Match Reports 2009
18th April Flint 10 - Abergele 37
Abergele cemented their top spot with a clinical bonus point win at Flint on Saturday. Having endured the sickening blow of defeat last week at Ruthin, Simon Hughes' men were determined to make sure there were no more slip ups as the Swordsmen hold out the slim hopes of capturing the league title.
Despite the comfortable score line, Flint scored first, breaking through some weak tackling to register a try. Gele refused to panic however and started to excert their physical authority which forced the hosts to concede a number of penalties which were punished by the dependable boot of full back Gaz Evans. The visitors' physical dominance was no more so displayed as they destroyed the Flint scrum. This platform gave Gele their first try as the pack rollered over the Flint line. Gareth Blythin adding the vital touch at the back of the scrum. Evans added the conversion as he did with all of Gele's tries.
The second try soon followed. Great running from Danny Lawrence saw Rich Meddlicott hitting a gap at pace. Despite the valiant efforts of the desperate Flint defence, Meddlicott had the strength to reach the line.
The second half matched the first as Gele continued to dominate possession and territory. Aaron Owen was on the end of a great backs movement to touch down and cross under the posts.
Gele claimed the bonus point with the last move of the game as Alun Pritchard capped a man of the match performance with a powerful drive for the line.
Abergele have one match remaining, at home against Flint and while they still occupy top spot, the belief is still there that they can claim the League crown.
Harlech 17 – Abergele 56
The Swordsmen stormed the Castle on Saturday unleashing the full potential of their arsenal as Abergele made the journey south and claimed a bonus point win at Harlech on Saturday. Knowing that full marks in their remaining fixtures is a must, the Visitors simply blew away their hosts with a pulsating display of fast attacking rugby.
Gele started on fire and were ten nil up before Harlech had time to think. A penalty, try and conversion from the re instated Gaz Evans gave the league leaders the opportunity of settling into their rhythm and from there they never looked back.
The bonus point was wrapped up in the first half hour as Evans' try was joined by scores from skipper Si Hughes, Chris Marsh and the mercurial Bobi Jones who showed a ridiculous dummy before breaking through the limp Harlech rearguard. All the while Evans kept the scoreboard ticking over finishing with a personal haul of twenty six points.
The pack marshalled by scrum half Jamie Batey enjoyed the lion's share of possession and produced a perfect platform of possession for the backs to launch further line breaks.
It was a day where everything that was attempted came off. Twice Gele crossed for tries following a long throw to the back of the line where an unmarked Gareth Blythin launched an attack deep into Harlech territory. Owen Lynam completing once such foray and Joe Lavin the other following a fantastic angle of running by Gareth Beech.
It was only apt that the scoring was completed by Bobi Jones who had an outstanding afternoon all round.
The long trip home was a happy one as the prospect of claiming the title becomes more real every week. Abergele 45 – Menai Bridge 6
Following a two week international sabbatical, Abergele returned to action with a convincing bonus point victory over Menai Bridge on Saturday.
Keen to stretch their lead at the top of North Wales Division 4, Simon Hughes' men demolished a Bridge side unable to compete in any aspect of the game and despite some blustery conditions at Pentre Mawr, the Swordsmen played a brand of rugby worthy of their lofty position at the top of the pile.
An energetic Gele pack complimented by some majestic back play stretched the Menai defence to breaking point and the Hosts were worthy of their seven try to nil win.
Bobby Jones and Richard Meddlicott had a field day at half back, enjoying some of the best possession they have had all season. Despite taking an early lead with a James Needham try, Gele were sometimes guilty of playing in too cavalier a style rather than setting up good phase play.
A fine run by wing Chris Smith gave him his first of a brace and a sublime break by Meddlicott allowed Owen Lynam to sprint clear and cross for his first try of the season.
By half time, Gele were 75% of the way to a bonus point.
Danny Lawrence ensured the bonus point by claiming the second half's opener, capping off a fine all round display having already kicked two conversions.
By now Menai Bridge were struggling, conceding a number of penalties which enabled Gele to launch numerous quick counter attacks and ensuring that the majority of the game was played in opposition territory.
