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Nant Conwy scoop double award at Conwy Council Sports Awards Club win ‘Senior Sports Club of the Year’ while Medwyn Vaughan wins ‘Coach of the Year’

The Annual Conwy (County) Sports Awards ceremony was held last Friday evening (29th November 2013) at Llandudno.

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy claimed their second ‘double’ for 2013.

The 2013 WRU Division One North champions and the ‘Aviva’ North Senior Cup winners for 2013 were crowned:

Senior Sports Club of the Year and Nant Conwy’s First Team Coach, Medwyn Vaughan was named the ‘Coach of the Year’ amongst all sports within the County for 2013.

Medwyn is an ex-player for Nant Conwy and took over the mnatle of 1st Team Coach in readiness for the 2012/2013 season. He says that the achievement of the team was beyond his ‘wildest dreams’ in winning the ‘double’ during his first year of coaching at Senior level.

The guest Speaker at the ceremony was Non Stanford, who became sen- ior world triathlon champion in 2013 and is among the five contenders for the BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2013 award.

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy would like to congratulate Med on gaining the award as well as all players, coaches, supporters, parents, and volunteers of whatever age who co-operated in making Nant Conwy a successful Rugby and Sports Club during 2013.

Sponsorship Opportunities at RGC There a number of sponsorships and partnerships available at RGC. From Player Sponsorships, Match Sponsors and Man of the Match to more long term partnerships to help boost your companies brand across the region and on a national scale within the WRU Championship.

Executive boxes are also available on gameday, so if you are looking to treat staff or invite clients it is a perfect opportunity.

RGC is on a journey so why don’t you join us!!

For sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected] The full listing of games taking place this Saturday involving the clubs of North and Mid Wales

If you see any errors, postponements or omissions to the following list, it would be appreciated if you could please either email the details to [email protected] or text to 07713 514 375 - many thanks

WRU Championshp WRU North Youth Division One Bargoed v Bonymaen Bala v Llangefni Blackwood v Newbridge Bangor v Pwllheli Cardiff Met v Tata Steel Caernarfon v Ruthin Ebbw Vale v Bridgend Athletic Mold v Nant Conwy Narberth v Beddau Wrexham v COBRA Pontypool v Tondu RGC 1404 v Llanharan WRU North Youth Division Two Flint v Bro Ffestiniog WRU Division One West Llandudno v Colwyn Bay Ath v Builth Wells Llanidloes v Rhyl and District Newtown v Abergele WRU Divison Two West Shotton Steel v Holyhead Aberystwyth v Newcastle Emlyn Welshpool v Dolgellau

WRU Division One North North Wales 2nd Team League Bethesda v Bro Ffestiniog Dolgellau 2nds v Denbigh 2nds Caernarfon v COBRA Nant Conwy 2nds v Ruthin 2nds Dolgellau v Denbigh Pwllheli v Bala Gwynedd League (and North Ruthin v Nant Cowy Wales 2nd Team) Bethesda 2nds v Bro Ffest 2nds WRU Division Two North Caernarfon 2nds v Llangeni 2nds Abergele v Llangefni Pwllheli 2nds v Bala 2nds Llandudno v Colwyn Bay Mold v Machynlleth North East Counties League Rhyl v Newtown Colwyn Bay 2ns v Mold 3rds Shotton Steel v Wrexham Mold 2nds v Abergele 2nds Rhos 2nds v Llandudno 2nds Gary WRU Division Three North Rhyl 2nds v Flint 2nds Bangor v Flint Shotton 2nds v Welshpool 2nds Editors: Gary Williams/Barry Williams Bangor University v Holyhead Wrexham 2nds v COBRA 2nds Email: [email protected] Benllech v Llanidloes Harlech v Menai Bridge Please note that you should Porthmadog v Llangollen check with the home club that www.nwru.co.uk Welshpool v Rhos the above games is going ahead - The Oval Zone cannot be held www.midwalesrugby.com WRU Division Six East responsible for any errors in this Old Tylerians v Llandrindod Wells listing. Trefyclawdd v Rhayader

COVER PICTURE This week’s main cover picture shows action from the Colwyn Bay v Abergele game, kindly supplied by Tony Bale

