30.09.09 - Gogledd Cymru victorious at Liverpool

30.09.09 - Gogledd Cymru victorious at Liverpool


Gogledd Cymru - The North Wales Regional Rugby team played the University of Liverpool last night (30th Sept) at Wirral's historic New Brighton ground. "Established 1875" exclaims the glass etching above the entrance. Historically many of North Wales' best players have turned out for New Brighton.

With 17 players unavailable because of work, family commitments or injury this could have been a banana skin for your fledgling regional side. However, the fact that we were able to field a side is testimony to squad strength and the commitment of the players to make regional rugby a reality.

The final score was 29-15. There were excellent performances from COBRA's openside Alun Jones, man of the match against Loughborough. Llion Trefor, leading the pack for the first time, turned in a mature performance demonstrating how well this Bethesda player has developed.

Centre Jack Moorhouse opened the scoring with a try converted by Rhodri Carlton-Jones. A further penalty by Carlton-Jones and a try by newcomer Sam Harvie made the score 15-5 at half time.

The influence of the 7 regular players in the side began to exert an effect in the second half. Quick ball, intelligent distribution by Ashley James and penetratint runs by Moorehouse, Richard Hopkins and Alun Jones resulted in 2 more tries for the Gogs.

The score remained 29-5 until the last 5 minutes, when the wear and tear of playing a 36 man University squad, with only 17 Gogs, took its toll. The students scored 2 breakaway tries which were unconverted.

"I don't expect the best but I expect each of you to give your best!" was coach Jon Aby's parting comment at the prematch team talk. It was mission accomplished.

The next home game, although not finalised, is likely to be against the Wales Deaf, current World Deaf Rugby Champions and coached by former Cardiff and Wales scrun half Terry Homes. The first fixture with this side was in the 2007-8 season when Gogledd Cymru presented the victorious Deaf team with a distinctive trophy designed by Abergele deaf artist Jonathan Lloyd. Last year's game was cancelled becasue of snow, so this will be the first return match and the Gogs will be keen to regain their trophy..

Team: Rhodri Carlton Jones (Llandudno), Richard Hopkins (Mold), Jack Moorhouse (Sale), Sam Howie (Bangor), James Gregson (Llandudno), Ashley James (Mold), Carwyn(Cookie) Williams (Captain;Sale), Lee Pope (Mold), Alun Jones (COBRA), Dylan Owen (Bethesda), Steve Barnard (Bangor), Llion Trefor (Sale), Simon Griffiths (Liverpool St Helens/Llangefni), Gary Teeson (Ruthin), Tom Hughes (Bala). Subs:Dave Blackwell, Jodie Forter

28.09.09 CARDIFF BLUES UNDER 18 57 GOGLEDD CYMRU UNDER 18 0

28.09.09 CARDIFF BLUES UNDER 18 57 GOGLEDD CYMRU UNDER 18 0


Whilst no-one could fault their attitude or commitment the Gogledd Cymru Under 18 side went down to a heavy defeat at the hands of a strong Cardiff Blues side who must surely be favourite to win this seasons Regional Age-Grade Competition. Whilst the young North Walians achieved almost parity in the scrum and lineout where again Gareth Morgan,Jake simm and Tom Parry stood out, they struggled in spite of the best efforts of their captain Jac Williams to present any real threat to the Cardiff defence, whereas every time the Blues back line had ball in hand they lookedcapable of scoring from almost anywhere on the field.

Star of the show for the Blues was centre,Sam Campbell who bagged a hat-trick,but it would be unfair to single hi out for particular praise as they were very much a squad of 22 who worked for each other and within which there appeared to be no weaknesses.

Whilst for the Gogledd Cymru side it would be easy to become despondent they should take huge credit for the way in which they kept trying to play rugby up to the final whistle, when the easier option would have been to try and slow the game down in ordr to keep the score down.

