97 0 Gorseinon try went unconverted, which would be 29 October 2017 Ynysddu 12 38 Senghenydd brought play back to the City End as Gwernyfed 26 v 33 Whitland regretted by ‘The Cofis’ as the match Lillicrap expoited the ragged defensive Llandaff North 19 v 40 Pontyclun progressed. 8 October 2017 line, making further inroads. Scrum-half Penybanc 7 v 74 Swansea Abergele 5 17 Pencoed Rhian Perry cleverly spotted the over- Seven Sisters 22 v 94 Caernarfon Caernarfon continued to dominate terri- lap and changed the direction of attack Haverfordwest 3 10 Ynysddu tory and it was with some relief that ‘The to allow Lillicrap, though tackled just 11 November 2017 Whites’ were able to turn the ball over short, to dive over for the bonus point Caernarfon 92 v 10 Penybanc 24 September 2017 from a ruck and work it through hands try. Beth Preece’s conversion attempt Senghenydd 64 26 Abergele back toward the visitors goal line. The slapped straight into the crossbar but, 12 November 2017 early pattern of Caernarfon forward as if to underline that it was Swansea’s Llandaff North 10 v 0 Seven Sisters 17 September 2017 play and fast three-quarter counter at- day, it dropped nicely over for a 27 - 15 Pontyclun 15 v 17 Whitland Haverfordwest 17 7 Pencoed tacking was established. Swansea got lead that Siwan’s girls held on to till the Swansea 52 v 0 Gwernyfed Ynysybwl 27 15 Ynysddu their reward when outside-half Preece cleverly put back row Robyn Lock in 3 December 2017 between the stretched defence for a Gwernyfed 22 v 39 Caernarfon Team P W D L P stroll in under the posts. Preece made Penybanc 5 v 17 Llandaff North no mistake from in front of goal for a Seven Sisters 12 v 19 Pontyclun Senghenydd 5 4 0 1 20 10 - 5 lead against the run of play. But Pencoed 5 4 0 1 19 it was Caernarfon who scored next as 9 December 2017 the visitors, encamped on the Swansea Swansea 27 v Caernarfon 15 Haverfordwest 5 2 0 3 11 line, finally forced a gap. The try was out wide at the City End but a good 17 December 2017 Ynysybwl 4 2 0 2 7 Whitland v Swansea conversion attempt bounced back off Abergele 4 2 0 2 6 the posts. Ynysddu 5 1 0 4 6 Half-time 10 - 10 Gorseinon 2 0 0 2 -15 With the prospect of a close second-half and close finish reminding Swansea of the narrow three point win over Caer- Caernarfon U18s after their 37-5 win at Gwernyfed narfon in last season’s cup final, Siwan Lillicrap led her side by example in an up tempo start after the break. With Team P W D L P full-back Adi Taviner coming into the attacking move, the ball was worked Swansea 6 6 0 0 30 quickly to the corner and Lillicrap pow- Caernarfon 7 6 0 1 29 ered over for Swansea’s second try. The conversion attempt from out wide Pontyclun 7 4 0 3 20 fell just short. Llandaff North 7 4 0 3 17 Swansea maintained the tempo as Whitland 5 3 0 2 14 the momentum shifted in their favour. Swansea’s forwards were now break- Gwernyfed 7 1 0 6 8 ing the line regularly, Lillicrap, Lucy Jones and Natalia John prominent with Penybanc 6 2 0 4 5 powerful runs, drawing in the defence. Seven Sisters 7 0 0 7 3 NORTH WALES WOMEN’S GAME ON LEAGUE Dolgellau Under 8 v Mold Under 8 by Rod Davies Wrexham U8 v Rhyl U8 by Chris Wright Photography, Dolgellau Friday, November 6th, 1987 - Mid and North Wales v Sri Lanka