GOT SOME PICS AND NEWS YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE - SEND TO [email protected]

Kelvin Goes Back to School RGC Captain Kelvin Davies returned to his old school this week to Dewi Bowen, Newtown.; Wyn Bryan, Mold; Dan Colclough, coach some of the young pupils. Llandudno; Danny Cross, Wrexham; Cai Davies, Ruthin; Cameron Davies, Llandudno; Owen Evans, Wrexham; Tim Kelvin, along with Harri Evans and Afon Bagshaw went to Ysgol Tudno Grey, Llandudno; Matt Griffiths, Exiles; Delwyn Jones, Nant to spend some time going through some rugby skills. Conwy; Jordan Jones, Ruthin; Osian Jones, Bro Ffestiniog; Sean Lonsdale, Rhyl; Jake Lovatt, Llandudno, Captain; Huw Owens, Headteacher Catrin Rhys Roberts thanked them for their efforts “Kelvin Pwllheli; Ianto Parri, Pwllheli; Max Peters, Llangefni; Ryan Pike, is an ex-pupil and we are very proud of his achievements with RGC. Llandudno; Josh Roberts, Llandudno; Zack Roberts, Ruthin; Ysgol Tudno’s junior pupils really enjoyed being coached by Kelvin, Morgan Williams, Caernarfon; Rhun Williams, Caernarfon; Tom Harri and Afon.” Williams, Newtown RGC suffered their first away The try did come after 13 phases defeat of the season against after James Jones gave an unself- Bridgend Athletic on a day when ish pass on the line for Afon Bag- they struggled to put in a perform- shaw to touch down in the corner. ance right from the kick-off. And the Gogs took the lead soon The conditions underfoot weren’t after with a typical RGC try as, great for either team but the home after a big push from the pack, side started strongly with winger Andy Williams came up with the Mike Powell showing some quick ball and the score. feet by breaking through some loose tackles to sprint over in the Bridgend got back in the game corner with just two minutes on with a well-taken drop goal before the clock. a penalty gave them a one-point lead. Within five minutes Bridgend had built an eight-point lead after they It was becoming clear that the slotted a penalty as RGC hadn’t next try would be a crucial one for really put a pass together. the result.

Bridgend were making sure the As it looked like RGC were play was going through the left heading for that try a Lewis wing where Powell was evading Barker pass was intercepted by tackles and breaking the gain-line Rhys Ward Jones and the winger on a number of occasions. sprinted the length of the pitch to score under the posts. With After the slow start the Gogs the conversation it meant RGC finally managed to string some needed two scores to get a result passes together with Lewis Barker, and as the game went on it never Harri Evans and Afon Bagshaw looked like the Gogs would keep trying to get things going from the hold of that 100% away record. back. A score did arrive from the boot of Barker with a penalty after pressure from the RGC scrum. The only positive taken at the early try and were putting pres- Pictures on the RGC pages half-time whistle was the fact sure on the Bridgend line with kindly supplied by Alan Skeates But RGC didn’t push on from RGC were only losing 8-3 after a number of direct runs from that score and looked flat in both the home side missed two further the back line. Lewis Barker and defence and attack during the penalties. Harri Evans were penetrating the remainder of the half with some defensive line on a few occasions Team for poor decision-making at key RGC started the second half but Bridgend were making some points adding to the frustration. brightly as they looked for the strong tackles. Llanharan on 7th December RGC NEWS

RGC hope to bounce back after Bridgend defeat They welcome Llanharan at Parc Eirias for the first time on Sat- urday, and with both sides tied on points, the crucial fixture will be a fight for fourth place on the SWALEC Championship table

RGC hope to bounce back after Bridgend defeat It is unlikely either side will overtake Bargoed for third place, who will be favourites to topple rock-bottom Bonymaen on Saturday.

RGC’s 21-13 defeat to Bridgend will have been a shock to the system for the young North Walians, who were unbeaten away from home until then, having left a big impression on South Wales rugby.

RGC welcome Llanharan at Parc Eirias on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The club are running their surname ticket promotion for the match. Anyone with the surname Parry can enter free with a photo ID in honour of RGC Tom Parry’s Man of the Match per- formance against Bridgend.

