MATCH REPORTS 2007
Jan 6th Abergele 2nds 34 – Rhyl 2nds 13
It was a case of new year, new beginnings for Abergele 2nds following an entertaining game against close local rivals Rhyl at Pentre Mawr on Saturday.
After a series of dismal results, Gele were desperate to record a much needed first win of the season after some recent encouraging performances and what better way than against Rhyl on the openning Saturday of the new year.
Following a cagey start by both teams, Rhyl’s experience and some naive defending allowed the visitors to open the scoring. Talisman Erik Lloyd began a move in his own twenty two which resulted in Rhyl claiming a fine try with a slick move that finished under the Gele posts. Lloyd added the extra two points. Gele tried everything they could to respond. The powerful pack forced Rhyl to creak at the scrums and the hosts’ rumbling mauls enabled most of the first half to be played in opposition territory, however a lack of discipline at the vital moment spoiled Gele’s momentum. Two rapidly successive Lloyd penalties increased the score in Rhyl’s favour to 13-0 after half an hour. Gele had to respond and quickly.
Great bursts from scrum half Steve Myatt, ably assisted by his back row of Charlie McCoubrey, Chris Meyers and Tex Green tore into Rhyl’s twenty two and after constant presure, Rhyl were forced to concede a penalty five metres out. Knowing their pack was in the ascendency, Gele chose the scrum. After two attempts, where the referee had to re-award a penalty to Gele, the Hosts once again chose to take a scrum. On the third occassion of infringement, the referee’s patience had worn out, penalty try to Gele. Top scorer Adam Evans added the conversion. Gele’s confidence was now sky high.
The Swordsmen started the second half on fire as they tore into Rhyl from the start, eager to find the score to put themselves in front. Having been starved of the ball for much of the game, Gele’s backline were eager for some possession and when they did, they utilised it with intent. Slick passing from fly half Evans and inside centre Chris Marsh allowed Richard Meddlicott to crash through on a fine angle to cross the line. Gele were now on top and eager to find the score to claim a deserved lead. That score came from the sprightly Tex Green who was a surprise inclussion after going down in the morning with a suspected stomach bug.
Gele were putting in a commanding performance. The line out was functioning precisly and the defence was as solid as its been all season and each time they got the ball, the backs looked threatening. Gele welcomed back Andy Meyers as a second half substitue and his arrival brought about an immediate impact. Good line out ball was controlled well in a drive by the pack. Myatt fed Meyers and the ball eventaully found Medlicott who powered through the Rhyl defence to claim his brace. Meyers added the conversion to stretch Gele’s lead.
Keen to maintain the pressure, Gele ensured that the game was played soley in Rhyl territory and from a line out ten metres out, Gele scored their fifth and final try. A fine catch and drive had the Rhyl pack scrambling but they had no respone to the power of the Gele push. Skipper Dylan Evans added the vital pressure to secure the score, ably propelled by Tex Green, Meyers again adding the extra two points.
Gele closed the game out and managed to score a final three points thanks to the boot of Andy Meyers and the cheer at the final whistle could be heard all over the district as much as the sigh of relief after the 2nds had finally relieved themselves of the monkey off their backs.
The victorious Captain added “This win isn’t just about the lads who took to the field today, it was for everyone who’s played for and believed in what we’ve been trying to achieve with the seconds all season”.
Jan 20th Caer Borderers 15 - Abergele 2nds 21
Gele 2nds completed their first half of the season commitments with an impressive three tries to two victory against fellow basement strugglers Caer Borderers on Saturday. For the first time in many a year, Gele travelled to Hope in hope that they could avenge December’s defeat and in turn leapfrog their hosts and avoid finishing bottom of North East Wales division B.
