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
