The Americans are coming. Rhodri Mayor, picked for Scotland U20

Transcription

1 The Americans are coming Rhodri Mayor, picked for Scotland U20

2 Dolgellau v Pwllheli Pictures kindly supplied by Rod Davies

3 Croesyceiliog Ladies 7 v Caernarfon Ladies 53 Gary Editors: Gary Williams/Barry Williams gwcymru1@aol.com

4 Following report kindly supplied by the Daily Post A COMBINATION of unforced errors and controversial refereeing decision saw RGC crash to their third straight home defeat of the season. While they were awarded a penalty try from referee Martyn Lewis, RGC were left to rue what the home side coaching team described as the inconsistency of the official as they went down to a defeat to Pontypool at Parc Eirias. A slow start saw RGC 12-0 down with Trevor James crossing for two tries, one converted by Sam Mills. RGC hit back with a penalty try after some excellent work by scrum-half Josh Leach, while Rhodri Carlton Jones converted and added a penalty to bring the home side to within two points. Mills responded with two penalties of his own, the second coming on the stroke of half time and after RGC had failed to make the most of field position as they were camped underneath the Pooler posts. Pontypool extended their advantage with a third Mills penalty after the break, before RGC skipper Kelvin Davies was sin-binned for slowing down play at the break down, something that both sides had been allowed to get away with far too often throughout the match. Referee Lewis then allowed Ponty s third try to stand as they moved into a lead with Josh Hurley going over, despite the official failing to see a brawl breaking out edge of the pitch with young back-row James Grundy being the innocent party in a melee also involving Leach. This only served to wake RGC from their slumber and seemingly with nothing to lose they began to find their straps and enjoy the better of the encounter. RGC should have scored as Harri Evans and Tom Blackwell combined to set up an attack deep inside their own territory, but the final scoring pass to Mike Jones was put down by the centre. The home side did cross through prop Thabiso Mnongozulu as Leach charged down a Pooler clearing kick, and the ball was RGC v PONTYPOOL 26 recycled for the South African forward to crash over from close range. Lewis Barker added the extras, and then sparked further attacks on the Pooler line. However, RGC were dealt a huge blow as they were forced to play the final 10 minutes with 14 men as Davies was sent off for what was later explained as a high tackle, although it was hardly apparent to anyone watching other than the official. Ponty winger James was yellow-carded moments later for stopping Afon Bagshaw as he tried to take a quick tap penalty. RGC were cutting a tiring Ponty line to ribbons as the game wore on with Barker, Evans and winger Huw Grundy all making good ground into the visitors territory. RGC brought the score to within six points with a penalty from Barker right into front of the posts following another excellent attack. And they thought they were in position to win in the dying embers as again the North Walians poured forward, however a knock on at the base of a ruck saw Pooler able to clear their lines and escape with the win. Pictures kindly supplied by Alan Keates The New RGC Supporters Club Website is now up and running, and is the place to go to discuss all things RGC. If you are looking for an RGC Forum then this is the place to go.

5 RGC NEWS WRU CHAMPIONSHIP As Harri Evans won Man of the Match on Sat if your surname is Evans and prove it with picture ID you get in free at nxt home game v Newbridge. Harri pictured with match sponsor, Yvie Johnson of Eden With Pencils, and her special RGC Man of Match trophy. Bring a driving license or passport to prove you are an real Evans and get in free on 19th October pic tonybale.com RGC appoint Artist in Residence RGC are proud to announce our artist in residence Yvie Johnson, as we look to be as creative off the pitch as we are on it!!! Based in Denbigh, Yvie is Creative Director of eden with pencils, a bespoke crafts company mainly working with wood and graphic design. Yvie illustrates with pencils and brushes on wood of all shapes and sizes, designs unique stencils for painting, cuts out intriguing ideas, and combines graphic design prints, all with the purpose of creating delightfully colourful wooden art. Yvie is delighted to be able to finally combine two of her greatest passions sport & art through the creation of a gift range specific to RGC and she will soon become a familiar figure in the RGC family sketching the matches at Parc Eirias.