Gele once again started slowly, giving their hosts opportunity to settle and despite valient attempts by Gele’s defence to thwart any charge towards the line, Caer still openned the scoring with a penalty. Gele picked themselves up and began to control possession. The returning Len Gould helped to sure up the scum and back rower Chris Meyers was a constant pain in Caer’s side. As much as Gele were controlling the ball however, they were guilty of gifting the ball to their hosts and not playing to the referee’s whistle. Caer soon extended their lead and after thirty minutes Gele were fifteen points adrift. It was vital for Gele to respond quickly. Having maintained a period of extensive pressure, the Visitors were forcing Caer into mistakes and offences. A substantial amount of the last ten minutes of the half saw Gele camped in the Caer twenty two and after several forays Gele soon retaliated with Aron Owen powering over to open his Abergele account. Andy Myers added the extra two points to reduce the gap further. Gele were now starting to believe in themselves.
The second half began with the Swordsmen in complete control. Gareth Blythin, fully recovered from a knee injury was in inspirational form and with his partner in crime Steve Myatt at nine, the pair were a constant cause of concern for Caer.
Andy Myers, showing the kind of skills that would grace the first team was in imperious mood, controlling his back line and proving too hot to handle for Caer’s midfield. It soon became obvious which team was going to score next. As a club Gele have worked well at utilising their rolling maul to great effect and it was from such a tactic that Gele reduced the gap further on Saturday. Great line out possession, secured by Charlie McCoubrey allowed Gele to set their maul and drive on with forceful power. Good control at the back of the maul allowed Dave Blythin to touch down over the line. Myers once again was accurate with his boot to reduce the score even further to a point.
As much as Gele had to score themselves,they had to be forceful in defence and some excellent work by Sion Pritchard and some tme big hits from Aron Owen prevented Caer from threatening the Gele line. Ifor Lloyd and Gareth Blythin both went close to scoring for Gele and it became obvious that Caer were struggling to keep Gele out. A steady scrum, introducing Calum Davidson for the first time at hooker, allowed Myatt to feed Myers, who shipped the ball on to the advancing Chris Marsh who powered over with three Caer defenders grasping him in vain to claim his seconds score in two games. Myers continued his 100% record with another successful conversion to keep the gap between the teams.
Gele had ten minutes or so to keep out Caer and in turn claim a valuable victory. As hard as they tried, Caer couldn’t pierce Gele’s stubborn defence and when the final whistle blew, it signalled a joyous reaction from Gele’s travelling support.
Gele now have the dignity of not finishing botom of division B and look forward to the start of the second half of the season.
Jan 20th Abergele 1st V Llangollen 17-10
On a blustery day down at Pentre Mawr Park, The Gele lads knew it was going to be a difficult and long match. Only a win would do as both teams looked to secure a higher position in the north east division ‘b’ ready for the championship league.
A difficult first half playing into the wind saw Gele play some good rugby, the front five of Sparky Jones Davies, Sion Edwards, Matty Lynam, Mark Davies and Paul Myers ploughing through the Llangollen pack in the scrums leaving new scrum half Tom Morpeth with some excellent ball to play out to the backs. No.10 Gaz Evans commanded his backs with authority giving centres Owen Lynam and Al Wraight, and wings of Danny Lawrence and Richard Medlicot plenty of opportunities to attack their opposing numbers, searching for weaknesses in one of the leagues best defences.
The back row of Tex Green, Joe Lavin and Al Pritchard had a constant battle at the breakdown in order to secure good ball, unfortunately Gele have looked to have lost Owen Lynam for a long time through a nasty knee injury which is yet to be fully diagnosed. But despite all efforts it was down to Simon Keating sharp shooting to give Gele the only points of the first half though a penalty kick. Gele started the second half with new determination which soon paid off as they made their way to Llangollen’s 22. Combining some excellent driving play through the forwards and dynamic backs moves, Gele found themselves just off the try line. As the ball came out of a ruck, Gaz Evans received the ball and produced a move straight from the NFL handbook spinning out of the tackle and powering over the line with Si Keating converting. Gele didn’t have to wait too long for their next points as captain Sparkly JD took advantage of an uncharacteristically unorganised Gollen defence, taking a quick penalty he offloaded the ball to power house Mark Davies who took himself and three Gollen players over the line for another 7 points.
Gele never took their foot off seeing themselves work into the Gollen 22 but silly mistakes lead to the visitors turning defence to attack scoring twice from their own 22. Luckily the 2nd try was the last move of the match which could have been the turning point for the Llangollen lads.