Under 16 and Development Squad take on on Sunday WRU CHAMPIONSHIP

Merchandise on sale at Llanharan game Printers of literature and programmes for WRU, The RGC pop up shop will be at NWRU, North Wales Eirias so you can pick up your Crusaders, Shrewsbury RGC goodies in time for Christ- Town FC and many other mas. sports clubs. A full range of products will be on Phone 07713 514 375 for sales including the new hat range, a free quotation. as well as t-shirts, hoodies and shirts. Getting Shirty at Mold Rugby Football Club Junior Section Philip Jones, Chair of the Junior Section said “It’s thanks to a donation from Russell Fabrications and sponsorship by Crime Prevention Serv- ices, Matthew Haynes Heating & Plumbing and Jeff Barker Builders, the four junior teams are now able to play their rugby matches in brand new rugby shirts. The Club is extremely appreciative of the support received from the regional business community, without this it would be very dif- ficult to provide facilities and opportunities for our local youngsters.”

Philip went on to say “The section has around 100 young people across four age group teams, from year 8 to year 11, regularly training and developing skills at our training sessions at 9:00am on Saturday morn- ings at our Leadmills training ground in Mold. For younger children the club’s Mini Section also welcomes anyone from age 6. We always Wales Under 20’s return to welcome new players who would like to get involved and have a try!” Pictured below, top to bottom: Under 13, Under 14, Under 15 and Under Parc Eirias next month 16 teams in their new kits. Dates and KO times announced for three home games at Parc Eirias

Wales, who were runners-up in last year’s competition return to Eirias on Friday 31 January to take on Italy at 7.10pm, they host France on Sat- urday 22 February (6.05pm) and their final game of the championship is also at Eirias, against Scotland on Friday 14 March (7pm). All three matches will be televised live, the opening clash on BBC Wales and the France and Scotland games on S4C.

Wales Under 20 head coach Byron Hayward said, “We are really looking forward to returning to Colwyn Bay. Eirias provides a wonderful home for the side, the facilities are second to none for an international age grade match and the level of support we receive, both from the staff and the fans, really gives everyone a boost.”

Wales Under 20 had their most successful season ever last year, going on to reach the final of the Junior World Championship following their impressive performances in the Six Nations.

“The Six Nations provides a wonderful platform to develop players in a competitive environment,” added Hayward. “The lessons we learned in the Six Nations, especially in the final match against England, were invaluable when we came to the Junior World Championship in June.

“We have completed a series of training sessions and position specific workshops and we have a three day camp in January before finalising the squad,” added Hayward.

Cllr Graham Rees, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Marketing & Leisure said, “It’s a real treat for rugby fans in North Wales to have these games on the doorstep again in 2014. Three fantastic evenings of sport at Parc Eirias - come along and support the next generation of Welsh rugby stars.”

Tickets on sale Tickets are on sale from today (December 4) at Venue Cymru (01492) 872000 www.venuecymru.co.uk and www.wru.co.uk/tickets and are priced per game at: £15 seated, £10 terrace / £5 concession

The perfect Christmas gift - a three match pass: book via Venue Cymru before 25 December and pay just £30 for seated tickets for all three games!

Tickets will also be available at Colwyn Leisure Centre reception from 11 December.

Wales Under 20 at Eirias, 2014: Wales v Italy - Friday, 31 January (KO 7.10pm, BBC Wales) Wales v France - Saturday, 22 February (KO 6.05pm, S4C) Wales v Scotland - Friday, 14 March (KO 7.00pm, S4C) @ovalzonerugby Level 1 Referees Courses announced for 2014 - your chance to take up the whistle Full listing of Level 1 Referees Courses being held between January and March 2014

Level 1 Referee Courses January-March 2014

Taibach RFC - Sunday, 26th January Cross Keys RFC - Sunday, 9th February Mold Veterans RFC are Carmarthen Quins RFC - Sunday, 16th February Pontypridd RFC - Sunday, 16th March looking for fixtures Denbigh RFC - Sunday, 30th March