6 Prince s Trust team up with RGC Young people from the region will have the chance to gain experience and qualifications in rugby thanks to a course run by youth charity The Prince s Trust and RGC at Parc Eirias. Get Started with Rugby course funded by Health Challenge Wales designed to help young people aged between 16 and 25 who are not working gain the skills, confidence and motivation to find a job. Activities will include learning coaching skills and gaining coaching qualifications as well as vital life skills with members of the RGC staff. Gerry O Sullivan, manager of the Get Started programme in Wales, said: Get Started with Rugby gives young unemployed people a fantastic opportunity to get into the world of work. The programme is informative, action packed and increases motivation and confidence and is also a lot of fun. Teamwork is essential in rugby and a key part of the course is learning to build relationships with others and to work as part of a team. The Prince s Trust helps change young lives. In Wales, 3,500 young people are supported each year through its programmes. More than three in four young people supported by The Trust move into work, education or training To find out more, contact Kay Sharp on / or kay.sharp@princes-trust.org.uk

7 After a good opening victory over a Nant Conwy youth side last week, the RGC U16s took on Cheshire U16s at a blustery Colwyn Bay RFC on Wednesday... Here is the match report from their outstanding win. Williams guides Llandrillo through The wind was a huge factor in the match between RGC and Cheshire at Colwyn Bay RFC. With kicking for territory a disadvantage, both sides came out with intent to play the ball and keep possession. The opening few minutes was played around the Cheshire 22, but with their first concerted attack of the match, Cheshire built up a head of steam and scored a scrappy try in the corner. The conversion went wildly wide of the posts and from the restart, RGC piled on more pressure. Scrums and lineouts were an issue throughout, as the larger Cheshire pack bullied RGC, but on 18 minutes, Nathan Jones (Ruthin) found himself in acres of space and scored by the posts, giving Armani Roberts (Wrexham) an easy kick for the extras. Cheshire fronted up from the restart but RGC built up some aggressive counter-attacking and tackling and forced play back down the other end. On the stroke of 30 minutes, Armani Roberts broke through the Cheshire lines and ran in under the posts, converting his own effort to open up a 14-5 lead. Lineouts and scrums cost RGC and 5 minutes later, Cheshire crashed through for their second try in the corner. Again the conversion kick went wild, but the gap was down to as the ref blew for half time. Changes made, RGC started the second half brightly, though the scrum still struggled against the bigger Cheshire boys. Even so, it was Rhys Tudor (Llandudno) who finished an outstanding backs move on 52 minutes with another try, which Josh Morris (Denbigh) had no problem adding the conversion. A scrappy passage of play, with scrums all over the pitch, resulted in a smash-through 60th minute try for Cheshire, but the kick for the extras went wide yet again. With the score at 21-15, it looked as though Cheshire had the commitment and the reserves to steal the game, but as the time ran down, RGC counter-attacked down the right wing. The Cheshire centre took the ball into contact, but it was Josh Jones (Gwernyfed) who emerged in space on the wing and ran in to score an excellent try in the far corner. Morris s conversion attempt was carried wide by the wind, but that was to be the last kick of the game, RGC running out with a deserved victory. Teejac Sports Ltd Niwbwrch, Pentir, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 4DY Tel: Fax: info@teejac.com Facebook:

8 The call has gone out for the people of North Wales to back their national team when the World Cup tournament comes to Wrexham Picture right shows Jordan James at the launch of the Get Behind Wales campaign in Wrexham Jordan James at the launch of the Get Behind Wales campaign in Wrexham The people of North Wales are being urged to throw their weight behind the Welsh rugby league team s bid for World Cup glory as they prepare for a crucial clash in Wrexham. Chirk-born team manager Bob Wilson and captain Jordan James were at the Glyndr University Racecourse Stadium yesterday to help launch the Get Behind Wales campaign. It aims to maximise attendance during the Rugby League World Cup 2013 tournament jointly hosted by Wales and England and in particular the two matches being held in Wrexham. Wales face USA in a group game at the Racecourse on November 3 before the famous old stadium hosts a quarter final clash on November 16. Rugby League player Jordan James Rugby League player Jordan James Wrexham council leader Neil Rogers wants the town and the region as a whole to show its support for the game by attending the two matches, which he says will provide a big boost to the local economy. Bob Wilson said it would be an honour to be part of the Wales set-up for a match in his hometown. But he admits having the support in the stands would be crucial to his team s hopes and also for the legacy of the game which he believes is becoming more popular in Wales. It s an extremely important campaign for rugby league in Wales, said Wilson. We need to grow the game across Wales. We need you to get behind us. Children from St Mary s Primary School in Brymbo attended yesterday s press conference and one youngster s new found interest in the sport had everyone at the Q&A session howling with laughter when he asked: How much do players get paid a week? After a few humorous responses and the young boy had been assured it was not comparable to a footballer s wage, Bob Wilson said: I m delighted to see the children here today they are the players of the future. Cllr Rogers said: It s a huge opportunity for North Wales to get behind the Welsh team. It provides a huge boost to the economy. People will be stopping over here overnight and spending money in Wrexham. Let s get behind the team and also make sure we give a good welcome to the visiting fans. When the Daily Post asked what the latest ticket sale figures were for the USA clash, a Glyndwr University representa- tive said they hadn t been totted up for three months but an updated figure was expected in the next few days. Wales pre-tournament base will be Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay before they head to the Millennium Stadium on October 26 for their World Cup opener with Italy. The squad will then stay at the Ramada hotel in Wrexham prior to the clash with the USA. FIXTURES