The victory means the champion league fixtures will be more favourable for Gele, but some real challenges lie ahead with the opposition becoming tougher as they meet old rivals like Mold, Denbigh and Wrexham.
Match sponsors George and Dragon
Ball sponsor Owen Lynam
LLANGOLLEN 20 ABERGELE 24
NORTH EAST WALES DISTRICTS RUGBY UNION CHAMPIONSHIP
TWO second half tries helped an Abergele side which had trailed 10-6 at the interval earn a hard fought win at Llangollen. Gele’s forwards worked well off outside half Andy Myers with the likes of captain Sparky Jones Davies, Matty Lynam and James Needham offering themselves to bulldoze straight at the Llan centres. Once the gaps had been opened up this gave Gele centres Gaz Evans and Mark Dilworth space they needed, forcing Llan to give away penalties in their own half. Simon Keating soon put the visitors ahead with a penalty, but Llangollen responded well with their backs looking lively. Abergele’s back line was left short at times leaving wingers Adam Evans and Arron Bryan to make try- saving tackles and clear their lines.
With some poor Swordsmen tackling and good determination to follow the ball by the Llangollen centres the hosts soon found themselves 5-3 up following a try near the corner. After words of wisdom from Jones Davies the visitors rallied. Scrum half Tom Malpeth bossed the game from start to finish, leading his pack upfield from every set play. On one occasion Llan infringed and Keating landed another three-pointer.
But Llangollen went into the interval 10-6 in front following another try from the backs. Playing downfield in the second half Gele’s forwards pressured Llan into mistakes. Another penalty given away on their own line enabled the visitors to work a forwards move directly from the training field for Simon Hughes to pounce for a try which Keating improved.
Gele now faced pressure from a frustrated Llan outfit and defended heroically for a 10-minute spell when they had a player sin-binned. Keating landed two more penalties and the hosts replied with one, making it 19-13 to Abergele with 10 minutes left. Then came the decisive try for Gele. Once again Lynam broke down the defence, offloading to Tex Green who crossed the gain line putting Llan on the back foot.
Gele were short of the line sucking in the defence when Bryan came screaming for the ball down the blindside wing. With Malpeth stuck at the bottom of the ruck, Hughes stepped in and executed the pass to Bryan who powered over the line in the corner. Llan never gave up and collected a controversial late penalty try, but it was Abergele’s day.
3rd March Abergele ABERGELE 24 FLINT 17
NORTH EAST WALES DISTRICTS RUGBY UNION CHAMPIONSHIP
Another well deserved three points for Abergele kept them on course to go one better than last season and lift the league Championship. This was a match the Swordsmen were generally always in control of although poor discipline shown at times could have cost them dearly. In the opening 15 minutes Gele hit Flint with everything but the kitchen sink, with the forwards at their robust best and the backs looking sharp.
It was no surprise when the hosts broke the deadlock, Simon Keating sending a kick through for Az Bryan to latch on to and touch down. The home teams indiscipline then reared its head when captain Sparky Jones-Davies was sin-binned for two infringements. When he returned to the field, lock forward Mark Davies was then carded for a high tackle.
Despite these misdemeanous, Gele remained on top and registered a second try when the restored Mark Davies was driven over by the pack, Keating converting. Ever-reliable back Keating is having an excellent season and it was he who went on to score the third try following good handling across the backs. A further Keating two-pointer made it 19-0. Flint remained competitive, though, and scored a deserved try which was also converted, and a penalty before the break, which made the score 19-10 at the interval, giving the hosts plenty to think about.
Fifteen minutes into the second half Abergele`s Richard Medlicott came on as a replacement and scored a try with his first touch of the ball as he profited from great movement among his fellow backs.
Flint reduced the arrears with a breakaway try from their own 22 which was improved, but that was the end of the scoring and Gele held on for the three points. The work on the training field certainly paid off for Gele as they were forced to defend for long periods as the game went on, but excellent fitness and concentration brought the victory which keeps their league title hopes alive.