Chris Smith completed his brace and was soon joined on the score sheet by Chris Marsh as Bridge capitulated under the immense and constant Gele pressure.
Substitute Aron Owen completed the rout and Gareth Evans added his input with three conversions.
A very satisfactory day for Gele, ensuring that until the next game at least that the title dream is still alive.
28th March Menai Bridge 10 – Abergele 22
Abergele's quest to win the inaugural WRU division 6 North league is gaining momentum and a hard fought bonus point win on Anglesey on Saturday.
Still buoyed by their win over Nant the previous week, Simon Hughes' men were confident that their winning streak could continue. It was however more accurate to describe it as complacency rather than confidence as The Swordsmen lacked a clinical edge that would have made the game more comfortable.
The hosts were the first to register a score as poor discipline presented an easy three pointer in front of the posts. With ball in hand though, Gele were the dominant team and the defensive line which worked so well the previous week was equally effective against a spirited Menai outfit.
Gele's usual scrum dominance took time to settle but the line out were a regular source of possession. All Gele needed was to produce that killer final pass to finally break down the stubborn Bridge rearguard.
When the first try came it was down to a flowing move from one side of the pitch to the other involving some good handling by backs and forwards and was eventually scored by number eight Gareth Blythin. The score settled Gele and almost immediately a second try followed. Gele's forwards by now having the better of the battle up front and every ruck was being cleared efficiently allowing scrum half Mike Jones to enjoy great possession. Menai were alert to this and did what they could to deny quick ball. This indiscipline cost them dear as from a penalty move close to the line, Mattie Lynam powered over to extend Gele's lead. There was now potential for the flood gates to open and indeed they should have as Gele spurned several scoring opportunities and joy turned to despair as Menai not only stopped Gele on their own line and then ran the length of the field to score themselves. The conversion tied the scores.
Despite having the main share of possession and territory in the second half, Gele took an absolute age to register a score and claim the win and the more and more they tried, the more frustrated Gele got and just as it seemed as if it wasn't going to be their day, the Visitors scored two late tries courtesy of supersubs Sion Edwards and Richie Meddlicott. Gareth Evans added a conversion to extend the lead.
It wasn't a vintage performance but a bonus point win away from home is not a disappointing outcome.
Gele complete their 2008 programme with a home game against Harlech next Saturday.
7th March Nant Conwy 25 Abergele 25
Local rivals Nant and Abergele shared a fifty point thriller on Saturday as both clubs aimed to stake their rightful claim for the inaugural league championship. This game meant more than local bragging rights and from the start both teams went at each other like gladiatorial combatants. Gele's strength mixed with Nant's speed and agility produced a great spectacle.
Having suffered at scrum time in recent weeks, Gele bucked up their ideas and tore the Nant scrum apart and this platform allowed Bobby Jones at scrum half to provide good ball for the backline. Owen Lynam at ten quickly found his stride and a clever chip through found Chris Smith racing on to the ball to touch down. First blood to Gele. Nant quickly responded with a score of their own.
Gele replied. A fine line out take ten metres out allowed the Visitors to gather momentum. James Needham provided the control to go with the Gele grunt to cross the line. Gaz Evans added the extra two to move Gele back into the lead. Once again Nant responded with a converted try and added two penalty shots to take a six point lead into the break.
It was simple. If Gele didn't get anything out of the next forty minutes, there was a huge dent put into their title aspirations. The game plan was simple. Every opportunity they got they simply played the game in Nant's twenty two. Evans reduced the arrears with a penalty shot.
A great nudge by Owen Lynam was touched over his own line by the Nant full back and provided the perfect attacking opportunity. The inevitable Gele shove provided a fantastic platform for Gareth Blythin to continue his great scoring form this season as he added the vital touchdown, Gaz Evans added the conversion. This put Gele back in the driving seat with ten minutes to go.
It was a nervy finish and it was to be nervier still. Gele who had been por under the high ball all afternoon failed to deal with an up an under which found its way into the grateful arms of the Nant winger who touched down under the posts. Gele looked dead and buried.