Gogledd Cymru Under 18s next game is in 2 weeks time against the Dragons

27.09.09 Rhos 3 Bethesda 42

27.09.09 Rhos 3 Bethesda 42

Disappointing late withdrawals and unavailability, Bethesda had to make changes  selection and positional but the game will be remembered for two scintillating tries by Bethesda one by Gareth Wyn in his own words ( one of the best i have ever scored) the other by young try machine Gwyn Hughes  Rhos has never been one of Bethesda’s favourite  places  to play and this was nothing special the forwards dominated but the changes made things a bit difficult but a 7 try to nil score keep’s them on top of the North section  After the Gareth Wyn special  Hooker Steve Eames grounded the second followed by Flanker Dylan Hughes  Gwyn Hughes followed with one of his pair to secure a bonus point.  Second Half with no threat to the visitors line it was a case of how much. Gwyn Hughes again increased Bethesda’s lead with the special. Iwan Williams in the unusual position of wing scored and replacement Guto Ellis completed the try scoring Gareth Wyn completed with a penalty and two conversions. Next week Bethesda are at home to Wrexham.

27.09.09 Gogs u18 squad v Cardiff Blues on Sunday

27.09.09 Gogs u18 squad v Cardiff Blues on Sunday - click here

27.09.09 The first ever meeting between two of the Gogledd Cymru Provinces

27.09.09 The first ever meeting between two of the Gogledd Cymru Provinces

27.09.09 Gogledd Cymru 16s and 18s v Cardiff Blues South Under 16s and Cardiff Blues Under 18s

27.09.09 Gogledd Cymru 16s and 18s v Cardiff Blues South Under 16s and Cardiff Blues Under 18s


Gogledd Cymru 16s and 18s are both on the long road down to South Wales this weekend as they face the Cardiff Blues South Under 16s and Cardiff Blues Under 18s
respectively in the Capital on Sunday 27th Sept in the third round of matches in this seasons regional age-grade Championship.

The 16s buoyed by last Sundays victory over the Blues North play the Blues South at Rumney Rugby Club,KO 12.30 pm, and will be looking to make it 2 wins out of 3 for the season so far. Last weekends victory over the Blues North demonstrated that they have nothing to fear from any other team in the competition and they should go into this Sundays match full of confidence.

Although, in the Blues, the 18s are facing the pre-season favourites for the age-grade championship, they too will go into the match on the back of a much improved performance in their previous game against the Ospreys and with almost a full squad to choose from for the first time this season they will be looking to put up another big performance.

Both teams will be announcing their match-day squads after training this Wednesday.

27.09.09 The first ever meeting between two of the Gogledd Cymru Provinces

27.09.09 The first ever meeting between two of the Gogledd Cymru Provinces will take place on Sunday,27th September. when the South take on the East at Cobra Rugby Club. The future stars of North Wales rugby have been working hard over the summer for this day, which promises to be a feast of rugby.


U12’s kickoff at 10am

U13’s kickoff at 12pm

U14’s kickoff at 2pm

26.09.09 Ruthin 17 Denbigh 12

26.09.09 Ruthin 17 Denbigh 12

Old foes Ruthin and Denbigh have had difficult starts to the season and both would be hoping for a win in this match at Caeddol. In the first 20 minutes neither side gained ascendancy and there was a degree of franticness on the Ruthin side leading to handling errors and conceding a number of penalties when in good attacking positions. Ruthin centre Ben Syme was sin-binned and Denbigh immediately put pressure on the Ruthin defence leading to a series of penalties in the Ruthin half of which outside half Llion Edwards kicked two goals putting Denbigh 6-0 ahead. Ruthin immediately responded with their best period of play of the match led by skipper Joe Palmer. Twice the ball was carried over the Denbigh try line but was judged to have been held up and from the last of the resultant scrums hooker Gary Teeson drove over for Ruthins first try converted by fly half Adam Robson. Ruthin kept up the pressure and after winning a penalty 5 yds out from the Denbigh line Teeson drove over his and Ruthins second try from the resultant lineout. The try was converted by full back Jamie Morris and the whistle blew for half time with Ruthin 14-6 ahead. The second half reverted to the dour struggle seen at the beginning of the match and with Ruthin still conceding penalties Denbigh began to erode the Ruthin advantage. After 75 minutes Edwards had scored a further two penalty goals for Denbigh putting them just two points behind Ruthin. Ruthin again responded and drove over the Denbigh line only for the ball to have been again judged to have been held up. Ruthin were awarded a penalty due to an infringement in the scrum and Robsons penalty goal was the final move of the match which ended 17-12 to Ruthin. Denbigh picked up a deserved losers bonus point. Ruthin will be pleased to have secured their second win of the season albeit perhaps with the feeling that with a bit more composure they could have won more convincingly.

