Regional News

17.01.2011 FIVE NORTH WALIANS MAKE INITIAL WALES SQUAD U18

2011-01-17T13:58:00.000Z

WRU North Wales Academy.

Five North Wales U18s Rugby Players make the initial Wales National U18s Squad.

Five players who represented RGC 1404 U18s are today making the long journey down to Cardiff to train at the WRU National Centre of Excellence.
The five players have been selected to be part of the initial squad of 50 players who are competing to be part of the full U18s Welsh squad.
Players:

Lewis Barker,
WRU N.W. ACADEMY, RYDAL PENRHOS, MOLD RUGBY CLUB

Dion Jones,
WRU N.W. ACADEMY , RYDAL PENRHOS , NANT CONWY RUGBY CLUB

Joe Simpson,
WRU N.W. ACADEMY ,RYDAL PENRHOS , BANGOR RUGBY CLUB

James Grundy,
WRU N.W. ACADEMY ,MOLD ALUN, MOLD RUGBY CLUB.

Alex Schwartz ,
ABBEY GATE SCHOOL CHESTER, MOLD RUGBY CLUB.

Marc Roberts the Performance program manager in North Wales said
“Getting 5 into the initial squad is testament to all the hard work that the coaches, management and players themselves have put in. It also shows that the academy programs are working. None of the players were involved in the U16s national set up last year and it has been their development over the last 12months that has pushed them forward. There has been a marked improvement in the whole U18s squad but we are already working hard to be better next year”

09.01.11 lEVEL 1 rEFEREES cOURSE

2011-01-10T16:25:00.002Z

Can you please add onto the NWRU website that the next Level 1 referees course will take place at Denbigh Rugby Club on Sunday 20th February 2011.

Applications should be made through the WRU website by going through the ‘referee’ page and then ‘Level 1 Course’, application forms can be downloaded and sent direct to David R Davies, the cost of the course is £20 to include lunch and the day starts at 9am and goes on for approx 7 hours.

Anyone interested can also contact David R Davies direct on 022920822420.

09.01.11 Nant Conwy 29 Llangefni 10 - Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Reports

2011-01-10T13:23:00.000Z

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 08.01.2011 Nant Conwy 29 v Llangefni 10
(Plat Swalec / Swalec Plate) Rownd 2nd Round
Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:
Ceisiau / Tries: Eryl Jones (2), Grant Jones(1), Robart Jones (1), Simonie Roolka (1)
Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (2)

Roedd ôl tua chwe wythnos arall i ffwrdd heb chwarae yn amlwg ar y ddau dîm gyda sawl camgymeriad ‘amseru’ gan y ddwy ochr. Ar ôl yr 20 munud cyntaf, death yn gêm eithaf diddorol i’r gwyliwr cyffredin ei gwylio. Chwe munud yn unig a gymerodd i Jim dorri trwy dacl ar linell Llangefni a sgorio cais dan y pyst - un a droswyd gan Pep. Gwrthodwyd ’cais’ i Grant gan y bu iddo dirio ar y llinell ochr mae’n debyg ond caniatawyd cais tebyg iddo ar y gornel chwith ar ôl 18 munud o chwarae. Bum munud yn ddiweddarach, bu i bac Llangefni rycio dros linell Nant a Mark Pritchard oedd y blaenwr olaf i godi. Llwyddodd Carwyn Milburn gyda’r trosiad i roi sgôr o 12 - 7 ar yr hanner.
Ar ôl rhai munudau o bwyso ar linell Llangefni ar ddechrau’r ail hanner, llwyddodd y bachwr, Eryl i sgorio ger y pyst - cais a droswyd gan Pep eto. Tua thri chwarter ffordd drwy’r gêm, bu i Carwyn Milburn gicio cic gosb lwyddiannus i Langefni i wneud y sgôr yn 19 -10. Chwe munud oedd ar ôl pan sgoriodd Eryl ei ail gais yn y gornel dde ar ôl cefnogi symudiad da ar draws y cae gan y cefnwyr. Yna, pam oedd yr 80 munud ar ben, sgoriodd Robat (Blaen Cwm) ei gais cyntaf i’r tîm cyntaf trwy dirio yn y gornel dde eto. Sgor o 29 -10 felly ar y diwedd. Edrych yn debyg y chwaraeir Caernarfon gartref yn y rownd nesaf ar Sadwrn olaf Ionawr!
Gêm gynghrair fydd gêm nesaf Nant gartref yn erbyn Pwllheli dydd Sadwrn nesaf.

The fact that there had been a gap of six weeks in playing was evident for both sides with several ‘timing’ errors, especially during the first quarter. After that period, perhaps the neutral person would describe the game as being an entertaining match to watch. It took Jim six minutes only to side step through the Llangefni defence to score a try under the posts for Pep to convert.. Grant was refused a’ try’ on the extreme left wing due to touching the ball down on the touch line it seems. However, Grant did score a try in that left hand corner after 18 minutes play. Llangefni powered over the Nant line five minutes later after an excellent ruck and drive by their forwards. Mark Pritchard was the last forward to stand on his feet with the ball. Carwyn Milburn converted that try to make the score 12-7 at half time.
After several minutes of pressure on the Llangefni line at the beginning of the second half, Eryl the hooker crept over for a try after around 10 phases of play. Pep duly converted. About three quarters way through the match, Carwyn Milburn was successful with a penalty attempt this time to make the score 19 -10. There were 6 minutes remaining when Eryl scored his second try of the afternoon in the extreme right corner after supporting a cross field movement by the backs. The entire 80 minutes was up when Robat (Blaen Cwm) scored his first ever try for the first team with a touchdown, again on the extreme right. A final result of 29 – 10. It appears that the next round will involve playing Caernarfon at home on the last Saturday of January.
Nant’s next match will be a league game at home against Pwllheli next Saturday.
Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

09.01.11 Ruthin v Bro Ffestiniog - John Palmer reports

2011-01-10T13:15:00.002Z

Bro Ffestiniog did the double on Ruthin last season in their first season in Division 1. Having beaten them away already this season the Blues were keen to square up the encounters but with Bro just one place below them in the league this was to be no easy contest. First points went to Ruthin with a penalty goal by wing Sion T Roberts and Bro replied with their own penalty goal kicked by outside half Barry Roberts. The first half continued as a physical affair breaking down into an affray at one stage. Ruthin went down to 14 men after a player was sin-binned for a late tackle but there was no further score and the first half ended 3-3. The second half started with a battle for possession and eventually the Blues came out on top and centre Gethin Hughes squirmed through for a try which was converted by Roberts. Ten minutes later Hughes scored his second try after a strong run through the visitors defence. The home side secured the win 5 minutes from the end when flanker Clwyd Jones ran down the wing to score in the corner with Roberts converting. This was a good win against a dogged Bro side on a heavy pitch. Man of the match was flanker Dwayne Speakman-Jones.

RGC 'A' Team 34 v Cheshire Under 20s 24

2010-12-18T13:19:00.000Z

'RGC 1404 UNDER 20 34 CHESHIRE UNDER 20 24

4 tries from flying winger,Ben Stemalzek,gave the RGC 1404 Under 20 side a more comfortable win than appeared likely when with only 7 minutes left in the game, the young North Walians found themselves 24 points to 20 down. Stemalzeks first try came with less than 60 seconds on the clock following a break from Callum Bennett who was able to add the conversion. Somewhat ironically the remainder of the half was tryless as both sides struggled to gain any consistency in the wintry conditions,the only additional points coming from 2 penalties from both sides.
Stemalzeks second score was undoubtedly his best as gathering the ball close to the half-way line and with seemingly nothing on,he scythed through the Cheshire defence before rounding the final defender to score in the corner. Bennett was again able to add the extra 2 points. Instead however of encoraging the RGC side to close the game out, it was the Cheshire Team who were seemingly prompted into action and aided by a number of substitutions it was they scored next when their lively scrum-half dived over from 5 yards out following a break he had made earlier from within his own 22. 5 minutes later Cheshire took the lead for the first time when their big forwards drove over from close-range. To their credit in was then that the young North Walians showed their true colours as their forwards and in particular hooker Sean Strudwick and skipper Dale Blackmore began to take the game to Cheshire and from close-range Stemalzek was able to score his third try of the match and with only 2 minutes left he added a 4th to seal the win, following good work again from the RGC 1404 pack. as the visiting forwards started to tire.
With a team that contained 3 17 year olds and a whole raft of 18 year olds the RGC 1404 side can be pleased with their win in this their opening fixture of the season, and with games planned in the New Year against the Dragons,Ospreys and Lancashire they have much to look forward to. '

RGC 'A' Team v Cheshire Under 20s-Eirias Park, Wed Dec 15 at 7.30pm

2010-12-14T16:11:00.002Z

RGC 1404 Rugby takes another step forward on Wednesday night, December 15 2010 when the A Team plays its first competitive fixture against Cheshire Under 20s at Eirias Parc,Colwyn Bay. 7.30 pm KO.The team had hoped to play last month against the Dragons Under 20s in a match that unfortunately fell foul of the freezing weather but tomorrow nights match will be the beginning of a series of friendlies scheduled for between now and the end of the season and which will include the Ospreys,Dragons and Lancashire Under 20 sides. Although friendlies these games are seen as essential in the development of elite level Rugby in the region as recognised byn the WRU Regional Performance Manager,Marc Roberts,
'RGC A is a crucial vehicle in our development pathway, it bridges the game between regional age grade rugby and senior rugby. It allows talented players the opportunity to develop in a challenging environment with the ultimate aim to move forward into the full RGC 1404 squad"

13.12.10 Ruthin v Llandudno - John Palmer Reports

2010-12-13T14:48:00.002Z

Ruthin started strongly against Llandudno in this Swalec Plate second round match at Caeddol and within a few minutes of the start were 3 points up from a penalty goal kicked by full back Shay Tudor. The Blues went further ahead after 30 minutes after flanker Clwyd Jones forced his way through the seasiders defence and put centre Lewis Isaac through for a try converted by Tudor. Llandudno counter attacked but good defensive play by the home side stifled any scoring attempts and it was the Blues that went further ahead with another Tudor penalty goal. The visitors missed a chance to lessen the arrears when a penalty goal attempt went wide. The Blues continued to dominate and just before half time wing Kyle Davies after a great run upfield offloaded to centre Gethin Hughes who seared over the visitors try line. Again converted by the sure foot of Tudor the home side went in for the break a comfortable 20-0. After the break Ruthin continued in the same fashion. Tudor kicked another penalty goal and then was instrumental in putting Davies through for the Blues third try. The Blues then came under sustained pressure from the visitors which eventually led to a try by wing Wesley Jones. Just as it looked as though the game would end at 28-5 Davies picked up a loose ball after a Llandudno scrum on Ruthins 22 and ran the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Tudor converted and the game ended at 35-5 to the home side. This was a particularly pleasing display with a number of recent youth players making a very significant contribution: Lewis Isaac, Jason Humphreys and Ben Taylor.

24.11.2010 COACHES MEETING WITH JULIAN FERRARI - WREXHAM RFC DEC 2 2010

2010-11-24T12:33:00.002Z

Meeting with Julian Ferrari WRU Development Officer
Thursday 2nd Dec. - 7.30 p.m at the Club
All Club Coaches, coaching helpers and referees are invited to please attend a meeting with Julian Ferrari the WRU Development Officer for the area. This is your opportunity to ask any questions regarding the amendments to the WRU pathway which relates to Mini and Junior Rugby plus clarify any grey areas. Additionally, the Club Senior coaches have been invited to join you, if practical around 8.30/8.40 so that you can all have a quick chat about coaching times and pitches in conjunction with Nigel Fletcher and Gareth Edwards who are the liaison in these matters for the Board. Your support of this meeting is appreciated.
Thank You

21.11.2010 Nant Conwy v Ruthin - Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-11-22T17:29:00.000Z

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 20.11.2010 Nant Conwy 18 v Rhuthun 17

(Cwpan Gogledd Cymru / North Wales Cup)

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Eryl Jones (1), Peredur Ellis(1) Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (1)

Cosb / Penalties: Peredur Ellis (2)

Roedd ôl tua mis i ffwrdd heb chwarae yn amlwg ar y ddau dîm gyda sawl camgymeriad gan y ddwy ochr. Hwyrach, y buasai’r gwyliwr niwtral yn dadlau ei bod yn gêm gyffrous yn cael ei hennill yn yr amser ychwanegol ar y diwedd. Unig sgôr yr hanner cyntaf oedd cais gan Pep ar ôl 10 munud ac ef ei hun yn ei drosi. 7-0 i Nant felly ar y chwiban hanner amser

Dechreuodd yr ail hanner mewn modd tebyg a bu i Pep roi Nant ymhellach ar y blaen gyda chic gosb lwyddiannus ar ôl 3 munud o chwarae. Ar ôl 8 munud arall, death sgor gyntaf Rhuthun trwy gais gan Ben Taylor yn cael ei drosi gan Shay Tudor. Pum munud o bwyso caled gan Nant wedyn gyda’r pac yn hyrddio ar y llinell a’r bachwr Eryl yn cael ei wthio trosodd am gais yn y diwedd. Pep yn methu trosi y tro hwn. Daeth Rhuthun yn ôl a sgorio cais (gorau’r gêm o bosibl) ar yr asgell chwith. Eto bu Shay Tudor drosi’i gais ei hun. Dim ond 10 munud oedd ar ôl pan fu i Shay Tudor gicio cic gosb lwyddiannus i roi Rhuthun ar y blaen am y tro cyntaf o ddau bwynt. Nant yn dal i bwyso ac ar ôl 41 munud o chwarae, penderfynodd Pep gicio am y gôl o tua 35 metr a hwyliodd y bel rhwng y pyst! Sgôr derfynol felly o 18-17 i Nant

Gêm gynghrair fydd gêm nesaf Nant gartref yn erbyn Bro Ffestiniog ar y 4ydd Rhagfyr 2010.

The fact that there had been a gap of four weeks in playing was evident for both sides in a match full of basic errors. Perhaps the neutral person would describe the game as being a full blooded cup match though with Nant winning in extra time. The only score of the first half was a try scored by Pep which he converted himself. A score of 7-0 at half time then.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first one and this time, it was Pep again who was successful with a penalty after 3 minutes play. Ruthin scored their first points after another 8 minutes when Ben Taylor squeezed over for a try on the right. Shay Tudor was successful with the conversion. Further pressure on the try line by the Nant pack followed and ended when the hooker, Eryl was forced over by his fellow forwards to touch down. Pep missed the conversion attempt. Ruthin came back and, arguably, scored the best try of the match perhaps when Shay Tudor raced over on the right to touch down and then converted his own try. Only 10 minutes remained when Ruthin went ahead for the first time in the match when Shay Tudor was successful with a penalty attempt. A score of 15-17 then! Nant gathered pace again and the forwards were working their way down the pitch without breaking through. A penalty kick was given after 41 minutes play at a distance of about 35 meters away from the posts. Up stepped Pep once again and the ball bisected the posts on its way over to make the final score 18-17.

Nant’s next match will be a league game at home against Bro Ffestiniog on the 4th December 2010.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

21.11.2010 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 22 SCARLETS UNDER 18 28

2010-11-22T16:54:00.002Z

RGC 1404 UNDER 18 22 SCARLETS UNDER 18 28

In spite of outscoring their visitors from South-West Wales by three tries to one, it was the metronomic boot of Scarlets fly-half Scott Maynard that proved the difference between the 2 sides as he calmly slotted over 7 penalties and 1 conversion in an immaculate kicking display. As has been so often the case this season,the RGC 1404 side soon found themselves on the backfoot as Scarlets prop,Gareth Thomas, crossed after only 5 minutes, and with Maynard adding the extras and the first of his 7 penalties just five minutes later it appeared as if the home side might be in for a long afternoon. However showing the same tremendous spirit that has been evident throughout this season,they fought back,firstly through a try from full-back Dion Jones after 25 minutes and then just three minutes later with another from Chris Holmes which was converted by Jones to give the RGC side a narrow 12 points to ten lead.Although Maynard soon kicked the Scarlets back in front it was the home side who went into the half-time break with a narrow lead following their third try of the game through Lewis Barker on the stroke of half-time,which was again converted by full back Jones.
He was to extend the lead further with a penalty soon after the restart but that was the final score of the game as far as the home side were concerned as Maynard added a further four penalties to those he had scored in the first half. The game ended with the RGC 1404 side camped on the visitors try-line but in spite of being awarded a series of penalties they were unable to secure the try that might have led to them gaining their second win of the season over the Scarlets. Nonetheless in spite of the loss this was probably the RGC 1404 sides best performance of the season so far,and with so many of their squad being eligible to play in the regional age-grade competition next year,they can look forward with confidence to the future.

North wales Officer, Marc Roberts added:
' We are moving forward and todays U18s performance defines our ambition but the score line defines our reality. The reaction from the Southern regions has been complimentary and all have been shocked with regards our progress in this years competition. To be honest there is a hunger and passion in the RGC region to do far, far more. The players, coaches and management of both teams will be working hard to improve for 2011 campaign"

19.11.2010 PREVIEW OF RGC U18 AND U16 SUNDAY 21/11/2010

2010-11-19T15:56:00.000Z

Sunday sees the final matches for both the RGC 1404 Under 16 & 18 teams in this season's regional age-grade championships when they face their counterparts from the Scarlets in Colwyn Bay. The Under 18s,whose match is being played at Eirias Parc,KO 2.00pm, will be seeking a repeat of their last-gasp victory achieved at Bynia RFC back in September against Sundays opponents and will be facing a Scarlets squad which which contains within its 22,4 players who represented North Wales at Under 16 level. Both sides come into the game on the back of strong performances in their last matches,the Scarlets drawing 16 each with the Blues and the RGC side heartbreakingly going down 24-15 to the Dragons having led with only 5 minutes left in the match.
Up the road at Rydal School,the RGC Under 16 side will be seeking their first win of the season against a strong Scarlets side whose place in the semi-finals of the competition is already assured. Although winless up until now the RGC side has come agonisingly close on a number of occasions,including their last game against the Blues South,when in spite of lleading 14-3 they eventually lost 26-21. They will surely be looking for a change of fortune on Sunday.'

17.11.2010 RGC U18 v Scarlets U18 - Parc eirias Sunday Nov 21 - KO 2.00pm

2010-11-17T15:28:00.000Z

Please find below RGC 1404 Under 18 Squad to face the Scarlets Under 18s at Eirias Parc on Sunday. 2.00pm KO

1. Ollie HUghes
2. Gareth Pym
3. Matt Bevan
4. Mareddyd Francis
5. Aaron Gwyn
6. James Grundy
7. Meilir Parry
8. Chris Holmes
9. Alex Schwarz
10. Lewis Barker
11. James Roberts
12. Harri Evans
13. Owain Aled
14. Teddy Brittain
15. Dion Jones
16. Jacob Weaver-Jones
17. Ben Baker
18. Llew Williams
19. Jamie Kelly
20. Gareth Williams
21. Jack Bennett
22. Llewellyn Edwards

Match Preview to follow

Will

16.11.2010 NORTH WALES YOUTH CUP DRAW

2010-11-16T13:19:00.002Z

North Wales Youth Cup

Ruthin beat Colwyn Bay in the Prelim Round

Nant play Abergele this Sat.

Denbigh hope to play COBRA this Sat.

The Draw for the next round Dec 18th took place this morning at the Wrexham office

The draw was made by Gwyn Edwards. Rhyl, Caernarfon and Ruthin must fit in their round because of their involvement in the Webb Ellis on Dec 18th

Flint v Denbigh or COBRA

Welshpool v Wrexham

Ruthin v Llanidloes

Bala v Llangefni

Newtown v Rhyl

Nant or Abergele v Caernarfon

Pwllheli v Mold

Bangor v Llandudno

Please inform Mervyn Picton asap for booking of Refs

Diolch

Austin

11.11.10 GEORGE NORTH EARNS FIRST CAP FOR WALES

2010-11-11T16:45:00.000Z

Scarlets delight at George North's first cap chance
Dyddiad/Date: Thursday 11th November 2010
Cyhoeddwyd ar ran y Scarlets/Issued on behalf of Scarlets

WALES’ NEW WINGER NORTH SAYS SCARLETS RUGBY HAS GIVEN HIM THE PLATFORM TO PERFORM

George North, the Scarlets’ 18-year old wing sensation has been handed the honour of a place in the starting line-up with Wales who face South Africa this Saturday at the Millennium Stadium. He becomes the 200th international Scarlet.

North Walian rugby talent North, a former Llangefni, Pwllheli and Rhyl youth player is one of a batch of new generation Scarlets making an impact on the domestic and international scene.

The young winger, who shone with Wales U18s and U20s was handed a development contract with the Scarlets this summer after coming through with flying colours from the Scarlets Academy system studying at Llandovery College and playing for Llandovery RFC.

North gets the opportunity for his first Wales cap on the wing and becomes Wales’ 1,078th to take the field after just five months of senior squad rugby at the Scarlets. He was “delighted and proud” to get his name on the Wales team sheet for the first time.

North will join fellow Scarlets Matthew Rees, who has once again been handed the captain’s armband for this Saturday’s encounter for the second time and experienced outside half Stephen Jones who starts at 10 against South Africa.

North said: “It’s been an amazing few months for me and to now get the chance of a Wales cap is such an honour, I can’t really believe it has happened but I will take this opportunity and will give it all I can.

“I’m pleased with how my rugby is developing. It’s been such a great season for me so far and now I’ve got the chance to play for my country - the Scarlets coaches have had faith in me and handed me the chance to play right from the beginning of the season. I’ve worked hard on my game and came to Parc y Scarlets just wanting to learn, keep my head down and keep a focus on improving my rugby.

“It’s an excellent environment at Parc y Scarlets, particularly for developing players like myself and the opportunities and support I’ve been given in such a short space of time to prove myself has been brilliant.

“The thing that’s struck me since I joined is how hard this team wants to work for each other, it’s a great place to be, there’s a really good vibe down West and I just really enjoy coming into training.”

North played in all of the Scarlets first seven games this season, including friendlies against Gloucester and Worcester, scoring his first two tries for the region against Benetton Treviso away in Italy on his Magners debut, with four tries from the five competitive Scarlets fixtures in which he’s featured in this season. At 6ft 4ins and 16st 9lbs, North is a winger built for the modern era.

Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said: “I am delighted for George, he’s got real ability and talent as a player but equally has an intelligent and hard-working approach – a real pro, and that will just push him further. I have been really impressed with the way he has conducted himself at the Scarlets and he has the potential to be a very special player.

“He has quality and this opportunity to get his first Wales cap at just 18 will no doubt inspire him, give him added confidence and help him to reach his potential over the next few years.

“The exciting thing is that is he one of a group of next generation Scarlets who have come through our development system, are getting game time and are showing real talent and ambition and commitment to our values as a rugby region.

“If you look at the group of emerging players we had on the field against Leeds last weekend and what they achieved against a physical English side, there is a lot to be optimistic about.”

North is one of a group of young Scarlets who have signed development contracts over the summer including Scott Williams, Gareth Davies, Nick Reynolds, Nic Cudd as well as Dan Newton, Ben Morgan and Rhys Lawrence.

“It’s important that these players get to train and play at Scarlets’ first team level early on and get experience alongside top-class international players. If they play with and against the best, they know where they have to get to – where to set the bar and that’s crucial early on,” said Davies.

Chief Executive of the Scarlets, Mark Davies added that the whole region will be behind North on his Wales debut and that there was great pride at Parc y Scarlets from staff and supporters in hearing the young Scarlet will get his first Wales cap and that Scarlets skipper, Matthew Rees, was captaining his country once again.

“Nigel Davies and Gareth Jenkins have worked tirelessly - with real commitment, planning and belief over the past few years to identify and bring forward talented players into the first team set-up at the earliest opportunity as part of our philosophy to develop great young talent from within our region.

“We’re now seeing some of the results of that long-term vision and hard-work and how some of our best young talent is benefiting from early exposure to the demands of professional rugby. George North’s story is testimony to what is being achieved here.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Antonia Lamont on 07974 421665 email: antonia@scarlets.co.uk or antonia@lamont-pr.co.uk.

09.11.10 DRAGONS UNDER 18 24 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 15

2010-11-09T16:05:00.002Z

DRAGONS UNDER 18 24 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 15

At a cold yet dry Newbridge RFC,the Dragons Under 18s saw off their North Walian counterparts but only in the last 5 minutes of an absorbing and competitive affair. The RGC side put themselves under early pressure when from the kick-off the ball was turned over to the Dragons,who after what seemed to be countless phases of possesion foreced the ball over the line through Elliott Dee. Although the RGC side were to hit back via a Dion Jones penalty, the Dragons lead was extended 7 minutes from half-time when a quickly taken tap saw their lively scrum-half Joshua Davies force himself over from 5 metres out. Dragons Fly-half Ethan Davies adding the conversion as he had Dee's earlier score.

The second-half initially again saw the Dragons in control territorially,however a great break from RGC winger Llewellyn Edwards from within his own twenty-two took the visitors to just short of the home-sides try-line and although the ball was turned over,tremendous pressure led to a dropped ball over the try-line on which pounced Chris Holmes and with Dion Jones adding the conversion the gap between the 2 sides was down to just 4 points.It was now very much the RGC 1404 side who were in the ascendancy and 15 minutes later they took the lead when a neat kick from fly-half Lewis Barker found full-back Jones who rounded the defence to go in at the corner. Although he missed the conversion a similar miss from in front of the posts by Dragons replacement fly-half Niall Martin gave home that the RGC 1404 side might gain their second victory of the season. However it was not to be as Dragons flanker James Benjamin scorched in from 30 metres out to score close to the posts,and any hopes of a comeback were finally extinguished when Martin added a penalty with almost the last kick of the game.

Although disappointed to lose for the RGC 1404 side it shows how far they have come this year when they expect to win regional age-grade matches rather than merely compete in them.

RGC 1404 Under 18s final game of the season is at home to the Scarlets on 21st November at Eirias Parc.'