Whether you have a veterans or a second team with a blank date please Course Duration: 0930-1600 consider giving the Vets of Mold a game. Registration: 0900-0930 Mold Vets RFC consider themselves a relatively young veterans side Further details and application forms can be obtained from and are happy to take on other Vets sides or even a second fifteen if they David R Davies, 02920822420, [email protected] fancy a game. Marcia Harding, 02920822419, [email protected] Closing Date is 1 week prior to course date Currently, they are struggling to get fixtures despite only wanting to play every four to six weeks (only two games played so far this season), so if your club can fit in a fixture please contact: Course costs £20, non refundable, includes buffet lunch. To book a place, completed application form and fee must Rob Smallwood - Mold Vets RFC - Tel 07870690995 be received in the Referees Department. [email protected]

Inter-Club Tag Rugby 10’s Alf Hughes Tournament at Abergele RFC

Saturday 28th December at Pentre Mawr! A great way to get all sections of the Club involved together......

Inter-Club Tag Rugby 10’s Tournament The idea to bring a tournament to everyone involved within the Club is a great way for all sections to famil- iarise themselves with each other! The day will be fun filled and everyone involved will benefit from taking part!

The teams will consist of the following criteria:

1 Veteran; 1 First XV Regular It is with sadness that we 1 2nd XV Regular 2 Ladies XV Players report the passing of Mr Alf 2 Youth XV Players Hughes. 2 Junior Section Players 1 Non-player (Supporter, Parent etc.) Alf was one of the founding members of Machynlleth Want to get involved? It’s easy.... RFC and President for many years. If you want to take part in this fantastic event, please forward your names to Dino ASAP! The teams will be drawn up closer to the date and further details of times and rules will be provided too. Sincere condolences are extended to Alf’s family and This is a superb opportunity for all sections of the Club to interact and socialise together with the element of FUN being a priority! The Clubhouse will be open for drinks and refreshments too. all at Machnynlleth RFC DIVISION ONE WEST

Saturday, 7th September 2013 Ammanford 31 (+1) v Kidwelly 30 (+2) Carmarthen Ath 20 v Crymych 8 Glynneath 29 (+1) v Builth Wells 3 Kenfi g Hill 29 (+1) v Llangennech 23 (+2) Loughor 34 v Whitland 6 Waunarlwydd 52 (+1) v Cwmllynfell 5

Saturday, 14th September 2013 Builth Wells 27 (+1) v Ammanford 13 Crymych 35 v Kenfi g Hill 29 (+1) Cwmllynfell 34 (+1) v Loughor 22 Kidwelly 15 (+1) v Waunarlwydd 17 Llangennech 17 (+1) v Glynneath 23 Whitland 22 (+1) v Carmarthen Athletic 24

Got a match report to share? Email it to [email protected] and it will be included

WRU Coaching Children Level 1 (U7 - U13) Want to get more involved with the Minis section? Why not sign up for a WRU Children Level 1 certification??

WRU Coaching Children Level 1 (U7 - U13) WRU Coaching Children Level 1 (U7 - U13)

Venue - Bangor University Dates - 18th 19th and 26th Jan 2014 Application deadline - 19th Dec 2013 Cost - £140 (club will reimburse) Places - 19 (so book early) Book via - www.wrucoaching.co.uk/courses/courses.asp DIVISION ONE NORTH

RUTHIN v BALA Pictures kindly supplied by John Palmer DIVISION TWO NORTH

If you see any errors or omissions please email the details to [email protected]

Lee Rusowicz scoring his 3rd try and Shotton’s 5th in their 31 points to 20 win over Mold. - Picture by Mike Wood “The new system would also include the purchase of a Terraplas cover to ensure that non-sporting events can continue to feature in our calendar of major events.