Match sponsors:George and Dragon Abergele, and Davies bakery supplies of Bodelwyddan. Before Saturdays game Abergele Rugby Club received a very generous donation from a local business to help the development of its youth team. Wayne Brown, of Southern Care Homes presented a cheque for £3,000 to Abergele RUFC chairman Neil Jones-Davies plus youth squad members.
RUTHIN 2nds 13 ABERGELE 1st 26
NORTH EAST WALES DISTRICTS RUGBY UNION CHAMPIONSHIP
This was the first time mighty Ruthin have lost this season and it was all down to an excellent performance from Abergele which keeps them on course for the league championship. Gele got off to a dream start when fly-half Andy Myers burst a couple of tackles to touch down after excellent work from the aggressive and mobile pack.
With only 15 minutes gone the visitors scored what was described as the try of the season by coach Dino Jones Davies. From their own 22, the backs threw the ball around with so much confidence and the support play from Joe Lavin and Alan Pritchard enabled Alan Wraight to score under the posts, Myers successfully converting.
On 25 minutes Gele scrummaged like vikings near to the line and were eventually awarded a penalty try as the Ruthin pack collapsed under the immense pressure, Myers again adding the extras.
Just before the break the ever-threatening Ruthin backs worked their way through the defence and scored a good try in the corner. Following the interval the hosts came at Gele with everything they had, again looking dangerous every time they had the ball.
With some last line defence tackles, the visitors managed to hold onto their 19-8 lead and turned the pressure back on to the home side. Once again Gele put in all the hard work, attacking the 22 but coming away empty-handed due to poor discipline and decision making. With 20 minutes to go Ruthin again attacked through their backs and exploited the young defence of the visitors, a try taking them to within six points. But Gele held firm after that and with only seconds to go Ruthin had a scrum in their own 22 and knew they had to run the ball.
Centres - Wraight and Gaz Evans hit their opposite numbers turning over possession, the Gele back row then controlled the ball for the backs to realign. They in turn fed out to young Danny Lawrence who took two Ruthin players over the line and scored near the corner. Evans converted with a massive kick to seal a memorable success. It was unfortunate two of the Gele coaches could not have been present, but the style of play would have delighted them with hard work at training obviously paying off.
July 18th Bangor XV 5 – Abergele XV 45
Abergele began their pre season programme with a comprehensive seven try to one victory over WRU National League outfit Bangor on Saturday.
With the game taking place earlier than in previous seasons with both camps suffering from holiday commitments, the two Clubs fielded a mixture of youth and experience but from the start it was obvious that Gele had no intentions of taking this game as nothing more than a summer run out, not that the conditions resembled anything like a normal August Saturday.
Joe Lavin, taking charge in his first game due to the absence of Club Captain Simon Hughes, demanded all the hard work of pre season training to be put into practice and while the first five minutes were cagey between the two teams, it didn’t take long for Gele to asume supremacy.
The emphasis all summer has been for creating gaps and exploiting space and the Gele pack were all showing the effects of the fitness work undertaken at training as once one break was thwarted by a hard working Bangor defence, the next wave quickly followed after a series of pop passes and clean rucks allowed Gele to stride beyond the gain line numerously. Tony Brown, keen to put his marker down for the number nine shirt, constantly linked his forwards and backs. Gareth Evans at fly half, dictated the pace of the game, where necessary utilising his sweet right boot to position the Visitors in Bangor territory.
The hosts couldn’t compete with Gele in the set pieces. The ever dependable line out worked perfectly all afternoon, thanks in the main by the accuracy of James Needham’s pitching and the support play of Chris Kent.
The games openning try came from a series of slick passing and support play of the highest order. A burst from blind side flanker Tom Cato, found him deep into the Bangor half, a neat pop before contact to the ever supportive Joe Lavin took the move on further and with the line beckoning, Lavin selflessly passed on to Alun Pritchard running deep from centre to cross under the posts. Gareth Evans added the extra two points. From there Gele seemed to relax and cleverly began to plot their strategy to guarantee victory.