24.09.09 Junior Gogs learning profesional values--read Rob Griffiths Daily Post article

24.09.09 Junior Gogs learning proffesional values--read Rob Griffiths Daily Post article click here

20.09.09 Rydal Vikings 26 v Gogledd Cymru (under 20), 22

Rydal Vikings 26pts Gogledd Cymru o dan 20 22pts

This was a fixture arranged at short notice and the Gogs were light of many of their players due to the return to University as well as many injuries from playing the day before for their clubs. With only eleven fit players, the under twenties side had to borrow four players from the Vikings but still put up a fighting performance that almost won the game. Things looked bleak at first as the fast flowing Vikings attacked the Gogs line but were held up short and it came as a welcome break when the ball was forced downfield by the outstanding back row of Anthony Tilley, Dale Blackmore and Nathan Roberts. A series of hard won rucks ended when Mike Oakden offloaded to the rampaging Nathan Roberts for him to cross the line and score the opening try. Sean
Griffiths converted. Within minutes more pressure from the regional forwards caused the Vikings to infringe and Griffiths kicke the ensuing penalty to go ten points up. The home side then put together some fine moves and the dangerous inside centre caused havoc in the defence and within a flash two tries had been scored and the Vikings were ahead twelve to ten. Half time saw the home side, who had an army of replacements, bring on fresh legs and it soon looked as though the under twenties would be overrun but it was Lewis Maxwell, having an outstanding game in the line out, made capital of some loose play to score out wide. The three point lead was soon reversed as the Vikings broke through the centre to score another converted try. The see saw
game was now in the balance and man of the match Nathan Roberts picked up from a scrum and bullied his way over to score a try which Griffiths converted. It was then that Jack Powell, a Gogledd Cymru player playing for the Vikings got through to score a fine try which was again converted to give the home side a four point lead. All the final few minutes pressure came from the visitors and with “last play” called they set up a backs movement of their own and Chris Wilkes broke through and looked set for the winning try but the cover came across and just managed to get him into touch yards short. Coach Mike Harper was not despondent at the close as he had seen many good points coming from his depleted side with performance by several players forced to play out of position and giving a good account of themselves. It is hoped that the side will be at full strength on the 30th September for the fixture against newly promoted YorkUniversity at Eirias Park.

20.09.09 Great victory for young Gogs at Parc Erias

RAG U16’s Championship – Gogledd Cymru vs Cardiff Blues North

Sunday 20th September 2009 – Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay.

It was a fast and ferocious encounter at Parc Eirias, between two sides who were both very much ready for the battle. It was end-to-end entertainment, other than some repeatedly dodgy scrummaging throughout, but two early Blues North errors in front of their posts allowed Gogledd two easy penalty chances, which Lewis Barker (Mold) duly converted on 6 and 12 minutes, to give Gogledd a 6-0 lead.

Blues hit back immediately with a well-worked Try on the corner from KeiranThomas (14mins) to bring it back to 6-5, but Callum Phillips pushed the conversion wide of the posts. More Blues errors followed, handing two more penalties and two more easy kicks to Lewis Barker on 17 and 21 minutes, but
from the restart the Blues built up pressure on the Gogledd line and Callum Phillips forced through under the posts in the 26th minute, then converted his own Try to bring the scores level at 12-12. More end-to-end play eventually found the Blues pinned back into their own 22 and the Gogledd backs worked well to find the gaps, with Jason Blackmore (Rhyl) running through the middle for the first try of the Gogledd Cymru season on 33 minutes, which Lewis Barker converted to make the half-time score 19-12.

Gogledd began the second half with more momentum and the Blues struggled to keep possession. A Gogledd breakaway from halfway by Mike Jones and Matt Richards (both Ruthin) resulted in Matt getting a good score in the corner on 39 minutes but Lewis Barker pulled the conversion attempt, to leave the score at 24-12. A bad fumble in the Blues backs led to a Gogledd line-out deep inside the Blues 22 and from the ensuing ruck, Maredydd Francis (Whitchurch exile) and Elliott Crowe (Llandudno) combined for Elliott to run a third Gogledd Try in the corner on 44 minutes. Dion Jones (Nant Conwy) fell short with the conversion attempt, leaving the score at 29-12.