Hope that useful

Will

05.11.10 Previews Regional Age Grade Championship

2010-11-06T13:09:00.002Z

' The penutimate round of matches in this seasons regional age-grade championship sees both RGC sides in action away against their counterparts from the Dragons. For the Under 18s, Sundays match at Newbridge RFC,KO 1.00, gives them the opportunity to gain their second win of the competition against a Dragons side whose only win came against the RGC side earlier in the season. The young North Walians will be looking for a repeat of their performance last week against the Ospreys when they were perhaps a little unlucky to go down by 19 points to 12 and have the added incentive of knowing that a win in South Wales will in all probability mean that for the first time an RGC 1404 Under 18 side does not finish at the wrong end of the final championship table.

For the RGC 1404 Under 16 side,Sundays game,which is being played at Cross Keys RFC,gives them another opportunity to record their first win of the season. However they are under no illusions that in spite of the progress shown in their most recent matches, Sundays game offers them no easy route to that first win as they face a Dragons side which not only has been competitive all season but will still be smarting from a narrow 12-6 loss suffered against the Blues North on Wednesday night.

31.10.2010 OSPREYS UNDER 18 19 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 12

2010-11-01T12:33:00.002Z

OSPREYS UNDER 18 19 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 12

'The last time that these 2 sides had met back in August,the Ospreys had run out 86-7 winners.However if they felt that they would have a sinilarly straightforward runout on this occasion they were forced to think again when in the opening 60 seconds of the game the RGC 1404 outside-half Lewis Barke,glided over from short-range, and although Ospreys fly-half Sam Davies shortly after slotted over a penalty to reduce the deficit to 2 points it was the young North Walians who were taking the game to the home side. Unfortunately for them,a combination of their own errors and the relieving kicking of Davies meant that they were unable to turn pressure into points and it was the Ospreys who went into the changing-rooms at half-time with a 9-3 lead thanks to a further 2 penalties from Davies.
The second-half showed just how improved the RGC 1404 side are when after falling further behind due to another penalty from Davies and his conversion of a Rhys Thomas try, instead of letting their heads drop as might have been the case earlier in the season,they finished by far the stronger of the 2 sides. A try by Owain Aled following a great run from winger Llewellyn Edwards reduced the deficit to just 7 points and the last 5 minutes saw the visitors camped in the home-sides 22 but without frustratingly for them being able to find the score that might have enabled them to level the match. In spite of it being a loss this was undoubtedly the RGC 1404 sides best performance of the season so far and they can look forward with confidence to next Sundays game at Newbridge against the Dragons.'

Many thanks

Will

29.10.2010 This weekend's Regional Age Grade Previews

2010-10-29T17:53:00.002+01:00

' This Sundays regional age-grade championship matches see both RGC 1404 sides make the journey south to face the Ospreys. The Under 18's whose game at Llandarcy Academy of Sport kicks off at 2.00pm will be seeking a massive turnaround from the reverse fixture played back in August when the Ospreys ran out 81-7 winners. Since that undoubted low point in their season,the NOrth Walians have shown remarkable improvement to run the Dragons close and defeat the Scarlets. Although disappointed with the manner of their performance in their defeat to the Blues last Sunday,they will be more than hopeful of running the Ospreys a lot closer on this occasion.The only major injury concern for the RGC 1404 side is their leading try-scorer Lewis Barker who will be the subject of a late fitness test.
The RGC 1404 Under 16 side will be playing their fixture against the Ospreys at CORUS RFC,again with a 2:00pm kick off. For the young North Walians this has been a frustrating season as they seek to gain that elusive first victory of the campaign. They will be facing on Sunday an Ospreys side which they ran close back in August and with their squad bolstered by a number of players returning from injury,they too will be confident of delivering a more than competitive performance.'

Many thanks

Will

29.10.2010 Wrexham Weekend Previews

2010-10-29T17:51:00.000+01:00

WREXHAM PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2010
WREXHAM FIRSTS
Wrexham Firsts were due to take on Benllech in the second round of the Swalec Bowl competition at Bryn Estyn Road this Saturday, but this has now been cancelled as the Anglesey club has elected to withdraw from this national contest. Wrexham are not due to play again until Saturday 20th November when they will entertain visitors Shotton in a North Wales Intermediate Cup first round match.

DENBIGH 2NDS V WREXHAM 2NDS
Wrexham Seconds, hammered with a depleted side by Ruthin last week, should be back to full strength for their visit to Denbigh Seconds on Saturday. Outside-half Dave Thomas is expected to return from First Team duty while Tim Roberts will continue his rehabilitation in the pack following his return from long term injury (k.o.2.30pm).

WINNINGTON PARK VETS V WREXHAM VETS
Wrexham Veterans are looking for a replacement game after Winnington Park Vets were unable to raise a side for their scheduled home game against Wrexham this Saturday.

24.10.2010 UNDER 18 v CARDIFF BLUES -Will Morecombe Reports

2010-10-25T13:27:00.001+01:00

RGC 1404 UNDER 18 21 BLUES 46

RGC 1404 Under 18s had gone into this match with their confidence sky-high following their victory in their previous game against the table-topping Scarlets and in the early stages it appeared as if this confidence might not be entirely misplaced as they dominated the early precedings and had their efforts rewarded when skipper Alex Schwarz scooted down the blindside to open the scoring after only 6 minutes. Although the Blues struck back,shortly afterwards, with a try of their own from Bradley Thyer, the home sides advantage was extended with a long-range penalty from Dion Jones who had previously converted Schwarz's try. Jones was to add a further 3 pointer before half-time but in spite of his efforts the RGC 1404 side went into the half-time break trailing by 20 points to thirteen as the Blues scored further tries through Ryan Evans and Simon Pring. The Blues extended their lead further shortly after the break as their impressive flanker and skipper Ellis Jenkins crashed over from short-range and he was to score again 5 minutes from time,his efforts sandwiching other Blues tries scored by Rhys Patchell and Jac Hopkins. Although the young North Walians were to have the final word when Lewis Barker scored a good solo try with almost the final play of the game, it was a case of too little,too late. This victory means the Blues go back to the top of the regional age-grade championship,whilst for the RGC 1404 side who remain bottom,albeit only on points difference,it will be a case of looking to get their campaign back on track in next Sundays game away at the Ospreys.

Will Morecombe

RGC 1404 UNDER 18 MANAGER

24.10.2010 LLandudno 13 Nant Conwy 12 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-10-25T13:27:00.000+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 23.10.2010 Llandudno 13 v Nant Conwy 12

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Eryl Jones (1), Carwyn Ellis(1)

Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (1)

Gêm arall i ddangos fod y mwyafrif o dimau’r gynghrair eleni gyda’r gallu i guro’i gilydd. Dechreuodd Nant gan ymosod yn gyson a sgorio cais, a droswyd gan Pep, trwy i’r pac wthio’r bachwr, Eryl trosodd i dirio ar ôl 12 munud. Methwyd sawl cyfle mewn safleoedd ymosod day n yr hanner cyntaf a bu i Rhodri Carlton-Jones leihau’r bwlch gyda chic gosb lwyddiannus ar ôl 32 munud i roi sgôr o 3 - 7 ar yr hanner.

Dechreuodd yr ail hanner mewn modd tebyg a thro hwn, Carwyn aeth trosodd o fôn y sgrym allan ar y chwith. Methwyd y trosiad. Death Llandudno fwy i mewn i’r gêm wedyn sgoriodd eu rhif 7, Lewis Griffith gais ar y dde a droswyd gan Rhodri Carlton-Jones yn dda gyda 5 munud yn weddill. Chwaraewyd 5 munud o amser ychwanegol a throsodd Rhodri Carlton-Jones ei ail gic gosb ar ôl 44 munud i roi'r tîm cartref ar y blaen am y tro cyntaf. Munud yn weddill a chic gosb ar y llinell hanner, fwy neu lai a brofodd yn rhy bell i Pep i roi buddugoliaeth o 1 pwynt yn unig i Landudno.

Gêm ail rownd Cwpan Gogledd Cymru fydd gêm nesaf Nant gartref yn erbyn naill ai Rhuthun neu Rhyl ar yr 20fed Tachwedd 2010.

There’s a belief around North Wales this season that any team could beat any other side, especially at home. This was a match that proved that theory right with both teams being as close as the final score throughout. Nant began by pressing constantly and the pack, pushed Eryl, the hooker over for a converted try by Pep after 12 minutes. Nant failed with several threatening moves during the first half and had no further points on the board at half time. Rhodri Carlton-Jones scored a penalty in reply for the home side after 32 minutes to make a half time score of 3-7.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first one and this time, it was No. 8, Carwyn that scored a try on the left from the base of the scrum. Pep failed with the conversion attempt. From then on, Llandudno came more and more into the game and it was no surprise when their flanker, Lewis Griffith scored a try on the extreme right with five minutes of play left. Rhodri Carlton-Jones had an excellent conversion. Four minutes of added time had been played when Llandudno went in front for the first time when Rhodri Carlton-Jones converted a penalty in front of the posts. One extra minute was played – sufficient time for Nant to be awarded penalty near the centre spot. A massive long kick by Pep drifted just wide to give the home team a win by the narrowest of margins.

Nant’s next match will be a North Wales Cup second round game at home against either Ruthin or Rhyl on the 20th November 2010.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

20.10.2010 This Sunday's Regional Age Grade Competition Preview

2010-10-20T17:00:00.002+01:00

' This Sundays sees the regional age-grade competition recommence after a 6 week break when the RGC 1404 Under 16 & 18 sides face their counterparts from the Blues region. The Under 18s still bouncing after victory in their last game over the previously unbeaten Scarlets are under no illusions as to the task they face against a Blues side which defeated them by 66 points to 24 at Merthyr in the opening round of the competition. The game which is being played at Eirias Parc,Colwyn Bay, (2:30 KO) sees the RGC 1404 team field the same starting 15 which began the game against the Scarlets, the only change to the squad being the introduction of Ben Baker on the bench. For the Blues there is the added incentive, if any were needed, that if they do go home to South Wales with a victory under their belt,they will return to the top of the table in the competition.

The Under 16 side will face an equally challenging task when they play a Blues North side at Rydal School ( 2.30 KO) that has only lost 1 game previously this season and which defeated them comfortably in the opening round of fixtures back in August. Although the RGC 1404 side are yet to taste victory so far this year,they have come agonisingly close on a number of occasions,most noticeably against the Blues South when they lost with the last play of the game, and they know that with 5 games still to play in the league stage of the competition they still have every chance of making its semi-finals.

For both sides this is the beginning of an incredibly busy 4 week period with the Under 18s having 4 matches and the Under 16s 5 against their regional opponents.'

19.10.2010 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 SQUAD V CARDIFF BLUES SUNDAY OCT 24 AT PARC EIRIAS

2010-10-19T12:58:00.002+01:00

Please see below the RGC 1404 Under 18 squad to face the Cardiff Blues at Eirias Parc this Sunday. 2.30 KO

1. Joe Simpson- Bangor
2. Gareth Pym- Exiles
3. Rhodri Evans- Caernarfon
4. Jamie Williams- Colwyn Bay
5. Llew Williams- Caernarfon
6. James Grundy- Mold
7. Meillir Parry- Bangor
8. Aaron Gwyn- Caernarfon
9. Alex Schwarz- Mold
10. Lewis Barker- Mold
11. James Roberts- Mold
12. Jac Williams- Ruthin
13. Mike Jones- Ruthin
14. Jason Blackmore-Rhyl
15. Dion Jones- Nant Conwy
16. Ollie Hughes- Mold
17. Matt Bevan- Bala
18. Ben Baker- Bangor
19. Mareddyd Francis- Exiles
20. Owain Aled- Bala
21. Jack Bennett- Newtown
22. Llewellyn Edwards- Ruthin
23. Jamie Kelly- Llandudno
24. Teddy Brittain- Llanidloes

19.10.2010 GEORGE NORTH CALLED UP FOR WALES

2010-10-19T12:50:00.000+01:00

GREAT NEWS FOR NORTH WALES FANS AS GEORGE NORTH MAKES THE SQUAD FOR THE AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS.

SEE WRU WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS

16.10.2010 Ruthin 17 Nant Conwy 38 John Palmer Reports

2010-10-18T12:57:00.002+01:00

A good crowd turned out on a fine day at Caeddol to see this clash between last years league champions Nant Conwy and Ruthin. The Blues were six points up within the first 10 minutes with penalty goals by scrum half Wil Davies. Nant counter attacked forcing Ruthin to concede penalties in defending against Nants strong pack and after opting for a scrum 5 yards from the Blues line the visitors were awarded a penalty try which they converted. Nant continued to cause Ruthin problems in the scrum and after a prolonged period of attack went over for a second try also converted. Ruthin fought back but were unable to convert their pressure into points and at half time the visitors were 14-6 ahead. The second half started like the first with the excellent boot of Wil Davies putting the Blues back in contention with two penalty goals. Veteran replacement prop Wayne Williams came on and scrummaging improved but after a few minutes Williams retired injured and Nant turned up the pressure running in three tries in a period of 10 minutes, one of which was converted. At 31-12 behind the scrums became uncontested and Ruthin turned out some of their best play of the match with replacement Sion T Roberts going over for a try. However Nant had not finished their scoring and went over another try which they converted just before the whistle blew for full time with the final score 38-17. Unlike their previous two defeats against Mold and Caernarfon where one could argue that the scorelines flattered the opposition, the Blues were well beaten in this game against an organised Nant side.

Match report attached and link below

http://www.rygbirhuthun.com/Pages/MatchReport.aspx?FixtureDetails=692

Rgds

John

16.10.2010 Ruthin 17 Nant Conwy 38 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-10-18T12:53:00.000+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 16.10.2010 Rhuthun 17 v Nant Conwy 38

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Owain Jones(2), James Jones (1), Ifan Jones (1), Carwyn Ellis (1), Cais Cosb / Penalty try (1)

Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (4)

Ar ddiwrnod braf arall dechreuodd y tîm cartref yn bwrpasol gyda Wil Davies , eu rhif 9 yn llwyddiannus gyda dwy gic gosb yn y deng munud cyntaf. Yn wir, o hynny ymlaen, daeth Nant i mewn i’r gêm fwyfwy, a chafwyd cais cosb ar ôl 18 munud yn dilyn cyfnod o bwyso trwm gan y pac. Troswyd yn hawdd gan Pep. Parhawyd i bwyso am weddill yr hanner ond roedd y chwiban am hanner amser yn dynesu, pan fu i Owain dorri’r amddiffyn yn gelfydd a sgorio cais ger y pyst. Troswyd hwn eto gan Pep i wneud sgôr o 6 - 14 ar y chwiban hanner amser.

Bu pum munud cyntaf yr ail hanner yn debyg iawn i ddechrau’r gêm gyda Wil Davies yn llwyddiannus gyda dwy gic gosb arall tros Rhuthun. Unwaith eto, bu i Nant ail afael mewn chwarae graenus ac ar ôl saith symudiad ar y llinell gartref, plymiodd y prop, James drosodd am gais. Methwyd y trosiad i lygad yr haul ond dri chwarter ffordd trwy’r gêm, bu i Owain unwaith eto dorri’n hyfryd i dirio ger y pyst a Pep yn trosi. Y pwynt bonws am bedwar cais wedi’i ennill erbyn hyn. Ar ôl ail ddechrau, bu sawl symudiad arall ar linell Rhuthun. Y tro hwn, Ifan a wasgodd drosodd yn y gornel chwith. Aflwyddiannus fu’r trosiad. Llithrodd safon y chwarae rhywfaint wedi hyn gyda nifer o doriadau bychan ond, mewn ymosodiad prin, bu i Siôn Roberts sgorio cais i Ruthun ond methwyd y trosiad gyda 3 munud yn unig yn weddill. Chwaraewyd y 10 munud olaf gyda sgrymiau llonydd gan nad oedd gan y tîm cartref ddigon o flaenwyr rheng flaen. Serch hynny, o sgrym bum medr, bu i Carwyn gwblhau gêm ardderchog i Nant yn y funud olaf trwy sgorio cais a droswyd gan Pep, ei frawd. Sgôr derfynol o 17 -38 felly.

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae i ffwrdd eto, yn erbyn Llandudno y tro hwn.

On another dry day, the home team began purposefully with Wil Davies, their scrum half, being successful with two penalty attempts during the opening 10 minutes. But, from then on, Nant appeared to move up a gear, and were awarded a penalty try after 18 minutes following continious pressure on the home line by the Nant pack. Pep converted easily. The pressure by Nant continued for the remainder of the half, but the half time whistle was approaching when Owain broke through the defensive line beautifully to touch down by the posts. Pep converted again to make the half time score 6 -14.

The first 5 minutes of the second half was a repeat of the first minutes of the match with Wil Davies successful with another two penalty attempts.. Again, Nant ‘upped a gear’ and after seven phases of play on the home line, it was good to see prop, James plunging over for a try.. The conversion attempt towards the sun was missed but Owain repeated his movement of the first half and touched down by the posts – a try that was converted by Pep.. The bonus point being reached at this stage, then. From the re-start, Nant pressed forward again and, after several phases of play on the try line, it was scrum half, Ifan who squeezed over right in the left corner for an unconverted try. Soon after. The standard of play deteriorated somewhat with several stoppages and the last 10 minutes were played with ‘passive’ scrums as Ruthin did not have enough front row players fit and able to play. Three minutes remained when Sion Roberts went over on the right wing for an unconverted try for Ruthin. On virtually the last play of the match, Carwyn scored a similar try to that of Ruthin when he went over from a scrum and that try was converted by his brother, Pep to make the final score 17 – 38, in a very enjoyable match.

Next Saturday, Nant will play Llandudno away in the league.

Ifor Glyn Ysgrifennydd/Secretary Nant Conwy

15.10.2010 SWALEC BOWL and PLATE Draws.

2010-10-15T17:58:00.002+01:00

SWALEC BOWL and PLATE Draws.

SWALEC Bowl Round Two

(Ties to be played the weekend of 30th October, 2010

Aberaeron v Aberystwyth University

Aberavon Naval v Pyle

Abercwmboi v Llanrumney

Abergele v Dolgellau

Abertysswg v Nantyglo

Alltwen v Cwmtwrch

Amman United v Gowerton

Baglan v Neath Athletic

Bala v Rhos

Birchgrove v Vardre

Blackwood Stars v Trinant

Bridgend Sports v Treherbert

Caerau Ely v Pontycymmer

Caerleon v Caldicot

Cambrian Welfare v Glyncorrwg

Cardiff Medicals v Canton

Cefn Cribbwr v Glais

Cefn Fforest v New Tredegar

Cilfynydd v Cefn Coed

COBRA v Llandrindod Wells

Crickhowell v Talywain

Crumlin v Blaina United

Crynant v Bryncethin

Cwmbran v Cwm

Cwmgors v Porthcawl

Fall Bay v Burry Port

Ferndale v Tonyrefail

Fishguard v Cardigan

Forgeside v Blaenavon

Furnace United v Cefneithen

Hafodyrynys v Aberbeeg

Llandaff v St Albans

Llanidloes v Machynlleth

Llanhilleth v Trefil

Llangollen v Harlech

Llanybydder v Pembroke

Machen v Old Illtydians

Maesteg Celtic v Rhigos

Maesteg Quins v Tonna

Markham v Aberbargoed

Monmouth v Beaufort

Nelson v Clwb Rygbi

New Dock Stars v Nantgaredig

Newtown v Denbigh

Pantyffynon v Penygroes

Pembroke Dock Quins v Milford Haven

Pontyates v Neyland

Pontyclun v Nantymoel

Porth v Penygraig

Rhiwbina v Llantwit Major

Senghenydd v Abercarn

South Gower v Llandybie

St Josephs v Cardiff University

Tenby v Llangwm

Trebanos v Betws

Trimsaran v Penlan

Tycroes v St Davids

UWIN v Chepstow

Welshpool v Shotton Steel

Whiteheads v Rogerstone

Wrexham v Benllech

Ynysyddu v Usk

Ynysowen v Wattstown

Ystradgynlais v Abercrave

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

SWALEC Plate Round One (Games to be played on weekend of 30 October, 2010)    

Aberavon Quins v Aberavon Green Stars

Abertillery BG v Pill Harriers

Blaina v Ynysybwl

BP Llandarcy v Brynamman

Brecon v Nantyffyllon

Caernarfon v Bro Ffestiniog

Dowlais v Fairwater

Dunvant v Cwmllynfell

Fleur de Lys v Penallta

Garndiffaith v Abergavenny

Haverfordwest v Newcastle Emlyn

Llandeilo v Kidwelly

Llantwit Fardre v Pentyrch

Loughor v Mumbles

Mountain Ash v Abercynon

Pwllheli v Colwyn Bay

Tondu v Builth Wells

(All the remaining clubs in Divisions Two, Three and One North have received byes)

For further information contact Liz  Jones WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk

ends

09.10.10 Mold 10 caernarfon 20

2010-10-09T21:07:00.002+01:00

Report to follow

09.10.10 Dinbych 14 points Colwyn Bay 17 points

2010-10-09T21:04:00.000+01:00

Dinbych 14 points Colwyn Bay 17 points
Scorers for Dinbych
Tries by Jamie Winning and Osian Jones
2 conversions by Dion Howatson

Scorers for Colwyn Bay
Tries by Chris Brown, Tom Williams and Sam Stevens
1 conversion by Mike McDonagh

Regards
Jeff Jenkins (Sec Clwb Rybgi Dinbych)

09.10.10 Nant Conwy 39 Dolgellau 10 ADRODDIAD IFOR GLYN REPORT

2010-10-09T20:55:00.004+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 09.10.2010 Nant Conwy 39 v Dolgellau 10

(Cwpan Gogledd Cymru / North Wales Cup)

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Owain Jones(2), AaeronJones (2), Eryl Jones (1) & Ioan Davies (1)

Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (3)

Cosb / Penalties: Peredur Ellis (1)

Ar ddiwrnod heulog a braf, gwelwyd dau dîm yn ceisio’u gorau i chwarae rygbi deniadol gyda Nant yn mynd 10 - 0 ar y blaen ar ôl 20 munud - cais gan Owain a droswyd gan Pep ac yna cic gosb lwyddiannus gan Pep. O fewn 10 munud i’r hanner, cic gosb i asgellwr Dolgellau, Dion Jones cyn i’r pac wthio’r bachwr Eryl trosodd am gais funud cyn yr hanner i roi sgôr o 15 - 3 ar y chwiban.

Chwaraeodd Dolgellau’n well yn yr ail hanner, ond ar ôl 10 munud arall o chwarae, bu i Nant sgorio dau gais arall trwy Owain eto ac Ioan. Troswyd cais Ioan gan Pep. Sgoriodd Dolgellau gais haeddiannol reit yn y gornel chwith trwy Carwyn Pugh a throswyd gyda chic ardderchog gan Dion Jones eto. Ond, o hynny ymlaen, Nant fu’n ‘rhedeg y sioe’ gydag Aeron yn ennill rhedfa o’i linell ei hung an gicio’r bel ymlaen i dirio’r bel am gais gwych. Trosodd Pep yr ymdrech ac yna, yn yr amser ychwanegol rhyddhawyd y bel ar hyd y llinell ymosod ac aeth Aeron trosodd am ei ail gais yn y gornel chwith i wneud sgôr derfynol o 39 -10.

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae i ffwrdd yn erbyn Rhuthun yn y gynghrair.

On an sunny and dry day, two teams trying to play excellent rugby were evident with Nant going 10 – 0 ahead after 20 minutes following a try by Owain, converted by Pep and a successful penalty kick by Pep. Within 10 minutes to half time, the Dolgellau winger, Dion Jones, was successful with a penalty kick before the Nant pack pushed the hooker, Eryl over for an unconverted try just before the break. A score of 15 – 3 at half time then.

Dolgellau played better in the second half, but it was Nant who scored two further tries in the first 10 minutes of the half through Owain again and Ioan; the latter try being converted by Pep. Three quarters of the way through the match, Dolgellau scored a deserved try right in the left hand corner which was beautifully converted by Dion Jones. The try scorer was Carwyn Pugh. From then on, Nant were ‘running the show. With only five minutes remaining, Dolgellau were pressurising when the ball broke loose in the Nant 22 when Tom kicked the ball upfield. Winger Aeron, showed a turn of speed leaving three fast running opponents in his wake to touch the ball down for a try that was converted by Pap. Only a minute remained of the match when Aeron again squeezed over for an unconverted try in the left corner after the ball had been passed all along the back line from right to left.

Next Saturday, Nant will return to league action and will play Ruthin away.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

08.10.10 gogs U15S 10 NEWPORT SCHOOLS 15

2010-10-08T20:46:00.002+01:00

Gogledd Cymru U15’s 10- 15 Newport Schools U15’s

For the second game running North Wales can feel proud of their commitment but frustrated that they didn’t come away with a win. The North Wales side were dominant in most areas but were guilty of lacking composure in vital areas of the field. They started strongly with Joe Mills once again getting over the gain line. This initial pressure led to a Tom Williams penalty, but should have resulted in more if Jamie Jones had been able to hold on to the ball with the try line begging.

Newport began to exert their own pressure and this told when they scored their first try of the game. They then extended their lead to make the score 3-12 to Newport thanks to some poor decision making by Gogledd.

Gogledd Cymru fought back and were rewarded with their own score thanks to Josh Roberts, Morgan Williams converting.

With the score 10-13 to Newport and the game finally balanced once again Gogledd Cymru were guilty of trying to run out of their own 22. The result was a penalty to Newport which made the final score 10-15 to the visitors.

With a little more structure and the same amount of commitment, I’m sure the boys can go from gallant losers to convincing winners.