The powerful and speedy backline were a constant menace and were often the catalyst of a dangerous breach of the Bangor rearguard. Debutant Gethin Jones, complimenting Pritchard at centre often broke the first tackle and with the pack close at hand to clean the ruck, Tony Brown always had clean ball to present the next wave of attack. Gele’s next try was a perfect example of the forwards and backs working in perfect harmony. Having pressurised the Bangor scrum into conceding possession five metres out, the re set scrum gave Gele the perfect platform. The power of Gele’s scrum shoved their counterparts back beyond the line and with the try looking a certainty from a push over, Tony Evans cleverly called Bangor’s bluff by feeding Evans who moved the ball on to Gethin Jones to cross on his first outing for Gele. Evans again cliamed the conversion. Bangor were obviously becomming deflated as they hadn’t expected to come accross such a one sided display especially from a side below them in the National structure.
Two quick further scores followed. Giant Mark Davies who covered every blade of grass during the afternoon, strode over the line and second row partner Paul Myers was not to be outdone as he was found to be the one in control of the ball under a pile of bodies. Gareth Evans added the extra two.
Gareth Blythin, playing at open side flanker stole countless ball at the breakdown to begin another wave of Gele attack. Gele are so blessed with back row cover this season, but Blythin, Cato and Lavin could not have done anymore to secure their places for when the real business begins in September.
The back three of Dave Taylor, Danny Lawrence and Kyle Roberts looked dangerous and supported each other in defence and attack and it was Lawrence who was next to register a score, again supporting the break after Alun Pritchard had made a powerful dart up field. Not to be out done by Gethin Jones, Kyle Roberts on his first outing for the Swordsmen, crossed the whitewash. First Lavin and then Blythin took the play to within five metres of the Bangor line and despite being felled by a desperate Bangor tackle, Blythin cleverly shipped the ball on to the advancing Roberts to claim the score. Evans again added the extra two.
With the game drawing to a close, it was obvious that Bangor had lost heart, but to be fair Gele kept going and completed their scoring with a fine long distance try. A desperate kick from defence from Bangor found Danny Lawrence inside his own half. He cleverly fed the advancing Kyle Roberts who ran on to the pass like an express train and his dart down the left wing was nearly thwarted by a desperate knee high soccer style lunge at Roberts. To his credit, unlike many of his football counterparts, Roberts regained his balance to cross the line for an outstanding score.
Bangor did manage to reply with a consolation following a desperate foot race from a hack ahead and a very sympathetic referee who adjudged that despite missing the touchdown, foul play had been evident. A penalty try was awarded.
Team Manager Dino Jones Davies was ecstatic with the nature of play born out of the hard work undertaken by the players and coaches during the close season. “We’ve flogged the lads hard at training and if it brings out performances like that against clubs the calibre of Bangor, then its testament to how we are looking at approaching the whole season. Those missing are going to find it difficult to win their shirts”.
Gele continue their pre season with a tough trip to Trefriw on Saturday to face Nant Conwy.
ABERGELE 23 RHYL 2NDS 11 NORTH EAST COUNTIES LEAGUE
UNDER new head coach Wayne Evans, an Abergele side which has missed out on the title on the final day of the last two seasons started the current campaign with a solid victory over Rhyl. Despite technically being the home team, a strong Gele outfit was forced to travel the short distance along the coast due to pitch unavailability.
The Swordsmen were impressive enough in early set pieces with the front five able to resist what Rhyl attempted to impose on them at scrum. New skipper Simon Hughes led from the front with his line out takes, but while Gele were individually playing impressively, it took a while for the continuity and control they would have liked to become apparent.
However, Aber did score early on. A fine break and deft offload by Danny Lawrence coming in from his wing found the supporting Mark Davies who juggled with the ball before securing it and touching down between the posts, Gareth Evans converting. Usually a score can settle a team, but Gele pressed the self-destruct button and allowed Rhyl to respond immediately, a fine backs move enabling Keith Gains to touch down.
The wake-up call did the “hosts” good as they pressed again with backs and forwards in unison. Secure ball by the forwards saw possession move through several pairs of hands before Kyle Roberts burst into the line from full-back to claim his first league score for the club, Evans adding the extras.