Bethesda RFC’s first ever team NORTH WALES YOUTH RUGBY

11th November NORTH WEST Nant Conwy 42 v Caernarfon 7 NORTH EAST

WALES YOUTH 16th November WALES YOUTH Caernarfon 58 v Holyhead 3 2nd September Nant Conwy 53 v Llandudno 0 2nd September Bangor 5 v Dolgellau 24 Dinbych 28 v Wrexham 8 Holyhead 19 v Bethesda 55 18th November Mold 10 v COBRA 36 Llandudno 45 v Llangefni 24 Bethesda 12 v Bangor 19 Dolgellau 14 v Pwllheli 12 Pwllheli 10 v Nant Conwy 36 9th September Mold 7 v Dinbych 27 25th November 9th September Newtown 7 v Bala 26 Dolgellau 53 v Holyhead 0 Caernarfon 17 v Llangefni 15 Ruthin 44 v COBRA 28 Llandudno 14 v Pwllheli 19 Nant Conwy 45 v Bangor 19 2nd December Caernarfon 15 v Pwllheli 17 16th September 16th September Llandudno 67 v Holyhead 17 Bala 19 v Colwyn Bay 25 Caernarfon 36 v Llandudno 19 COBRA 56 v Newtown 0 Holyhead 0 v Nant Conwy 53 9th December Ruthin 27 v Mold 0 Llangefni 31 v Bethesda 34 Bangor v Pwllheli 23rd September 23rd September 16th December Newtown 14 v Ruthin 54 Bethesda 8 v Caernarfon 16 Pwllheli v Holyhead Dolgellau 53 v Llangefni 0 7th October Llandudno 21 v Bangor 33 COBRA 5 v Wrexham 29 Newtown 15 v Mold 22 Team P W D L B P 7th October Ruthin 22 v Colwyn Bay 30 Caernarfon 10 v Dolgellau 24 Nant C 7 7 0 0 7 35 Holyhead 14 v Bangor 62 14th October Llangefni 7 v Nant Conwy 41 Dolgellau 6 5 0 1 4 24 Colwyn Bay 43 v Newtown 5 Dinbych 24 v COBRA 12 14th October Caernarfon 8 5 0 3 4 24 Pwllheli 32 v Llangefni 13 Pwllheli 6 4 0 2 3 19 19th October 4th November Llandudno 7 3 0 4 3 15 Bala 5 v Dinbych 5 Bangor 7 v Caernarfon 43 Holyhead 0 v Llangefni 53 Bangor 6 3 0 3 2 14 28th October Dolgellau Youth v Pwllheli Youth Nant Conwy 29 v Dolgellau 0 Bethesda 6 2 0 4 4 12 Colwyn Bay 22 v Mold 7 Pwllheli 27 v Bethesda 12 Newtown 5 v Wrexham 38 Pictures by Rod Davies Photography, Dolgellau Llangefni 7 1 0 6 3 7 10th November 4th November Holyhead 7 0 0 7 0 0 Bethesda 12 v Llandudno 15 Wrexham 31 v Colwyn Bay 22

18th November Colwyn Bay 27 v Dinbych 12 Wrexham 39 v Mold 0

2nd December Wrexham 13 v Ruthin 12

Team P W D L B P Colwyn B 6 5 0 1 4 24 Wrexham 6 5 0 1 3 23 Ruthin 5 3 0 2 5 17 Dinbych 5 3 1 1 3 17 COBRA 5 2 0 3 2 10 Bala 3 1 1 1 2 8 Mold 6 1 0 5 0 4 Newtown 6 0 0 6 1 1 Barbarians Women beat Munster in Limerick to win first women’s game Congratulations to North Wales’ Elen Evans and Rachel Taylor on their inclu- sion in the historic first ever womens Barbarians game.

The Barbarians won the invitational club’s first women’s match as they defeated Munster 19-0 at .

A first-half penalty try and further touchdowns by Ireland internationals Ailis Egan and Tania Rosser secured the Barbarians’ victory in Limerick.

The Baa Baas included England duo Claire Cripps and Megan Goddard plus New Zealand’s Emma Jensen and France’s Christelle Le Duff. Scotland’s Susie Brown and Wales’ Elen Evans also started for the Baa Baas.

With Canada’s Kelly Russell in their line-up, the Barbarians fielded players from seven countries with a large Irish contingent including Fiona Coghlan, who skippered the side, plus Jackie Shields, Egan and Nora Stapleton. Eng- land World Cup winner Giselle Mather coached the Barbarians, with Fiona Stockley the team manager.

The Baa Baas announced the launch of their women’s team last month with the stated intention of taking the women’s game to “a different level”.

The famous invitation club was founded in 1890 and has featured some of the greatest male players of all time. Further women’s matches against club, provincial and international sides are being planned with a full fixtures sched- uled to be announced later this year.