Fixture

Clwb Rygbi Rhuthun | 2nd Team 24 - 7 Holyhead RFC | 1st Team
Ben Jordan
1 Try
Rhodri E Parry
1 Conversion

Match Report
11 November 2019 / Team News

Rhuthun 2nds 24 Holyhead 1sts 7

Saturday's encounter between table topping Rhuthun 2nds and Holyhead 1sts, had looked in the balance in the days leading up to match due to inclement weather.  With two evenly matched teams, both unbeaten in the league, the pitch conditions ensured a tight affair.

 

The first half ebbed and flowed, with Ruthin’s ascendancy in the tight phases and set piece well matched by Holyhead defence and ability to counter at speed. Neither try line was threatened in the first 30 minutes of the game, but the battle on the field remained engrossing. 

 

On 30 minutes, Ruthin opted for a shot at goal from a penalty kick in Holyhead territory. Scrum half Deian Lloyd Williams stepped up to casually knock over the 3 points, with a little assistance from the cross bar.  Straight from the kick off Holyhead began to make inroads into the Ruthin half. Some sloppy passing from Ruthin under their own sticks resulted in pressure in possession on their own try line. A blocked clearance kick led to a soft Holyhead try right in front of the posts. 

 

Ruthin were lucky to keep the score at 3-7 going into half time as Holyhead were unable to convert further pressure and a good attack down the left side. A knock on at the line drew the half to a close.

 

Ruthin were confident that with greater composure a 4 point deficit would be overcome.  Dwayne 'the Brigadier' Speakman was introduced to the melee for the start of the second half. He made his presence known immediately with a big shot on the Holyhead player receiving the kick off. That tackle was to set the tone for the next 20 minutes. Ruthin’s increased physicality and continued dominance at the set piece quickly led to a try from Dwayne Speakman at a driving maul. Within a few minutes Ruthin added to their lead with a try from prop forward Jason Cigarettes. Both tries were converted by Deian Lloyd Williams to give a 17-7 lead 10 minutes into the second half. 

 

Throughout the game Ruthin’s back 3 were able to keep bringing the ball back into Holyhead territory. During the early second half purple patch further pressure was converted into  points.  Camped in Holyhead territory the 3rd and final try was added through Gethin Hughes strong direct run from close range. Deian added a further conversion to stretch the lead to 24-7.

 

The final 15 minutes of the game was played out in the Ruthin 22, with Holyhead unable to capitalise on sustained pressure thanks to excellent and committed defence from the Ruthin team.  The game ended 24-7, with Ruthin moving clear at the top of Divison 3. A great contest, and a great advert for Division 3 North Wales rugby. A long way still to go, but both teams will be confident that they will be in the league title conversation come the end of the season.

Players Fixture player info not published.
Gallery

There doesn't appear to be any tagged photos.

Upload and Tag Photos
|