Player

School

Club

1

Michael Williams

Ysgol Aberconwy

Llandudno

2

Dewi Bowen

Llanfyllin High School

Newtown

3

Jordan Jones

Ysgol yr Grango

Ruthin

4

Daffyd Parry

Brynhyfryd High School

Ruthin

5

Shaun Bateman

Ysgol Y Moelwyn

Bro Ffestiniog

6

Josh Roberts

Ysgol John Bright

Llandudno

7

Richard Roberts

Llanfyllin High School

Cobra

8

Joe Mills

Llanidloes High School

Llanidloes

9

Jamie Jones

Brynhyfryd High School

Ruthin

10

Tom Williams

Welshpool High School

Newtown

11

David Carter

Ysgol Ardudwy

Harlech

12

Will Mackereth

Llanfyllin High School

Whitchurch

13

Cai Davies

Brynhyfryd High School

Ruthin

14

Josh Marrs

Abbeygate College

Mold

15

Tom Astbury

Caerinion High School

Newtown

16

Jordan Talbot

Eirias High School

Colwyn Bay

17

Dan Colclough

Rhyl High School

Rhyl

18

Alex Peasley

Brynhyfryd High School

Ruthin

19

Jake Lovatt

Rydal Penrhos

Llandudno

20

Harry Jukes

Llanfyllin High School

Newtown

21

Morgan Williams

Syr Hugh Owen

Caernarfon

22

Cameron Davies

Ysgol John Bright

Llandudno

Dai Higgs

WRU Rugby Development Officer

Gogledd Cymru South / De Gogledd Cymru

email: DHiggs@wru.co.uk

mobile: 07881584500

http://gogleddsouth.blogspot.com

Upcoming Coaching Courses

Level 2 - Coleg Llandrillo 11th, 12th December 2010, 15th, 16th January 2011. £200. Closing Date 11th November

08.10.10 SWALEC CUP DRAW

2010-10-08T20:43:00.000+01:00

SWALEC BOWL PREVIEW

The SWALEC Bowl for clubs in Divisions Four, Five, Six and North begins on Saturday with 39 ties taking place across the length and breadth of Wales from Abergele in the north down to Pembroke in west Wales.
Amman United have made a strong start to the league season with five straight victories to top Four West and they will be confident of making progress when they entertain Five West's Bynea who only have one league victory to date.
There is an all-Five East clash at Bettws who welcome high-flying Ynysddu to Ty Coed Fields and, as the Newport-based side are unbeaten from four starts, they will be looking to make home advantage count.
Aberbargoed of Six East could cause a surprise when they host a Pontllanfraith outfit yet to register a victory in Five East, while Trefil, also of Six East and who have been beaten only once this season, should account for a Hartridge side that has conceded over 100 league points in Five East.
There are several north Wales derbies with Bangor visiting an Abergele outfit that already has a 39-3 victory over their visitors in Two North this season, and Rhyl travelling to Wrexham with both sides having made indifferent league starts.
An all-Five South Central clash sees Pontycymmer entertain South Wales Police for the second Saturday in succession having already won last week's league match at Lawrence Park, 27-13.
Rhiwbina of Four South East make the short trip to Cwrt-yr-Vil to take on Five South East's Old Penarthians with both sides having started the season in good form. The Squirrels will be hoping to make progress by preserving their unbeaten away record.

SWALEC Bowl - Round 1

Aberbargoed v Pontllanfraith
Abercarn v Oakdale
Abercrave v Penybanc
Abergele v Bangor
Amman United v Bynea
Bettws v Ynysddu
Blackwood Stars
Blaengarw v Ynysowen
Briton Ferry v Crynant
Cambrian Welfare v Hirwaun
Cardiff HSOB v Cardiff University
Cardigan v Lampeter College
Cwmgwrach v Maesteg Quins
Dinas Powys v Cardiff Medicals
Flint v Llandrindod Wells
Furnace v Hendy
Hafodyrynys v Cwmcarn
Llanhilleth v Brynithel
Llanybydder v Llangadog
Maesteg Celtic v Ogmore Vale
Menai Bridge v COBRA
Nantgaredig v Mynydd y Garreg
Nelson v Cardiff Saracens
New Panteg v Usk
Old Penarthians v Rhiwbina
Pembroke v St Clears
Penlan v Blaenau
Pontycymmer v South Wales Police
Pyle v Pontardawe
St Josephs v Barry
St Josephs (Newport) v Blaenavon
Tonna v Pontrhydyfen
Tonyrefail v Glyncoch
Trebanos v Swansea University
Trefil v Hartridge
Tregaron v Fishguard
Trinant v RTB Ebbw Vale
Vardre v Resolven
Wrexham v Rhyl

Ends

02.10.10 Nant Conwy 24 Mold 26 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-10-03T11:19:00.002+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 02.10.10 Nant Conwy 24 v Yr Wyddgrug / Mold 26

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Eryl Jones, Ifan Jones, Aaeron Jones, Arwyn Owen

Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (2)

Yn 10 munud cyntaf y gem aeth Yr Wyddgrug ar y blaen gyda dwy chic gosb lwyddiannus gan Steve Quinton. Ymatebodd Eryl gyda chais ar ol i'r pac wthio tros y llinell ar y chwater. Troswyd gan Pep. Cerdyn coch i James ar ol ymateb i benelin yn ei wyneb a Nant i lawr i 14 dyn. Cais cyntaf yr ymwelwyr ar ol 24 munud gan James Kirby a chic gosb arall gan S. Quinton i wneud y sgor yn 7 - 14. Ond, daeth Nant yn ol gyda chais hyfryd gan Ifan i wneud sgor o 12 - 14 ar yr hanner. Pwysodd Nant yn gryf o'r ail gychwyn gan sgorio dau gais (Aaeron a Chink) gyda Pep yn trosi'r ail i wneud y sgor yn 24 -14 ar ol 10 munud o'r hanner. Cerdyn melyn i chwaraeawr o'r ddwy ochr wedyn am faterion technegol cyn i Aron Jones sgorio cais i'r Wyddgrug ar ol 20 munud. Methwyd y trosiad. Yn anffodus bu i chwaraewr Nant dderbyn ei ail gerdyn melyn am yr un trosedd 10 munud cyn y diwedd a chwaraewyd gyda 13 dyn am y munudau olaf.

Roedd 49 munud wedi'i chwarae pan benderfynodd y dyfarnwr roi cais cosb i'r Wyddrug heb egluro beth oedd y drosedd. Trosiad hawdd i S Quinton gyda'r ymwelwyr yn dwyn y gem. Ar diwedd y gem, barn gyffrednol pawb gan gynnwys cefngwyr a chwaraewyr yr ymwelwyr oedd fod Yr Wyddgrug wedi bod yn hynod ffodus i ennilll ac mai Nant oedd y tim gorau o bell ffordd. Dau bwynt bonws i Nant o'r gem felly.

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae adref yn erbyn Dolgellau yng Nghwpan Gogledd Cymru.

Mold went 6 points ahead in the first 10 minutes of the natch by virtue of two successful penalties by Steve Quinton. Quarter way through the match, Nant replied as the pack pushed over the line and Eryl touched down. Pep converted. From the restart, James received an elbow in his face and was red carded for retaleating. Five minutes later, James Kirby scored Mold's first try and S Quinton scored his second penalty afte 29 minutes. But, Nant went back on the attack and Ifan dartedt hrough to score an unconverted try to make the score 12 - 14 at half time.

Nant became even more forceful at the start of the second half and both Aaeron and Chink scored tries in the first 10 minutes, the second one being converted by Pep to make the score 24 - 14. A player from both sides was sin binned then before Mold scored their second ty (unconvertred) by Aron Jones.A few minutes after his return to play, Nant's yellow carded player received another yellow card and Nant had to play the last 19 minutes of the match with 13 players.

49 minutes had been played when Mold were awarded a penalty ty easily converted by S Quinton. Nobody on the pitch understood what the offence that led to the penalty try was and at the end of the match, Mold supporters and players stated that the best team by far had lost and that theyfelt that they did not deserve to win the match. Nant, therefore, had two bonus points from the match.

Next Saturday, Nant will be playing at home against Dogellau in the North Wales Cup.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

25.09.10 Rhyl 20 Abergele 10 - Rob Griffiths Reports

2010-09-27T14:18:00.002+01:00

Division Two North: Rhyl 20 Abergele 10

Sep 27 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post

Division Two North: Rhyl 20 Abergele 10

IF ever there was a game of two halves this was it as Abergele continue their learning curve in Division Two North.

After completely dominating the opening 40 minutes and going in 10-0 up at the interval, Gele had no answer to the strong running of replacement centres Kriss Wilkes and Liam Kennedy after the break as Rhyl hit back with 20 unanswered points to seal the win and move second in the standings.

But Gele team manager Dino Jones Davies he was not too despondent after the loss.

Abergele have been knocking on the door of Division Two North for the past five seasons, and after finally being granted promotion, are continually learning.

“In the past five seasons we’ve played 110 games in the league, winning 94, drawing one and losing only 15,” said Jones Davies.

“We’ve been trying to get into this league for a number of years and now we are there we have got to learn quickly to compete.

“Beforehand if we were 10-0 up in a match then that was pretty much game over, now, as Bala did the previous week, teams will come back at you and we have got to learn how to deal with it.”

Abergele went in at the break 10-0 ahead with prop Darren Peters notching the game’s opening try, while full-back Gaz Evans converted and added a penalty.

But with the hard-running Wilkes and Kennedy on the field at half time, Rhyl took advantage with tries from centre Rob Tilley, full-back John Hall and Kennedy, with flanker Anthony Tilley converting one and adding a penalty.

Jones Davies added: “This was just a game of two halves; first half we absolutely dominated and they didn’t even get into our 22, but then second half we couldn’t contain their two centres and they created havoc for us.”

25.09.10 Ruthin 25 Mold 27 John Palmer Reports

2010-09-27T14:12:00.000+01:00

Ruthin started strongly in this top of the table clash with unbeaten Mold and after 10 minutes of play Ruthin’s tight organisation and attacking play paid off with a try by centre Lloyd Stradling, converted by Wil Davies. Mold countered with their first real foray into the Blues half but the Blues broke out of Mold’s half with good play by flanker Clwyd Jones and full back Ben Syme and for the next 20 minutes the homes sides aggressive chasing and stifling of any potential Mold attack restricted most of the play to the visitors half. Ruthin were awarded a penalty which Davies slotted over and almost immediately centre Dan Edmonds got one back for the visitors. Just on half time Davies kicked another penalty for the home side and at the break the score was 13-3 to Ruthin. Mold went on to the attack on the restart but after a few minutes their scrum half was sin-binned. From the resulting penalty on the half way line, Ruthin kicked to touch and from the line-out No8 Lee Pope forced his way through the Mold defence and offloaded to wing Kyle Davie who sped over for a try. Again Mold responded and the Blues had to defend well against increasingly powerful forwards play by the visitors. Ruthin went down to 14 men after a player was yellow carded and Mold got a try back. The home side probably thought they had done enough when from another penalty on the half way line good work by fly half Jamie Morris released Kyle Davies to score along the wing. Wil Davies converted putting them 25-10 ahead. However Mold ‘s fitness and pack strength began to tell. They went over for two tries of which one was converted and then with a few minutes to go the visitors pack drove over for their bonus point try. With the visitors ahead for the first time at 27-25 and the clock ticking away Morris attempted a drop goal for the Blues which was charged down and shortly afterwards the whistle blew for full time. The Blues will be disappointed that they only came away with a point after probably their best display of the season but should take heart from improving performances by many players and a good debut performance by Jason Humphreys as replacement prop.

27.09.10 Llangefni 19 Nant Conwy 25 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-09-27T14:08:00.000+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 25.09.10 Llangefni 16 v Nant Conwy 25

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Owain Jones(2), Ifan Jones (1)

Trosi / Conversions: Owain Jones (2)

Cosb / Penalties: Ifan Jones (1), Owain Jones (1)

Ar ddiwrnod heulog a braf, gwelwyd dau dîm yn ceisio’u gorau i chwarae rygbi cywir. Dechreuodd Nant ar dan a sgoriodd Owain gais ger y pyst ar ôl 2 funud yn unig. Bu i’r ymdrech am drosi daro’r post. Ar ol 10 munud, sgoriodd Arwel Roberts gic gosb lwyddiannus i Langefni. Chwarter ffordd drwy’r gêm, ymatebodd Ifan gyda chic gosb lwyddiannus i Nant yn syth ar ol i Arwel daro’r post efo cic debyg i’r tîm cartref. Yn yr amser ychwanegol ar ddiwedd yr hanner cyntaf, cyfnewidiwyd dwy gic gosb arall gan y ddau dîm - Ifan tros Nant ac Arwel tros Langefni. Sgôr o 6 - 11 ar yr hanner.

Chwaraeodd Llangefni yn well yn yr ail hanner ac ar ol 23 munud, bu i Dylan Jones sgorio cais yng nghornel chwith y maes a droswyd yn arbennig gan Arwel. Aeth Llangefni ymhellach ar y blaen gyda chic gosb arall gan Arwel i wneud sgôr o 16 - 11 gyda 7 munud yn weddill. Ond, o hynny ymlaen, Nant fu’n pwyso gydag Ifan yn sgorio cais dan y pyst ar funud olaf y gêm. Troswyd gan Owain. Yna, 5 munud i mewn i’r amser ychwanegol, bu i Owain sgorio’i ail gais o’r gêm, eto o dan y pyst, a throsodd i wneud sgôr derfynol o 16 -25.

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae adref yn erbyn Yr Wyddgrug.

On an sunny and dry day, two teams trying to play open rugby were evident. In their first attack, fly half Owain scored a try by the posts but the conversion attempt struck the post. After 10 minutes, Arwel Roberts scored Llangefni’s first points with a successful penalty kick. A few minutes later, he struck the post with another penalty attempt. Ifan was successful with his penalty for Nant after 20 minutes and two minutes into extra time at the end of the first half, Owain scored a penalty to put Nant further ahead. But there was still sufficient time for Arwel to slot a penalty over for the home side to make the half time score 6 – 11.

Llangefni were the better team for the first 30 minutes of the second half and winger Dylan Jones scored a try in the left corner after 23 minutes which was excellently converted by Arwel for Llangefni to go ahead for the first time during the match. That lead was extended after 33 minutes from another penalty kick by Arwel.

From then on, it was all Nant and only a minute remained of normal time when Ifan crossed over for a try under the posts, converted by Owain,for Nant to regain the lead. That lead was extended in the 45th minute when Owain scored his second try of the afternoon, again under the posts and duly converted to make the final score 16 – 25..

Next Saturday, Nant will be playing at home against Mold.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

2.09.10 Rydal Vikings 16 pts RGC 1404 A 30 pts

2010-09-22T16:05:00.002+01:00

Rydal Vikings 16 pts RGC 1404 A 30 pts

The weather conditions didn’t bode well for the first outing of a new rugby team to North Wales. RGC 1404 ‘A’ team who’s sole purpose is to supply players to the senior RGC 1404 team were to face wet and blustery conditions at Rydal Penrhos 1st team pitch, Colwyn Bay.

In fairness both sides handled the slippery ball well, although it was lost several times in contact. The first twenty minutes were fairly even but a long pass out from Nick Saunders saw Ben Stelmaszek race over for the RGC A squad’s first try. Saunders converted from out wide to give a seven nil lead. Stelmaszek almost scored his second shortly afterwards but was forced into touch just a few yards short. As half time approached, it looked as if the scoreboard would not be troubled again but the Vikings managed to force the ball over for a deserved try. The conversion was missed and the half time whistle blew.

The second half was only two minutes in when Saunders kicked a long range penalty and when the Vikings infringed again, he tried an even longer kick. This attempt hit the cross bar and bounced back into play where the impressive Anthony Tilley, following up, almost scored under the posts. The Old Boys managed a penalty of their own but the young Gogs were now running rampant and the Vikings were forced to kill yet another ball just short of the line. The quick thinking James Farrell took a quick tap and fed Sean Condon who crashed over whitewash. Saunders duly converted. A reverse carbon copy saw the Vikings score from a tap penalty but a missed conversion meant that they were still chasing the scoreline. One more penalty for the home side was met with two from the visiting Saunders. It was then the Gogs exciting young backs showed their flair and a fine break by Rob Tilley saw him put Andy Clutton in the clear and he used his pace to score out wide. A final conversion by Saunders saw the RGC 1404 A side home and dry.

Marc Roberts the WRU Performance Development manager said “This was a performance that showed potential, especially as the squad was so young ranging form 17-22 years of age. We still have work to do and we will continue to develop this young group of players”.

19.09.10 Cowyn Bay 8 Ruthin 10 John Palmer Reports

2010-09-19T13:10:00.000+01:00

Away matches at Colwyn Bay have always been a challenge for Ruthin and this one in 80 minutes of pouring rain was no exception. For the first 20 minutes most of the pressure came from Ruthin but it wasn’t until scrum half Deian Williams slotted over a penalty goal that the Blues saw some reward for their efforts. Despite Ruthin pressure the home side had been getting the better of the scrums and following a scrum on Ruthin’s 22, the Blues conceded a lineout 5 yards from their line and the Bay scrum half went over for a try. Play then oscillated between the two halves but with a slippery ball making handling difficult for both sides neither were able to improve on their score and the whistle blew for half time with the home side ahead 5-3. At the start of the second half the Blues conceded a penalty which led to a line out on their own 22 but the home side lost possession and counter attacking forward play by flankers John Meldrum and the excellent Clwyd Jones set up replacement prop Richard Manley to offload to wing Kyle Davies who went over for a try converted by Williams. Although Ruthin’s scrummaging was better in the second half Ruthin were unable to add to their score and the Bay narrowed the gap with a penalty goal in the 60th minute. The Blues came near to scoring a couple of times after good running by No 8 Lee Pope, wing Huw Parry and Kyle Davies but it was not to be and the final score remained at 10-8 to Ruthin. Although the match was low scoring and something of a struggle there were some good individual performances with Richard Manley and fly half Jamie Morris being of note in addition to Clwyd Jones.

19.09.10 Nant Cowy 24 Bethesda 18 Aroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-09-19T13:07:00.000+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 18.09.10 Nant Conwy 24 v Bethesda 18

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Owain Jones, Henry Williams, Aaeron Jones, Peredur Ellis

Trosi / Conversions: Peredur Ellis (2)

Ar ddiwrnod hynod wlyb, gwelwyd llawer o gamgymeriadau pasio a tharo’r bel ymlaen , yn enwedig gan Nant. Cosbwyd Nant ddwywaith yn y 10 munud cyntaf gyda Mathew Parry yn sgorio dwy gic gosb i Fethesda i fynd 0-6 ar y blaen. Chwarter ffordd drwy’r gêm, llithrodd Owain trwy linell amddiffyn y gwrthwynebwyr i sgorio o dan y pyst a thasg hawdd oedd i Peredur drosi yn ei gem gyntaf yn ôl ar ôl tymor allan oherwydd anaf drwg iawn. Ar ddiwedd yr hanner cyntaf, gwelwyd cais gorau’r gêm gyda Henry yn gorffen symudiad chwim ar draws y cae gyda chais yn y gornel dde. Methwyd y trosiad ond daeth Bethesda yn ol i sgorio cais eu hunain trwy Gareth Wyn, mewn modd tebyg i gais cyntaf Nant, i wneud sgôr o 12 - 11 ar yr hanner.

Dau funud ar ol yr egwyl, bu i Mathew Parry, rhif 10 Bethesda gicio tros linell amddiffyn Nant a bod y cyntaf i durio’r bel a pharhau i drosi hefyd. Nant yn pwyso wedyn a chael cais haeddiannol trwy Aeron ar y chwith ymhen pum munud arall o chwarae. Troswyd gan Peredur i wneud y sgor yn 19 - 18. O hynny ymlaen, Nant fu’n pwyso ond yn methu gorffen symudiadau addawol gyda’r bas olaf yn methu’n aml. Fodd bynnag, daeth y profiadol, Peredur i’r adwy dri munud i mewn i’r amser ychwanegol i sgorio cais ar y chwith ac ennill y pwynt bonws i Nant. Methwyd y trosiad eto.

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae i ffwrdd yn erbyn Llangefni.

On an extremely wet and unpleasant day, several errors in passing movements by virtue of knock-ons, especially by Nant. The home team were penalised twice in the first 10 minutes by the boot of Mathew Parry. A quarter of the way through the match, Owain sliced through the visiting defence line to touch down underneath the posts. Peredur, returning after a season out due to a serious injury, converted. Towards the end of the first half, Henry scored arguably, the best try of the match in the right wing corner after an excellent passing movement along the entire half of the pitch. The conversion was missed but, right on the half time whistle, Bethesda replied with a try of their own scored by Gareth Wyn. The half time score was 12 – 11.

Only two minutes of the second period had been played when Mathew Parry chipped over the Nant defensive line and was the first to touch the ball down for a try which he then duly converted. Nant then pressurised more and more and Aeron burst through to score another try again this week, after another 5 minutes. Peredur converted so that Nant regained the lead at 19 – 18. This score remained the same until added time although several promising attacking moves by Nant failed because the final pass went astray on several occasions. Peredur showed his experience to score the final, and bonus point try, after 3 minutes of added time but failed with the conversion.

Next Saturday, Nant will be playing away at Llangefni.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

13.09.10 Division One North: Caernarfon 34 Llandudno 27

2010-09-13T14:49:00.000+01:00

Division One North: Caernarfon 34 Llandudno 27

Sep 13 2010 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post

LLANDUDNO were denied a memorable result at Y Morfa as a last-ditch try from Dylan Gwyn Owen gave Caernarfon a 34-27 victory.

With Llandudno pressing on the Cofis’ line, a mix-up between two players saw the ball spilled forward and Caernarfon needed no second invitation as the ball was moved through the hands for Owen to finish off under the posts and seal a late dramatic win.

Cofis coach Ieuan Jones was happy having seen his side comeback, but was less than impressed with the officiating.

“Last week at Nant we had a great referee, he was strict, but very fair and he let the game flow,” said Jones. “I’m sorry to say, but the refereeing was very poor on Saturday. There were two red cards handed out which were unbelievable, and I’d honestly have to say he got about 60% of decisions wrong for both sides.

“If we had lost you’d say it was sour grapes, but we won and I’m still disappointed because we tell the players to go out and enjoy the game, but there was no way you could enjoy that kind of a game, even though we won in the end.”

Winger James Gregson crossed for a brace of tries, while fellow wideman Will Varley went over as well, with Rhodri Carlton Jones converting all three and adding two penalties.

Caernarfon’s reply came from Dafydd Roberts, Owen, Lance Owen and Rhys Evans, all converted by Kelvin Morris, who also added two penalties of his own.

13.09.10 Division One North: Ruthin 28 Llangefni 10

2010-09-13T14:48:00.002+01:00

Division One North: Ruthin 28 Llangefni 10

Sep 13 2010 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post

AT Ruthin they’re justifiably proud of their Welsh international prop Eifion Lewis-Roberts – and now they’re getting excited about his brother.

But unlike the giant Sale Sharks front-row, Sion Roberts is a winger – albeit a powerful hard-running one.

He’s a few stone lighter than elder brother Eifion but also a few yards quicker. He’s strong too and he showed both qualities in scoring two fine tries as Ruthin earned a hard-fought bonus point win over a dogged Llangefni side at Cae Ddol.

The Blues certainly began with a bang with their rampaging back-row of Clwyd Jones, Jon Meldrum and Lee Pope leading the charge and Llangefni were at full stretch.

Scrum-half Will Davies missed a penalty but the pressure told after 20 minutes when centre Gethin Hughes crossed under the posts with Davies converting.

Ruthin doubled their lead from a lineout, Chris Lewis’ catch followed by a drive over the line by hooker Gary Teeson with Davies converting handsomely.

Slick handling by Ruthin’s backs carved out space for right wing Roberts and his pace and power did the rest with Davies again converting.

Llangefni rallied as No8 Iestyn Dafydd galvanised them with some charging runs and right on half time a series of drives saw prop Sion Arron crash over.

This sparked a bust-up which saw Ruthin lose back-row forwards Clwyd Jones and Lee Pope to the sin bin with Llangafni’s Mark Pritchard also yellow carded.

It also took the wind out of Ruthin’s sails as the second half started with Llangefni 21-5 down and battering away but it was 25 minutes into the half before prop Iwan Evans smashed over on the blind side.

The visitors threatened a comeback but handling errors cost them dear and when left wing Huw Parry pounced on a dropped pass, Ruthin moved the ball right where Sion Roberts thundered over with Davies adding another well-struck conversion.

Cefni boss Dewi Redvers Jones was left with a frustrated feeling at the end, saying: “From our point of view it wasn’t a great performance. Last year we did struggle at times, and while we thought we had a really good pre-season this time, we are still making far too many unforced errors.

“We allowed Ruthin to control the game for too long in the first half, and while we did come back at them in the second, you can’t gives sides like Ruthin a 21-0 head start.

“There are still some positives to come from the game because we did well when we kept hold of the ball and we came back at them well, but we have just got to cut these mistakes out of our game.”

13.09.10 SCARLETS U18 22points RGC U18 23points

2010-09-13T12:47:00.002+01:00

SCARLETS UNDER 18 22 RGC 1404 UNDER 18 23

RGC 1404 Under 18s produced the biggest shock of this years regional age-grade competition as they gained their first win of this season's campaign against the previously unbeaten Scarlets Under 18s at Bynia RFC.

When Scarlets stand-off Nick Setaro crossed after only 5 minutes the large contingent of North Wales supporters who had made the journey to South-West Wales must have feared the worst. However building upon the much improved performance in their previous game against the Dragons 2 weeks ago, the RGC team instead started taking the game to the home side and a combination of a well organised defence in which Meilir Parry and James Grundy were outstanding and a greater incisiveness in attack led to 2 tries for them. The first scored by Mike Jones came following a bullocking run from second-row Llew Williams, the second after quick-thinking from right-wing Jason Blackmore, who having made an interception and realising he did not have the pace to go half the length of the field instead kicked the ball down field and the race to the line was won by stand-off Lewis Barker. Both tries being converted by Dion Jones.Although Scarlets hooker Simon O'Leary pulled a try back just before half-time , it was the RGC side who led at the interval by 2 points.

As expected the second-half saw the Scarlets come with all guns blazing and they were soon rewarded with second row Curtis Morris crossing the whitewash, Setaro adding the extras to give them a 5 point lead. Again however if anyone thought this would lead to a collapse from the young North Walians, they were to be mistaken as the same combination of aggressive and organised defence and structured and controlled attack that had been so evident in the first-half was maintained,and they were rewarded for their patience with 2 succesful penalties from the boot of Jones to reclaim the lead. It was a lead that was to last until less than 2 minutes from the end when the Scarlets following a period of sustained pressure close to the RGC line were awarded a penalty which was converted by theleading points scorer in this years competition, Jordan Williams who had come on to replace Setaro. However the drama was not over yet as from the re-start the Scarlets were penalised at the breakdown and showing nerves of steel full-back Jones calmly slotted over the penalty from close to the touchline with the final act of the game to give the RGC side a famous victory. Not only was it their first win in this years competition but it was the first victory that an RGC 1404 Under 18 side had achieved since entering the competition back in 2008.