“The Desso would take us to another level as a world-class rugby sta- dium and multi-event arena.” WRU favour Desso pitch for The WRU has recently carried out a major review of pitch system alternatives to replace the palletised system which was installed to host Rugby World Cup 1999. Welsh Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis today an- He added: “In our search for the best possible surface we took advice nounced that a Desso pitch system is the preferred option to be installed from a range of experts and ensured we listened to the voices of our at the Millennium Stadium a year ahead of Rugby World Cup 2015. players, coaches and conditioners before deciding which option to choose.” The CEO confirmed that a new surface is due to be installed at the iconic multi-event stadium during the summer of 2014 to replace the current The WRU also continues to liaise closely with the Welsh Government to palletised turf surface for next season’s Dove Men Series. ensure any new system is fully aligned with their strategy of attracting as many major events to Wales as possible in the years ahead. Desso is a hybrid system which intertwines grass turf with millions of artificial fibres to reinforce the quality of a playing surface. The WRU Board has supported the preferred option stance as the Union now seeks the financial support to achieve its aim. Desso pitches now feature at stadia around the world and have featured major games from a cross section of sports including American football, Chairman of the WRU, David Pickering, added: “The installation of a soccer and rugby. Desso pitch would ensure the Millennium Stadium can protect its reputa- tion as one of the best rugby venues in the world. The potential £3.3million investment would also include a Terraplas cover to protect the new surface when major non-rugby events such as “Hundreds of thousands of fans watch Wales play here every year and rock concerts take place. we have a duty to deliver the best spectacle of rugby we can.

The cover system will allow the Stadium to continue to be a multi-event “The players are prepared to deliver their best and they deserve the best venue attracting fans and followers from around the world. possible surface on which to play.

Speaking at today’s Event Wales International Conference where it was “I want to thank the board of the WRU for their diligence and hard work revealed by First Minister Carwyn Jones that the Millennium Stadium in considering the findings of our thorough review of all options before contributes £130million per year to the economy in Wales, Mr Lewis making this decision in the best interests of Welsh rugby and for Wales.” said: Mr Lewis also confirmed that a new grass pitch was installed on the “I can reveal that the Desso pitch system is the preferred option to re- existing palletised system after following the Wales v Australia interna- place the current palletised system at the Millennium Stadium. tional on Saturday 30 November.

“Desso is a tried and tested pitch system which we expect would answer The new pitch will provide a quality surface for the start of the RBS 6 all our requirements for international rugby including the 2015 Rugby Nations tournament in 2014. This pitch will be removed at the end of the World Cup which brings eight games to the Millennium Stadium. 2013/14 playing season and the pallet system will be placed in storage.

Wales to face New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in 2014 Wales will face southern hemisphere giants New Zealand, South Africa and Australia next autumn.

The International Rugby Board’s top three ranked sides will visit Cardiff along with Fiji in 2014. Australia and South Africa defeated Wales dur- All four games at the Millennium Stadium, which will be live on the ing the recent autumn series. BBC, are subject to final IRB approval and dates and kick off times will be confirmed at a later date. “If you want to be the best, you have to play the best and the 2014 au- tumn schedule reconfirms that commitment,” said WRU Group chief ex- chief Lewis said the 2014 autumn series would be ecutive Roger Lewis. The matches against New Zealand, Australia and the ideal preparation for Warren Gatland’s side ahead of the 2015 Rugby Fiji will be part of the IRB autumn window with South Africa confirmed World Cup. as the fourth game of the series. “We will only have 12 matches in total in the run-up to our opening New Zealand beat Wales 33-10 at the Millennium Stadium in 2012 while game at the tournament, so we must secure every opportunity to test Fiji’s last visit to Cardiff in 2010 ended in a 16-16 draw, ourselves at the highest level,” Lewis added. DIVISION THREE NORTH

M.W.D.R.U. 2013-14 Cup & Shield Competition 1st round - Saturday January 11th. 2014 Newtown 2nds. v Llanidloes 2nds. Aber. Athletic RFC v C.O.B.R.A. 2nds. Machynlleth v Trefyclawdd Rhayader v Llandrindod Wells Aber. University 2nds v Welshpool 2nds

Semi-finals (Cup & Shield) - Saturday 8th. March 2014 Printers of literature and (reserve dates if extra round needed- 5th/12th. April 2014) programmes for WRU, NWRU, North Wales Finals (Cup & Shield) - Saturday April 26th. 2014 Crusaders, Shrewsbury Town FC and many other sports clubs.

