1st XV 16 Bethesda 13

Sat, 22 Oct 2011

Having lost to Mold last weekend, and with Bethesda ahead in the league, Cefni played this local derby in the knowledge that historically it was always going to be a game full of action with both sides giving their all for the win. The game was action the whole 80 minutes with Llangefni kicking the winning penalty in the last minute of play 16 points to 13 at the full time whistle.

The first points of the game just 10 minutes in play when a scrum awarded to Llangefni in their own 22 meter box was lost in the strong drive forward by Pesda, picked up by the pack and passed out wide to the attacking centres only for Cefni to be found offside, penalty awarded to Pesda in front of the Cefni posts. The penalty successfully taken by centre half Mathew Parry, 0 – 3 to Bethesda.

Play continued and half way through the first half, Cefni holding on to the ball in the ruck, a second penalty awarded to Pesda some 40 meters from the Cefni posts, but with the strong wind to their backs, centre half Parry confidently took the kick which he slotted through the posts, 0 – 6.

Play continued with Pesda keeping the Cefni forwards at bay and defending well when Cefni broke loose kicking up field for territory. Bethesda came back at Llangefni and because of poor tackling by Llangefni and following a long kick up field by Parry, gaining territory with centres chasing the ball, saw Pesda centre Dave Thomas cross the line for the first try of the game, successfully converted by the boot of Parry, 0 – 13 which was the score at half time.

Llangefni playing with wind advantage in the second half quickly came back at Pesda, when they were awarded a penalty 8 minutes into the half. Cefni scrum half Mark Grey had kicked a long ball into the Pesda territory followed with a quick chase of attacking players, Pesda were unable to clear the ball and were forced into a ruck situation but with illegal hands in the ruck, penalty to Cefni, successfully taken by full back Iwan Davies 3 – 13. Play continued with both sides making deep inroads into each other`s territory but with good defence by both sides neither team were able to get over the try line.

60 minutes into the game and Llangefni hooker Mike Coyne made a charging attack on the Pesda forward s who were forced to offside position, penalty awarded to Llangefni, successfully taken by Davies the points  increasing to 6 – 13.

Play continued with Cefni`s determination getting stronger and Pesda weakening in defence. With just 6 minutes remaining and from within the Cefni half, the ball was loose in play when Cefni winger William Samuel Owen kicked up field followed by the chase, a further two kicks by Owen got the ball over the try line, a chase for the ball by Owen and Pesda defence, William Samuel Owen winning the chase, touchdown and try to Llangefni, successfully converted by full back Iwan Davies, 13 – 13.

The final five minutes saw a battering of play with both sides determined to get the final score and the spoils. With Llangefni threatening the Pesda try line a high tackle on the advancing Cefni attackers saw a penalty awarded to Llangefni some 35 meters from the posts, but with the wind behind him full back  Iwan Davies took his time and cleanly slotted the ball through the post, 16 – 13. To a screaming jubilant bank of supporters, the referee blew for full time, Llangefni jubilant victors 16 – 13. An entertaining game throughout.

Llangefni welcome Nant Conwy to Cae Smyrna next weekend. Neck and neck league leaders with Caernarfon, but who knows on the day.

Llangefni Rugby Club will host their annual firework extravaganza on Friday 4th November 2011, from 6.30p.m. A great evening for all ages, please come along and support your local rugby club.