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