For a side that lost its first 2 games this year by a collective margin of over 120 points this was a tremendous turnaround and all credit must go both to the players and coaches. THE RGC 1404 side now have a 6 week break until their next match in the competition when they will face the Blues at Eirias Parc on October 24th.'

Will

12.09.1 PWLLHELI 17 NANT CONWY 18 -ADRODDIAD IFOR GLYN REPORT

2010-09-12T11:59:00.002+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 01109.10 Pwllheli 17 v Nant Conwy 18

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Eryl Jones, Trystan Sion

Trosi / Conversions: Ifan Jones (1)

Cosb / Penalties: Ifan Jones (2)

Ym munud cyntaf y gem aeth Nant ar y blaen gyda chic gosb lwyddiannus o bellter gan Ifan. Ymatebodd Gethin Roberts i'r tim catref gyda chic debyg ymhen 10 munud. Pwysodd Nant yn gryf o'r ail gychwyn a gwthiodd y pac, Eryl y bachwr trosodd i sgorio cais ar ol 12 munud. Trosodd Ifan. Pedwar munud arall a throswyd cic gosb arall gan Ifan. Nant yn llwyr reoli yn y chwarter cyntaf yma ond Pwllheli'n ymateb yn rhannol trwy gic gosb arall gan Gethin Roberts qr ol 25 munud

Sgôr o 6 - 13 ar yr hanner felly.

Daeth Pwllheli yn fwy i mewn i’r gêm yn yr ail hanner a bu i Huw Williams sgorio cais ar ol 5 munud. Dwy gic gosb lwyddiannus gan G Roberts i'r tim cartref wedyn yn gwneud yn sgor yn 17 – 13 ar ol 22 munud. Nant erbyn hyn o dan cryn dipyn o bwysau. Cyrhaeddodd yr 80 munud ar yr un sgor ond, yn yr amser ychwanegol o 9 munud a hanner a ganiatawyd gan y dyfarnwr, bu i Bwllheli droseddu 9 gwaith o fewn cyrraedd y pyst. Rhedwyd pob cyfle gan nad oedd triphwynt yn ddigon i Nant. Ar yr eiliad olaf un, llwyddodd Trystan i dirio'r bel ar y gornel chwith. Rhyddhad i Nant ond siomiant i Bwllheli!

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae adrefyn erbyn Bethsda.

Nant went ahead in the 1st minute of the natch by virtue of a successful penalty by Ifan. Pwllheli replied after 10 minutes in a similar manner – Gethin Robers being the scorer. Two minutes later a strong drive by the Nant pack resulted in Eryl the Hooker touching down for a try that was converted by Ifan. This was followed 4 minutes later with another successful penalty by Ifan. Nant were controlling the first half but were penalised by Roberts gain after 4 minutes.

A score of 6 – 13 at half time.

Pwllheli became more forceful during the second half and Huw Williams scored a try for them after 5 minutes. Another 2 successful penalties by Roberts for Pwllheli made the score 17 – 13 after 22 minutes which remained until 80 minutes had been played. Nant withheld strong pressure from Pwllheli and then, matters changed completely during the extra time (9 and a half minutes in total allowed by the referee. Pwllheli committed 9 fouls during this extra period but 3 points would be unsufficient for Nant. At the very last moment of the game, Trystan managed to squeeze over for a try in the left hand corner to win the match for Nant. A sigh of relief for Nant and a huge disappointment for Pwllheli.
IFOR GLYN YSGRIFENNYDD/SECRETARY NANT CONWY

10.09.10 RGC U16 Squad v Scarlets on Sun 12 September 2010

2010-09-10T11:57:00.002+01:00

Please find the RGC1404 U16's Team below, who will be playing Llanelli Scarlets in the 2010/11 Regional Age Grade U16's Championship.

Shirt

Player Name

Club

1

Callum

MITCHELL

Colwyn Bay RFC

2

Luke

WILLIAMS

Mold RFC

3

Sion

HUGHES

Llangefni RFC

4

George

JONES

Wrexham RFC

5

Sam

PARRY

Llandudno RFC

6

Scott

CRITCHLEY

West Park (Exiles)

7

Dafydd Rees

JONES

Denbigh RFC

8

Toby

TWIGG

Whitchurch (Exiles)

9

Joe

HUGHES

Mold RFC

10

Joseff

EDWARDS

Bala RFC

11

Rhodri

MAYOR

COBRA

12

Rhys

WILLIAMS

Mold RFC

13

Emyr

GWYNEDD

Mold RFC

14

David

BOWEN

Mold RFC

15

Osian

JONES

Pwllheli RFC

16

Harry

Cartwright

Mold RFC

17

Oli

SUTER

Mold RFC

18

Jake

HAZLEHURST

Newtown RFC

19

Ben

SALISBURY

Whitchurch (Exiles)

20

Morgan

HARRIES

Llandudno RFC

21

James

STRONG

Mold RFC

22

Gwilym

PARI

Pwllheli RFC

Res

Gethin

WILLIAMS

Nant Conwy RFC

--
J Bryden Lloyd
RGC1404 U16's Team Manager
(01352) 840835
07879 466737

10.09.10 RGC U18 Squad v Scarlets on Sun 12 September 2010

2010-09-10T11:54:00.000+01:00

Please find below RGC 1404 UNDER 18 SQUAD DETAILS FOR THIS SUNDAYS GAME V SCARLETS. I would be most grateful if you would publicise through your networks:

1. Joe Simpson- Bangor
2. Gareth Pym- Exiles
3. Rhodri Evans- Caernarfon
4. Llew Williams- Caernarfon
5. Jamie Williams- Colwyn Bay
6. James Grundy- Mold
7. Meilir Parry- Bangor
8. Arron Gwyn- Caernarfon
9. Alex Schwarz- Mold
10. Lewis Barker- Mold
11. James Roberts- Mold
12. Jac Williams- Ruthin
13. Mike Jones- Ruthin
14. Jason Blackmore- Ruthin
15. Dion Jones- Nant Conwy
16. Ollie Hughes- Mold
17. Jacob Weaver-Jones- Welshpool
18. Gareth Williams- Welshpool
19. Mareddyd Francis- Exiles
20. Owain Aled- Bala
21. Jack Bennett- Newtown
22. Teddy Brittain- Llanidloes

05.09.10 OVER TWO MILLION VISITORS TO OUR WEBSITE

2010-09-05T12:10:00.002+01:00

Since its launch in September 2009 over TWO MILLION people have visited our website.
These are the monthly statistics - keep surfing!!

Aug 2010 = 173,161 hits

July 2010 = 137,628 hits

Jun 2010 = 89,108 hits

May 2010 = 161,633 hits

Apr 2010 = 309,958 hits

Mar 2010 = 335,212 hits

Feb 2010 = 285,894 hits

Jan 2010 = 347,383 hits

Dec 2009 = 225,219 hits

Nov 2009 = 195,993 hits

Oct 2009 = 234,997 hits

Sep 2009 = 59,716 hits (Since the 22/09/09 only)

05.0.10 Nant Conwy 20 Caernarfon 26 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-09-05T12:00:00.004+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 04.09.10 Nant Conwy 20 v Caernarfon 26

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Carwyn ap Myrddin, Carwyn Ellis (2)

Trosi / Conversions: Ifan Jones (1)

Cosb / Penalties: Carwyn ap Myrddin (1)

Mae’n ystrydeb bellach mai ‘pwyntiau sy’n ennill gemau’ ac roedd hynny’n wir heddiw. Nant yn methu gyda phedair ymdrech am gic cosb a Chaernarfon yn llwyddo gyda phob cynnig.

Sgôr o 8 - 20 ar yr hanner gyda Carwyn ap yn sgorio cais a chicio cic gosb i Nant. Sgorwyr yr ymwelwyr oedd ceisiau yr un i Rhodri Owen a Dylan Gwyn, y ddau yn cael eu trosi gan Celfyn Morris yn ogystal â dwy gic gosb lwyddiannus ganddo hefyd.

Daeth Nant yn fwy i mewn i’r gêm yn yr ail hanner a bu i Carwyn Ellis sgorio dau gais a throswyd yr ail gan Ifan. Dwy gic gosb i Gaernarfon gan Celfyn eto.

Nid oedd hon yn gêm fudr o gwbl. Serch hynny, gwelwyd pedwar cerdyn melyn - un i Nant a thri i Gaernarfon.

Dydd Sadwrn nesaf bydd Nant yn chwarae i ffwrdd yn erbyn Pwllheli.

It is a cliché by now that ‘it is points scored that wins matches’. That was certainly true today as Nant failed with four penalty attemps as Caernarfon were successful with their four attempts.

A score of 8 -20 at half time, Nant’s scores being a penlty by Carwyn ap Myrddin and an unconverted try by him as well. Caernarfon’s points came from tries by Rhodri Owen and Dylan Gwyn both converted by Kelvin Morris as well as two successful penalty kicks by Kelvin.

Nant became more forceful during the second half and Carwyn Ellis scored two tries, the second of which was converted by Ifan Jones. Caernarfon had another two penalties successfully converted by Kelvin again.

This would not be classified as a dirty game at all although 3 Caernarfon players were sin binned as well as one from Nant.

Next Saturday, Nant will be playing away at Pwllheli.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

16.08.2010 RGC 1404 U18 and U16 Match Reports

2010-08-16T15:23:00.001+01:00

View both of last weekend's opening matches on the U18 and U16 web pages.

JR

12.08.2010 WRU REGIONAL AGE GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR KICK OFF

2010-08-16T15:22:00.002+01:00

WRU REGIONAL AGE GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR KICK OFF

The whitewash might only just be dry, but it’s that time of year again. After a summer during which the regions have put in endless hours of preparation in readiness for the WRU Regional Championships, the 2010-11 season will kick off on Sunday afternoon with Gogledd Cymru heading south to take on the Blues.

So what does the new campaign hold in store for the competing sides? Eleven teams, more than 250 young hopefuls and the carrot of taking the next step on the player development pathway, along with earning the bragging rights amongst friends.

Last season, the honours went to the Ospreys under 16s and the Blues under 18s, narrow winners in their respective finals at St Helens and the Brewery Field. This time around, the competition promises to be every bit as tight, equally exciting and most definitely as rewarding for those who take part – on and off the field.

Joe Lydon, head of rugby performance and development at the WRU said; “Once again we are looking forward to the first piece of action. The competition has grown in strength over the past half a dozen years with a great many of our current internationals having cut their teeth in age grade rugby.

“This year promises to be just as competitive and hopefully, for the players, a suitable pathway for them to take the next significant step on their journey towards senior rugby."

The tournament is now in its seventh season with the Blues having recently challenged the domination of the Ospreys and Scarlets. Success at under 20 level for the Blues in 2007 and 2008 and for Blues North under 16s in 2008 and 2009 was followed up by last season’s successful Blues under 18 side.

In the early years, the Scarlets enjoyed a clean sweep in 2004-05 with the Ospreys succeeding in all three age groups 12 months later. In 2006-07, the under 16 and under 18 silverware was back at Llandarcy whilst the Ospreys under 18s have won four of the last five competitions.

The emergence of Gogledd Cymru since their introduction to Age Grade rugby two years ago, has given the tournament even greater meaning in terms of spreading the gospel around Wales. In the first year, the North suffered a whitewash at both age groups. Last year, they enjoyed victories at both levels and for under 18 team manager Will Morecombe, 2010-11 represents another opportunity for the fifth region to grow in stature.

“Of course we would like to win more games, but I think the main focus for us is to continue producing good players,” said Morecombe. “The feeling in the North is good and we are certainly looking forward to getting things underway this weekend.”

After Sunday’s games – the under 16s are at Abercwmboi (1.00pm) and under 18s at Merthyr (1.00pm) – the Scarlets under 16s entertain the Ospreys at Parc y Scarlets on Wednesday evening (7.15) whilst the Dragons take on Blues South at Cross Keys.

At under 18 level, the Ospreys and Scarlets will exchange blows at Llandarcy before Gogledd Cymru’s under 16s and under 18s welcome the Ospreys to Colwyn Bay RFC and Parc Eirias respectively, on August 22.

On August 25th Blues North entertain the Dragons at Abercwmboi (7.15), Blues South welcome the Scarlets to Taffs Well (7.15) and the Blues under 18s make the short trip across the border to Blackwood to play the Dragons. To end the month, on August 29th Gogledd Cymru are once again the hosts – the under 16s meet the Dragons at Colwyn Bay RFC (2.00pm) whilst the under 18s play the Dragons at Parc Eirias (2.00pm).

This season there will be semi-final play-offs at both age groups with first playing fourth at home and the second placed team hosting third to determine the Championship finalists.

Teams:

Blues U18: C Allen; O Jenkins, R Evans, T Pascoe, L Chalke; R Patchell, L O’Brien; C Lewis, E Lewis, B Thyer, L Connolly, C Lacey, E Jenkins (capt), S Pring, L Young. Replacements: J Dando, J Dunning, B Roach, Z Deere, J Raikes, G Thomas, J Phillips

Blues U16: S Hutchinson; J Barnett, A Summerhill, S Edwards, G Smith; S Withers, S Clarke; L Crump, A Gibbs, D Lewis, A Luxton, M Jeczalik, J James (capt), L Davies, B Llewellyn. Replacements: N Evans, K Belmont, J James, G Davies, J Harris, J Evans, J Smedley

Gogledd Cymru U18: D Jones; T Brittain; J Blackmore, M Jones, A Oakden; L Barker, A Bagshaw; J Simpson, G Pym, J Evans, J Williams, G Williams, J Grundy, M Parry, A Gwyn. Replacements: M Bevan, J Weaver-Jones, L Williams, J Harding, A Schwarz, J Williams, L Edwards

Gogledd Cymru U16: O Jones; J Strong, H Edwards, R Williams, O Sharples; E Gwynedd, G Pari; B Salisbury, L Williams, C Mitchell, T Oliver, J Hazlehurst, T Twigg, S Critchley, M Davies. Replacements: J Bullard, T Back, S Parry, A Pope, D E Jones, D Rees Jones, R Mayor

August fixtures:

Sunday 15 August

Blues North v Gogledd Cymru U16 Abercwmboi 1pm

Blues v Gogledd Cymru U18 Merthyr 1pm

Wednesday 18 August

Scarlets v Ospreys U16 Parc y Scarlets 7.15pm

Dragons v Blues South U16 Cross Keys 7.15pm

Sunday 22 August

Gogledd Cymru v Ospreys U16 Colwyn Bay 2pm

Gogledd Cymru v Ospreys U18 Parc Eirias 2pm

Wednesday 25 August

Blues North v Dragons U16 Abercwmboi 7.15pm

Blues South v Scarlets U16 Taffs Well 7.15pm

Dragons v Blues U18 Blackwood 7.15pm

Sunday 29 August

Gogledd Cymru v Dragons U16 Colwyn Bay RFC 2pm

Gogledd Cymru v Dragons U18 Parc Eirias 2pm

Ends…

02.07.10 FIXTURES 2010/2011

2010-07-03T13:07:00.003+01:00

Please put NORTH WALES FIXTURES ON WEB SITE ASAP>
----- Original Message -----
From: WRU
To: gwen.ben@tiscali.co.uk
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2010 3:00 PM
Subject: FIXTURES 2010 / 2011

SWALEC Cup Press Release
FIXTURES 2010 / 2011

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE FULL SWALEC FIXTURES FOR THE 2010 / 2011 SEASON CAN BE DOWNLOADED AT THE FOLLOWING LINK:

http://www.wru.co.uk/18415.php

SWALEC NATIONAL LEAGUES ALL SET FOR BIG KICK-OFF

The 2010/11 SWALEC National Leagues campaign will kick-off on 4 September with promotions, relegations and moves bringing a fresh outlook to each division.

Ebbw Valestart life in Division 1 East after their relegation from the Premier Division with a tough home fixture against a Llanharan outfit that finished last season only four points behind champions UWIC.

Treorchy, who were in the Premier Division back in 1996-97, are on a march back to former glories and they celebrate a return to Division 1 East by entertaining Blackwood at the Oval.

Last season’s Division 2 East champions, Gilfach Goch, face a difficult visit to the Welfare Ground where they will meet Newbridge on the opening weekend. The home club have had a change of coaches in readiness for the new season, bringing in former home-grown Wales back row international Andrew Gibbs and Jonathan Hawker.

After five seasons in Division 1 East, last season’s champions UWIC have elected to switch their talents to Division 1 West and they open against Whitland at Cyncoed.

Maesteg are another club out to restore former reputations and, after winning promotion from Division 2 West, they begin the new season at Llynfi Road against Bonymaen, although all eyes will be on their derby clash with arch-rivalsBridgend, which is scheduled for 18 September at the Brewery Field.

The last meeting between these clubs came in the Premier Division during the 2007-08 season.

Waunarlwydd, who finished behind Bridgend in Division 2 West, will play host to Llangennech on opening day.

Penarth rubbed shoulders with the top clubs in the old Merit Table and Heineken league days, but a drop in fortunes left them plummeting down the divisions. After being narrowly pipped to the Division 3 South East title by Tylorstown they are now on the way back and a visit to Penallta will signal their return to Division 2 East.

Tylorstown will launch their new campaign with a visit to local rivals Llantwit Fardre, while the two relegated clubs from Division 1 East, Tredegar and Caerphilly, will meet at The Recreation Ground on the opening day in the division below. Last season’s Division 3 East champions, Fleur de Lys, travel to Ynysybwl as they begin life in the upper echelons of the National League pyramid.

Newcastle Emlyn, Skewen and Tondu are the newly promoted clubs in Division 2 West while Cwmllynfell and Builth Wells drop down from Division 1 West.

It is not that long ago that Abertillery were producing players such as Alun Pask, Haydn Morgan and Allan Lewis for the Wales national team, but recent years have seen them drop from the premier division of the old Heineken Leagues to the very bottom division.

But they have re-grouped and are once again becoming a force to be reckoned with, in their new guise of Abertillery BG. Successive promotions have seen them move back up into Division 3 East and they will play relegated Newport Saracens on the opening day.

Division 4 East champions Risca will make the short trip to play Pill Harriers in their opening fixture, while Garndiffaith, who joined Newport Saracens in dropping down from Division 2 East, will be hopeful of an improvement in fortunes when they kick-off against Croesyceiliog.

Dunvant, who had a one-season stay in the Premier Division back in 1999-00, will be starting life down in Division 3 West in September after relegation from Division 2 West. They travel to Crymych for their first fixture in the division, while fellow relegated club Mumbles meet the Cocklemen of Penclawdd.

Also joining Division 3 West are newly promoted Tumble, who will start with a home fixture against Lampeter in their new life in Division 3 West. Morriston will provide tough opposition after they switched from Division 3 West to Division 3 South West and they travel to Brynamman on opening day.

Pencoed are the only club relegated into this division (3S/W) and they kick-off with a home fixture against Glynneath. Aberavon Green Stars and Taibach, the promoted clubs from Division 4 South West, play Seven Sisters and Nantyffyllon respectively.

The Division 4 South East champions Dowlais entertain relegated Abercynon in their new life in Division Three South East while Taffs Well, who finished one place behind Dowlais, make the short trip to Ashcroft Park to play Fairwater.

In the north, the newly crowned champions Nant Conwy will launch their defence at home with a mouthwatering clash against the team from whom they took the title, Caernarfon. The Division 2 North winners Bethesda have moved up to the top division while bottom club Denbigh are dropping down to take their place.

There will be a new addition in Division 2 North with Abergele joining the other nine clubs.

SWALEC NATIONAL LEAGUES

PROMOTIONS

NEW DIVISION CLUB OLD DIVISION

Premiership Tonmawr 1 West

1 East Gilfach Goch 2 East

1 East Treorchy 2 East

1 West Maesteg 2 West

1 West Waunarlwydd 2 West

2 West Newcastle Emlyn 3 West

2 West Skewen 3 South West

2 West Tondu 3 South West

2 East Tylorstown 3 South East

2 East Penarth 3 South East

2 East Fleur De Lys 3 East

3 West Tumble 4 West

3 West Pontarddulais 4 West

3 South West Aberavon GS 4 South West

3South West Taibach 4 South West

3 South East Dowlais 4 South East

3 South East Taffs Well 4 South East

3 East Abertillery BG 4 East

3 East Risca 4 East

4 West Neyland 5 West

4 West Aberaeron 5 West

4 South West Birchgrove 5 South West

4 South West Bridgend Sports 5 South Central

4 South East Barry 5 South East

4 East Senghenydd 5 South East

4 East Oakdale 5 East

4 East Blaenavon 5 East

1 North Bethesda 2 North

RELEGATIONS

NEW DIVISION CLUB OLD DIVISION

1 East Ebbw Vale Premiership

2 East Caerphilly 1 East

2 East Tredegar 1 East

2 West Cwmllynfell 1 West

2 West Builth Wells 1 West

3 East Newport Saracens 2 East

3 South East Abercynon 2 East

3 East Garndiffaith 2 East

3 West Dunvant 2 West

3 West Mumbles 2 West

3 South West Pencoed 2 West

4 East Nelson 3 East

4 East Cwmbran 3 East

4 South East Treherbert 3 South East

4 South East Llandaff 3 South East

4 South West Briton Ferry 3 South West

4 South West Maesteg Quins 3 South West

4 West Cardigan 3 West

4 West Llanybydder 3 West

5 East Monmouth 4 East

5 South East Old Illtydians 4 East

5 South East Ferndale 4 South East

5 South Central Pontycymmer 4 South East

5 South Central Resolven 4 South West

5 South Central Tonna 4 South West

5 West Pembroke 4 West

5 West Burry Port 4 West

2 North Denbigh 1 North

MOVES

NEW DIVISION CLUB OLD DIVISION

1 West UWIC 1 East

3 South East Gwernyfed 3 East

3 South West Morriston 3 West

5 South West New Dock Stars 5 West

5 West Llandybie 5 South West

5 South West Baglan 5 South Central

5 South East Wattstown 5 South Central

5 East Blackwood Stars 5 South East

3 North Rhosllanerchrogog 2 North

2 North Abergele 3 North

For further information, contact WRU communications manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk

ENDS

This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.

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12.05.10 GC U14s 39 Exiles 7 Dai Higgs reports

2010-05-12T14:17:00.002+01:00

Gogledd Cymru came out convincing winners against Welsh Exiles yesterday at Newtown. The exciting back three of Dave Carter, Ryan Parry and Connor Kendrick touched down for a try each, while looking dangerous every time they touched the ball. Centre Tom Astbury scored 14 points with a try, penalty and two conversions. Hooker and captain Dewi Bowen completing the scoring. The front row of Jordan Jones, Dewi Bowen and Dan Owen worked tirelessly, while the backrow of Dafydd Parry, Josh Roberts, Richard Roberts carried strongly and defended aggressively.
A fitting end to a very successful season of Provincial rugby!

Dai Higgs
WRU Rugby Development Officer
Gogledd Cymru South / De Gogledd Cymru

10.05.10 RGC 1404 YOUTH PRESENTATION EVENING

2010-05-10T14:48:00.002+01:00

RGC 1404 Under 16 & Under 18 Teams held their end of season presentation in the impressive surroundings of the Catrin Finch Centre at Glyndwr University.
Welcoming the parents and players, the Performance Development Manager for North Wales,Marc Roberts,said,
' Events like this evening are important as they say thank you to everyone involved in making the regional age-grade programme work. It's also an opportunity to reflect on how quickly the rate of progress is in North Wales Age-Grade Rugby.'

The evening's key-note speech was made by Dr David Heard,the Director of Glyndwr Universities Post-Graduate school,who as well as re-affirming the positive light in which the University saw their relationship with the RGC 1404 Age-grade teams,also gave details of the exciting opportunities for study that there are there.

In addition to Glyndwr University,the evening was also an opportunity to thank the sides principal sponsors,most notably, West Coast Energy,Magellan Aerospace,Athlete Performance Centre,Universal steels and Aluminium Group and Bone & Payne,Solicitors.

However the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the individual player awards which went to:

Under 16 Player of the Year- Joe Simpson
Under 16 Most Improved Player- Meilir Parry
Under 18 Player of the Year- Tom Parry
Under 18 Most Improved Player- Chris Holmes

It is hoped that the presentation evening will become an annual event and that it will develop and grow alongside the development and growth of the age-grade teams.

Hope that useful. I have attached a couple of photos to support the article.

Will

Get a free e-mail account with Hotmail. Sign-up now.

Meilir_Parry,_Joe_Simpson.JPG

112.jpg

10.05.10 bETHESDA 76 mACHYNLLETH 0

2010-05-10T14:45:00.002+01:00

Bethesda 76 Machynlleth 0

Last game of the season and another emphatic win for Bethesda following last week’s championship winning result at Machynlleth. Machynlleth arrived short of players and the game was played with uncontested scrums but to their credit they turned up to a very difficult away fixture. Gareth Wyn got the scoring going with a try after 11 minutes converted by Parry 2 minutes on Centre David Thomos crossed the try line Converted again by Parry. Top try scorer flanker Dylan Hughes added to his collection on 16 minutes Wing Iwan Hywel added the 4 try, on 31 minutes Centre Cameron Moore got his name on the score sheet Parry with the minor, Dylan Hughes made it a pair on 37 minutes Half time 46-0 to Bethesda. Machynlleth were picking up injures and were down to 13 men when Steve Roberts crashed over, Mathew parry collected a pair on the 7th and 12th minute. Machynlleth for their efforts rallied for a while and had a penalty attempt going wide and came close to a try. Bethesda were determined to keep the visitors at bay and regained their scoring touch when on 21 minutes David Thomos added his second on 28 minutes Dylan Hughes made it 16 tries for the season Wing Gwyn Hughes collected his second on 33 minutes that was the 14 try in a one way encounter Referee John Roberts brought the game to an premature end but there was no trophy for the champions that would have made the day complete. It’s been an excellent season for the Dyffryn Ogwen side they have remained unbeaten away all season reached the quarter final of the SWALEC Plate losing only once in the league. Next season will bring a totally different challenge and hopefully Bethesda can step up to the mark.

