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.
4.4.10
04.04.10 COBRA v Bethesda - Adroddiad Robert Davies Reports
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
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
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)
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)
3.4.10
03.04.10 RGC 1404 U17s Great Win over CANADA U17s
'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.
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.
2.4.10
1.4.10 Aron arrives in Rome with Wales u 16 squad
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
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
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
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
1.4.10
01.04.10 RGC 1404 under 17s v Canada U17s
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
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
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