1st XV 17 Caernarfon 59

Sat, 01 Oct 2011

With Llangefni winning the last two games, and Caernarfon having lost at Nant Conwy last week, it was a game both teams were looking for a win. The league leaders Caernarfon however, were the much stronger side and winning convincingly 59 – 17, their speed and passing ability meant every opportunity that came their way they took full advantage of.

With referee Haydn Owen in charge, home side Caernarfon kicked off into deep Llangefni territory, only for Cefni to kick back into the Cofi`s territory, cleanly caught by Caernarfon no. 8 who started the charge against the Llangefni forwards, sucking in the Cefni defences before the ball came out to Cofi winger Bari Jones who was able to cross the try line, running to between the posts, just 2 minutes into the game. The try successfully converted by Caernarfon centre half Kelvin Morris, the score 7 – 0.

The game settled down with both teams making storming charges into each other`s territory. Llangefni were soon given the opportunity to put points onto the scoreboard when the Cofi`s were found coming in from the side in the ruck, penalty to Llangefni which centre half Carwyn Milburn pierced the posts, the score 7  - 3.

A further opportunity for Llangefni when the Cofi`s were found offside by the referee, the awarded penalty successfully taken by Carwyn Milburn, the score 7 – 6.

Play continued with Llangefni showing some passing flair and determination taking the game to their hosts, but despite some good play from Llangefni, Caernarfon were the next to score when scrum half Trystan Gwilym ran up field sidestepping tackle attempts running through the Cefni defences and ran in under the posts, the try successfully converted by Kelvin Morris, the score 14 – 6.

Play continued and an offside infringement from Caernarfon on their 22 meter line gave Cefni centre half Milburn another slot at goal, successfully between the posts, 14 – 9.

From a Caernarfon throw in at lineout, the ball came to the centre of the field before a Cefni tackle brought the charging Cofi down, ruck formed, Caernarfon found coming in from the side, penalty to Llangefni which they kicked up field gaining valuable territory and line out ball some 30 meters from the Caernarfon touch line. Cefni cleanly took the ball at throw in and winger William Samuel Owen kicking the ball up field was tackled and taken down by Caernarfon off the ball, pulling at his shirt, a professional foul as seen by the onlookers, but unfortunately not by the referee. Despite calls for the yellow card a scrum was awarded to Llangefni. The ball was cleanly fed in and a determined charge forward for a push over try, the ball grounded by prop Arwyn Roberts in the corner. Unsuccessfully converted, the score 14 – 14.

Play continued and from a ruck situation at the half way line, Llangefni seen coming in from the side, a quick tap penalty taken by Cofi scrum half Trystan Gwilym saw him once again side step numerous tackles which he was able to evade and ran successfully once more underneath the posts, successfully converted, 21 – 14.

Not being downhearted Llangefni came back and for holding on in the ruck Llangefni were awarded a penalty some 30 meters from the Caernarfon posts which centre half Carwyn Milburn reliable boot once more saw the ball piercing the posts, the score 21 – 17.

The first half continued with Caernarfon coming back strong to finish the half scoring a further two tries from no. 8 Captain Rhys Evans and centre Carnedd Williams, with the one converted, the score at half time Caernarfon 33, Llangefni 17.

The second half saw Cefni kick off. They had kicked too much ball in the first half giving away possession and were looking to improve in the second half. From a scrum awarded to Llangefni early in the second half, the strong Caernarfon pack turned the scrum round and were awarded the put in for the second scrum. The ball coming out by Cofi flanker Gareth Thirsk who made good ground brushing off attacker after attacker, gaining valuable territory, Cefni were found to be offside, penalty awarded to Caernarfon quickly taken by scrum half Trystan Gwilym who saw the opening defence went through and scored his hat trick try in the corner, successfully converted by Morris, the score 40 – 17.

The second half continued with some good play from both sides, but with Caernarfon speed and passing abilities they finished the game the sharpest team, scoring a further three tries, one a piece from Trystan Gwilym, flanker Gareth Thirsk and second row Sion Gwyn, and with two conversions from Morris the final score Caernarfon 59, Llangefni 17.

Llangefni host Colwyn Bay next Saturday, 8th October in the first round of the North Wales Cup Competition and Llangefni Youth host Wrexham, another exciting afternoon at Cae Smyrna.