The Blues piled on the pressure from the restart and after some far better defending from a Gogledd counter-attack, Blues made their way back up the field and Keiran Thomas ran in his and Blues second try on 50 minutes, which Callum Phillips converted well from the tight angle to bring the score to 29-19. After a sustained period of Blues pressure, replacement Scrum Half Phyl Roberts (Ruthin) found a clearance kick to win a line-out on halfway. Gogledd kept possession from the line-out and Lewis Barker hoisted a long downfield kick which Blues wing Bradley Morgan caught well and offloaded to Josh Flye but Gogledd’s Matt Richards was on hand to charge down the clearance and run in a simple Try on 58 minutes. Lewis Barker missed the conversion by the smallest of margins as he just pulled wide of the inside post. 34-19. The Blues upped the tempo yet again and this time it was Gogledd who failed to adequately clear their lines and gave the Blues too much possession and territory. A late yellow card for infringement for replacement Gogledd Hooker Rob Evans (Wrexham) was quickly followed by a Blues Try from flanker Alex Jones on 68 minutes, but Callum Phillips pushed the conversion attempt wide and the game finished 34-24.

Gogledd had some excellent individual performances across the park, with Jacob Meadows (Pwllheli) captaining the side very well, Sam Backshall (Nant Conwy) outstanding on the wing and excellent performances from Dion Jones and debut Try-scorer Jason Blackmore. Elliott Crowe, with his tireless efforts throughout and an excellent and well-deserved second-half try, deserves special mention but it is Matt Richards, with his brace of tries and consistent hard work and running, who secures himself the Man-Of-The-Match accolade. Gogledd Cymru now travel to face Cardiff Blues South at Rumney RFC, Cardiff on Sunday 27th September.

Bryden Lloyd
Manager – Gogledd Cymru U16’s

20.09.09 Junior Gogs u16 team take on mighty Cardiff Blues North

20.09.09 Junior Gogs u16 team take on mighty Cardiff Blues North


Junior Gogs u16 team take on mighty Cardiff Blues North on Sunday 20th Sepember at Parc Erias. ko 2pm. Team selected as follows

Shirt Player Name Club
1 SIMPSON Joe "Snitch" Bangor RFC
2 KIRBY Ryan Mold RFC
3 EVANS Rhodri Caernarfon RFC
4 FRANCIS Maredydd Whitchurch RFC
5 MEADOWS (c) Jacob Pwllheli RFC
6 CROWE Elliott Llandudno RFC
7 GRUNDY James Mold RFC
8 JONES Robert Llandudno RFC
9 BAGSHAW Afon Flint RFC
10 BARKER Lewis Mold RFC
11 EVANS Aron Llangefni RFC
12 JONES Michael Ruthin RFC
13 BLACKMORE Jason Rhyl RFC
14 RICHARDS Matt Ruthin RFC
15 JONES Dion Nant Conwy RFC
16 WILLIAMS Josh Mold RFC
17 EVANS Rob Wrexham RFC
18 GWYN Aaron Caernarfon RFC
19 BAKER Ben Bangor RFC
20 WILLIAMS Rhys Mold RFC
21 BACKSHALL Sam Nant Conwy RFC
22 ROBERTS Phylip Ruthin RFC

19.09.09 COBRA 15 V Dolgellau 11

19.09.09 COBRA 15 V Dolgellau 11


COBRA sneaked a crucial home win against a competitive Dolgellau side by 15 points to 11 to remain unbeaten after 3 games. COBRA outscored the visitors by 3 tries to 1 but failed to take other chances and an off day for the kickers ensured the game went right down to the wire.

In the opening minutes a misplaced pass in the COBRA backline was seized upon by Dolgellau who picked up the loose ball to score unopposed. COBRA quickly re grouped and worked their way downfield aided by Dolgellau who were forced to concede Penalties at the breakdown. COBRA were camped on the Dolgellau tryline and eventually the pressure told as Prop Andy Evans forced his way over for the levelling score.