9 Dear Coaches / Players / Parents As I m sure your all aware, rugby places significant demands on a players core physical movement patterns, patterns which if not understood could lead to individuals not reaching their full potential. Physical literacy is the development of fundamental movement and sport skills that permit a child to move confidently and with control in a wide range of physical activities and sporting situations. We have decided to open up this event to Under 12s and Under 13s and with this in mind I intend to hold a Physical Literacy Workshop for RGC South club/school players who currently play their rugby within either of these age groups. The aim of this session is to provide an understanding of the core movement patterns and how to perform them correctly. Looking for a ticket for the Wales v SA and Wales v Australia games? Wrexham RFC have some available if you are interested. Please contact Club Chairman, Barry Williams, on or wrfcchair@hotmail.co.uk for further details Further to this we are providing an Introduction to Physical Literacy for Coaches and Parents, this will run alongside the practical sessions. This is an important part of the day so please attend if you are able, this aspect is not practically based and aims to provide insight for parents and coaches into the importance of Physical Literacy and how it can be achieved at home and within training sessions. This will be the first of two sessions encompassing Physical Literacy in Rugby and will be held at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay on Saturday 2nd November, 12:00pm 2:15pm. This will be followed by an opportunity for all the players in attendance to stay and support the RGC 1404 senior team in their clash with fellow Championship competitors, Beddau. Admittance into the game will be free of charge. To summarise, the itinerary for the day will be as follows: 12:00pm Arrive at Leisure Centre main entrance, Dai Higgs to escort to playing area. 12:15 12:45 Learn Too - Basic movement patterns and 3 pillars concept (all players involved, parents / coaches to observe). 12:45: Presentation for parents / coaches (12:45 1:15pm - function room) 12:45: Players on pitch. 3 x stations to incorporate Street Stars, Relays and Atomic Touch 2:15pm Physical Literacy sessions end. 2:20pm - Prepare to welcome players onto the pitch 2:30pm Game kick-off. Half time activities on pitch (tbc) We are also trialling an online booking form system so if you are interested in attending please register at: If you experience any problems when attempting to register please contact me on dhiggs@wru.co.uk Regards, Dai Higgs WRU Player Development Officer RGC South / De RGC DHiggs@wru.co.uk

