Rugby Union: Late tries see off Dinbych’s challenge

Dec 31 2008 by Dave Jones, Denbigh Visitor

BLAINA 21 DINBYCH 13

SWALEC PLATE ROUND TWO

TWO late opportunist tries by Blaina robbed Dinbych of victory in a second round Plate tie the Vale of Clwyd side had dominated for long periods.

Despite having to travel south short of several key players this was one of the North Wales team’s best performances of the season.

The wet and windy conditions at Central Park favoured Dinbych as handling errors abounded allowing their pack to gain the upper hand in all aspects, especially in the scrums where they destroyed their Gwent opponents.

Despite playing against the strong wind Dinbych controlled the early stages and in the 17th minute after a series of scrums near the Blaina line they moved the ball narrow for Jamie Winning to dummy the defence before crossing for an unconverted try.

This spurred Blaina into action and they snatched the lead when left-wing Dan Thomas went over in the corner and centre Sean Thomas converted with an excellent touchline kick.

Dinbych’s pressure was rewarded with a Trystan Rowlands penalty which handed them an 8-7 interval lead.

The visitors resumed the second half in complete control and for the first 20 minutes were camped in the Blaina 22, but failed to earn the penalty try they deserved.

The hosts weathered the storm and two Scott Horner tries, improved by Thomas, settled the tie.

This was still time for Dinbych to regain some respectability when Iwan Edwards scythed down the middle before offloading to Winning to outpace the defence for a try in the corner.

DINBYCH YOUTH 27 COBRA YOUTH 10

WITH a break in the league fixtures, Dinbych arranged a friendly against Mid-Wales side COBRA.

The deadlock was broken when Steffan Morris chipped the ball out to the corner for winger Dan O’Sullivan to claim the first try.

Ywain Thomas then fed Owen Jones enabling him to touch down in the corner.

Dinbych should have been well in control now but in the final 10 minutes of the half they allowed COBRA two quick tries in succession to draw level.

Immediately afterwards Gareth Owen crossed the line just on the stroke of half time.

After the break Dinbych seemed more focused and hooker Will Rowlands and wing Huw Mars Jones added further tries, Morris converting one.