Regards,

Robert Davies

General Foreman

Costain Ltd on behalf of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

10.05.10 RHYL WIN TENSE FINAL

2010-05-10T14:43:00.002+01:00

Rhyl 1st 18 v Bala 10
The Dragons won the North Wales plate cup final at Bangor on Saturday against Bala in a tense and hard fought game.
Having beaten two Division 1 sides to get to the final, Rhyl were in a confident mood, however the first half was a disappointing affair with a nervous Dragons side not able to play the high tempo, entertaining rugby that has become a trademark of this season and ended the first period trailing 3-0 to a solitary Bala penalty.
Some stern words from coach Jim Waring and a change in the pack soon reaped dividends early in the second half, when, after a period of pressure, young second row Richie Nelson scored a superb individual try. This gave the Dragons the lift they needed and a penalty from full back Adam Kirby and two classic wingers trys from Stu Fell Crook put Rhyl into an 18-3 lead. Despite a late consolation score from a dogged Bala team to leave a final score of 18-10,
This young Rhyl side gained the win that the massive efforts of the players and coaching staff over the last few years richly deserved. Dinner and Dance saturday to celebrate a real good season.
With the clubs youth side also proving so successful under the guidance of Phil Blakoe the next few years look promising indeed for this young squad, with promotion next season the next target.

RHYL YOUTH WILL BE PLAYING AT HOME THIS SATURDAY
kick of 2.30 15th May
They will be playing in the semi - final of the Welsh Cup against last years Welsh Champions Bridgend Athletic having already beaten the Scarlets Champions in the Quarter Final on Friday.
Try and come and support our young youth team. If they win they will be playing in the Millennium stadium in the Final.
So a good game Saturday and then off to the Dinner and Dance to celebrate a real good season.

09.05.10 Ruthin 5 Nant Conwy 47 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-05-09T12:42:00.002+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 08.05.10 Rhuthun 5 v Nant Conwy 47

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:
Ceisiau / Tries: Grant Jones , Dewi James, Osian Roberts, Ifan Jones, Llywarch ap Myrddin, Rhys Roberts, Carwyn Ellis
Trosi / Conversions: Llywarch ap Myrddin (6)

PENCAMPWYR Y GOGLEDD

Ar brynhawn sych , tir caled a gêm gynghrair olaf Nant, roedd Nant angen ennill gyda phwynt bonws i ddod yn bencampwyr Adran 1 am yr ail flwyddyn yn olynol. Ar wahân i’r 5 munud cyntaf roedd y tîm mewn rheolaeth lwyr. Gwthiwyd pac Rhuthun yn ôl tros eu llinell gais ar ôl 5 munud gyda Carwyn yn tirio. Trosodd Llywarch y cyntaf o’i 6 trosiad ardderchog drwy’r gêm.
Roedd Nant yn sgorio’n rheolaidd gyda’r rhif 5, Dewi yn brwydro’i ffordd i dirio tros y llinell chwarter ffordd drwy’r gêm. Pum munud cyn y chwiban hanner torrodd Llywarch drwy amddiffyn Rhuthun yn gelfydd a sgorio ger y pyst. Sgôr o 21 - 0 ar yr hanner felly gyda stori fod Caernarfon wedi sgorio pedwar cais yn eu hanner cyntaf hwy.
Munud yn unig ar ôl ail gychwyn tynnwyd amddiffyn Rhuthun i’r ochr a thasg hawdd oedd i Ifan garlamu trosodd ar y chwith i ennill y pwynt bonws angenrheidiol i Nant. Cic wych o’r asgell gan Llywarch y tro hwn. Deng munud wedyn, aeth Rhys trosodd ar yr asgell dde a’r ymdrech hon oedd unig fethiant Llywarch drwy’r prynhawn. Grant yn rhuthro drwodd o’r cefn wedyn gyda 10 munud yn weddill a dau funud o’r ail gychwyn, Osian yn sgorio o fôn y sgrym.
Ymlaciodd Nant rhywfaint gyda’r bencampwriaeth yn ddiogel a chwarae teg i’r tîm cartref, buont yn brwydro tan y diwedd a bu i Clwyd Williams sgorio yn y gornel gyda symudiad olaf y gêm ar ôl 44 munud.
Bloedd enfawr ar y chwib olaf i ddathlu a llongyfarchiadau mawr i’r holl garfan, i’r hyfforddwyr a phawb a fu’n ymwneud a’r llwyddiant. Tymor i’w gofio yn wir.

NORTH WALES RUGBY CHAMPIONS

On a dry afternoon, a hard surface and Nant’s last league match of the season, Nant required a bonus point victory to become the division 1 North Champions for the second year in succession. Apart from the first 5 minutes, the visitors were in complete control. After 7 minutes, the Ruthin pack were pushed back over their own try line and Carwyn touched down. Llywarch converted the first of his six very successful conversion attempts.
Nat then went on to score at regular intervals with the no.5, Dewi, powering through the defence to touch down a quarter of the way through the match. Five minutes before the half time whistle, Llywarch broke clinically through the Ruthin defence and scored by the posts. A score of 21 – 0 at half time then when the news arrived from Caernarfon that they had scored four tries during the first half there.
Exactly a minute into the second half and the bonus point arrived when Ifan scored on the left wing when the defence had been drawn to the right wing. An excellent conversion this time. Ten minutes later, Rhys scored over on the right wing and this turned out to be Llywrach’s only missed conversion. Grant then did his usual run at speed from the back and completed a flowing move with a try with 10 minutes left. Two minutes after the re-start, Osian wriggled his way over from the base of a scrum to touch down.
Nant relaxed a bit then with the Championship won and to the home team’s credit they continued to play well. They were awarded a consolation try, scored by Clwyd Williams, with the last move of the match and season after 44 minutes play.
A huge roar could be heard from a distance at the final whistle and congratulations are sent to all players in the Nant squad, the hard working Coaches and all who have been involved in the success. A Season to remember indeed!

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

3.5.10 Cofis lift North Wales Cup --DPost report

2010-05-03T09:41:00.000+01:00

North Wales Cup final: Caernarfon 46 Pwllheli 15
May 3 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post

CAERNARFON completed the first half of league and cup double yesterday as they claimed a convincing 46-15 win over Pwllheli to lift the North Wales Cup.

The Cofis were never behind in the final, played at Bangor’s Cae Milltir, running in six tries with man of the match No8 Rhys Evans notching a hat-trick.

Caernarfon now head into next Saturday’s final Division One North match of the season knowing they need a bonus point at home against Bro Ffestiniog and hope that Nant Conwy don’t claim a winning bonus point at Ruthin to claim the title.

But for now Cofis head coach Ieuan Jones is just enjoying lifting the cup.

“We were saying let’s just concentrate on today,” he said. “It’s all about cup rugby and what happens on the day and we haven’t got to worry about bonus points or anything like that, we’d have been happy with the one point win.

“I think Liam (Leung) had a fantastic game, I thought he was unlucky not to get the man of the match award. Rhys (Evans) is a class player as I’ve always said, but you need players to do the spade work for you. It’s nice playing out in the back-row and getting all the glory, but you need players in the engine room to do all the work.

“I was just very pleased for everyone at the club, we’ve worked hard for the last 10 years to set up a good structure with people working hard at junior and all levels and we’ve got players coming through and it makes such a difference. If we win the league next season I can retire a happy man.”

Caernarfon came quickly out of the blocks and were ahead inside seven minutes as No8 Evans came up with the ball following a well worked driving maul.

Dylan Gwyn added a second try almost immediately from the re-start following a barnstorming run by Leung, both of which converted by Kelvin Morris, before Evans added his second on 18 minutes, Morris again slotting over the extras.

Pwllheli hit back with two tries of their own through Gethin Roberts and Rhodri Scott (both of which unconverted), before Morris added a penalty to restore Caernarfon’s advantage.

And it got better for the Cofis two minutes after the interval as Rhodri Owen dived over off the back of a ruck.

Morris converted and then slotted over the extras to his own score after throwing a dummy and running through a tiring Pwll defence.

Evans completed his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining, but Caernarfon were reduced to 14-man for the remainder of the game after Mark Vaughan was shown a harsh red card by referee Huw David for a late and high hit on fly-half Dylan Llyr.

Pwllheli’s Dafydd Myrddin crossed for a try late in the game, before Morris kicked a second penalty to put the icing on the cake.

Jones added: “I think we controlled the game very well and we stuck to our game plan very well, and had a very good first 20 minutes which maybe knocked the stuffing out of them. But fair play to Pwllheli, they stuck to it and they forced us into some mistakes and game back into the game with a couple of very good tries.

“We started the second half with the same kind of spark and overall I’m just very pleased. As a coach when things you do on the training pitch work on the field then it’s a bit of a coach’s dream.

“Pwllheli dug deep and gave us a good game. Their hooker Dafydd (Myrddin) and Dylan (Llyr) their fly-half both had really good games, but I think we just had too much fire power for them on the day.

“I thought Mark (Vaughan) was very unlucky, I asked the ref and he said he has caught the player but it was not an intentional one, but he has caught him and if it was then that’s fine, we have to accept it.

“It does take the gloss of it slightly, because Mark was absolutely gutted, he said he was sorry and he did try go in for him, but that the player ducked and he caught him high. He’s gutted, he didn’t mean to catch him high.”

02.05.2010 Bethsda Triumph - Adroddiad Roberts Davies Report

2010-05-02T23:02:00.002+01:00

Machynlleth 17 Bethesda 56
Bethesda travled to Machynlleth in the first game of a double header needing
one win to clinch the division two title they have succeeded with one game
to go. In what easily what could have been a banana skin they kept their
best performance for this one. Watched by an army of away supporters they
were clinical and disciplined and for the first 20 minutes of the game
Machynlleth never got to the Bethesda half such was their domination. Gareth
Wyn helped Bethesda's nerves if they had any with a fine break to touch down
Mathew Parry converted. With their scrum solid and lineout also functioning
well they played some great rugby Wing Iwan Howel touched down in the corner
weaving his magic along the touch line and Parry with a conversion from far
out to make it 14 0 after 11 minutes. Two penalties from Parry took the game
beyond the home side and Bethesda led by 20 points on the half hour mark.
When Machynlleth had possession it was always deep in their half but showed
their intensions by spreading the ball wide and from one of their runs found
Bethesda short on cover and scored a good try on 37 minutes. This brought
Bethesda back to life and scored two tries in three minutes one by ever
present captain Paul Thomos and No 8 Dylan Wiliams on stroke of half time
and conversion by Parry.Half time Machynlleth 5 Bethesda 32 Hooker Steve
Roberts was on the score board in the second minute of the second half form
his trademark strong runs he repeated the feat on 19 minutes with another
try when Mach were making a big effort and competing with the champions
elect. Machynlleth scored their second try on 23 minutes but Gavin Owen
cancelled it out when he found himself playing on the wing due to injuries
touched down Parry converting Machynleth to their credit scored a third try
when the visitors were thinking Champagne .Bethesda took the score over the
half century mark when scrum half Mathew Parry who had a great game all
afternoon finished off the score with a 7 pointer to start the celebrations
that went long into the night.

1.5.10. Bethesda clinch promotion-Spyd Davies reporting

2010-05-02T20:30:00.000+01:00

Machynlleth 17 Bethesda 56
Bethesda travled to Machynlleth in the first game of a double header needing one win to clinch the division two title they have succeeded with one game to go. In what easily what could have been a banana skin they kept their best performance for this one. Watched by an army of away supporters they were clinical and disciplined and for the first 20 minutes of the game Machynlleth never got to the Bethesda half such was their domination. Gareth Wyn helped Bethesda's nerves if they had any with a fine break to touch down Mathew Parry converted. With their scrum solid and lineout also functioning well they played some great rugby Wing Iwan Howel touched down in the corner weaving his magic along the touch line and Parry with a conversion from far out to make it 14 0 after 11 minutes. Two penalties from Parry took the game beyond the home side and Bethesda led by 20 points on the half hour mark. When Machynlleth had possession it was always deep in their half but showed their intensions by spreading the ball wide and from one of their runs found Bethesda short on cover and scored a good try on 37 minutes. This brought Bethesda back to life and scored two tries in three minutes one by ever present captain Paul Thomos and No 8 Dylan Wiliams on stroke of half time and conversion by Parry.Half time Machynlleth 5 Bethesda 32 Hooker Steve Roberts was on the score board in the second minute of the second half form his trademark strong runs he repeated the feat on 19 minutes with another try when Mach were making a big effort and competing with the champions elect. Machynlleth scored their second try on 23 minutes but Gavin Owen cancelled it out when he found himself playing on the wing due to injuries touched down Parry converting Machynleth to their credit scored a third try when the visitors were thinking Champagne .Bethesda took the score over the half century mark when scrum half Mathew Parry who had a great game all afternoon finished off the score with a 7 pointer to start the celebrations that went long into the night

28.04.10 WALES v SOUTH AFRICA TICKETYS

2010-04-28T14:25:00.002+01:00

PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY SUMMER TEST

Issued: Wednesday, 28 April, 2010

Wales will face rugby's reigning world champions South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 5 June (kick-off 2.30pm) in the 'Principality Building Society Summer Test.'

The Welsh Rugby Union today announced a new partnership with Wales' largest building society, Principality, which is itself celebrating 150 years at the heart of the nation.

The deal provides a significant boost to Welsh rugby and allows Principality Building Society the naming rights to the match, which serves as a mouth-watering appetizer to Wales' two-match summer tour of New Zealand a week later, and will provide a raft of other benefits and offers to its 500,000-plus members.

Through a range of promotions running alongside the partnership, the Society's members will have the opportunity to not only win tickets to the game, but also meet the Wales team, visit training sessions and even present the Prince William Cup to the winning side on match-day.

The Principality Building Society already has a long association with the WRU, having sponsored the Welsh Premiership since 2005 and previously the WRU's main knock-out cup competition from 2001 to 2003.

Formed in 1860, the Welsh building society is 21 years older than the WRU and is as much a part of the fabric of Wales as the national game itself.

The WRU has already sold in excess of 40,000 tickets for the clash with the Springboks on what could be an historic day for head coach Warren Gatland and his men.

The Principality Building Society Summer Test celebrates the 10th anniversary of the only time Wales have beaten the Boks in 23 attempts, the 29-19 victory at the Millennium Stadium's inaugural match on 26 June, 1999 - (Wales have lost to South Africa 21 times since 1906, the seventh meeting between the two sides in 1970, at the national stadium in Cardiff, ended in a 6-6 draw).

"This new partnership with Principality Building Society really is the icing on the cake of what could be a truly historic and inspiring day for Welsh rugby," said WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis.

"Warren and his players have a gilt edged opportunity to repeat history against the current world champions and lay down a marker ahead of an equally tough two-Test tour of New Zealand.

"I'm sure the drama and potential which surrounds this fixture has been part of the draw for the Principality Building Society whose new partnership with the WRU sees them involved with us at international level for the first time, though they have a long history themselves of supporting Welsh rugby.

"We had the Principality Cup for three seasons from 2001 and have been partners with the Principality Premiership since 2005, an association set to continue to run into 2011, and now we have the Principality Building Society Summer Test as they celebrate their 150th year in existence.

"We are two organisations which are right at the very heart of Wales and our growing association is to the mutual benefit of the society's members and Welsh rugby fans alike."

Commenting on the partnership, Graeme Yorston, Chief Operating Officer at Principality Building Society, said: "We are thrilled to support this special celebration fixture in our 150th anniversary year, providing welsh fans with a unique opportunity to see the summer tour squad put through their paces before they jet off to New Zealand.

"The Society shares a long and proud history with the Welsh Rugby Union, which we believe is central to the culture and heritage of Wales. The Principality Building Society Summer Test is the perfect mix of tradition and innovation which will capture the enthusiasm and patriotism of people across the country.

"In our very special anniversary year we wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to the people of Wales and our support of one of the biggest, most unique events on the welsh calendar this year, is our way of saying Diolch!"

Wales head coach Warren Gatland added: "I'd like to welcome the Principality Building Society to international rugby and I obviously hope we can do justice to their new partnership with the WRU with a performance the nation can be proud of.

"We have said all along that we want to play the best teams in order to better ourselves and they don't come much bigger than the world champions on home turf in front of a bumper Millennium Stadium crowd baying for a win.

"Wales, the WRU and now the Principality Building Society have a tremendous opportunity to make history on 5th June and we are all very much looking forward to it."

Tickets for the Wales v South Africa fixture are currently on public sale and are selling in their hundreds on a daily basis.

With more than 41,000 gone over a month in advance of the sizzling summer afternoon clash against the world champion Springboks, fans are already voting with their feet so interested parties are advised to act quickly.

Priced at £25 per person or £80 for a family ( 2 adults, 2 children) tickets for the 'Principality Building Society Summer Test' can be purchased from at the WRU's Cardiff Arms Store (No 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff); via Ticketmaster (tel 08442 777888, www.ticketmaster.co.uk), Ticketline (02920 230130, www.ticketlineuk.com) and via the WRU Official Website www.wru.co.uk/tickets.

The remaining WRU hospitality packages can be snapped up from £119 for the 'SA Gold' package and fans should act fast to secure the hottest tickets via the official website www.millenniumstadium.com.

Further hospitality information is available online for all packages including the 'Platinum Suite' at £229 and the recently launched 'Springbox Suite' at £139 after popular demand.

For further information and to obtain relevant logos and/or pictures please contact:
Simon Rimmer
Wales National Squad Communications Manager
WRU Group, Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Email (inc blackberry): srimmer@wru.co.uk
M: 07825 981 128
Tel (switchboard): 02920 822391

Or

Emma Stanford
External Affairs Coordinator
Principality Building Society
Tel: 02920 773788, Emma.Stanford@principality.co.uk

Notes to editors (Principality Building Society):
* Formed in 1860, Principality is Wales's largest building society.
* The Society is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
* The Society is committed to supporting the communities of Wales.
* With more branches (51) in Wales than any other building society, Principality is the 8th largest building society in the UK.
* The Society has assets of over £6 billion.
* Principality is committed to remaining a mutual organisation.

ENDS

24.04.10 Caernarfon v Ruthin - John Palmer Reports

2010-04-28T14:23:00.002+01:00

See match report attached and link below

http://www.rygbirhuthun.com/Pages/MatchReport.aspx?FixtureDetails=607

John

24.04.10 Nant Conwy v Denbigh Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Reports

2010-04-26T12:04:00.002+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 24.04.10 Nant Conwy 52 v Dinbych / Denbigh 7

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:
Ceisiau / Tries: Grant Jones (2), Gareth Jones (2), Osian Roberts, Simonie Roolka,, Ifan Jones, Llywarch ap Myrddin
Trosi / Conversions: Llywarch ap Myrddin (6)

Ar brynhawn sych a braf, tir caled a gêm gynghrair olaf Nant gartref, roedd Nant mewn rheolaeth drwy’r hanner cyntaf ac yn neg munud olaf y gêm. Roedd Nant yn gwrth ymosod yn glinigol a sgoriwyd pedwar cais cyn yr hanner gan y cefnwyr. Grant ar ôl 12 munud, a’r tramorwr Simonie bedwar munud wedyn yn dangos ei gryfder trwy daflu pedair ymdrech i’w daclo i ffwrdd., Ifan wedyn chwarter ffordd drwodd o dan y pyst gydag Osian yn gweld ei gyfle i gael y pedwerydd funud cyn yr egwyl trwy dorri o fôn y sgrym. Bu i Llywarch drosi y tri chais olaf. Sgôr o 26 - 0 ar yr hanner gyda’r pwynt bonws wedi’i ennill.
Daeth Dinbych fwy i’r gêm am 20 munud cyntaf yr ail hanner ac, yn wir sgoriodd Dion Howatson gais haeddiannol iddynt ar ôl 6 munud a’i drosi hefyd. Ni fu unrhyw sgôr wedyn serch fod Nant wedi gorwedd ar eu rhwyfau braidd yn y gwres llethol tan y 10 munud olaf. Yn y cyfnod olaf hwnnw, dangosodd bechgyn Nant eu ffitrwydd trwy sgorio pedwar cais arall gan dorri’n rhwydd erbyn hyn trwy amddiffyn Dinbych. Gareth yn rhuthro drwodd am ddau o’r ceisiau, grant yn rhuthro o’i hanner ei hun i sgorio o dan y pyst a Llywarch yn sgorio cais o dan y pyst gyda munud ar ôl.. Eto, trosodd dri o’r ceisiau hyn gyda chiciau adlam erbyn hyn i arbed amser.
Sgôr derfynol o 52 - 7 felly. Bydd gêm olaf Nant yn y gynghrair i ffwrdd yn Rhuthun ar yr 8fed Mai 2010.

On a dry and beautiful afternoon, a hard surface and Nant’s last home league match of the seasion, Nant were in control throughout the first half and then the last ten minutes of the match. Nant counter attacked clinically at times with the backs scoring four tries before the interval with Llywarch converting three. Grant was the first to touch down after 12 minutes followed by Simionie (Jim) four minutes later. Ifan a quarter way through the match with Osian braking from the base of the scrum a minute before the break to gain the bonus point for the team. A score of 26 – 0 on the whistle.
Nant relaxed a bit during the second half on the hard surface and in the hot weather. Denbigh scored a deserved try through their no.12, Dion Howatson after 7 minutes – a try that he then duly converted. Nant re discovered their clinical edge in the last 10 minutes and ran in four further tries with Llywarch converting three of them in a drop goal fashion to save time.. Gareth broke through a tiring defence twice to score under the posts and Grant ran in for a try having started his run well in his own half. Llywarch completed the scoring with a converted try with a minute left.
A final score of 52 – 7 then. Nant’s final league match of the season will be away to Ruthin on Saturday, 8th May 2010.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

12.04.10 Yr Wyddgrug / Mold 19 v Nant Conwy 29 Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Reports

2010-04-12T11:08:00.002+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 10.04.10 Yr Wyddgrug / Mold 19 v Nant Conwy 29

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:
Ceisiau / Tries: Ifan Jones , Carwyn Ellis, Eryl Jones, Daniel Newcombe
Trosi / Conversions: Llywarch ap Myrddin (3)
Cosb / Penalty: Llywarch ap Myrddin (1)

A bod yn hollol onest, bu Nant yn ffodus i ennill y gêm hon gyda phwynt bonws. Ond, ni ellir ond canmol yr ysbryd diddiwedd yr holl garfan gan nad ydynt yn gwybod pryd y maent wedi’u trechu. Torrodd Ifan trwy fwlch yn y munud cyntaf un i sgorio cais ar y chwith ond methwyd y trosiad. Cis gosb lwyddiannus i’r Wyddgrug ar ôl 4 munud. Yn wir, canolwr yr Wyddgrug, Daniel Edmonds a sgoriodd eu holl bwyntiau yn ystod y gêm. Sgoriodd gais a throsiad cyn pen hanner awr. Ond bum munud cyn yr hanner ar un o’u hymweliadau prin a rhanbarth y gwrthwynebwyr, cafodd Nant sgrym hynod gryf a thiriodd Carwyn wrth ymyl y pyst. Trosiad hawdd i Llywarch i wneud y sgôr yn 10 - 12 hanner ffordd.
Tri munud i mewn i’r ail hanner a chic gosb lwyddiannus arall i Llywarch. Tair cic gosb lwyddiannus tros yr 20 munud nesaf i’r Wyddgrug yn gwneud y sgôr yn 19 - 15 i’r tîm cartref gyda dau funud yn weddill gyda sgrym Nant dan gryn bwysau drwy’r hanner. Yna, yn dilyn cic i lawr y cae gan Rhys a ddilynwyd yn ddeheuig gan yr holl dîm , pasiwyd y bel yn ôl ag ymlaen ger y llinell gartref a llwyddodd Eryl i blymio trosodd dan y pyst. Tasg hawdd oedd i Llywarch i drosi i wneud sgôr o 19 - 22 ar ôl 80 munud.
Tri munud ychwanegol oedd i chwarae meddai’r dyfarnwr ac yn lle eistedd ar eu blaenoriaeth, penderfynodd Nant ddilyn yr un dacteg ag a ddaeth a’r trydydd cais iddynt. Digwyddodd yr union yr un peth eto gyda’r canolwr Daniel yn torri ar ongl hyfryd gan adael tri amddiffynnwr ar lawr. Cais trosiadwy o dan y pyst a phwynt bonws annisgwyl i Nant.
Ymlaen yn awr i chwarae Pwllheli gartref yn y gynghrair o dan oleuadau nos Iau nesaf.

To be absolutely honest, Nant were fortunate to win this match with a bonus point. But, the ‘never say die’ spirit of the squad can only be complimented. In the first minute, Ifan broke through the Mold defence to score a try in the left hand side corner. Llywarch missed the conversion attempt. After four minutes, Mold’s no.12, Daniel Edmonds reduced the deficit with a penalty. Indeed, Daniel scored all of Mold’s 19 points during the match. Before the half hour mark he had scored a converted try. But, five minutes before the interval at one of their rare visits to their opponents’ half, Nant scrummaged powerfully by the Mold line and Carwyn touched down by the posts. Llywarch duly converted to make the score 10 – 12 at the break.
Three minutes into the second half, Llywarch was successful again with a penalty kick.
Three more successful penalties for Mold over the next twenty minutes made the score 19 – 15 to the home side with Nant’s pack under continious pressure. There were only two minutes of regular time left when Rhys kicked a long ball down the touchline and the entire team showed their fitness by running at pace after it. The ball was won in the ruck and passed to the left and then to the right before, Eryl managed to touch down in between the posts. A successful conversion by Llywarch to make the score 19-22 after 80 miutes. At the restart, the referee indicated there were 3 more minutes to play. Rather than sit on their lead, Nant tried the same tactic again with a long down field kick. The same kind of movement occurred ending with Nant’s Centre, Daniel splitting the defensive line on a superb angle leaving three defenders on their back sides. He scored the bonus point try under the posts and Llywarch duly converted.
On now to the next league match which will be played at home under floodlights next Thursday evening.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

12.04.10 Dogellau v Bethesda Robert Davies Reports

2010-04-12T11:05:00.002+01:00

oDolgellau 17 Bethesda 31.
Half way in the playoff games for promotion to Division One North Bethesda and Bala are still on track and are neck and neck that will go down to the wire. This was going to be Bethesda's most difficult challenge but came away with a bonus point with a 5 try's to 3 victory. The home side had to make changes for the game and it showed in the first quarter of the game. After 7 minutes Gareth Wyn sliced open the defence for a try and 4 minutes later Flanker Dylan Hughes crossed the line converted by Mathew Parry. Bethesda should have had the game sawn up after 20 minutes but chances went begging. Dolgellau were growing in confidence and on 22 minutes scored a try from an excellent effort by the home pack. The last 18 minutes was rather a dour affair with little quality rugby. 11 minutes into the second half Dolgellau drew level with another try and conversion 12 all. Bethesda made changes and slowly seemed to put the home side under pressure, 18 minutes into the second half when Parry was about to touch down the ball ended up in touch to every one's amazement the ref awarded a penalty try that put the score at 12 19 Parry kicking the conversion Gavin Owen increased Bethesda's lead after good inter passing play Parry again adding the conversion for the bonus point. Credit to Dolgellau for their excellent effort all afternoon and were awarded a third try to bring the score to 17 26 last play of the game gave Bethesda their 5th try when Winger Gwyn Hughes followed an up field kick hacked it thru for supporting Llion Lloyd to score. Bethesda should be playing Machynlleth next week but the Powys side have informed Bethesda that they will be on tour organised before the rearranged fixtures came out Bethesda will take advice from the WRU.