With the referee's final whistle fast approaching, Gele needed some inspiration and when they were awarded a penalty forty metres out in the dying seconds, up popped Gaz Evans who dissected the posts.
On the game's reflection a fair result, both teams were slightly subdued having conceded the winning advantage. Despite their best efforts the Swordsmen of Abergele could not slay the bulls of Nant.
28th Feb Abergele 19 - Caernarfon 9
Abergele's quests to claim the innaugural North Wales Division 3 League title took another step, albeit a staggering one, with a ten point victory over the Cofis at Pentre Mawr Park on Saturday. With the season entering the final two months, the run in looks to be an exciting one, but Simon Hughes men were determined to keep one step ahead of their rivals by maintaining top spot.
After claiming a convincing victory in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, the Swordsmen were looking to secure another comfortable winning margin but the Visitors frustrated their hosts and look good for their early two penalties to nil lead during the first half an hour. The Hosts simply struggled to play the contact area and when they weren't conceding possession they were conceding penalties, much to the annoyance of the coaching team who had preached the need for discipline in the week running up to the game.
Despite stumbling through the half, Gele remained in with a shout. Gareth Evans continued his rich kicking form of late by reducing the gap to 6-3 to the Visitors at half time. The whistle came at just the right time as it gave a frustrated Gele the opportunity of taking in a huge breath, gather their composure and plan ahead to the second period.
Panic was soon over as Evans levelled the scores with a majestic nudge five minutes into the second half and then came the game's crowning moment. A loose kick from the Cofis landed in the breadbasket of Ashley Wynne and the speedster didn't need a second opportunity as he mocked his opposing winger by despatching him with ease and powered through the wasted tackle of the full back to touch down. Evans added the extra two points. Gele had now taken control of the chess match.
Imperious kicking from fly half Owen Lynam had the Caernarfon defensive line constantly turning and returning tight head Daz Peters sured up a scrum that had creaked against Llangefni the week before.
Gele closed out the game with a further two penalty kicks courtesy of Gaz Evans and rarely looked as if their line would be threatened but Simon Hughes' men know that the challenge of travelling to Nant Conwy on Saturday will require a step up in clinicism if the title trophy is truely to end up in Abergele.
Obviously Dave the firsts travel to Nant on Saturday for the crucial game but the seconds will be at home against Caer Borderers.
21st Feb Llangefni 2nds 19 – 24 Abergele 1st
Abergele travelled to Llangefni on Saturday to their biggest and toughest clash this season. The swordsmen arrived with ample of preparation time which proved dividends as they started strong taking everything to the big Llangefni Pack.
Big runners such as Gareth Blythin and Mark Davies created the gaps for fellow forwards to suck in the defence giving scrum half Tom Morperth the time to spin the ball away to his half back partner Bobi Jones. Once the holes had been created the Gele backs hit all the right angles and made headway towards the try line putting massive pressure on the homes sides defence. Within 10 minutes the swordsmen found themselves 5 nil up following some great running from Chris Marsh who, knowing he could not quite reach himself, turned his back to the try line looking for support where he found hungry winger Chris Smith who scored under the posts. 0 – 7 Gaz Evans Converted.
Abergele then had some defending of their own to do when they continued to give possession away to the strong back three of the home side, they held their own and then found themselves back down in Llangefnis half again piling on more pressure. The home side had no potion but to keep giving away penalties which allowed Abergele to pin them further back. Captain Si Hughes had every confidence in the players ability to keep possession therefore opting for a number of touch kicks. This again paid off and Gele soon found themselves 14 – 0 up with a great try by Gaz Evans who also converted a difficult kick.
The second half saw Abergele, once again become slightly complacent at which point Llangefni took advantage and started to run some hard lines forcing Gele back in their own half. This lifted the Llangefni Pack who then started to push the Gele 8 back in the scrum and mouls creating space out wide for the home sides backs to run in two tries levelling the scores at 14 – 14.
Abergele then pulled themselves together following some words of wisdom from coach Wayne Evans and began to control things once again securing scrums and dominating line outs. Llangefni again gave away a series of penalties allowing field possession until one was within the reach of the mighty Evans boot taking Gele ahead 14 – 17.