10 Denbigh v Pwllheli Photos: Lynne Owen

11 Second team rugby - how can we help to get more games played? Ian Studt, Pwllheli 2nd XV coach, voices his concerns and puts forward some suggestions for discussion I currently coach Pwllheli 2nd XV and after only round 5 of the League season ( based on results in) there is a worrying trend of cancellations in both 2nd team leagues In the Clwyd League 14 out of 30 games have been postponed - Mold 2nd s are yet to play In the Gwynedd League 9 out of 25 have been postponed I appreciate there will be a number of reasons some genuine some maybe not so - Are clubs doing enough to get their 2nd s out every Saturday or is the club s focus solely on the 1st XV. How many 2nd teams are left to drift along on their own and take the easy option to cancel when the cry offs start on a Friday night - we have as clubs all been there at some stage and due to various reasons weddings,injuries holidays and work it can be unavoidable. We as a club have put in a structure for our 2nd s with coaches, manager and first aider and found a sponsor (Beer Gas Cymru) which includes specific training for them, the argument being previously they were used as fodder for the 1st s This has been promoted through setting up Twitter and Facebook accounts to encourage numbers to turn up - so far so good. So back to the opening question - how can we get more games played? - if teams are cancelling due to lack of numbers could we try any of the following? 1 Agree to play down to equal numbers, say 13-a-side, clubs are less likely to travel if they are starting 13 v 15 those with a full squad could still use all their players; 2 Play on a Friday night allowing the bench from the 1st s to have a run out ; What do you think of Ian s suggestions? 3 Play prior to the 1st s (possible within the Gwynedd League) again using 1st s bench - as is the case in New Zealand; Mold have already expressed disappointment that their second team have yet to play a league fixture due to cancellations, so what can be done about it? 4 Play on a Sunday - might interfere with Saturday night drinking ; If you have a view, please to gwcymru1@aol.com for the next Oval Zone

12 Clwb Rygbi Dinbych Veterans - The Denbigh Dogs Dinbych s Veterans enjoyed their most successful visit to the Channel Islands yet as they participated in the prestigious annual Jersey Super 10s Tournament for the fourth year in succession. Some excellent performances from the squad of 24 players saw captain Jonathan Casemore lead his team into the final of the competition against French side Super Frelons. Dinbych went down to a single try after a tightly fought contest but were rightly proud of their efforts. Having progressed each year and been defeated at the semi-final stage last year, the Vets will now set their sights on taking the trophy next year. The tour party conducted themselves in the finest traditions of rugby and much credit is due to manager and sponsor Nick Wynne of Happy Homes Furniture for his efforts. Dinbych faced a tough start to the pool stages, taking on repeat tournament winners Super Frelons. The Breton side boasted a number of former elite players, most notably ex French international Laurent Leflamand, a Grand Slam winner in Frelons take the competition very seriously and were probably better prepared than the Dinbych side who were still jet lagged from the flight into Jersey the previous afternoon. Although both sides were even with one try each at half time, Dinbych waned in the second half as the French ran in 3 tries to take an early lead in the pool. Dinbych then took on New Ash Green RFC of Kent, another side fielding a distinguished ex-international. The Kent s side full back was Tim Stimpson, formerly of England and the British Lions but most famously the backbone of the great Leicester side of the early 2000s when he was the Premiership s record top scorer. Despite such an illustrious player in their ranks, Ash Green could not match the challenge from a Dinbych side who were now firing on all cylinders as they ran in 4 tries to fire up their challenge for the second qualification spot. The final pool game saw Dinbych take on hosts Jersey. Dinbych s 4 try to 1 victory saw them through to the quarter final on Sunday morning. Dinbych s quarter final was against Jersey s neighbours, Guernsey. They were a very physical side but had no answer to Dinbych s superior pace. A 3 try to 1 victory put Dinbych into the semi-finals for the second consecutive year. Dinbych faced the RAF Vultures side who had swept to victory last year. The team had been marked out as tournament favourites again this year with a squad that appeared to the fittest in the competition. In this match, it was Dinbych s forwards that won the game by denying the Vultures any chance of the ball. It was the forwards that provided the platform for Dinbych s two first half scrums, as they drove the Vultures off their own scrum with the recycled ball giving the backs the easiest of run ins. The Vultures caused Dinbych s supporters some nervous moments as they pulled back a try in the second half, but Dinbych then scored a third to restore their margin. Although the Vultures scored a second with the last play of the game, a win saw Dinbych through to their first final in the competition. Their opponents were again Super Frelons Although Dinbych went into the final as underdogs, their performances and upholding of the true spirit of the tournament s values meant they enjoyed the support of the other teams and sizable crowd as they walked out onto Jersey s first team pitch. Dinbych enjoyed all the territory in the first half but the Super Frelons succeeded in slowing the ball down repeatedly and defended well. Fly half Llion Edwards finally found a gap in the French defence and broke away down to the right corner. Richard Grace took the pass but was agonisingly felled inches short of the try line. Super Frelons then scored what was to prove the only try of the game in a rare counter-attack. In the second half Dinbych continued to enjoy plenty of possession and mounted attacks led by the Rowlands brothers, Bryn and Trystan and Dave Lowe. The French defence held strong and the clock eventually ran out on Dinbych s efforts to record a historic victory. Dinbych s contribution to a successful tournament was recognised in the post-match celebrations as Jeremy Jones was awarded Champagne Moment prize by the Jersey RFC organising committee for an off-field incident that cannot be described here in the interests of brevity. His father, North Wales Hospital RFC stalwart Roger Jones, narrowly missed winning the award of the tournament s oldest player as he threw caution to the wind to come on in the quarter final against Guernsey. The squad gathered later for their own awards with Jon Casemore being voted Player of the Tournament beating off stiff competitoon from Llion Edwards and Tony Jones. The latter reminded everyone of his pace in his playing heyday and how quick off the mark he can be. Also nominated was the evergreen Huw Edwards, who was rightly recognised instead as the deserved winner of the Player s player award. One final mention has to go to tour first aider and Under 8s coach Gareth Jones, who took a break from his usual weekend activity coaching Dinbych s youngest players to work wonders keeping the club s oldest players on the pitch. A successful weekend then and the Fets now look forward to returning next year to claim the trophy. Please don t forget to text , or to gwcymru1@aol.com the result from your game on a Saturday evening if you want the league tables on the web-sites to be kept up-to-date