12.04.10

2010-04-12T11:05:00.001+01:00

Rhyls excellent recent form continued with a seven try drubbing of Mid Wales visitors Machynletth. Only a couple of late trys gave the scoreline a look of respectability after Rhyl made several changes late on and had a player sent to the sin bin for ten minutes Despite an early penalty for the visitors, Rhyl were soon playing the high tempo, entertaining style of rugby which has become their trademark this season and scores by Barry Picton, Simon Davies, Rob Tilley and the outstanding Shaks Negwenya soon had the home team in control. More of the same followed in the second half, with further trys by Rob Tilley,Simon Davis and Jim Barrell.
Rhyl 1st now travel to Bro Festiniog for a tough North Wales cup semi final on this Wednesday evening and as such all players are reminded that there will be no training this week. The coach leaves the Social Club at 5pm, with a 730 kick off. All support will be welcomed.

and away to
COBRA away saturday the 17/4/10
DOLGELLAU away on saturday 24/4/10

05.04.10 RGC 1404 UNDER 17 SQUAD V CHESHIRE @ RUTHIN RFC K.O.7:30pm

2010-04-05T15:54:00.002+01:00

RGC 1404 UNDER 17 SQUAD V CHESHIRE @ RUTHIN RFC K.O.7:30pm

Chris Holmes-Mold
Lewis Weaver-Rhyl
Lewis Barker- Mold
James Grundy-Mold
Glyn Griffiths- Colwyn Bay
Jack Bennett- Newtown
James Harding-COBRA
Andy Oakden-Exiles
Jon Evans- Rhyl
Gareth Pym- Exiles
Jacob Weaver-Jones- Welshpool
Gareth Williams- Welshpool
Mike Jones- Ruthin
Phyl Roberts- Ruthin
Dion Jones- Nant Conwy
Andre Channer-Hughes- Nant Conwy
Joe Simpson- Bangor
Rhodri Evans- Caernarfon
Aaron Gwyn- Caernarfon
Jac Williams- Ruthin
Elliott Crowe- Llandudno
Ollie Hughes- Mold

Many thanks

Will

05.03.10 Bro Ffestiniog v Ruthin - Adroddiad John Palmer reports

2010-04-05T15:51:00.002+01:00

With both sides having lost unexpectedly last week there was all to play for in this middle of the table clash at Bro Ffestiniog. Ruthin made some early pressure with their pack performing well but Bro weathered the attacks and began to challenge the Ruthin try line. After a Bro scrum on the half way the ball was kicked into Ruthin territory and Bro won the chase to get their first try which they converted. Shortly afterwards Bro kicked a penalty goal putting them 10-0 ahead. Ruthin spent most of the last 15 minutes of the half in Bro’s territory with some good forwards play but failed to capitalise on the pressure and the whistle blew with the score 10-0 to Ruthin. After the break Ruthin continued the pressure with some great phase play which led to a try by second row Chris Davies, converted by centre Ben Syme. Bro responded with a penalty goal but great running by wing Huw Parry set Davies up for his second try which Syme again converted. With Ruthin now 14-13 ahead Bro responded with another penalty goal. Bro went down to 14 men for the rest of the game when one of their players was sent off for his second yellow in the match. Ruthin launched a furious attack and both skipper Joe Palmer and No8 John Meldrum got the ball over the line only for it to be judged not to be grounded on both occasions. Despite being a man down Bro were in no mood to concede and a great run by their full back Dan Jones led to their second try which was duly converted putting Bro 23-14 ahead. Ruthin ran out of time to reduce the arrears and the game ended with a good win for Bro. This was an entertaining match and Bro will be pleased with their first double of the season. Ruthin will rue the number of penalties they conceded in attacking positions but this was a much better performance than the previous week. Bro graciously awarded Ruthin’s Joe Palmer ‘man of the match’.

I attach the match report for the above match – link also below:

http://www.rygbirhuthun.com/Pages/MatchReport.aspx?FixtureDetails=605

5.4.10. Cofis go top--DPost week end review and results

2010-04-05T08:59:00.000+01:00

North Wales rugby: Division One North title still in balance
Apr 5 2010 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post

THE destination of the Division One North title is still in doubt as champions Nant Conwy and second-placed Caernarfon continue to battle it out for the title.

Caernarfon take over at the top of the table on points difference as both clubs are tied on 60 points from their 14 games played with four to play in the season.

Caernarfon picked up a vital bonus point win with a 39-11 home victory over third-placed Mold, who are now out of the title race, the Cofis running in five tries, two for flanker Liam Leung and one each for second-row Chris Wynne, wing Dylan Gwyn, flanker John Llewellyn. Fly-half Kelfyn Morris added two penalties and four conversions, while centre Dan Edmunds kicked a brace of penalties for the visitors and prop John Shirley crossed for a late consolation try.

Elwyn Williams’ Nant Conwy failed to get a bonus point as they overcame visitors Llandudno by 11-6 with hooker Gareth Jones scoring the only try of the game. Nant fly-half Llwarch ap Myrddin and Llandudno number nine Rhodri Carlton Jones each kicked two penalties in the match.

Colwyn Bay’s recent improvement in form continued as they made it three wins in succession to ease their relegation fears with a 29-3 victory at Llangefni, overtaking their opponents in the league table in the process.

Full-back Sean McDonaugh crossed for two tries and others coming from centre’s Dave Hocknell and Tom Duffy who also added the goal kicks.

Bro Ffestiniog defeated visitors Ruthin 23-14 with tries from fly-half Lee Aspen, full-back Daniel Jones and centre Barry Roberts, who also kicked two penalties and a conversion.

Second-row Chris Davies scored two tries for the visitors both converted by full-back Ben Syme.

Pwllheli claimed a try bonus point in the first half before ending up 55-16 victors over Denbigh as they ran in a total of nine tries.

Second-row Mark Saynor led the try rush with a hat-trick, while prop Alwyn Tremholme (2), scrum-half Gareth Padgett (2), centre Dylan Morris and wing Tomos Henry also crossed in the win with full-back Gethin Roberts adding five conversions.

For the visitors Dan Sullivan and Phil Morris crossed for tries both of which were converted by Dion Howatson.

The battle for promotion from Division Two continues as leaders Bala, who have a five point advantage over second-placed Bethesda, collected a try bonus points in their 32-5 home win over Machynlleth with tries from scrum half Euros Jones (2), fly-half Rhydian Jones, replacement No8 Dochan Roberts and centre Gareth Owen who also kicked a penalty and two conversions.

Bethesda who have a game in hand over the league leaders had to come from 10-0 down before they managed to win by 19-10 at Cobra.

Fly-half Matthew Parry kicked three penalties and the tries came from flanker Arwyn Griffiths and second-row Cameron Moore.

Rhyl defeated visitors Dolgellau 24-7 with veteran second-row Ritchie Nelson and No8 Barry Picton both crossing for a brace of tries. Scrum-half James Farrell adding two conversions.

In Division Three Wrexham went down 23-12 at home to Newtown despite four penalties from scrum-half Kieran Morris.

The visitors ran in tries by wing Sam Harris, centre Greg Kiely and No8 Ben Davies, fly-half Rowan Meek adding a conversion and two penalties. Bangor won by 24-22 at Welshpool while Llanidloes crushed visitors Rhos by 41-0.

04.04.10 COBRA v Bethesda - Adroddiad Robert Davies Reports

2010-04-04T18:35:00.002+01:00

COBRA 10 Bethesda 19

Bethesda travelled to Mid Wales for the first of their 3 consecutive away games in the playoff for promotion and came away with their first ever win at COBRA. With their faithful band of supporters outnumbering the home side they wandered whether the trip was worthwhile after less than 10 minutes they were 10 points to 0 down, From early pressure Bethesda were caught offside COBRA were successful with the kick minutes later they increased their lead with a try when their forwards powered over for a try and added the minor. Bethesda could not find any rhythm and were complicating things when defending and not putting in long clearance kicks. On the half hour mark they came alive and were making inroads towards the COBRA half and from such pressure Mathew Parry put Bethesda on the scoreboard with a penalty, and added a second before half time. Early in the second half Bethesda made changes due to injury and were having the edge on the home side. Outside half Gareth Wyn made an excellent break to put Arwyn Griffiths in for a try to put Bethesda in the lead for the first time 11-10. A critical decision 10 minutes later to kick a penalty award did not look important at the time but it was the decision that won the game for them Parry was successful with the kick and put Bethesda 14pts to 10 up. Like in previous encounters COBRA came back strong a Bethesda were giving away penalties when defending and with a 4 point margin and time running out they had to look for 5 points and kicked to the corners and hopefully drive the ball over the line with their big forwards but Bethesda defended vigorously and won the battle. In a 53 minute second half Bethesda turned defence to attack and secured the points with a fine try at the end Cameron Moore touching down Final score COBRA 10 Bethesda 19. Bethesda have to do it all again next week when they take on Dolgellau away. Bethesda Seconds won away at Holyhead 27-10

Regards,

Robert Davies

04.04.10 Nant Conwy 11 Llandudno 6 - Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Reports

2010-04-04T18:26:00.002+01:00

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 03.04.10 Nant Conwy 11 v Llandudno 6

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:
Cais / Try: Gareth Jones
Cosb / Penalties: Llywarch ap Myrddin (2)
Ar ôl cryn dipyn o law cyn y gêm, roedd wyneb y cae yn wlyb a chwaraewyd gem dynn rhwng y ddwy set o flaenwyr
Ciciodd Rhodri Carlton Jones gic gosb o bellter i roi Llandudno ar y blaen ar ôl 4 munud. Yn ystod y chwarter awr nesaf aeth blaenwyr Nant dros y llinell gais ddwywaith ond ni chaniatawyd y naill gais na’r llall. Roedd yr hanner cyntaf bron ar ben pan giciodd Llywarch gic cosb i adael i’r ddau dîm fynd i mewn yn gyfartal 3 - 3 ar yr hanner.
Ugain munud i mewn i’r ail hanner a chafwyd gic gosb lwyddiannus arall gan Llywarch. Ymatebodd Rhdri’n syth gyda chic gosb arall i Landudno. O’r ail gychwyn, gweithiodd pac Nant i fyny’r cae gan orffen gyda Llywarch yn tirio yn y gornel ond ni chaniatwayd y cais yma chwaith. Erbyn hyn, roedd blaenwyr Nant yn pwyso’n ddi baid ac, o’r diwedd, gyda chwe munud o’r gem yn weddill gwthiwyd trosodd unwaith yn rhagor a chaniatawyd cais i Gareth y tro hwn. Aflwyddiannus oedd y trosiad. Yn ystod yr wyth munud o chwarae ychwanegol a ganiatawyd, haerai blaenwyr nant iddynt dirio’r bel tros y linell ar ddau achlysur arall ond eto, ni chytunwyd fod y sgor yn un cyfreithlon.
Sgôr derfynol o 11 – 6, felly
Gêm nesaf Nant fydd prynhawn Sadwrn, 10ed Ebrill i ffwrdd yn erbyn Yr Wyddgrug.

After much rain before the game, this match was played on a slippery and wet surface and, as a result, it became a tight game between the two set of forwards.
Rhodri Carlton Jones kicked a penalty from distance to give Llandudno the lead after 4 minutes. During the next fifteen minutes play, the Nant forwards went over the try line twice but neither try was allowed. The first half was nearly over when Llywarch equalised with a successful penalty kick to make the score 3 – 3 at half time.
Twenty mimutes into the second half, Llywarch was successful again with a penalty kick. Immediately from the re start, Rhodri equalised for Llandudno with another long range penalty. From this re start, the Nant forward grinded their way slowly up the pitch and the phases ended with Llywarch touching down in the corner but, again this ‘try’ was not allowed. By now, the Nant forwards were camped on the Llandudno line and, with six minutes left, the pack pushed over the line again and Gareth was the last game to get up. This try was allowed but Llywarch missed the conversion attempt. During the eight extra minutes played, the Nant forwards claimed that they had touched down twice over the line but again, on both occasions the touchdowns were deemed to be ill legal.

. A final score of 11 – 6 then

Nant’s next match will be a League game away next Saturday, 10th April 2010 against Mold.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

03.04.10 RGC 1404 U17s Great Win over CANADA U17s

2010-04-03T12:12:00.002+01:00

'RGC 1404 Under 17 10 CANADA Under 17 8

RGC 1404 Under 17s pulled off a famous victory at Eirias Parc yesterday afternoon as they held off a committed Canadian side with the result being in doubt right until the final whistle.

The young North Walians got off to a flying start and almost scored in the opening 3 minutes. 5 minutes later they did cross the whitewash when a slick handling move led to Owain Aled ( Bala) touching down in the corner. Although Dion Jones ( Nant Conwy ) was unsuccesful with the conversion, the RGC side was very much in the ascendancy in the opening quarter where the forwards led by Captain Aaron Gwyn ( Caernarfon ) produced a steady stream of ball with which to challenge the Canadian defence. The second RGC try was in many ways a replica of the first with a good backs move leading the ball being touched down in the right hand corner, only this time it was Matt Richards ( Ruthin ) who showed good footwork before putting the ball down.

The second-half saw the Canadians ring the changes and led by their lively scrum-half Riley Locker they began for really the first time to apply pressure to the RGC side, and fittingly it was Locker who scored Canadas try when he forced his way over from a yard out. When Justin Blanchett added a penalty a few minutes later it was a 2 point game with everything to play for. However although Canada continued to threaten it never really looked like they would score again as the RGC defence held out to record a great victory.

Commenting after the game, Marc Roberts the North Wales Performance Manager said,

'" This week has been a great experience for all involved. We have a huge amount of potential in our region and we have made significant strides forward over the last few seasons but its only by playing quality opposition that we can continue this rate of progress. Canada proved to be a totally committed,physical team and I would like to thank them for the opportunity to play them. The result today is a Brilliant one for North Wales and is nothing less than the Players, Management and coaches deserve for there commitment and hard work. However all accept that we still have work to do as the performance today showed that we can still improve on our key skills and be more clinical and disciplined. Having said that the players showed a huge amount of character in the second half to hold on and eventually win the game."

RGC 1404 Under 17 next game is against Cheshire on Wednesday night at Ruthin.

1.4.10 Aron arrives in Rome with Wales u 16 squad

2010-04-02T18:19:00.000+01:00

WRU PRESS RELEASE:

Issued: 01 April 2010

Welsh Schools Under 16 squad up for the challenge

Welsh Schools Under 16 squad arrived in Rome today (Thursday) for the 2010 Under 16 /17 Four Nations Tournament, looking to continue where they left off last season.

Simon Davies' side have a 100% record in the past two seasons of this competition, beating England Under 16 and France and Italy Under 17 teams in the Wales-based event last season, and in France in 2008.

They play England in the opening match on Saturday at Rugby Capitolina (4pm), followed by Italy at the Stadio Tre Fontane on Tuesday 6th (2.30pm) and France on Friday 9th at Italy's RBS 6 Nations venue, the Stadio Flamino (2.30pm).

Davies is confident his side is ready for the challenge. "I think our squad is equally as strong as in the past two or three years. Our approach and preparation is similar to the past two seasons and we can't wait to play now. I really think the WRU Regional Under 16 Championship gives us a massive head start because it's a step between club and schools rugby and the international game and it seems to be getting more intense and competitive every year.

"The Welsh Schools Under 16 set-up is the first taste of international rugby for these players and while we all want to keep winning, it is very much about developing players too. Every player will start at least one match but we firmly believe each of the three teams we will select for our games will be of equal standard.

"We start with England on Saturday and it would be great to kick the tournament off with a win. There are no easy games, especially with Italy playing at home this year and both Italy and France field Under 17 sides so we have to counter that age difference.

"We had a number of potential captains in our side but Sion Bennett and Sam Davies certainly put their hands up as good leaders both on and off the field and will lead the side depending on selection for the duration of the festival. They both captained their Regions this season." Vice-captain Davies is the son of Scarlets Director of Rugby Nigel.

WRU National Academy Manager Phil Davies added, "On behalf of the WRU, we wish the Welsh Schools Under 16 side all the very best for the forthcoming tournament. From next season, the age group will come into the National Academy and will be the first team in our international player pathway programme."

Welsh Schools Under 16 squad and starting team v England (Saturday 3 April)

Jordan Williams (Scarlets); Aron Evans (Gogledd), Lloyd Chalke (Blues), Ben Roberts (Ospreys), Ryan Evans (Ospreys); Sam Davies (vice-capt, Ospreys), Will Batcup (Ospreys); Nicky Smith (Ospreys), Evan Yardley (Ospreys), Daniel Goode (Dragons), Chris Lacey (Blues), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys), Sion Bennett (capt, Scarlets), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets), Jonathan Williams (Scarlets)

Replacements from:

Steffan Hughes (Scarlets), Ben Edwards (Dragons), Luke Connolly (Blues), Tomos Owen (Ospreys), Rob Dudley Jones (Ospreys), Gavin Nash (Blues), Thomas Ball (Scarlets), Connor Lloyd (Scarlets), Jake Randall (Scarlets), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Rhys Williams (Ospreys)

For further information, contact Liz Jones lizjones@wru.co.uk / tel 07736 056669

Ends

1.4.10 .George North in Wales u18 v Ireland

2010-04-02T18:15:00.002+01:00

WRU PRESS RELEASE

Issued: 01 April 2010

Wales Under 18 look to bounce back

Wales Under 18 head into their opening Under 18 Five Nations festival game against Ireland at Llandovery tomorrow (Friday) determined to get their season back on track after a heavy reverse to England last Sunday.

Head coach Simon King has named all-new front row to start the game, while Scarlets academy scrum-half Aled Davies starts and replaces Jonathan Evans in the 26 man squad after making a return to fitness and form after injury. The other change in the starting line-up sees Blues centre Sam Campbell start the game with Luke Williams, scorer of the side's only try against England starting on the wing in place of Eli Walker.

King said, "We can't wait to get to Llandovery and take on Ireland. They are always a difficult side, they beat us at last year's festival and also defeated Australian Schools in December. After the loss to England, it's great that we have the chance to get straight back in the saddle with this international match to kick-off the Five Nations festival. We had a constructive review session earlier in the week, but since then, the whole squad has been really positive in our preparation for this game.

"Our front row had a tough time in the scrum on Sunday and in making a full change in that area, the new players have an opportunity to start this match and the players on the bench will no doubt want to make a good impression when they come on.

"Aled Davies has had a disruptive season through injury and was always going to be in with a shout if he came through rehab which he's done. We are constantly looking at different combinations and Sam Campbell gets a chance to start in the centre with Luke Williams on the wing.

"We have had a really good level of support this season, both at Colwyn Bay for our game against Australian Schools and last weekend at Swansea so we are hoping home advantage will count with a good crowd tomorrow and against Italy a week on Saturday."

Following Wales v Ireland at 2pm, Scotland take on the might of England at 4pm, also at Church Bank, Llandovery. Entry for all three Under 18 Five Nations festival match days is free for Under 16s and £10 for adults.

Wales Under 18 team v Ireland:

Tom Prydie (Ospreys); Harry Robinson (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (Blues), Luke Williams (Scarlets); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Aled Davies (Scarlets); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Jack Dando (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Owen Sheppeard (Blues),Thomas Young (capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements from: Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Darran Harris (Blues), Will Griff John (Blues), Matthew Screech (Blues), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Calum Thomas (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Leighton Bellamore (Dragonss), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Harley Thompson (Blues)

Other Under 18 Five Nations festival fixtures (all games at Llandovery RFC):

Tuesday 6 April
England v Ireland 2pm
Scotland v Italy 4pm

Saturday 10 April
Wales v Italy 2pm
Scotland v Ireland 4pm

For further information, contact Liz Jones lizjones@wru.co.uk / tel 07736 056669
Ends

01.04.10 RGC 1404 under 17s v Canada U17s

2010-04-01T16:21:00.002+01:00

RGC 1404 Under 17 Development Squad 8 Canada Under 17 41

In spite of getting off to a flying start when with almost the first play of the game, Nant Conwy winger Sam Backshall plunged over in the corner,a spirited RGC 1404 Under 17 development squad was ultimately over-powered by a physical and direct Canadian side. In spite of the appalling conditions,both sides attempted to play attractive Rugby throughout throwing the ball wide with at every opportunity. RGC's other points came from the boot of Lewys Weaver and it was his second half centre partner Owain Aled who presented the young North Walians most potent attacking weapon, however this was very much an evening for learning both for those players making their debut in the regional arena and the watching RGC coaches as they look forward to a second game with Canada at Eirias Parc on Friday and to upcoming matches with Cheshire and Lancashire.
Commenting after the game Marc Roberts, North Wales Elite Player development Manager said,

'Just a couple of seasons ago we would not have entertained the idea of putting a development team up against such opposition as Canada. Toniht showed just how quickly we are moving as a region.It was great to give players,coaches and managers the opportunity to test themselves against such quality opposition.All can hold their heads high and I look forward to Fridays gamewith the main squad.'

RGC 1404 squad for Fridays game at Eirias Parc. KO 12:00pm

Joe Simpson-Bangor
Rhodri Evans- Caernarfon
Gareth Pym-Exiles
Ryan Kirby-Mold
Ollie Hughes-Mold
Mareddyd Francis-Exiles
Aaron Gwyn-Caernarfon
Llew Williams-Caernarfon
Jacob Meadows-Pwllheli
Michael Downey-Caernarfon
Rob Jones- Llandudno
Hugh Grundy- Mold
Meillir Parry- Bangor
Afon Bagshaw- Flint
Lewis Barker-Mold
Jac Williams-Ruthin
Owain Aled- Bala
Matt Richards- Ruthin
Jason Blackmore-Rhyl
Dion Jones- Nant Conwy
James Matthews- Exiles
Chris Matthews- Exiles
Andy Oakden- Exiles
Andre Channer-Hughes- Nant Conwy
Mike Jones-Ruthin
Phyl Roberts- Ruthin
Llion Evans- Llandudno
Ben Baker- Bangor

30.03.10 GC Junior Sevens Competition - COBRA on August Bank Holiday

2010-03-31T17:10:00.002+01:00

Ladies/Gents,

We would like to invite you to the inaugural but hopefully annual GCS junior sevens tournament to be held at COBRA rugby club over the August Bank Holiday.

The event is open to Club sides at Under 12’s, 13’s and 14’s from the 2009/10 season; this was chosen to coincide with the current provincial team set up at the corresponding ages.

The aim of the festival is allow Gogledd Cymru South club teams to showcase there skills against each other, create closer ties with neighbouring teams and increase revenue for our provincial setup. Our provincial teams will have first opportunity to enter, with an open invite being sent to other clubs on Sunday April 11th.

I do hope you take this early opportunity to attend, and look forward to seeing all our provincial teams on the day.

Hwyl,

Dai Higgs
WRU Rugby Development Officer
Gogledd Cymru South / De Gogledd Cymru
email: DHiggs@wru.co.uk
mobile: 07881584500
http://gogleddsouth.blogspot.com

Upcoming Coaching Courses
Level 1 & Rugby Ready Combined - Bangor RFC 7th, 8th, 15th August. £120. Closing Date 8th July
Level 2 - Coleg Llandrillo 15th, 16th May, 12th, 13th June. £200. Closing Date 15th April

29.03.10 BETHESDA V TREBANOS Adroddiad Robert Davies Report

2010-03-29T16:37:00.000+01:00

Bethesda 6 Trebanos 33
Bethesda bowed out of the SWALEC bowl on Saturday to a very strong Trebanos side who came with a game plan to halt the Bethesda machine. Probably they were the best side that have visited Dol Ddafydd in a long time they had youth, pace, and an outstanding defence that knocked Bethesda back at every opportunity. The first half was very even and Bethesda could even have scored a try when they created a 4 to 1 overlap but they took the wrong option. Bethesda were first on the scoreboard when on attack Gareth Edwards chasing a kick ahead was taken out, Mathew Parry slotted over the penalty. Bethesda continued to attack but a superior defence held firm. Trebanos drew level with a long reach penalty for offside and repeated the feat 10 minutes later the kick hitting the crossbar and over Both kicks by Nic Damjanovic. Parry slotted over another penalty for Bethesda and the first half came to a close with the score at 6-6. Second half Trebanos seemed to move up a gear and were spreading the ball along the backs at every opportunity that stretched Bethesda to the limit but they never yielded. Bethesda were having very little possession and their opportunity to attack was limited. Trebanos drew first blood of the second half when Damjanovic put over another penalty to put Trebanos in the lead for the first time 10 minutes into the second half. The defining moment of the game came on the hour when under pressure a reliving kick out of defence was charged down by Trebanos and Chris Harris claimed the try and Danjanovic wit an excellent conversion that made the score 16-6. Bethesda rallied and thru everything they had to try and salvage the game they used the blind side effectively but there were two Trebanos defenders on every Bethesda attacker. Another penalty by Danjanovic increased the lead to 19 6 and the cup tie had gone. in the final minutes of the game and Bethesda showing indiscipline and fustration went down to 14 men with a yellow card and the visitors finished on a high adding two more tries by Full Back Rees Thomas and Andy Penhale both converted by a very accomplished Outside half Nic Damjanovic. A disappointing result for the North Wales side. At the start of the season winning the league was the priority and an excellent cup run has been a great bonus, They return lo league fixtures next week with an away game at COBRA.

