Rugby Union: Impressive Rhyl complete the double

Jun 3 2009

RHYL YOUTH 19 MOLD YOUTH 12

NORTH WALES RUGBY UNION YOUTH CUP FINAL

RHYL’S youth rugby team made history on Saturday by winning the North Wales Cup to go with the league title they lifted the previous week.

No team from Rhyl has ever won the double before so captain Mike Hall’s team will now go into the record books as the best ever youth side to represent the town.

Battling Mold also played their part in a great final at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, with both teams ready to run from anywhere.

Defence played a key role in the young Dragons’ win as they never let Mold settle, forcing them to make mistakes, and Callum Bennett slotted over three early penalties.

Rhyl’s forwards had the upper hand throughout with second rows Lewis Maxwell and Dale Blackmore, and No 8 Nathan Roberts outstanding.

Before the interval stand-off Ian Marshall put over a rugby league type cross kick and centre Kriss Wilkes never took his eye off the ball, catching it on the full to sprint clear and score under the posts, Bennett adding the extras to make it 16-0 at half time.

The second half was much the same, Rhyl keeping up the pace and forcing Mold to take chances as their backs looked really sharp in attack.

Bennett put over his fourth penalty and although Mold replied with two tries, one converted, Rhyl ran out worthy winners.

All credit to the Mold youngsters, they never gave up but had too much deficit to make up and too little time to do it.

Huw Grundy scored a great try converted by Gavin Williams in the last moments of the game, but after the restart Rhyl forwards turned over ball and flanker Anthony Tilly booted into touch to end the game.

The victorious Rhyl side celebrated wildly at the final whistle – it truly has been a season to remember for the Waen outfit.

The coaching team at Rhyl of Phil Blakoe, Simon Woods and Lee Blackmore were really pleased for the lads and all the hard work they have put in throughout a very long season.

"These young lads are a credit to the club and the town of Rhyl whose local council has been fully behind all the work done by the junior and youth sections at the club," said a delighted Blackmore.