Rugby Union: Rhyl tough it out to secure victory

Oct 28 2009

Rhosllanerchrugog 8 Rhyl & District 34

RHYL travelled to Rhos in Division Two North (Northern) keen to continue the open and expansive rugby which has become such a feature of this season’s performances.

However, the typical autumn weather put paid to such ideas as the players were battered by winds and driving rain.

Rhyl started the game playing into the gale and did not help their situation with poor discipline resulting in an early penalty opportunity for the home team which was converted for 3-0 lead.

The situation quickly got worse as the Rhos No10 capitalised on slack defence to slice through for a try to establish an 8 – 0 lead. Harsh words seemed to re-focus Rhyl and dogged determination saw the forwards begin to gain the upper hand over their opponents.

A series of driven balls resulted in the home side conceding a penalty and Adam Kirby slotted over. 8 – 3.

Captain Gareth van Heerden marked his last game before an enforced injury lay-off with a fine solo try, darting from the base of a ruck to dive over in the corner to level the scores at 8-8.

With the wind at the backs in the second stanza, Rhyl played deep in the Rhos half. Man of the Match, Shaks Ngwenya used the elements to good effect and a series of raking kicks gave the Rhyl forwards good field position. An excellent line out performance by Matt Hession saw the Rhyl second row dominate his opponent and steal ball after ball from Rhos. Hooker Mike Hall snaffled up loose ball and with the assistance of a driven maul was able to cross twice in quick succession, Kirby adding a single conversion to open up an 8-20 lead.

Rhyl sensed the opportunity for a bonus point win and went after their opponents with renewed hunger. Man-of-the-match Shaks Ngwenya hit a lovely inside ball to winger Robbie Tilley to crash beneath the posts for the bonus point fourth try as Kirby converted.

In the last play of the game, an error by Rhos saw Stu Fell-Crook away for a full- pitch sprint and the final try.

Captain Gareth van Heerden was pleased with the manner in which his team fronted up to the physical challenge of the their opponents and praised the efforts of his forwards in laying the platform for victory. However, he was also concerned that Rhyl are making games unnecessarily hard for themselves as a result of penalties arising from poor discipline and called upon his team mates to focus upon addressing this aspect of their collective game.

Rhyl 1st XV have no match next week but Rhyl 2nd XV entertain Mold 2nds at Y Waen in the 2nd leg of the cup fixture. 2.30pm kick off. All support welcome.