Phone 07713 514 375 for a free quotation. @ovalzonerugby WRU DIVISION 2 WEST

Saturday, 7th September 2013 WRU DIVISION 6 EAST

Abergele 2nds RFC - picture kindly supplied by Huw Thomas of Teejac Ltd MINI/JUNIOR REPORTS

Picture shows Rhyl Under 11’s with their new shirts sponsored by A.G. Decorators and Daniel A Smith. MINI/JUNIOR REPORTS

Picture shows Rhyl Under 7’s The speakers at the Conference were : John Feehan, CEO, Six Nations Rugby Ltd ; Roger Lewis, WRU Group CEO/ Chair Six Na- tions Women’s Game Sub-Com- mittee ; Alex Teasdale, Rugby Growth Development Manager, RFU ; Mary O’Connor, Director of Camogie Development, GAA ; Shelley Alexander, Editorial Lead on Women’s Sport, BBC ; Susan Carty, Women’s Development Manager, IRB and Scott Walker, Director of Rugby Development & Club Game, IRFU.

During the day, delegates from all the Six Nations discussed each Union’s pathway, the advances and plans for women’s participa- tion in sport and in particular the scope for participation and growth of the women’s rugby game at all levels, especially in light of the forthcoming Women’s Six Na- tions, the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup and the inclusion of Women’s and Men’s Rugby Sev- ens in the 2016 Olympic Games. The Welsh Rugby Union this week Commenting at the conclusion John Feehan, CEO of Six Nations hosted the inaugural Six Nations of the Conference, Roger Lewis, Rugby Ltd, expressed the Six Na- There were also presentations Women’s Game Conference at the WRU Group CEO and Chair of tions Rugby’s strong commitment from outside of the game includ- Millennium Stadium. the Six Nations Women’s Game to growing the women’s game by ing the BBC’s Editorial Lead on Sub-Committee said: “The energy their organising of the conference Women’s Sport Shelley Alexander Chaired by WRU Group Chief generated regarding the Women’s to generate communal learning on their ‘Get Inspired’ campaign Executive Roger Lewis, who is International game earlier this and transfer of ideas. and from Mary O’Connor, the Chair of the Six Nations Wom- year has been channelled into GAA’s Director of Camogie en’s Game Sub-Committee, an positive outcomes. “We will try to get more rugby Development on the Camogie increased level of co-ordination, fans to watch and participate in Experience. communications and promotion of Today’s conference shows that the women’s rugby. More people are the women and girl’s game across Six Nations is a fantastic vehicle watching the Women’s Six Na- the Six Nations was agreed by the for promoting the women’s game tions matches, both at the venues delegates from the six participat- and we all have some clear aims and with the broadcasting of more This report first appeared on the ing Unions. for growing the game.” games and across social media.” WRU web-site www.wru.co.uk

Female, living in Radnorshire The dates and kick-off times for Wales Women’s three home matches against Italy, France and Scotland in the 2014 Six Nations have been and fancy playing rugby? - why confirmed with all three taking place at Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic Ground. not give Rhayader RFC a visit

Wales, who suffered last gasp defeats to Ireland and England at the same Rhayader rugby club is inviting all local women to partake in an venue last season, will be hoping for better fortunes 12 months on when introduction to rugby; the aim of this event is to promote wom- they host Italy on Sunday 2nd February (1pm), France on Sunday 23rd en’s rugby union in Powys. This will be the second time we are February (2pm) and Scotland on Sunday 16th March (2pm). hosting an event to promote women’s rugby as we feel there is a Aberavon’s Commercial Manager Gareth Howells is delighted to see large area that does not offer this sport. The aim is to introduce ’ team return to the Athletic Ground. women to the sport at a grassroots level and show them that rugby is a fun sport available to both genders not only men, we Wales captain Rachel Taylor stated: are also striving to use this event as a taster day to draw in people who have never tried it before and wish to give it a go “We really enjoyed playing at Aberavon last season in front of a family orientated atmosphere so hopefully we can make it a real fortress in what The event itself is being held on Sunday the 15th December at will be great preparation where we face three tough teams,” she said. 2pm till 3.30pm at Rhayader rugby club. It is available to anyone over the age of 16 with the coaching provided by Jack Lydiate. “France in particular will be interesting as we play them at home before taking them on in their own back yard in the World Cup a few months later.” It is free to attend; we suggest bringing football or rugby boots if possible with a change of spare clothes. Changing and parking Tickets are priced per game at: £5 stand, £3 terrace / under 16yrs - Free facilities available.

