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Rugby Union: Rhyl improve to claim a win

Jan 7 2009 By Dave Jones

AFTER taking the first half to shake off festive season rust Rhyl went on to complete a comfortable victory over their Wirral visitors in the second period.

The Dragons fell behind to an early try, but still managed to establish a 10-5 lead by the interval courtesy of a debut try for winger John Dolben and a John Hall touchdown.

Some harsh but truthful half-time words from coach Christian Badham focused the collective mind of the Rhyl side who began to impose themselves with the forwards combining effectively to dominate.

The North Walians always looked to keep the egg alive and from a series of quick rucks delivered fast ball for centre Gareth van Heerden to ghost over early doors.

Dolben went on to complete a memorable hat-trick by racing over twice more, then captain Ben Morris finished off a flowing backs move. Port hit back with a converted score, but tries by fly-half Shaks Ngwenya and replacement hooker Mike Hall, who added a conversion, completed the action.

Coach Badham was happy with a win despite the absence of 10 regular first team players and cited the strength in depth established this season across the senior squad, but was also critical of his side’s tactical naivety and poor return of one conversion out of eight attempts.

Rhyl return to league action on Saturday with the firsts entertaining Machynlleth and the seconds playing league leaders Shotton, kick-offs 2.30pm at The Waen.

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