COBRA scored a second try on the half hour mark as good work at the scrum by no.8 Barry Jones set up scrum half Iwan Vaughan for a blindside break, he was supported by winger Ifan Evans who looked destined to touchdown but for an excellent tackle, however flanker Aled Davies was on hand to receive the offload to score a well worked try. Dolgellau scored before half time as COBRA conceded a Penalty allowing a simple kick to reduce the deficit to 10-8.

With 5 minutes gone in the 2nd half COBRA were reduced to 14 men after Evans was sent off for careless use of the boot whilst trying to break free from a tackle. COBRA reacted well to the set back and soon scored a further try after good driving play by the forwards set up a platform for the backs to attack, Centre Sion Wyn Williams found space between 2 defenders to breakclear to score COBRA's third try.

COBRA had further chances to settle the game but failed to get the decisive score. Dolgellau countered and with 20 minutes remaining scored a Penalty bring them within 4 points. In the final quarter Dolgellau had chances to cross for what surely would have been a game winning score, but dogged defence
and last ditch tackles from Rhodri Davies and Tom Ryder kept the COBRA line intact.

COBRA Team
1 A Roberts 2 C Davies 3 A Evans 4 G R Evans 5 R Vaughan 6 A Davies 7 G Evans 8 B Jones 9 I Vaughan 10 R Davies 11 M Jones 12 A Pryce 13 S W Williams 14 I Evans 15 G Williams 16 O Morris 17 C Oakley 18 H Evans 19 T Ryder

19.09.09 Mold 29 v Ruthin 14

19.09.09 Mold 29 v Ruthin 14 more, (photos)

19.09.09 WoS North round up Sat 19 September

19.09.09 WoS North round up Sat 19 September click here

16.09.09 Gogledd Cymru 10 Loughborough College 12

16.09.09  Gogledd Cymru 10 Loughborough College 12



Gogledd Cymru were narrowly beaten last night at Parc Erias.They led 10-5 at half time but conceded a late converted try against the run of play to lose out 12-10. In an entertaining game the well drilled students opened strongly but the Gogs dominated proceedings as the game wore and on territory and chances made this was a game they should have won.

There were some outstanding individual performances with Nant Conwy winger Ioan Davies making some sublime runs but Ian Bucket's (former Wales, Swansea, Barbarians) man of the match was newcomer Alun Jones COBRA who set up the Gogs try with a devastating break from his own half to offload to Llandudno's Rhodri Carlton Jones to touch down.

1st Round Draw Webb Ellis Cup Saturday 31st October

1st Round Draw Webb Ellis Cup Saturday 31st October


The top three clubs in last year's Youth League have tough draws in the Webb Ellis national Youth Cup Comp.--matches to be plaued on Saturday 31st October.

Rhyl v Bridgend Athletic

Abercrave v Mold

Newport HSOB v Wrexham

13.09.09 GOGS U 18 TAKE ON STRONG OSPREYS SIDE ON SUNDAY

GOGS U 18 TAKE ON STRONG OSPREYS SIDE ON SUNDAY

Gogledd Cymru Under 18s play their first home-game of the Regional Age-Grade Championship this Sunday 13th Sepember when they face the Neath/Swansea Ospreys at Colwyn Bay Rugby Club K O 2pm.

The North Wales youngsters will be looking to use the game to kick-start their campaign, having suffered a heavy 41-0 defeat away to the Scarlets in their opening match of the championship. A game in which they did not play well and from which hopefully they will have learnt much.

Unfortunately it does not promise to get any easier against an Ospreys squad which contains within it a large number of internationals, including Tom Prydie,who the Ospreys management have already said they envisage playing for their senior side before the end of the season.

However last seasons home match against the Ospreys was probably the Gogledd Cymru Under 18 Teams most competitive performance of the season,and there is no doubt that Head Coach Les Byrne will be looking for a similar effort on Sunday.

The Gogledd Cymru squad will be announced after Wednesday nights training session in Ruthin-

Kick off is 2pm and hopefully there will be a large crowd to urge the Gogledd Cymru side on.

13.09.09 Gogledd Cymru Under 18 12 Ospreys Under 18 37

Although Gogledd Cymru Under 18s lost their first home match of the season, it was still a much improved performance from that of 2 weeks earlier against the Scarlets. The North Walian youngsters started brightly, and indeed had the first scoring opportunity of the afternoon,but it was the Ospreys who in fact were the first to put points on the board when the impressive Matthew Morgan slotted over the first of his 3 penalties. In fact the first half was very much the Matthew Morgan Show as last years Wales Under 18 stand-off constantly threatened the Gogledd Cymru line,scoring a try himself which he converted as well adding the extra points following a score from Oliver Pardoe.