Wales Women at Aberavon RFC Also On sale now is the Women’s rugby calendar for 2014, pick Wales v Italy - Sunday 2nd February - (KO 1pm) one up from Rhayader building supplies, Elan Hotel, Intrim, Tri- Wales v France - Sunday 23rd February (KO 2pm) angle Inn or Rhayader rugby club, only £6 with £1 of every sale Wales v Scotland - Sunday 16th March (2pm) going to Rhayader air ambulance. Success for Cofi quartet as they are selected for Ladies Four Cofis named in Scarlets regional ladies squad which will play the other regions in the coming weeks.

Pictured from left to right are Cenin Ei- fion, Lauren Hassett, Jess Kavanagh and Nia Thomas, all Caernarfon Ladies who have now secured a place in the Scarlet Regional side that will play the other three regions over the coming three weeks, prior to the selectors choosing their final Welsh squad for the coming Internation- als and the 2014 Summer World Cup Finals in France.

Nia plays second or back row, Jess is scrum half, Lauren a winger and Cenin plays loose head prop.

Congratulations and best of luck in the The Oval Zone will be keeping you up to date with the girls’ progress. regional games from all in the region.

With Davies adding a penalty the held a slender 8-7 lead at the break.

The Scarlets had their backs to the wall in the early stages of the second half with Gravell and Edwards both sin binned but the Ospreys were unable to make their superior numbers pay - due in no small part to the heroic work of Sioned Harries at the breakdown.

Eventually the pressure told with the Ospreys moving the ball wide before a line-break saw hooker scored on 66 minutes.

A tense finale was ensured after the Scarlets used their brute strength, driving the Ospreys back to their line to allow second row Ffion Jones to burst over the try-line.

Ospreys set up camp deep in the Scarlets 22 for the remainder of the Scarlets push Ospreys all the way match, but a determined Scarlets defence bravely held firm. in opening round of the WRU Ospreys team manager Adrian Howell paid tribute to his side who Women’s Regional Championship scraped by with the win. “Although we have a lot to work on, the girls can be proud of their win Defending champions Ospreys struggled to secure victory against the against a good Scarlets squad. The Scarlets did well to slow us down and Scarlets while the Blues overcame the stopped us playing to our strengths. Scarlets push Ospreys all the way in opening round of the WRU Wom- “I feel it was the character of the squad that pulled us through to gain a en’s Regional Championship win in a match that could have gone either way,” he added. Scarlets flanker Sioned Harries tries to burst through the Ospreys de- fence during her side’s 13-12 defeat at Llandarcy. Cardiff Blues were always in control against the Dragons, racing out to a 17-0 with tries by Rafiuke Taylor, Cath Salter and Philippa Tuttiett. Defending champions Ospreys struggled to secure victory against the Scarlets while the Blues overcame the Dragons in the opening round The Dragons rallied to score tries through Naomi Whybrow and Cerys of the WRU Women’s Regional Championship held at Llandarcy on Hale but Tuttiett put the game beyond reach after supporting a great Sunday. break from scrum half Laura Prosser to score. The Scarlets gave it their best shot but ultimately four yellow cards The Dragons had the final say when Whybrow scored her second try proved their downfall as Kath Gravell, , Sian Moore and of the match but it was too little too late as the Blues recorded a 27-15 Lowri Harries were all sent to the sin bin with the Ospreys escaping with victory. a 13-12 triumph. Blues head coach Nadine Griffiths was pleased with her side’s perform- The Scarlets opened the scoring in the fifth minute when a stray pass ance; “As it was our first performance together I was especially pleased was scooped up by winger Jasmine Joyce and she ran in from 50 metres. with how the team gelled together. Joanna Phillips added the conversion. “Our defence for the last 10 minutes was tremendous especially as due The Ospreys held the majority of the territory and outstanding defence to two yellow cards we were left us with only 13 players at one stage. It by centre Jami Davies kept the Scarlets in their own half. Ospreys’ first was a great team effort and the forwards provided some lovely ball from try came from a well time backs move with Ffion Bowen putting Charlie the set piece which allowed us to release our exciting back line.” Murray into space and she scored in the corner. COLWYN BAY versus ABERGELE

Pictures kindly supplied by Tony Bale Pictures kindly supplied by Rod Davies PWLLHELI v COBRA Pictures kindly supplied by Lynne Owen RHYS THOMAS at the Dubai 7’s