Half-time enabled captain Hughes and team manager Dino Jones Davies to demand a more composed, structured performance in the second period. Despite their instructions, though, Gele again only played decent rugby in patches and were guilty of ill discipline which allowed Gains to convert two penalty opportunities to reduce Rhyl’s deficit to 14-11. As the game wore on, however, Rhyl’s stamina waned, and indiscretions enabled Evans to kick three well-taken penalties to seal the honours.
Abergele now have a break from league concerns until September 29, but play an as yet undecided District Cup fixture on September 22nd
Nov 3rd 2007 Abergele 2nd XV 26 – Shotton Steel 7
Gele seconds played only their second game of this stagnated season with an entertaining display against a dogged Shotton Steel in some unpleasant weather conditions at Pentre Mawr Park on Saturday.
Following some disappointing results for the Club in recent weeks, Saturday’s game was a must win, which earned some stern words from skipper Dylan Evans before the game and with bonfire night rapidly approaching, the team responded in positive fashion with an explosive openning quarter.
Gele ran at Shotton from all angles. Back row trio of Simon Hughes, Joe Lavin and the returning Tex Green had the Visitors’ scrambling defence in all sorts of trouble. Tom Morpeth and Bobby Jones, forming their half back partnership for the first time also looked to exploit the power and guile of the forwards and give the dangerous looking back-line a firm platform to use good ball.
The wet conditions weren’t condusive to good ball handling, but to be fair to both sides, very little ball was spilled as both teams aimed to maintain a fast moving pace to the game.
The tension in the Gele camp though, was obvious as only a convincing win would satisfy the Club Coaches and Management and also the impressive Pentre Mawr crowd. Whilst a couple of good bursts from centre pairing of Chris Marsh and Gareth Evans gained good territory, a lack of support failed to finish off good try scoring moves.
The Gele scrum, which has surprisingly creaked occassionally during the past couple of games, needed to be solid against a stern Steel eight and it didn’t disappoint. The front row of Dave Blythin, James Needham and Dylan Evans complimented by Mark Davies and Gareth Bolton made the front five an ominous prospect and it was from such a platform that Gele openned the scoring.
Constant pressure from Gele forced a five metre scrum, just to the right of the Shotton posts. A huge shove from the eight sent the Shotton pack racing back over their own line at an alarming rate. Number eight Joe Lavin added the necessary control and downward pressure to claim the game’s first score.
This seemed to settle Gele, who then began to play expansive and pacy rugby that the Visitors simply couldn’t cope with. James Needham, who had been ill during the week, was outstanding around the pitch and tore into the Shotton tacklers mercilously. Gele’s second try came from loose ball in the centre of the field, some free ball finding its way to the advancing Joe Lavin whose long stride took him away from trailing would be tacklers. With the try line beckoning he unselfishly shipped the ball on to the supporting Tex Green to touch down. Gareth Evans added the conversion.
Shotton tried to come back at Gele and got within two metres of a score, but Gele’s resoulute and stubborn defence repelled the Shotton attack and seemed to sink their hearts. Those hearts got heavier soon after as Gele added to their advantage. A period of constant Gele pressure led to a Shotton infringement five metres out and from a tap penalty, Gareth Bolton steam-rollered over the line to claim his first score since his return from New Zealand. Again Evans added the extra two points to take Gele into the break with a comfortable 19 – 0 lead.
The message at half time was to maintain the pressure but to play calmly and look to create platforms from gaining effective territory, however it was Shotton who started the second half the brighter and got back into the game soon after the restart with a fine individual score.
Gele though remained in control. The coaches must have been impressed by Gele’s ability to secure their own ball at the break down, an aspect of their game that has been much maligned during recent games and the rolling maul tactic also saw the Hosts able to control possession and gain ground whenever necessary.
The one negative from the second half display seemed to come from Gele’s lack of ability to make key decisions at crucial times which surely cost them the opportunity of adding significantly to their score. When Gele did score their solitary second period score however, it was a peach.
Man of the match, James Needham, playing like a back row forward, cut through the Shotton defence and fed the ball onto Tex Green who sprinted to the line to complete his brace. Again Evans added the conversion to cap a fine display.
Whilst grateful of the win, Gele know that they had the chance to put on a hefty score against a very second best Shotton Steel. Ultimately though it was a much needed and welcome win which should improve confidence ahead of Saturday’s trip to Flint.