When 2 minutes into the second-half, outside centre,Eli Walker outsprinted the cover defence to score a 3rd Ospreys try, it seemed as if the floodgates might open. However to their credit the Gogledd Cymru side upped their game,particularly in the forwards where Jake Simm (Mold ) and Gareth Morgan ( Ruthin ) both stood out,and following a series of penalties close to the Ospreys line scrum-half Alex Schwarz was able to burrow over from a few feet out. He was to be followed over the whitewash by Tom Parry ( Pwllheli) following another period of concerted pressure,however the Ospreys were to have the final word when following a defensive mix-up their number 8 Dan Baker scored under the posts. Gogledd Cymru Under 18s next game is in 2 weeks time when they away at the Cardiff Blues.

12.09.09 Saturday 12 September 2009 Machynlleth 6-17 COBRA

12.09.09 Saturday 12 September 2009 Machynlleth 6-17 COBRA

A young COBRA side missing 5 senior players came away from Machynlleth with a deserved win after producing a mature performance which belied the lack of first team experience.


Machynlleth started in the ascendency as their large pack made inroads into COBRA territory forcing the visitors to concede an early penalty which was converted to give the home side a 3-0 lead. Machynlleth remained in charge of the early exchanges and could have doubled their lead but a long range Penalty fell short of the posts. After soaking up the early pressure COBRA struck with their first attack as clean ball from a lineout was quickly fed to the backs, Centre Sion Wyn Williams made the most of the space to beat his man and set Full Back Geraint Williams free, he stepped inside the cover defence to score the games first try. Willams converted his own try to give COBRA a 3-7 lead. COBRA soon extended their lead after Outside Half Gareth Smith sliced through the defensive line and from the resulting ruck the Machynlleth backs strayed offside and conceded a Penalty in front of their posts. Williams took the 3 points on offer to extend COBRA's lead to 7 points. The second half continued in the same vain as the first with the Machynlleth forwards and inside backs pressurising the visitors but unable to breakdown the defence. COBRA's backs continued to look dangerous with limited possession and effectively the game was won when second row Garmon Evans shrugged off tacklers to set up an attacking position, the ball was quickly spread wide to Sion Wyn Williams who cut through the covering defenders to score. Geraint Williams added
the conversion to give COBRA a 3-17 lead. In the final quarter Machynlleth tried to get back into the game but COBRA were able to absorb the pressure and control play to force the home side to attack from deep. Machynlleth kicked a late Penalty to reduce the deficit to 6-17 but could not score the try to get a losing bonus point.

COBRA Team

1 A Davies 2 C Davies 3 B Edwards 4 G R Evans 5 R Vaughan 6 H Evans 7 G Evans 8 B Jones 9 I Vaughan 10 G Smith 11 M Jones 12 A Pryce 13 S W Williams 14 R Davies 15 G Williams 16 O Morris 17 C Oakley 18 R Rees 19 W Astley

12.09.09 Bala v Bethesda

12.09.09 Bala v Bethesda

A league game between Bala and Bethesda hasn’t happened for many a year and this clash in the second week of the season. Games between the teams in the past have always been a dour affair and this one did not reach any heights but it was fiercely competitive and it was a good thing that the game had a strong referee and the game had one in Rob Mota from Taff’s Well. Bethesda took the honours they had more of the attacking options but Bala were excellent in the contact area and overturned possession regularly and were able to clear their defences with long clearance kicks. Both sides missed penalties before Gareth Wyn gave the visitors the lead of three points with a penalty. Highlight of the first half was Bethesda’s try an excellent forward effort with skipper Paul Thomos finishing the move off. Halftime and a slender lead of 3 points to Bethesda. Bala were best out of the blocks in the second half and continued to turn Bethesda over and put the ball out to their backs a bit more. From a clearance kick by Bethesda Bala counter attacked and miss tackles and confusion Bala were able to breach Bethesda’s defence to score an unconverted try followed by a penalty to level the score 8‐8 the game continued in the same pattern for most of the second half and a draw looked like the obvious conclusion. Bethesda put in one last effort and a pick up from Hooker Steven Roberts now operating from No8 due to injuries made excellent ground and the tactic in the breakdown that Bala were good at became their achilles heel when they handled the ball illegally in the ruck and Gareth Wyn secured a good away win for Bethesda. Next week Bethesda take on Scrum V new adopted club Bangor at Bethesda . Bethesda seconds secured a home win against Benllech 34‐29 on their first outing this season next week they entertain Bala seconds at home.