13 Extra spice added to World 7 s Series In the build-up to the opening round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Australia this weekend, the International Rugby Board has announced details of the new promotion/relegation structure for the Series, as the sport continues to build towards its Olympic Games debut in From the 2013/14 season, which kicks off on the Gold Coast on October 12-13, a twostage promotion and relegation process comes into effect. Promotion to core team status for the 2014/15 campaign will be decided at round seven of the upcoming 2013/14 Series, the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, where 12 regional qualifiers will battle for the one promotion place on offer. Relegation from core team status will be decided at the end of the season, with the bottom-ranked of the 15 current core teams* after round nine, the Marriott London Sevens, losing their ever-present status for the 2014/15 campaign. The new format is in line with the IRB Sevens Plan developed in partnership with the IRB s Member Unions and approved by the IRB Council and reflects the IRB s mission to deliver a pathway that ensures that all Member Unions have a transparent and merit-based opportunity to participate in the HSBC Sevens World Series. IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: We are now well into our first four-year Olympic cycle for Rugby Sevens and it is important that the opportunity exists for all nations to progress to Series core team status if they are good enough. This new system guarantees that a new nation will be rewarded with that opportunity in the 2014/15 Series. It also provides even more excitement for the fans attending these thrilling events, or following on television and online around the world. Giles Morgan, Global Head of Sponsorship & Events, HSBC Holdings plc, commented: Each year the HSBC Sevens World Series gets even more competitive with more countries emerging as potential Cup winners at each tournament. It is exciting for fans and players alike and all contributes to the growth of the sport around the world. * Current HSBC Sevens World Series core teams: Argentina, Australia, Canada, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand, Portugal, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, USA, Wales.