The game then became very much like a cup final with both sides throwing everything at each other. Llangefni made some great midfield tackles turning over ball denying Gele of any chances and then counter attacking forcing some magnificent last up try saving tackles from Chris Smith and Gaz Blythin.
With only 15 min to go super sub Tecs Green came onto the field and stamped his authority within minutes, quick off the line and with some hesitancy by the Llnagefni scrum half Green saw his opportunity and took with both hands, before Llangefni new what had happened Green had intercepted the ball and scored under the posts taking the visitors ahead 14 – 22. Gaz Evans converting 14 – 24.
Llangefni then made 4 big replacements and came at Abergele like a tilde wave forcing Gele to tackle hard and once again the pressure got too much through a few missed tackles allowing the home side to score another try 19 – 24. The conversion hitting the outside edge of the posts and bouncing back.
The next four minutes were described by the Gele players as the hardest and longest of their lives. Llangefni were solid and tried their hardest to break down the Gele defence, Llangefnis winger then found himself only feet away from the try line when he was smashed into touch by Bobi Jones and Ashley Wynne with the biggest tackle of the day. With only 45 seconds to go Abergele won line out possession and secured ball running down the clock. Touch was eventually found and the Ref blew for full time finishing at 19 – 24. The Abergele Management and coaches described the game as a magnificent away performance which proved the dedication and hunger of the team to win games.
Abergele are at home next week in Pentre Mawr to Cearnarfon at 2:30.
7th Feb Abergele 34 – 5 Pwllheli 2nds
Abergele keep their top league position with eight games to go with a great team performance on Saturday at Pentre Mawr. The swords men took to the field fired up wanting to prove a point after losing to Pwllheli at the beginning of the season. From the first whistle the gele pack stamped their authority with front row of Peters Needham and Lynam clearing rucks and presenting the backs with some quick ball.
Within only ten minutes played winger Chris Smith scored his first try of the match and what can only be described as the best try of the seasons so far. Pinned on his wing he handed off one defender before a tidy chip and chase, the ball bounced up into his arms where he again handed of three other tacklers tight upon the touch line before he cruised over the try line.
Pressure then turned into more points with the back row Laving, Blythin and Pritchard covering every inch of the field supporting great runs by Bobbi Jones and Richard Medlicott who dominated everything in the centre of the park.
With fast rucking at the Pwllheli try line quick ball was then produced to Scrum Half Edwards who sold a dummy to his opposite number and then off loaded to Captain Si Hughes who powered over the line for the second try.
Tries three four and five came again from Chris Smith who with a combination of good clean fast ball and his own innovation earned himself man of the match.
The final 20 minutes of the game aswq Pwllheli throw everything they had at Abergele whos defence stood solid. Gele then took poessesion of the ball from a lineout and gave the backs good early ball to attack the Pwllheli Centres, after a number of phases in the Pwllheli 22 Chris Marsh took possession of the ball and used his strength to cross the line.
The only points Pwllheli scored was form an interception when gele became a slight complacent and took their eye of the game. Gele should be proud of their attack and defence as Pwllheli showed grit and determination in their attack play.
Jan 31st Llangollen - 8 - Abergele 29
Abergele's title aspirations took a step closer to reality on Saturday as the Swordsmen travelled to Llangollen and secured a bonus point victory against a team who threatened to throw a huge spanner in the works.
After last week's less than convincing victory against Mold, Simon Hughes' charges needed to improve on a number of facets of their game. The biggest improvement needed to be in their discipline both towards game management and towards the decision making of the referee and it was no coincidence that Gele fared better as a result of combating these areas.
The Visitors looked threatening every time they had the ball but fell foul of a breakaway try and solitary penalty shot during the opening half hour. Undeterred, Gele's ball retention and attacking potential was evident throughout and they were unlucky to only register a Gareth Evans penalty during the first period.
The coaches asked for a step up in intensity at the break and straight from whistle Gele turned the screw.