12.09.09 Ruthin vs Llandudno

12.09.09 Ruthin vs Llandudno

On a beautiful Autumn day, Ruthin, looking good in their new team kit, started strongly against Llandudno fresh from their win against Denbigh last week. Centre James Stokes put Ruthin ahead with a penalty goal within the first five minutes but Ruthin were unable to capitalise further on early pressure and Llandudno looked dangerous on the counterattack. Ruthin looked to make the most of Llandudno being down to 14 men when one of their backs was sin‐binned but almost immediately Ruthin flanker Clwyd Jones suffered the same fate. However Ruthin quickly scored with Stokes going over after combining well with full back James Lyle. For the rest of the first half play oscillated from end to end. With good defence from both sides, combined with handling errors and mediocre scrimmaging, neither side was able to make headway and the whistle blew with the score 8‐0 to Ruthin . Llandudno started strongly in the second half and Mike Hughes reduced the score difference with a penalty goal and almost scored a second but it bounced off the upright. Ruthin responded with their best moves of the match and after some short quick passing on Llandudno’s 22 Clwyd Jones scored a great try. With the score 13‐3 to Ruthin they should have sewn the game up but Llandudno were having none of it. They reduced the arrears to 13‐6 with another Hughes penalty goal and then exerted considerable pressure on the Ruthin line with a series of scrums which only an immense defensive effort prevented them scoring. Second row Chris Davies was yellow carded during this exchange and eventually scrum half Gethin Ffoulkes cleared. Llandudno continued to pressurise Ruthin’s 14 men and Rhodri Carlton‐Jones went over for a deserved try which was not converted putting the score at 13‐11 to Ruthin. Ruthin responded immediately and with the last moves of the match Llandudno conceded a penalty on their 10 yard line which led to a Ruthin line out on LLandudno’s 22. After a further penalty and line out Jones got his second try of the match with a great pushover try. The final score was 18‐11 to Ruthin giving them their first league win of the season and a boost ahead of next week’s tough match away at Mold.

12.09.09 Div 1/2 League Previews Sat. -Exciting matches in prospect this Saturday

12.09.09 Div 1/2 League Previews Sat.  -Exciting matches in prospect this Saturday


Div 1
Mold make the short journey to Dinbych and will be looking to maintain their form which brought them victory against Llangefni last week. Dinbych who were victorious in the corresponding match last season lost theor first match at Llandudno

Llangefni host Pwllheli with the visitors having made a sparkling start to the campaign scoring in excess of 60 points in their home victory against Bro.The home side went close at Mold last week and it promises to be an iteresting encounter.

Newly promoted Bro play their first home game against Caernarfon. The Cofis had a big win in their home opener against Colwyn Bay but Bro might prove a more difficult proposition on their home patch.

Ruthin smarting from a defeat at Nant last week welcome Llandudno, who showed good form in their home win agaist Dinbych, will be keen to get a win under their belt.

Reigning champions Nant make the short journey down to Colwyn Bay. Despite the Bay defeat last week matches between these sides are always closely contested affairs and Nant will have to pull out all the stops to get a result.
Div 2 (N)

Match of the day will be Bethesda visit to Bala, despite it being early season both teams are favourites to challenge for promotion and it will be interesting to see who gets the upperhand important match.

A much improved Rhyl side who took Bethesda close last week welcome Rhos who lost out to local rivals Wrexham last week.

Bangor host Wrexham and will try and put last week heavy defeat out of their minds. The visitors who have fresh faces on and off the field expect to well this season.

Div 2 (S)

Local derby at Maesydre where Welshpol host old rivals Newtown. Both sides lost their opening matches although Newtown took Cobra close at Meifod. It promises to be a keenly contested encounter

Machynlleth welcome Cobra and will look to make home advantage count in what is always a close affair between these clubs.