Nov 17th Abergele 42 - Menai Bridge 6
With a shaky start to the season finding the swordsmen in unfamiliar territory, the prospect of this friendly with a Menai side that are undefeated in the Gwyneth league, meant a chance to finally show that the training and coaches selections were justified.
The game started well for Abergele, good handling from the backs saw Menai put on the back foot, a place they stayed all game long! Centre partnership of Evans and Lynam saw countless breaks, but Menai’s scrambling defence meant Abergele had to work hard for the opening score. Good rucking from Gele’s impressive pack saw quick ball through the hands to fleet footed winger Lawrence, who danced and jigged his way into Menai’s twenty two before offloading to the supporting scrum half Morpeth who touched down for the swordsmen’s first try, Evans converting. 7 – 0.
From the restart Abergele went to sleep, allowing the ball to bounce and from the subsequent ruck gave away a sloppy penalty which Menai converted. 7 – 3.
Abergele then set about the Menai side, the front three of Lynam, Needham and Kent terrorising every scrum and with Captain Hughes and new boy Guy winning Menai’s ball in the line outs, momentum swung very much in the swordsmen’s favour. A stolen line out ball saw another clean break from Evans who passed to outside half Bobby beating his man he offloaded to open side Lavin who’s powerful run saw him just stopped on Menai’s five meter line, staying on his feet he popped the ball to the ever impressive Davies who powered over the line. Evans again converting. 14 – 3.
The second half started nervously for Gele, with confidence still not where it should be, Abergele’s discipline again let them down, allowing Menai the first score of the second half. 14 – 6.
That was to be Menai’s last score of the game, Gele were not going to be beaten today and they redoubled their efforts, with Captain Hughes and number eight Bolton attacking every ruck and maul. It was at one of these rucks that another dubious refereeing decision was made, with Captain Hughes given a yellow for over enthusiastic rucking. He missed however, the punch to the face that the captain received from Menai’s number eight!
Down to 14 men Abergele gave Menai what can only be called ten minutes of hell, scoring twice and racking up fourteen points in the process. The first came from the returning flying winger Fields, who needs Habanna! Menai’s best attacking chance saw the ball spilled in Gele’s twenty two and it was Fields who pounced, sprinting the length of the pitch to score his comeback try, Evans converting. 21 – 6.
Abergele then saw a series of fantastic phases, the ball being kept alive, popped, switched, rucked and dummied all the way to the edge of the Menai twenty two before finally being chipped into touch by an impressive Lynam returning from a long spell out through injury. With a scrum near the post gele gained possession and number eight Bolton picked up and power over to score an impressive try, Evans converting. 28 – 6.
With Captain Hughes returning Gele to full strength it was now just a question of how much Gele would score! Replacements Eggy and Medlicot took the field and really make an impact. What was described as the try of the match Captain Hughes making a great fringe break and offloading neatly to now outside half Evans, crabbing across the pitch he found Medlicot running a sublime angle and that switch saw him coast through the Menai defence to score. Evans converting. 35 – 6.
With the game almost over Gele managed enough of an effort to score the game’s final try. The super fit pack managing to blitz the ruck and give now scrum half Bobby quick ball, a little pop to hooker Needham saw him power though the defence to score, Evans with the last kick of the match converting. 42 – 6.
The fifteen men that the swordsmen fielded put on the best display of the clubs season so far, and it can be no coincidence that they are the lads at training every Wednesday night, it will be a big job for Gele next Saturday when they travel to Ruthin in a must win game, but this result has given extra confidence to the ranks, and a reminder to others to be at training!
Dec 1st Abergele 2nd XV – 14 – Wrexham 2 XV – 31
Abergele showed their strength in depth on Saturday as for the first time this season both the first and second team prepared to field competitive teams on the same day. With a huge playing pool to chose from, born out of regularly having over 30 players at training, both teams were confident of putting out competitive sides. Despite Rhyl’s disgraceful last minute cry off against Gele firsts gifting a 15-0 victory, but denying them much needed game time before their tricky fixture against Llangollen next Saturday, Gele seconds took to the field with their original line up as a powerful Wrexham outfit offered a very stern test.