26.03.10 RGC 1404 Under 17 Squad v CANADA U17 Mar 31 2010 at Colwyn Bay RFC

2010-03-26T16:59:00.000Z

RGC 1404 Under 17 Development squad to play Canada on Wednesday 31st March @ Colwyn Bay RFC. K.O. 7:30pm

Tom Rowlands-Flint
Damien Goss-Flint
Matt Bevan-Bala
Lewis Jenkins-Exiles
Gareth Pym-Exiles
Matt Davies-Shotton
Jamie Williams- Colwyn Bay
James Harding-COBRA
Elliott Crowe- Llandudno
Lee Rusovic-Mold
Jamie Kelly- Llandudno
Tom Pryddch-Flint
Glyn Griffiths-Colwyn Bay
Phyl Roberts- Ruthin
Spencer Lumby-Colwyn Bay
Gethin Lloyd- Denbigh
Owain Aled- Bala
Andy Oakden- Exiles
Llew Edwards-Wrexham
Teddy Brittain- Llanidloes
Jack Bennett- Newtown
Sam Backshall- Nant Conwy
Jacob Elwy- Denbigh

25.03.10 MACHYNLLETH REQUIRE HEAD COACH

2010-03-25T17:54:00.000Z

CLWB RYGBI MACHYNLLETH

VACANCY

Clwb Rygbi Machynlleth have a vacancy and require a HEAD COACH with immediate effect.

The successful applicant would take total control of the 1st XV and put his input with other members of the coaching staff to improving rugby skills at all levels.

A grade 2 licence would be an advantage but not essential as the club would give every help towards the successful applicant achieving higher grades.

The position is not salaried but reasonable out of pocket expenses would be paid plus the use of a mobile phone for communication etc.

Machynlleth currently have some 30 senior players to select from and play in the newly formed division 2 leagues of the North Wales District.

Applications please in the first instance to the secretary of Machynlleth RFC Mr Steve Nicholas at the club house or via e-mail .

Steven.Nicholas@homecall.co.uk
Or allan.Richardson@mypostoffice.co.uk

On behalf of the committee
Allan Richardson

216.03.10 RUTHIN V DENBITH - JOHN PALMER REPORTS

2010-03-25T17:51:00.000Z

Derby matches between Ruthin and Denbigh are always hotly contested affairs and despite Ruthin’s recent improved form it was Denbigh who grabbed the first points with a penalty and then a converted try putting them 10-0 ahead after 10 minutes. Being behind stirred Ruthin into action and after 15 minutes of play flanker Rob Moore went over for a try which fly half Adam Robson converted. Ruthin began to gain the ascendancy and five minutes before half time Moore got another try which Robson again converted putting the Blues 12-10 at half time. After the break The Blues turned up the pressure and scored another 6 tries at regular intervals throughout the half with no reply from Denbigh. 5 of the tries were converted by Robson. Ruthin’s second half try scorers were second row Dwayne Speakman, wing Huw Parry (2), flanker Clwyd Jones, replacement Tom Crawford and scrumhalf Wil Davies. This win puts Ruthin ahead of Bro Ffestiniog in 5th position (albeit with Bro having two games in hand). Nevertheless being able to concentrate on the league for the rest of the season with a their improved form the Caeddol team have a good chance of finishing higher up the table.

24.03.10 BODEDERN's ARON EVANS CHOSEN FOR WALES U16

2010-03-25T17:22:00.003Z

Aron Evans has just been selected to represent Wales at U16 level.

The squad travel to Italy over Easter

to play in a tournament which includes France, Italy and England.

Aron is a year 11 pupil at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern on Anglesey

and is the captain of the school U16 rugby team.

This particular team having won the Môn/Arfon league this year,

the Eryri cup last year (U15), the Môn/Arfon league at U14

and also the Eryri cup at U13.  He is the second pupil from Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern in two years to gain the honour

of representing his country at this level

- following in the footsteps of George North two years ago.

Aron has been a member of Llangefni rugby club for a number of years and is currently a member of their U16 team.

He also represents RGC U16s regularly.

If you wish to contact me for further details, email this address or phone 01248 715364 or mob. 07979 021589.

Many thanks, Keith Withers.

25.03.10 - BETHESDA READY FOR BIG GAME

2010-03-25T17:20:00.002Z

25.03.10 - BETHESDA READY FOR BIG GAME

A large crowd is anticipated next Saturday at Dol Dafydd for the Quater Final of the Swalec bowl against Trebanos from the Swansea area. Both teams are having an excellent season with Bethesda losing one game in the league and once in the N W Cup while Trebanos up to a week ago had only lost one and drawn one according to their website they played last Friday and will also play on Wednesday this week. Former Wales scrum half Robert Jones and outside half Arwel Thomas are former players ot Trebanos RFC, Bethesda will have a a fully fit squad for the game with hooker Steve Roberts returning from working in Scotland and free scoring wing Gwyn Hughes returns to the squad after a successful run out and a try against Llangefni two weeks ago. Both teams are allowed to name a squad of 22 players for the Quarter Final and the game will have a referee and two neutral touch judges. Kick off for the game is at 2 o clock Bethesda supporters will remember their epic game against Cardiff last year and will hope for the same commitment and endeavour this time round and a passage to the Semi Final .

Regards,

Robert Davies

19.03.10 CANADIAN U17 to tour NORTH WALES at EASTER

2010-03-19T14:32:00.002Z

The Canadian National Under 17 Team will be spending the week leading up to Easter in North Wales as they prepare for the Wellington School Tournament where they will face Portugal,Scotland and Italy, and as a part of their preperation they will play two matches against the RGC 1404 Under 17 Team on Wednesday 31st March and Friday,2nd April.- Venues to be confirmed-

Not surprisingly, RGC 1404 Under 17 Head Coach Mike Harper, was delighted with the opportunity to test the best young players against International Competition,

' The 2 games against the Canadians fall ideally into our Spring Training Programme as we seek to finalise our squad for this Autumns regional age-grade championship. It will be an opportunity for the boys to test themselves against what is bound to be a physical and enthusiastic Canadian team,and gain some idea of the work that they need to do between now and the Autumn.'

The visit of the young Canadians,who will be staying at Rydal School during their stay in North Wales,further strengthens the ties that link Gogledd Cymru with Canada and are most visible with the presence of a number of Canadians in the RGC 1404 senior Team.

19.3.10 Nant 39 (7 tries) Colwyn Bay 7(1 try)

2010-03-19T09:57:00.002Z

Nant are back on track in their quest to retain Division 1 North title after beating Colwyn Bay at home last night.

17.03.10 OSPREYS AGE-GRADE PLANS

2010-03-17T15:05:00.000Z

Age-grade preparations underway for 2010/11 season

Date: Friday 12th March 2010

Issued on behalf of Ospreys

Just weeks after the Eyasses claimed the silverware following a 29-28 win over the Scarlets in the WRU U-16 Championship Final, preparations are already underway for next season, with the Ospreys taking a closer look at the current U-15 District sides from across the region.

Ospreys staff are hosting weekly sessions each Monday evening at the Llandarcy Academy of Sport, where players are invited along to train with the region's age-grade coaching team, while both the players and their parents are participating in a series of educational seminars that are aimed at preparing the players for a future in rugby.

The weekly sessions sees Afan Nedd, Bridgend and Swansea District U-15 players coming in on a rotational basis, where one group will be taking part in weight sessions with Academy Conditoning Coaches, while another group will be involved in skills sessions, in addition to attending seminars that focus on either psychology, nutrition, medical or holistic development. While the youngsters are training, their parents are also invited along to participate in similar seminars, that are aiming to provide them with the information they need to fully sport their child as they take the first steps towards a lengthy career in the game.

Andrew Millward, Regional Performance Development Manager, said:

"It may have been only a few weeks ago that we had our U-16 side involved in their final against the Scarlets, but preparations for next season with the age grade sides are well and truly underway already. At the moment, we are bringing in the potential next batch of under-16's in from the three District sides, who are all currently under-15's, and they will come in weekly on rotation for us to have a good look at, and for them to have a good look at us.

"It means that we are working with a wider pool of players, just over 100 at the moment, and they all have a chance to impress before it gets worked down to a manageable squad for next season. There'll be groups from two districts in on a Monday evening, one working with the coaches while the other group will have an educational seminar, with the same topic covered in a separate session for parents of that group. The sessions cover a wide range of things that all have a direct impact on their development as a rugby player and as a young man. We cover psychology, medical protocols, nutrition, and holistic.

"The Psychology arm will be covered by Dr Steve Mellalieu from Swansea University, who works with the senior team, and he'll be advising them on how to prepare for matches, motivation, that sort of thing. Daloni Lucas will speak to the boys and their parents about the medical side of things, looking at injury prevention and the protocols that are in place regarding injured players. Nutrition is covered off by Kath John and is possibly the most important topic for the parents as it covers what food they need to buy and prepare for the boys. At the end of the course is the holistic sessions with Reverend Steve Jones. With so much going on in the boys lives at that age his role is hugely important. There are big demands on them from all areas and Steve is able to provide support and guidance for them to help them deal with issues such as exams, relationships, domestic problems at home such as parents splitting up. They are all things that can have a huge effect on a teenage boy, and the players and their parents need to be aware of what we can do to help them through what is always a difficult time in their lives.

"These weekly sessions are running over 12 weeks until the end of April, and they are crucial to us in terms of putting together the U-16 squad for next season. They are also crucial to these young boys, and will help to set them on the right path as rugby players and as people, by providing them with valuable advice and guidance that will benefit them in all areas of their lives, on and off the pitch."

In addition to the next batch of U-16's, Millward and his staff are also working closely with the new U-18 squad in preparation for next season, with the players and parents taking part in a similar development programme over the same period. Millward explained:

"We are also working with a smaller group, which consists of players preparing for under-18's rugby for next season, which covers similar subjects, but because of the fact that this is a smaller, more focused group, we are able to cover off things in a lot more depth. Instead of just having one session per area for parents and players, with this age group we are running three sessions covering each area.

"It's vitally important that the under-18's and their parents buy into these sessions, even more so than the under-16's to be honest. It may be that they think they've covered it off already, but you have to remember that some of these boys may be just months away from starting their careers as professional rugby players and as such, they need to be ready and this will help them make that step.

"It's about getting an understanding of what's to come for them, what the expectations are and what standards they have to live by, on and off the field, that will make them better players and better people. I'm confident that the development programme we have in place at the Ospreys will produce not just better rugby players, but also, better people, and these sessions are just the first building blocks towards that, so it's important that we have the full commitment of players and parents over these next couple of months."

ENDS

Peter Owen

Ospreys Media Manager

07958 042 557

peter.owen@ospreysrugby.com

15.3.10. North Wales Senior Cup and Plate Draw/Results

2010-03-15T16:46:00.002Z

SENIOR CUP and PLATE Draw/results
Pwllheli beat Ruthin 28-23 on aggregate
Colwyn Bay beat COBRA 44-33 on aggregate.

SENIOR CUP SEMI FINALS
Nant Conwy v Caernarfon

Pwllheli v Mold or Dolgellau

SENIOR PLATE SEMI FINALS

Bala v Colwyn Bay

Bro Ffestiniog v Rhyl

The round is to be played on a 'straight' knockout basis with the 1st club being given HOME advantage.
Round to be completed by 18th April 2010.

15.3.10 George North in Wales U18 Six Nations Squad

2010-03-15T16:29:00.002Z

WRU PRESS RELEASE

Issued: 11 March 2010

Wales Under 18 Five Nations squad and fixtures announced

Wales Under 18 head coach Simon King has named his 26 man squad for the forthcoming Under 18 international games, which includes a place for Wales squad member Tom Prydie. The fixture list for King's youngsters begins with a trip to Melrose to face Scotland next Sunday and continues with England at Swansea RFC on Sunday 28 March. These matches form part of the Five Nations fixture list for the side and culminate in the Under 18 Five Nations festival which takes place in Wales this year over the Easter period. The hosts will face Ireland and Italy at Llandovery RFC on Friday 2nd and Saturday 10th April respectively (both at 2pm).

The coaching team delayed naming their final squad in order to watch players in action in the WRU Regional Under 18 final, the two Wales Under 18 training squad games against Leicester Academy and a trial game last weekend.

King said, "We feel we have more strength in depth than in recent years with three or four players pushing for places in a number of positions. Our aim is to develop as many players as possible to the best of their ability so it's great to see so many players stepping up to the next level - 19 of the Wales Under 20 squad that face France were capped at Under 18 level."

Prydie is a travelling reserve for Warren Gatland's Wales squad in Ireland this weekend, along with forwards Ken Owens and Dan Lydiate. Prydie could be called into the match day 22 should any back sustain an injury during tomorrow's captain's run or Saturday's pre-match warm up.

King added: "Tom's experience as part of the Wales squad will have benefitted his development greatly, but it will also act as a great carrot for the rest of the Under 18 squad who can see that if they work hard and perform well, they will have the same opportunity. Tom has a huge amount of potential, he's a great physical specimen and I'm sure will be looking forward to playing for Wales Under 18 in our Five Nations campaign.

"We have enjoyed a good period of preparation so far. A number of our squad players were involved with us last season and for the game against Australian Schools XV in December which was a great test for us. We had two very competitive games against an older Leicester Academy XV over the past month and the Regional Under 18 Championship once again provided an excellent opportunity for the best players in the Regions to develop and put their hands up for selection.

"It's important we start well against Scotland. They are always a big, strong side, they will have a lot of support in Melrose and whilst we beat them at the Five Nations festival last season, it was a tough match. Next up is England who are always the yardstick at this age group. In the last four seasons, they have toured New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina so they are continually raising the bar in the northern hemisphere. It will be great to be at home for the Five Nations this season. We had some fantastic support in Colwyn Bay for the Australian match in December and hopefully the Welsh rugby public will come to Llandovery at Easter for some great double headers."

Wales Under 18 Five Nations squad:

Backs: Tom Prydie (Ospreys), Harley Thompson (Blues), Harry Robinson (Blues), George North (Scarlets), Luke Williams (Scarlets), Leighton Bellamore (Dragons), Sam Campbell (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons)

Forwards: Rob Evans (Scarlets), Darran Harris (Blues), Will Griff John (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Jack Dando (Blues), Cory Hill (Blues), Matthew Screech (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Callum Thomas (Blues), Thomas Young (Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Owen Sheppeard (Blues)

Wales Under 18 fixtures 2010

Scotland (Melrose RFC) Sunday, 21 March 3pm

England (St. Helens, Swansea) Sunday, 28th March 2pm

Under 18 Five Nations festival, Llandovery RFC, April 2 - 10

Friday 2 April

Wales v Ireland 2pm

Scotland v England 4pm

Tuesday 6 April

England v Ireland 2pm

Scotland v Italy 4pm

Saturday 10 April

Wales v Italy 2pm

Scotland v Ireland 4pm

For further information, contact Liz Jones WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 /lizjones@wru.co.uk

10.03.10 Newly constituted Division 2 North and Division 3 North fixtures

2010-03-10T12:42:00.002Z

2 North 3 North

6th March Bethesda v Dolgellau Llanidloes v Wrexham Bala v COBRA Newtown v Bangor Machynlleth v Rhyl Rhos v Welshpool

27th March Dolgellau v Bala Bangor v Llanidloes Bethesda v Machynlleth Newtown v Rhos Rhyl v COBRA Welshpool v Wrexham

3rd April Bala v Machynlleth Welshpool v Bangor Rhyl v Dolgellau Llanidloes v Rhos COBRA v Bethesda Wrexham v Newtown

10th April Dolgellau v Bethesda Wrexham v Llanidloes COBRA v Bala Bangor v Newtown Rhyl v Machynlleth Welshpool v Rhos

17th April Bala v Dolgellau Llanidloes v Bangor Machynlleth v Bethesda Rhos v Newtown COBRA v Rhyl Wrexham v Welshpool

24th April Machynlleth v Bala Bangor v Welshpool Dolgellau v Rhyl Rhos v Llanidloes Bethesda v COBRA Newtown v Wrexham

See Also Fixtures page on website

10.03.10 UPDATED REFEREES LIST

2010-03-10T12:37:00.002Z

NORTH WALES SOCIETY OF RUGBY UNIONS REFEREES

REFEREE AND ADVISORS CONTACT DETAILS

OCTOBER 2009

WRU LEVEL TWO REFEREES

Home Telephone Works Telephone Mobile Telephone E mail address

Kevin ANKERS 01244 549030 07877 174101

Alun BAGSHAW 01352 763770 01244 831531 07950 861777 alun.bagshaw@tiscali.co.uk

Simon BRITTAIN 07974 127974 stjbi@btinernet.com

Derek DAVIES 01352 751429 07880 952761 davies-tudela@tiscali.co.uk

Eirian DAVIES 01248 716653 eirian@davies1159.freeserve.co.uk

Richard R DAVIES 01492 581002 07825 453899 reesdavies7@btinternet.com

Simon DIGNAM 01248 600056 07917 897927 simondignam@btinternet.com

Daniel DOUGHTY 01286 669315 07754 273291 mrdoughty85@hotmail.com

Neil EDWARDS 01978 856775 07966 340217 edwards.na@gmail.com

Darrel EVANS 01547 528929 01547 528534 07813 637835 berneet@ffryddterrace.wanadoo.co.uk

Rhodri GRAVELL 01341 247251 07530 562133 rh.gravell@talk21.com

Owain GRIFFITH 01766 512219 07825 442959 gwyneddowain@hotmail.com

Paul HUGHES 01745 343789 01223 301673 07855 410681 paulhughes88422@aol.com

Owen HUMPHRIES 01248 490757 01248 490524 07837 847329 sarahpops1@aol.com

Carl HYDE 01686 623719 01686 626143 07929 159240 samcarl@sionanddewi.orangehome.co.uk

Steve JARVIS 01978 263168

Rob JONES 01824 703099 07967 133783 robchips@hotmail.com

Tom LAST 01248 716731 0845 890 8507 07989 661378 tom@tomlast.net

Alan LEWIS 01286 673455 a.lewis115@hotmail.co.uk

George LLOYD 01547 560074 07785 973037 07792 189888 george@beggasbush.plus.com

Nick LLOYD 1492 07789 137791 nick@ynicht.freeserve.co.uk

Kev LOCKYER 01925 464456 07854 601994 kev.lockyer@tiscali.co.uk

Alister McLEAN 01248 351428 07852 186901 s08000594@stu.newi.ac.uk

Simon MORGAN 01938 557557 07855 846763 simon.morgan@castalum.com

Keith NICHOLS 01352 750925 01244 671122 07799 888372 keithandkaren@tiscali.co.uk

David OWEN 01492 530051 07590 226833 david

Emrys OWEN 01248 722119 07805 208271 emryswyn@hotmail.com

John OWEN 07990 531594 07955 111924 joxht@ynysmon.gov.uk

Ceirion PARRY 01407 740583 01407 830286 07931 817253 paryyca@hotmail.com

Tony PARRY 01678 520885 07929 859320 tonyparry.no8@tiscali.co.uk

Graham PERCH 01766 781154 07866 599860 graham.perch@tiscali.co.uk

Craig ROBERTS 01492 545071 07919 880518 craig.roberts@marstons.co.uk

Dave ROBERTS 01492 878852 01492 538143 jean.davidroberts@btinternet.com

James RYDER 01492 576868 01492 593917 07817 452877 j.ryder99@btinternet.com

Colin SCOTT 01745 832037 07748 931440 scottfamily5@tiscali.co.uk

Robbie SHIELDS 01492 860359 07802 231391 rob.shields@btinternet.com

Teifion THOMAS 01286 676306 07748 224579 teifionthomas@hotmail.com

Nev WILLIAMS 01758 614384 01758 612178 07772 497367 andrew1williams@aol.com

Sion WYNNE 01286 650429 07810 100636 sionehpwynne@hotmail.com

WRU LEVEL THREE REFEREES

Neil ADDIS 01745 815916 01352 716262 07733 173955 oaksonleisure@hotmail.co.uk

Dylan DAVIES 01248 601816 07801 509633 dyland@sky.com

David DRURY 01492 622969 01407 767669 07840 280016 trishndave@btinternet.com

Gareth EDWARDS 01745 852565 07917 681819 redlionmeliden@aol.com

Ian MORRIS 07771 880562

Haydn OWEN 01745 570389 07810 528585 hmo359@aol.com

John Ll ROBERTS 01492 642149 07872 950334 johnlloydrj@btinternet.com

Alun THOMAS 01492 543555 01492 874774 07879 414900 athomas99@btopenworld.com

Mark WILCOX 0151 201 7097 0151 356 8537 07792 630031 markwilcowreferee@yahoo.co.uk

Ieuan WILLIAMS 01352 732730 01244 586094 07759 378518 ieuan.williams@bms.com

Iwan M WILLIAMS 01286 669358 07778 534588 07866 411726 iwanmeirion@googlemail.com

Tom WRIGHT 01978 759404 07927 595520 07977 649554 tomwright@fsnet.co.uk

Tom WILLIAMS 07976 012812

WRU ADVISORS

Frank BARRON 01745 339171 07788 891812 frank.barron1@tiscali.co.uk

Peter BLUNDELL 1824 07860 823253

Alan DAVIES 01248 810733 07855 003198 alanandpat@talktalk.net

Myrfyn DAVIES 01341 450611 07884 244285

Lyn DAVENPORT 01244 335957 07970 555431 lyndavenport@btinternet.com

Elfed HOLLOWAY 01352 757704 07836 587165 elfed.holloway@agrovista.co.uk

Meirion HUGHES 01745 887396 07771 927297 meirionh@btinternet.com

Tom LOCKYER 01244 535004 tomlockyer@talktalk.net

Steve McCABE 01745 361986 07752 614828 Stephen.McCabe@cd_tr.wales.nhs.uk

Richard MORGAN 01978 290571 01978 661144 07710 433002 morgan@trai.fsnet.co.uk

Merv PICTON 01745 332959 07971 594871 mervpicton@btinternet.com

Allan H ROBERTS 01492 540368 07718 356209 allanhugh.roberts@uwclub.net

Nigel THOMAS 01745 813256 07977 519598 llysallan@googlemail.com

Gess WILSON 01352 712573 07967 978156 gwilson2@tiscali.co.uk

Glyn WILLIAMS 01352 781295 07767 327358

Mike WINTER 01745 886672

05.03.10 GWYL RYGBI'R HEN HOGIA EWROP 2010 CAERNARFON - MEHEFIN 10fed i'r 13eg

2010-03-06T13:06:00.002Z

GWYL RYGBI'R HEN HOGIA EWROP 2010

CAERNARFON - MEHEFIN 10fed i'r 13eg

Mae'n siwr eich bod wedi clywed am y digwyddiad rugbi enfawr sy'n digwydd yn Nghaernarfon mis Mehefin. Bydd 33 tim led-led Ewrop yn dod i Gaernarfon ar gyfer penwythnos o Hwyl, Brawdgarwch a Chyfeillgarwch, dyna yw motto rygbi'r Hen Hogia..

Tybed os oes modd i ni gael sylw ar eich wefan? Dwi eisioes wedi siarad efo Vaughan, Alwyn, Peredur ac Austin yn eich cyfarfod blynyddol a wedyn yn Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon yn ystod y cyflwyniad i RGC 1404 ac maen't i gyd i weld yn gefnogol iawn i'r Wyl.

Garin Jenkins yw Ambassador yr Wyl a mae 'na lun ohono efo Mopi ein mascot a fi ar Y Morfa yn Nghaernarfon wedi atodi i hwn.

Cewch fwy o hanes ar ein wefan: www.ygog.com/2010

Efaillai y gallwn rhoi link o'r ddwy wefan i'w gilydd.

EUROPEAN GOLDEN OLDIES RUGBY FESTIVAL 2010

CAERNARFON - JUNE 10th to 13th

I'm certain that you've heard of the huge rugby Festival which is coming to Caernarfon in June. 33 teams from all over Europe will be in Caernarfon for a weekend of Fun,Friendship and Fraternity, which is the G.O. motto.

Would it be possible to promote the Festival through your website? Could we forge a link between both websites?

I've already spoken to Vaughan, Alwyn, Peredur and Austin at your AGM and then again at the presentation for RGC 1404 at my Club, Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon. They all are supportive of the Festival.

Garin Jnekins is the Festival Ambassador and there is a photo attached to this showing Garin with the Festival mascot Mopi and me.

More information is to be found on our website: www.ygog.com/2010

Diolch yn fawr

Emrys

Emrys Ll Jones

Cadeirydd Pwyllgor Trefnnu'r Wyl

Festival Organising Committee Chairman

Garin Mopi a Fi.JPG

© 2010 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use Account Feedback

03.03.10 MOLD RUGBY CLUB SEEK HEAD COACH

2010-03-03T12:21:00.000Z

Name: Keith Nicholls Address: c/o Mold RFC Tel_Nos: 01352 750925 enquiry: PLEASE POST THE FOLLOWING ON THE GC WEB SITE: MOLD RFC are one of the leading clubs in Wales producing young, talented individuals. In the last 3 years former Mold players have made a significant impact at a national level (Rob McCusker, Scarlets and Wales Sevens; Haydn Pugh, Neath and Wales U20s; James King, Aberavon, Ospreys and Wales U20s; and Rhys Williams, Warrington Wolves and Wales RL are all products of the club). We are now seeking an enthusiastic and committed head coach for the Season 2010/11 and beyond. Interested individuals should apply in writing either by email or post to the Honorary Secretary c/o 7 Llys Menden, Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1GF, or by e-mail keithandkaren @ tiscali.co.uk Job Description To attend twice weekly training sessions (Tuesday and Thursday evenings) and lead the senior squad (1st and 2nd team). To devise drills, exercises and the like and to deliver them (supported by assistant coaches) to the senior squad. To lead, and liaise with the Club Captain, 2nd Team Manager and Youth Team Coaches on selection issues. To attend once monthly Playing Committee meetings To attend Saturday fixtures (and occasional midweek games) as required, and analyse / review / and report to the 1st team. The Post holder will be responsible for all playing matters associated with the first team, and will report to the Chair of the Playing Committee. 1st and 2nd team managers, the Fixture Secretary and others will deal with all administrative matters and match day logistics. The post is not salaried, but reasonable travel expenses will be repaid, the club will provide a mobile phone for the purpose of club business, and the club will support the coaches progression through the WRU Coaching Award Scheme (to an envisaged maximum of Level 3).