Llanidloes go to Dolgellau,both sides had good opening games wins, and will fancy their chances of a top three position to challenge for promotion in the latter half of the season.

12.09.09 Rhyl & District 1st XV 76 (43) vs Rhosllanerchrugog 1st XV 0

12.09.09 Rhyl and District 1st XV 76 (43) vs Rhosllanerchrugog 1st XV 0

Rhyl and District 1st XV 76 (43) vs Rhosllanerchrugog 1st XV 0 Rhyl opened their home account in the league this year in impressive style and provided the perfect response to the disappointment of last weeks defeat as hosts to Rhos.

Rhyl started the game with a real sense of purpose and, within 5 minutes, notched the first score as a break from hooker, Mike hall, was well supported by Ynyr Edwards for the No.7 to cross for a try beneath the posts which Adam Kirby promptly converted for a 7 point lead. Within minutes the score board was active again as a Rhyl Line out was spun wide and Mike Hall, this time in support, crossed in the corner, 12 – 0. A fantastic back move off scrum possession saw centre, Robbie Tilley, take a superb angle to cross for yet another try beneath the posts. Kirby again slotted the kick.19 – 0. Tilley added to his tally on 20 minutes as he finished off yet more Rhyl possession in the corner. 24 – 0. The Rhyl pack were dominant in ever aspect of the play, and the back row of Simon Davies, Ynyr Edwards and Barry Picton were everywhere and responsible for winning turnover ball at regular intervals. Off one such ball, Picton burst clear, drew the covering defence and with a magical slight of hand flipped the ball out of the back of his hand to the supporting

run of winger Stuart Felcrook to allow the speedster to scorch over in the corner. 29 – 0. Unfortunately Picton picked up an injury in getting the pass away and was replaced by Lee Craig who seamlessly carried on the good work. Turnover possession was again the source of ball as Ynyr Edwards again supported a midfield break to take an inside ball and cross for his second try of the match. Kirby added the conversion to make it 36 – 0. It was fitting the club captain, Gareth van Heerden sealed a dominant first half performance to cross for another try on the stroke of half time and Kirby again added the extras for a half time score of 43 – 0.

The second half began in equally dramatic and impressive style as second row, Dave Argles took the ball from the kick off and broke through to race almost all the way to the line before being tackled. However, he was able to get a pass away and Stuart Felcrook was again on hand to race over. Winger, Nick ‘Fritz’ Wolstenholme stepped up to superbly convert from the touchline and bring up the half century score for Rhyl. 50 – 0. Comfortable in the game, coach Christian Badham made some astute changes of personnel to introduce Kieron Jones, Callum Jones and Paul Lock for their senior league debuts.

The Rhyl scrum continued to dominate and from this solid base Rhyl launched another backs move which allowed centre Robbie Tilley to take a midfield switch and race over beneath the posts for his hat trick try. The conversion was added by Kirby. 57 – 0. A superb lineout take by Dave Argles was controlled and mauled in impressive fashion by the Rhyl forwards who marched their opponents back 10 metres and allowed Mike Hall to dive over for another try, the 10th of the game and his 2nd. Kirby again converted. 64 – 0. A great break in open play from tight head prop, Geraint Higginson was again superbly supported by Ynyr Edwards who barged his was through would be tacklers to cross for his own hat trick. 69 – 0. A final try was scored to end the game as scrum half John Badham, having a fine individual performance, scampered from the base of the scrum and flipped a clever ball out of the tackle to the supporting run of fly half Shaks Ngwenya, who crossed for his sides’ 12th try. Kirby again added the conversion for a personal tally of 14 points and a final score of 76 – 0.

Coach Christian Badham was pleased with the overall team performance but felt that particular praise should go to the back row who were at their constructive and destructive best and allowed the rest of the team to play the flowing expansive rugby which the welcome and sizeable Waen crown enjoyed. Ever the perfectionist, he reflected upon moments where a lack of accuracy had resulted in further try scoring chances being wasted. He called on his charges to take this performance on to next weeks’ game.

10.09.09 Gogs U 18 Team/squad announced for Ospreys Match on Sunday

10.09.09 Gogs U 18 Team/squad announced for Ospreys Match on Sunday - click here