14 The Welsh Rugby Union has held the first in a series of scrum clinics for National Academy players and a range of Premiership and Regional scrum coaches. Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde ran the session at the WRU National Centre of Excellence which involved a practical element to help players and coaches with training and playing techniques in view of the new scrum laws, and a forum for the exchange of views and opinions on the subject. WRU National Academy coaching manager Allan Lewis said: There is not just one way of doing things in this field but Robin McBryde has done a sterling job in this area with the senior side and the thinking behind this initiative is that it will benefit our National Academy players, but it also coaches from every level of the elite game. Newport Gwent Dragons forwards coach Kingsley Jones said: Everyone is still finding their feet and trying different things. Robin has been a great help and has also been to the Dragons recently. The new scrum laws have changed so much in terms of the introduction of the ball, and everything is now very different on your own ball compared to on opposition ball but this is a great opportunity to chat to other coaches and exchange ideas. Swansea head coach Mefin Davies said: Everyone has different ideas and thoughts in this area so it can only be beneficial to share them. Former Wales Under 20 prop Gareth Thomas added: Things have changed quite considerably with the new laws. The scrums are lasting longer, and taller players are having to make adjustments so it s brilliant to be able to get input from coaches at the top of the game. An emerging rugby star who played for Cobra last season has been called up to the Scotland Under 20 squad, just weeks after starting a new two-year contract with Sale Rugby Club. Rhodri Mayor was a part of the Cobra side that gained promotion and silverware last season, and signed a two-year deal with Sale in the summer after starting a university course in Manchester. And now the 18-year-old has been drafted into the first three-day camp for the Scotland Under-20 side, leaving the Welsh Rugby Union hoping it will not be a case of the one that got away!. Head coach Sean Lineen said: This is the first of four camps prior to the 6 Nations We ll train with Scotland in the second camp and in the last two camps play Melrose and Scotland s Club XV side respectively. The boys will be fitness tested and trained hard, with an internal match between Scotland-based players and Exiles on the last day - I thought it was important to reinforce the link with Scottish Exiles. Lanarkshire-born fullback/winger Rhodri is amongst the Exile players included. Born north of the border while his parents were at Bible college, the family then moved to Llanfyllin where Rhodri took up rugby at Cobra. He moved through the age grades to represent his county at under-15 level and also, at that stage, RGC South (the regional set-up for mid/north Wales known as RGC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru). Rhodri was then selected for the full regional under-16 squad, playing home and away fixtures against Wales regional academies Scarlets, Blues (north and south at this level), Ospreys and Dragons. He was then awarded an academy place for two years with RGC in tandem with a scholarship to Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay where the academy is based. In his final year in the academy, he captained both the school and academy teams. Rhyl U10 and U12 teams before last week s games

15 LLANIDLOES YOUTH versus SHOTTON STEEL YOUTH Pictures kindly supplied by Peter Lewis

16 DIVISION ONE NORTH DIVISION TWO NORTH

17 DIVISION THREE NORTH 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 Kenfig 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 Kenfig 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 Don t forget to text or the result from your game on a Saturday evening if you want the league tables on the web-sites to be kept up-to-date

18 DIV 2 WEST Saturday, 7th September 2013 DIV 6 EAST

19 SWALEC Bowl Round 2 draw High scoring Cambrian Welfare have been handed a home draw in the second round of the SWALEC Bowl following their defeat of Sea View in last weekend s opening round. Their reward for running in 20 tries is a clash with Llantwit Major, who beat another team from Cambrian s SWALEC Five South Central division, Hirwaun, in their first cup outing. The Division Four South East club were winners on the road. Last season s Bowl runners-up, Fishguard, will host Pembroke Dock Quins, while Cwmavon s reward for their win at Cwmgwrch last weekend is a trip to Crynant. Jake David was the hero for Division Four South West club Cwmavon as he ran in two tries. Giant killers Hollybush, who knocked out Abercarn, who are two divisions ahead of them in Four East, 20-19, have been rewarded with another home draw against Hartridge. Cardiff Medicals will also be home, to Llanrumney, following their triumph at Crickhowell. The second round matches will be played on 26 Ruthin v Bethesda