Playing into the conditions during the first half, Gele knew that if they wanted to reach half time, still in touch with the Visitors, they had to play cleverly and not be too reckless against a more experienced outfit and in the main, Gele did. When Gele had possession they had to ensure they kept hold of it and deny Wrexham the opportunity to dictate play and territory.
The set pieces were particularly encouraging, youngsters Oliver and Justin more than holding their own in the scrums allowing debutant Mark Benton at scrum half to have the platform he needed to get his back line working. Second row Guy proved a thorn in Wrexham’s side as he constantly looked to disrupt the Visitor’s line outs with great effect.
Wrexham however are a very well drilled side and started to dominate, quickly scoring twenty four unanswered points during the first period. It would have been more had it not been for the some heroic defence, particularly from the debutants.
Half time gave Gele the opportunity of making some tactical changes. Benton swapped positions with his half back partner Tony Brown and instantly Benton’s kicking allowed Gele to play the majority of the half in Wrexham territory.
Gele got their reward during the second half for their persistance and never say die attitude and outscored the visitors during the period. After several attempts to breach the stubborn Wrexham defence, centre Gethin Jones broke through to cross for a try and maintain his impressive try scoring record in a Gele shirt. Mark Benton added the extra two points. This score gave Gele some confidence and another score quickly followed by a fine score by flanker Craig Wraight who capped a man of the match performance with a well deserved first senior try on his first senior appearance. Again Benton complimented his fine display with another conversion.
Despite the defeat, Gele left the field satisfied with the performance and especially the way that they were able to field a competitive side. With some tricky fixtures during the run up to Christmas, Gele are going to need to put in performances of equal measure in order to finish 2007 on a high.
Gele seconds make the short journey to face Colwyn Bay seconds next week.
Dec 8th Abergele 23 – Llangollen 6
Abergele’s attempts at success in pool B of the North East Wales Rugby District League received a much needed shot in the arm with a comprehensive three tries to nil victory over fellow front runners Llangollen on Saturday.
The season has been so stop start that this was Simon Hughes’ first home league game as Captain and as a result the Skipper was determined that Gele would leave the field victorious against a side that already beaten the Swordsmen twice this season.
In difficult conditions that made ball handling tricky, the game plan needed to be simple. Gele’s superior forwards needed to make the hard yards and then the pacy backs were to be utilised when the Llangollen defence was stretched.
Gele started the brighter of the two teams, playing against the conditions during the first period and Llangollen struggled to cope with the Home side’s physicality and clever kicking by half backs Tom Morpeth and Bobby Jones had the wingers Gethin Jones and Danny Lawrence forcing pressure on the Visitors back three.
Despite playing the openning twenty minutes almost in constant possession of the ball, Gele were guilty of giving away penalties with some poor technical discipline.
Gele’s persistance did pay off though. A powerful forward drive allowed second row Mark Davies to peel off the maul to cross the Llangollen line.
Gele then pressed the self destruct button, giving away two penalties in quick succession to give the Visitors an undeserving six point to five lead. Gele responded in kind with a Simon Keating penalty to draw the half to a close.
The half time message was to utilise the significant wind and Gele’s play makers did just that during the second half as the half backs were joined by Owen Lynam in kicking effectively into Llangollen territory. Simon Hughes and Mark Davies did what they could to ensure that the opposition line out was disrupted as much as possible.
Gele stretched their lead half way through the second half. Good and controlled driving by the forwards tied up the Llangollen defence which allowed replacement scrum half Mike Jones to find Danny Lawrence on a sublime switch to cross the whitewash. Simon Keating added the conversion.
Abergele then pegged Llangollen back deep into their territory and man of the match Danny Lawrence quickly completed his brace by outsprinting his opposite number to win a foot race having already kicked the ball ahead.
Gele completed the scoring with a Keating penalty and as much as Llangollen tried to breach the Gele defence during the final few minutes, the Home side’s resistance remained strong and aggressive.
A much needed performance and win which has put Gele back in with a chance of finishing in the top two and progress into the North Wales League after Christmas.