Llangollen presented a scrum to Gele following an error at the kick off and immediately, Gele's strength and determination proved too much for Llan as the Gele eight steamrollered their hosts and provided a fantastic platform for their backs to exploit the good position they had been presented with.
Owen Lynam exchanged passes with Chris Marsh who clattered over for a try. Gareth Evans added the kick. Marsh's centre partner Chris Smith marked his debut with Gele's second try, exploiting the space that had been created by a number of forward forages.
Gareth Evans put the game beyond Llan with his Club's third try midway through the second half. Gele sensed the bonus point and while one had eluded them last week in Mold, they were determined not to allow the possibility slip through their grasp this week.
Some clever line out play saw Gareth Blythin in acres of space at the back of the line and a fantastic lob found him. He tore into the heart of Llan's defence with a superb run and although he was finally thwarted by a desperate tackle, some quick ball by Bobby Jones fed Own Lynam who passed to Chris Marsh who squandered the opportunity. Sensing a weakening Llangollen scrum, the forwards tore the scrum apart, turning possession over and presenting themselves with the put in. the scrum performed in their same destructive fashion allowing Gareth Blythin to touch down at the back of the scrum. Evans extended his tally with the conversion.
Jan 24th Mold 2nds 8 - Abergele 1st 25
Abergele consolidated their position at the top of Division Four with a stumbling win over Mold on Saturday. Following the comfortable victory over Wrexham the previous week, Simon Hughes' men came back down to earth with a bump as ill discipline and a poor attitude prevented a clearer victory.
The game started brightly for Gele as two quick tries in the first ten minutes by Gareth Blythin and Ashley Wynne took the Visitors in to a healthy lead and despite secure ball in the scrum and line out, the Swordsmen simply made too many errors that would have been punished by better opposition.
Gele's poor attitude was punished by an overly officious referee who three times produced a yellow card to reduce Abergele's playing staff. Despite this, Wynne scored his second of the game to extend Gele's lead.
Buoyed by their numerical advantage, Mold hit back themselves with a penalty and some slack tackling allowed the hosts to claim a try of their own. The half time break came as very welcome relief to Gele.
Some stern words at half time at least allowed the men in Green to regain some composure and although the second half was hardly spectacular, two Gareth Evans penalties stretched the Swordsmen's lead.
They say that a mark of a good team is to win when they don't play well and indeed the league points were certainly welcome but if they are serious about mounting a genuine title challenge, Gele will need to dramatically up their game and adopt a better attitude.
Jan 17th Abergele 1st 46 - Wrexham 2nds 0
Abergele exploited Llangefni's recent slip ups by securing a convincing seven try to nil victory against Wrexham and with it captured top spot for the first time this season.
Having enjoyed a mid winter break as a result of the festive period and the big freeze, Simon Hughes' men were refreshed and carried on where they left off with a fantastic performance.
Wrexham's downfall was their lack of discipline and Gele took an early lead thanks to a Gareth Evans penalty and once they found their rhythm, the Visitors couldn't cope with Gele's pace and power.
Richard Meddlicott began the try scoring and a further first half touchdown by Gareth Evans complimented by a couple of conversions gave the Hosts a comfortable half time lead.
The screw was completely turned during a breathtaking second half which produced a further five tries. Gele were dominant in every facet of the game and some stubborn defence negated any threat that Wrexham had.
Alun Pritchard capped a fine display by scoring a brace of tries and Chris Marsh followed suit by scoring two of his own to close the gap on Gareth Blythin as the Club's top try scorer. Dylan Evans also added a try as Gele looked to maximise their points difference as much as possible. Gareth Evans kept the scoreboard ticking over by adding another two conversions.
A fantastic start to 2009 and with a difficult run in between now and April, Gele will be looking to maintain this form.
Flint Seconds 19 - Abergele 2nds 25
While Flint 's first team were assisting Gele by beating Llangefni, their second team entertained Sion Pritchard's Gele second team and it was the visitors who came out on top and with it capped a magnificent day for the Club.
Tries by Andy Myers, Paul Myers, Calum Mattock and Sion Pritchard, complimented by five points from the boot of Andy Myers ensured that Gele completed the double over Flint . |