20 Nant Conwy conversions: Ilan Roberts, Dion Roberts and Aron Davies Under 11 Llandudno (<11 & <12) 5 v Nant Conwy (<11) 38 Nant Conwy Tries: Carwyn Jones (5) & Aron Jones Nant Conwy conversions: Aron Jones, Siencyn Metcalfe, Rhodri Prys and Morgan Williiams Under 13 Wrexham 17 v Nant Conwy 12 Nant Conwy Tries: Brenig Hughes and Berwyn Hughes Nant Conwy conversion: Penri Metcalfe (1) Junior Round-up Rhyl Under 8 v Wrexham Under 8[ A strong squad of 16 players travelled the 30 or so miles up the coast for their second match of the season against Rhyl. The weather could not have been better and all the signs were that the watching support were in for a treat they were not to be disappointed. Wrexham, once again split into two teams, mixing the experienced players with the new players who joined the team during the summer. If there was one area in which these games were won or lost it was the tenacious tagging by the Wrexham team. It is fair to say that this was the best defensive performance to date by this young side. That, combined with some strong running and excellent support play, meant that Wrexham ended up this victors on this occasion. Wrexham didn t have it all their own way. Rhyl definitely played there part in this mouth-watering encounter, scoring some excellent tries of there own. But it was the Wrexham defence that won the day. The coaches had a very difficult decision to pick the man of the match awards as all the squad contributed to the victory. However, due to the number tags taken, the awards went to Daryn and Morgan. Outstanding!! A big thank you to Rhyl RFC for their hospitality, the U8 s coaches, parents and most importantly the players for an excellent performance. We look forward to welcoming you to Bryn Estyn later in the season. Match 1 : Rhyl 5 Wrexham 7 Team : Josh, Gabrielle, Lewis (3), Daryn (1,MOM), Ella, Charlie (3), Iwan, Ben Match 2 : Rhyl 4 Wrexham 5 Team : Matty, Oliver, Sam (2), Max (1), William, Dan (1), Diego, Morgan (MOM) NANT CONWY RFC RESULTS ROUND-UP Under 8 (3 matches played) Llandudno - 4 v Nant Conwy 5 Nant Conwy scorers: Ilan Jones (2), Daniel Blair (2) & Jacob Parry Llandudno 8 v Nant Conwy 4 Nant Conwy scorers: Ifan Jones (2) & Ilan Jones (2) Llandudno 10 v Nant Conwy 8 Nant Conwy scorers: Ilan Jones (4), Gethin Badger-Watts (2), Ifan Jones & Jacob Parry Under 10 Llandudno 14 v Nant Conwy 36 Nant Conwy Tries: Dion Elliott, Ilan Roberts (2), Ynyr Roberts, Ifan Roberts and Taliesin Taylor Under 14 Nant Conwy 51 v Llandudno 0 Nant Conwy Tries: Tom Smith (2), Oscar Lennon (2), Owain Vaughan (2), Sion Williams, Brychan Dafydd and Adam Charles Nant Conwy conversions: Owain Vaughan (2) & Jac Ellis (1) Under 16 Nant Conwy 56 v Rhuthun - 5 (Names of scorers not available) RHYL RFC RESULTS ROUND-UP The under 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 s all played Wrexham. The Under 14 s played Chester. A busy morning of rugby saw the Rhyl under 7 s narrowly lose against Wrexham. Played in an excellent spirit the huge squad encouraged each other and played some scintillating rugby at times. Special mention must be given to the outstanding Finley Rogers, Evan Davis, Miles Nosworthy, Ellis Jones and Austin Jones who all opened their try scoring accounts with tries of the highest quality. The under 8 s narrowly lost to a strong Wrexham team. The coach s award for best effort went to Cody Gibbs for an excellent demonstration of determination and skill. The best performance award went to Dominic Peters for a faultless performance. Rhyl under 9 s ran out 8-2 winner in a very physical game with Wrexham providing a stern test to men in red and white however having a good defence and then using skill and pace in attack Rhyl were able to find space in the Wrexham defence and take advantage with trys from Roman Hodgson(2),Airan Semple(2),Joseph Roberts(3) and Joseph Mckeena(1). The under 10 s took to field at home wearing their new kit kindly sponsored by Bam Nuttall. Rhyl swiftly took the lead with some powerful running resulting in a try for Sion Roberts. Wrexham replied with two tries to take the lead in a tight first half. Rhyl responded with some fine power rugby and slick hands with the tries coming from Tommy Jones 2, Patrick Nelson 1, Mathew Ousey 1, and another for Sion Roberts. The match finished with a fine win for Rhyl 31 points to 22. Rhyl under 11s narrowly lost a thrilling encounter away to Wrexham Tries from Tomos Harrisson, Toby Millar and Christian Hone helped Rhyl fight back from a poor first half performance. Man of The Match was Joshua King with an aggressive yet disciplined performance. Some outstanding play from Connor Mckenna and a debut from Tomos Jones couldn t quite pip Wrexham at the post The under 12 s had a competitive match against Wrexham in their first home game of the season. A slow start saw Wrexham lead at the break with four unanswered trys. Austin Webber and Harvey Dawes led a fightback in the second half which led to two Rhyl trys scored by James Fielding and Sol Williams. Final score to Wrexham Under 14s beat Chester 20 points to 10. Rhyl were first to score after 10 minutes with a superb try from Oliver Rowan followed quickly by another. There was some good tackling defence from new players Isaac Lamberton and Ethan Peel. New player Ethan Peel ran down the wing to put yet another try over, quickly followed another from Michael Hughes. Man of the Match went to Owen Evans for his nonstop defensive efforts.