02.03.10 North Wales U15 v Lancashire U15 Feb 28, 2010

2010-03-02T16:01:00.003Z

“This was the third meeting of these two sides in the past two seasons with North Wales coming out on top on the previous two occasions. The North Wales players knew that this would be a hard fought encounter as Lancashire are always strong given the size of the catchment area and the quality of its feeder clubs.

The first fifteen minutes were keenly contested around the halfway line, with both sets of forwards testing each other and wing-forwards Alex Pope and Dafydd Jones providing constant on-the-shoulder support to bruising carries by Max Davies, Sion Hughes and Callum Mitchell.
As the game wore on, the North Wales pack began to dominate its much larger rivals with a mixture of well honed technique and high fitness levels. In particular the set- piece at scrum and lineout were superb, with Lancashire being driven backwards and second row Oli Suter and hooker Luke Williams dominating the lineout.
Towards the end of the first half, Lancashire began to concede an increasing number of penalties at the breakdown and were punished by the boot of Osian Jones who pegged them back in the corners, from where North Wales were unlucky not to score from a well driven maul which ended in a knock-on whilst crossing the line.
However, Lancashire’s relief was short lived as from the ensuing scrum they were driven off their ball and Tom Davies quickly released Dave Bowen to crash over next to the posts after a trademark barnstorming run. The try was duly converted by Osian Jones.
At half time, North Wales made a number of changes, particularly in the pack, to allow some less experienced players to gain some valuable game time at this level. Lancashire also made several changes. The number of simultaneous changes in hindsight was perhaps challenging as the second half was much more evenly contested, with the Lancashire pack exerting considerable pressure at the set-piece which consequently allowed their back-line to look far more dangerous with clean ball. However, the North Wales back-line held its shape with captain Rhys Williams leading the defence with some bone-crunching tackling.

The second half was scoreless and at the final whistle North Wales were deserved victors, but all credit to the Lancashire players who battled hard right up to the end in what was an excellent game, played with exemplary spirit.
The result and the way in which the team played, particularly in the first half was a significant improvement on the previous outing when North Wales narrowly lost to Yorkshire and bodes well for the future.”

Mawrth 1af Nant Conwy v Llangefni Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Reports

2010-03-01T13:17:00.002Z

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 27.02.10 Nant Conwy 28 v Llangefni 9

Cwpan Gogledd Cymru / North Wales Cup

(Cyfanswm tros ddau gymal / Aggregate score over two legs = 35 – 31 i/to Nant Conwy)

Sgorwyr Nant Scorers:

Ceisiau / Tries: Llywarch ap Myrddin, Carwyn Ellis, Dewi James, Ioan Davies,

Trosi / Conversion: Llywarch ap Myrddin (4)

Yn wir, Nant a fu’n ymosod drwy gydol y gêm hon. Ar ôl pwyso a phwyso am hanner awr gyfan gyda’r bas olaf yn cael ei bwrw ymlaen bedair gwaith o leiaf, sgoriodd Carwyn Lloyd Milburn gic gosb i Langefni. Gyda’r chwiban am hanner amser ar fin cael ei chwythu, llwyddodd Llywarch i dorri drwy’r llinell amddiffynnol o’r diwedd gan sgorio cais o dan y pyst. Roedd y trosiad yn un hawdd iddo. Nant felly yn parhau i fod 13 pwynt ar ei hol hi ar yr hanner.

Yn fuan yn yr ail hanner, sgoriodd Carwyn ei ail gic gosb i wneud pethau’n waeth i Nant!

Gyda chwarter awr ar ôl a Nant yn dal ati i bwyso’n barhaus ac yn anlwcus ar sawl achlysur llwyddodd y capten, Carwyn i sgorio cais ar y llinell ar ôl sawl gwthiad yn dilyn ei gilydd. Trosiad cywir arall gan Llywarch. Dau funud arall, dyna Dewi yn sgorio cais hynod debyg i’r un a sgoriodd Nant yn yr hanner cyntaf. Llywarch yn trosi eto. Y sgoriau yn gyfartal tros y ddau gymal yn awr. Yn syth o’r ail gychwyn, dyfarnwyd cic gosb i Langefni a chamodd eu rhif 10, Carwyn ymlaen i droi’r ornest o’u plaid hwy.

Dau funud yn unig oedd yn weddill, pan fu i Ioan guro’i gyn-dim allan ar yr asgell a rhedeg o dan y pyst i sgorio’r cais pwysig. Llywarch yn trosi i roddi buddugoliaeth o 4 pwynt yn unig i Nant tros y ddau gymal.

Y Sadwrn nesaf, bydd Nant yn chwarae gêm Gynghrair i ffwrdd yng Nghaernarfon.

It would be true to state that Nant were attacking throughout this match. They could easily have scored tries on four occasions early in the match but the final pass was knocked on each time. Against the run of play after half an hour, Llangefni’s no. 10, Carwyn Lloyd Milburn scored with a penalty. Right on the stroke of half time, Llywarch, at last found a gap in the Llangefni defence and scored a try under the posts. An easy conversion for him which meant that Nant were 13 points in arrears at the interval.

Early in the second half, Nant were punished again with a successful penalty kick by Carwyn for Llangefni.

With only a quarter of an hour left and Nant continuing to be camped in the Llangefni half, there were three consecutive rucks by the try line and Nant’s captain and no. 8 finally squeezed over to touch the ball down on that elusive try line. A successful conversion by Llywarch followed. Another two minutes play and there was a repitition of Nant’s try in the first half but this time it was the lock, Dewi that dived under the posts for a try. Llywarch successful with the follow up again. At this time the aggregate scores were level!

But, immediately from the re start, Llangefni were awarded another penalty and up stepped Carwyn again to take his side 3 points ahead.

There were only two minutes left when winger, Ioan had the last laugh over his ex team mates when he beat the defence with speed and touched down under the posts again. Llywarch made sure of gaining the win ( by 4 points onl over the two legs) with a successful conversion.

Next Saturday, Nant will return to League action and will be playing Caernarfon away.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

Mawrh 1af Bethesda v Rhos Adroddiad Robert Davies Reports

2010-03-01T13:15:00.003Z

Last game of the north Division 2 brought together the top team against the bottom Rhos were never going to win the game because they opted for unopposed scrums and under the rules you cannot win the game. Full credit must be given to Rhos they put in a lot of effort but Bethesda were far to strong. The first try came as early as the first minute from Gareth Edwards. Mathew Parry scored a hat trick of tries and also 8 conversions for a personal tally of 31points Edwards scored a second try and a conversion Cameron Moore got a brace of tries as so did Dylan Hughes other tries were scored by Llion Lloyd, Gareth Wyn, Dafydd Thomos , Arwyn Griffiths and Dylan Williams Rhos had some fine spells in the second half and held the Bethesda scoring machine to only 5 tries. Coach Will Sanderson used up all the squad in the exercise and by the end of the season they will all play a big part because next week sees the start of the challenge against the three top teams in Mid Wales where Bethesda are at home to Dolgellau who topped the Mid Wales League. Great news reached the club on Tuesday night that they had drawn against Trebanos from the Swansea in the quarter final of the SWALEC plate competition 0n 27 of March that should make it another historic day for Clwb Rygbi Bethesda Bethesda 2nds lost to Bala 2nds 22-15

Regards,

Robert Davies

24.02.10 Bethesda get home draw in Bowl Quarter ties --now only 2 games from Millenium final.

2010-02-25T17:18:00.003Z

Bethesda only two games away from Millennium Stadium Final

See full draw on National News

21.2.10 Bethesda 23 Bettws 7- match report -Spyd reporting

2010-02-21T19:28:00.000Z

Bethesda 23 Bettws 7

Bethesda made the last 8 of the SWALEC Bowl after a convincing win over Bettws from the Newport area in South Wales. There was only going to be one winners in this contest the home side had 70% of the territorial advantage and 65% of the possession it was their inability to turn pressure into points that caused them problems. It took 16 minutes for Bethesda to register their first score with a Mathew Parry penalty. Numerous scoring chances were squandered in the first half hour but after 26 minutes Arwyn Griffiths crossed the try line after a fine break by Parry and clever offloading gave supporting Griffiths an easy touchdown. Bethesda seemed to take their foot off the throttle and were caught out on half time when the backs followed up a long kick Bettws counter attacked once behind the Bethesda defence they showed how tries should be scored with an excellent try out wide by Centre Steve Murphy and a touch line conversion by Marcelo Anderson. After all the pressure Bethesda had only a slender 3 point lead at half time. Bettws grew in confidence at the start of the second half and had their best spell of the game but Bethesda were always in control. The home side showed lots of adventure by running their penalties where it would have been much better to kick for goal or a line out. The message must have got thru Mathew Parry kicked one 18 minutes into the second half and repeated his feat on 23 minutes to put Bethesda two scores ahead Credit must be given to Bettws for the way they tackled thru out the game. With the final whistle approaching centre David Thomas made the line with three defenders hanging on to him and Parry converted for a final score of 23-7. With the second half of the season approaching Bethesda will have to become more clinical if they are to proceed to the Millennium Stadium that is now only two games away. Next Week Bethesda play the last game of the northern section against Rhos before going against the Mid Wales teams in March and April. Bethesda 2nds beat Bro Festiniog 7-5

21.02.10 . WOS results/reviews-Pesda through to last 8 in Bowl comp

2010-02-21T13:06:00.002Z

Maximum points as Caernarfon push on

Feb 21 2010 Wales On Sunday

THERE were only two games played in Division One North this weekend, with second-placed Caernarfon taking advantage of league leaders Nant Conwy playing in the Swalec Plate to draw level on points after a 30-5 home win over Llangefni.
The visitors took an early lead with a pushover try credited to scrum-half Rob Evans. The home side reduced the arrears with a penalty by outside- half Kelfyn Morris before a try from full-back Lance Owen gave the home side an 8-5 half-time advantage.
The home side managed three second-half tries to claim maximum points through hooker Liam Leung, No 8 Rhys Evans and an injury-time touchdown from wing Dylan Gwyn, with outside-half Morris adding a further penalty and two conversions.
Third-placed Mold kept in touch with a 34-12 home win over Colwyn Bay. They also collected maximum points through tries from second-row Pat Hughes and a hat-trick from flanker Oliver Platt. All four were converted by centre Dan Edmunds, who also kicked over a penalty.
Only two games survived in Division Two North. Machynlleth won the Mid Wales clash at home to Newtown 26-17, with tries from No 8 Dorian Lloyd, centre Jonathon Davies and two from flanker Rhys Lewis, outside- half Iwan Jones adding three conversions.
The visitors’ points came from a try apiece for wing Dan Harries and prop Darren Evans, with outside-half Rowan Meek kicking the extras.
Bala's match against Wrexham was postponed,Rhos overcame Bangor 14-10
There was no success for the two North Wales clubs in the Swalec Plate competition as Nant Conwy went down 27-15 at Brynmawr and Ruthin 32-13 away to Llantwit Fardre.
In the Bowl competition Bethesda carry the North Wales flag as they made it through to the quarter-finals with a 23-7 home win over Bettws. Their tries came from flanker Arwyn Griffiths and centre David Thomas, with outside-half Matthew Parry adding the kicks.

20.02.10 Bryn Mawr v Nant Conwy Adroddiad Ifor Glyn Report

2010-02-21T12:25:00.002Z

Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy

Sadwrn / Saturday 20.02.10 BrynMawr 27 v Nant Conwy 15

Plat Swalec Plate

Sgorwyr Nant:

Ceisiau / Tries: Rhys Roberts, Gareth Jones

Trosi / Conversion: Llywarch ap Myrddin

Cosb / Penalty: Llywarch ap Myrddin

Ar ôl cryn bryder a fuasai’r gêm yn cael ei chwarae o gwbl oherwydd y tywydd drwg, cytunodd Clwb Rygbi Crichowell i’r ornest fynd yn ei blaen.

Cic gosb gan Llywarch ar ôl 3 munud oedd y sgôr gyntaf. Yna sgoriodd yr asgellwr Rhys gais ar yr asgell dde ond nis troswyd. Ar ôl 22 munud gwthiodd y pac drosodd o sgrym 5 a thiriodd y bachwr, Gareth. Trosiad gan Llywarch ac felly, Nant 0 -15 ar y blaen.

Ychydig cyn yr hanner, aeth Nant i lawr i 14 dyn oherwydd damwain dechnegol mewn sgarmes. Manteisiodd Bryn Mawr ar hyn trwy gicio cic gosb o’r digwyddiad a sgorio dau gais a throsi un yn ystod y 10 munud tyngedfennol. Y sgôr yn gyfartal ar ddechrau’r ail hanner felly.

Gem agos iawn oedd hi am y gweddill ond curwyd Nant gan ddau symudiad wedi’i baratoi ar y maes ymarfer. Sgoriwyd dau gais ac un trosiad yn y 10 munud olaf i’r tîm o Adran 2 y Dwyrain. Bydd Nant yn dysgu o hyn o bosibl gan ddefnyddio’r tactegau ‘newydd’ a bod yn barod amdanynt yn y dyfodol. Llongyfarchwyd tîm Nant gan Swyddogion y Clwb o’r De ac nid oedd ganddynt unrhyw amheuaeth y buasai Nant yn dal eu tir yn llwyddiannus yn eu cynghrair hwy.

Gobeithia Nant chwarae ail gymal Cwpan Gogledd Cymru gartref yn erbyn Llangefni dydd Sadwrn nesaf gyda’r gic gyntaf am 2.00 o’r gloch.

After much consideration whether the match would be played at all due to the bad weather Crickhowell Rugby Club were kind enough to loan the use of its pitch for the game.

A penalty kick after 3 minutes by Llywarch opened the scoring. Then, Rhys, the right winger scored an unconverted try in the right corner. After 22 minutes play, Nant gained a scrum 5; the pack pushed over the line and hooker, Gareth Jones touched down for a try that was converted by Llywarch. Nant ending the first quarter being 0 – 15 ahead.

Just before half time, Nant were reduced to 14 men due to a technical fault at a ruck. BrynMawr scored from the resultant penalty and indeed scored two tries with one being converted during this 10 minute ‘yellow card’ period to level the scores.

The play for the rest of the game was fairly even but Nant were outdone by two ‘training pitch’ prepared moves that they had not come across before. The moves led to two further tries with one converted for BrynMawr, the team from the Division 2 East. Possibly, Nant will learn from this experience and preapre for such moves in future and use those themselves. Nant’s team were praised and congratulated by the Officials of the South East side and they were of the opinion that Nant Conwy would ‘hold their own’ successfully in their league.

Nant’s next opponents, hopefully, willl be Llangefni at home (kick off 2.00 p.m.) next Saturday. This match will be the second leg of the North Wales Cup competition.

Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)

15.2.10 Caernarfon go through NWales Cup

2010-02-15T08:55:00.000Z

Caernarfon 15 Bethesda 15

The N W Cup second leg ended in a draw with Caernarfon going thru after their win in the first leg. Both sides showed changes from last week due to the game in Cardiff. Bethesda had the advantage of the slope in the first half but did not make use of the possession they had by missing ample scoring chances. Caernarfon took the lead with a penalty but was cancelled out with a penalty for the visitors. An entertaining first half with defences on top. Things did not look good for Bethesda in the second half defending the slope Caernarfon broke the deadlock with a try out wide that went unconverted Bethesda showed excellent spirit and determination and Captain Paul Thomas led by example carrying a lot of ball with his forwards following. Mathew Parry brought Bethesda level when he finished off a good movement. Full Back Llion Loyd was secure and coped well with waves of Caernarfon attacks. Bethesda took the lead with 5 minutes to go when Steven Eames went thru a gap in the Caernarfon defence to touch down close to the posts and Parry secured the conversion. Bethesda had belief that they could snatch victory even over the two legs But Caernarfon had enough in the tank for one final fling and Bethesda infringed the off side line a quick tap by the Caernarfon second row touched down under the post and the successful conversion begin the final kick of an enjoyable game. Next week sees a big game at Bethesda when Bettws from Gwent are the visitors in the SWALEC cup for a place in the quarter final K O at 2 o clock

12.2.10. RGC 1404 well beaten at Bangor --match report

2010-02-12T21:30:00.002Z

President XV 26 RGC1404 12

Tony Gray’s President XV achieved a notable victory last night (Thurs. 11th Feb) at Bangor RFC when his team managed and put together by Alwyn Bevan from locally based club players and coached by Ieuan Jones (Caernarfon) and Eddie Kirby (Mold) comfortably beat RGC1404 by four tries to two.

The facilities and the conditions at Bangor RFC were conducive to open rugby and the sizeable crowd were treated to a great game which was well controlled by referee John Roberts. Enterprise Co. who have recently announced a sponsorship deal with North Wales Rugby could not have picked a better match to mark their association.

From the outset the President XV had the edge with their superior forward power led by their outstanding lock Arwel Lloyd (Machynlleth) and their combative front row unit of James Jones (Nant), John Shirley (Mold) and Gareth Pawson (Llangefni). Considering it was a scratch side their set pieces went well with Iestyn Dafydd (Llangefni) dominating the lineouts. Their scavenging back row trio of Harri Parri (Pwllheli),Carwyn Ellis (Nant) and Caernarfon’s Andrew Williams harassed RGC back line forcing errors and denying them the opportunity to get over the gain line. It seemed that the step up in the pace and intensity of the game was too much for the nucleus of the RGC players who play their club rugby over the border.

Winger Dylan Gwyn (Caernarfon) opened the scoring for the President team when he grounded his own delicate chip sprinting clear of the cover defence to score in the corner.

Against the run of play RGC responded with a fine individual try by livewire winger Richie Hopkins (Mold) when he cut infield on a fine running angle to touch down under the posts. Try converted by M.Raikes (Sale Amateurs) to put RGC in the lead 7-5.

With scrum half Gareth Padgett (Caernarfon) sniping at every opportunity the President XV exerted pressure for some time on the RGC try line but were denied a score with RGC defending strongly.

When RGC threatened the President defence held firm, well marshalled by centre Gwilym Jones (Caernarfon) and the ever reliable Arwel Roberts (Llangefni) who had a fine game at full back.

Just before half time the spectators were treated to a great try when the President’s winger Carwyn ap Myrddin (Nant) made a scintillating break from his own half, the ball passing quickly through three pairs of hands before the supporting Harri Parri (Pwlheli) crashed over beneath the posts. Llywarch ap Myrddin (Nant) converted to make the half time score 12-7.

The President XV coaches made a few changes at half time and they continued where they left off continuing to exert pressure forcing RGC to make errors and concede turnovers.

Despite the valiant efforts of RGC captain Wil Bown (Chester) the pressure eventually took its toll and it was no surprise when Bangor based centre Chris Malhene touched down following a strong forward drive to make the score 19-5.

There was now an air of desperation in the RGC ranks as they tried to chase the game prompted by strong running centre Jack Moorhouse (Sale Amateurs) and replacement hooker Andrew Baston (Sale Amateurs) together with replacement prop Rhodri Owen (Chester).

The President’s men were not to be denied and prop Gareth Pawson (Llangefni) burst through two tackles and using a classic hand off scored a great try under the posts making an easy conversion to take the score to 26-5.

Coaches Ieuan Jones and Eddie Kirby continued to ring the changes and to their credit RGC kept going with Andrew Baston (SaleAmateurs) going over for a consolation unconverted try in injury time, making the final score 26-12.

A thoroughly entertaining match which no doubt demonstrated the abundance of talent in North Wales club rugby. Alwyn Bevan commented after the match that it was a very worthwhile exercise in staging the game, he thanked the players and coaches for their support and knows that RGC coach Clive Griffiths was pleased with the talent on show which will now give him a larger pool of players for selection consideration for coming RGC fixtures. Whilst he appreciated that the Canadian RGC players were rested for this match nevertheless he thought it was a great rugby occasion for representative rugby in North Wales.

Coach Ieuan Jones said, “It was great to be involved and have the pick of North Wales clubs talented players. Eddie and myself pre match motivation was not difficult as our players were keen to show their talents in front of RGC 1404 coach Clive Griffiths and were up for it. It was a great rugby occasion and the players were chuffed when President of North Wales Rugby Council and ex Wales coach Tony Gray came to the dressing room afterwards to say how proud he was of his team!!!”

11.2.10 Preview and Teams for tonight RGC1404 match Rob Griffiths DPost

2010-02-11T10:38:00.002Z

Griffiths keen to take look at the talent of North Wales

Feb 11 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
IT’S BEING billed as an exhibition match but in reality tonight’s clash between RGC 1404 and a Presidents XV has the look of a squad trial outing.
RGC 1404 head coach Clive Griffiths’ aim to have the best North Walian players involved in the region’s representative squad takes another step forward with a game against a President’s XV tonight at Bangor (7.30pm kick off).
Griffiths’ North Wales rebels will take the field without the nine Canadian professionals, who have boosted their ranks, against a side selected from over 50 players who want to be part of the squad.
North Wales Rugby Council president Tony Gray, a former Wales national coach, has selected a strong line-up of players from across the whole of the region to take on the North Wales representative team.
While Gray, who before current Wales head coach Warren Gatland was the last Welsh coach to oversee a victory at Twickenham, will be there to see his team play what promises to be a competitive match, he has in fact passed the reins over to Mold and Caernarfon head coaches Eddie Kirby and Ieuan Jones.
“If there are players out there who want to put their hand up and be part of RGC1404, this is their opportunity,” said Griffiths, who was defence coach under Mike Ruddock during Wales’ 2005 Grand Slam campaign.
The Rebels have shown their potential in beating Glamorgan Wanderers 25-10 last weekend on the back of a 22-14 win against a strong Antiassassins team in Chester.
The Presidents game, originally scheduled for January 5, but called off because of bad weather, has meant that some prospective squad members have not had the opportunity to be seen in a competitive game.
It is no secret that the North Wales Rebels need a much bigger squad so that all the top as well as up and coming North Walians have the opportunity to develop until the tutelage of Griffiths and his coaching team of Rudi Meir, Jason Forster and Jon Aby.
In his programme notes ahead of tonight’s match Griffiths said: “Tonight we welcome some of the most talented players in North Wales to do battle in this inaugural fixture. We wish both teams the best of luck.
“Things are progressing well on the RGC 1404 front as the team grows in confidence each week through regular training sessions and matches.
“After a narrow away defeat at the hands of Leicester Tigers Development team the players have responded superbly with back to back wins including an historical victory at Glamorgan Wanderers just over a week ago.
“We now look forward to welcoming three Guinness Premiership teams to Parc Eirias starting with Worcester A team on February 17, then Sale Jets and Leeds Tykes in the weeks following.
“The players on view tonight will be competing for places in the RGC squads for those games so I’m sure we are in for an entertaining and committed game of North Walian rugby.”
Rescheduling this game, at short notice required that it be moved away Eirias Park, a venue that the Rebels shares with a host of other sports.
“We are keen that Eirias Park should continue to be multi-user facility and are happy to work with other organisations to achieve this,” said RGC 1404 team manager Kenton Morgan.
The Presidents XV will turn out in new shirts generously sponsored by Enterprise, a support services company that provides infrastructure Šmaintenance services Što the Špublic sector, the utilities industry and other large organisations.
“We hope that this will be the first of many games for the Presidents XV. We envisage that it will play invitation games in parallel to those of RGC 1404,” added Stuart Waters, North Wales Rugby Council treasurer and Enterprise representative.
Morgan added: “The North Wales public is itching to see its new side and although not at our home ground this will be a preview of the side and an opportunity to support the side.
“There will be an opportunity to purchase replica shirts, to learn about the commercial opportunities with the team, to join the Co-operative Community Interest Company charged with managing the team and to volunteer to assist.”
RGC 1404: S Griffiths, Blackwell, T Hughes, H Jones, L Trevor, J Palmer, A Jones, W Bown, C Williams, M Raikes, R Hopkins, B Roberts, J Moorehouse, I Davies, R Carlton Jones, S McDonagh, M Parry, J Farrell, D James, A Williams, C Davies, A Owen, A Baston, R Owen.

PRESIDENTS XV: G Pawson, J Shirley, J Jones, A Jones, L Gill, L Leung, K Jones, A Lloyd, H Roberts, M Vaughan, H Parry, C Ellis, I Dafydd, D Blackmore, T Gwilym, G Patchett, K Morris, L ap Myrddin, P Graham, N O’Keefe, G Jones, A James, D Owen, D Williams, R Andrews, I Edwards, C ap Myrddin, A Roberts.

10.2.10. Colwyn Bay 9 COBRA 13 NWales Plate Q. Final 1stLeg-James Watkin report

2010-02-10T16:00:00.002Z

North Wales Plate Quarter Final, 1st leg

5 February 2010
Colwyn Bay 9 - 13 COBRA
COBRA came away from Colwyn Bay with a 4 point advantage to take into the 2nd leg of the cup tie.
COBRA held the upper hand for the entire first half and heaped pressure on Colwyn Bay, but were contentiously denied tries on four occasions when they had seemingly broke the deadlock. COBRA eventually took the lead through a Penalty from the boot of Outside half Geraint Williams, Colwyn Bay responded with a Penalty as the half drew to a close to leave the scoreline tied at 3-3.
COBRA took the lead early in the 2nd half as scrum half Iwan Vaughan took a tap Penalty and with Colwyn Bay retreating the backs found space for wing Ifan Evans to score. COBRA played 20 minutes of the 2nd half with 14 men as ill discipline resulted in 2 players receiving Yellow Cards. During this period Colwyn Bay had their best period of the game and scored 2 penalty goals giving them a 9 - 8 lead. COBRA responded immediately to going behind with a well worked try as Geraint Williams broke the line and from the resulting ruck the ball was fed wide for wing Wyn Astley to score in the corner. The conversion attempt went wide leaving the final score 9-13.
COBRA
1 A Roberts 2 C Oakley 3 A Evans 4 R Vaughan 5 H Evans 6 C Davies 7 G Evans 8 A Davies
9 I Vaughan 10 G Williams 11 I Evans 12 A Pryce 13 F Roberts 14 W Astley 15 M Jones
16 B Edwards 17 J Watkin