NORTH WALES RUGBY RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU - ELEN EVANS: 73 AND OUT - Pitchero
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NORTH WALES RUGBY
RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU
ELEN EVANS: 73 AND OUT
AN OVAL ZONE PUBLICATION OCTOBER 2017
LEVEL 1 REFEREES
Make the step from Level 1 to 2
We all know that hundreds of people take the Level 1
Referees Course annually but only a small amount move
on to Level 2. Here, the North Wales Referees Society,
appeal for Level 1 refs to move to the next level. Conwy Land Rover North Wales Senior and
Level 1 referees Dyfarnydd Safon Un Intermediate Cup draws announced
Most level 1 referees, do the course so they can ensure Mae rhan fwyaf ô ddyfarnwyr safon un yn cymeryd y cwrs The draws have been made for the Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup
their juniors a game and not have to worry about arranging er mwyn cadarnhau gêm yw graddau oedran, heb orfod Competitions and holders, Pwllheli, have a bye in Pool 1.
a referee – they can do it themselves – benefits the junior
players, benefits the coaches, benefits the clubs (adminis-
cysidro trefnu dyfarnydd – fe allant wneud ei hunain – er
lles y chwaraewyr, er lles i’r hyfforddwyr, er lles y clybiau
AN OVAL ZONE
tration, members and parents). (gweinyddwyr, aleodau ar rhieni).
North Wales Senior Cup
Pool 1 - Bro Ffestiniog v Dolgellau
PUBLICATION
When the players grow older and progress to youth and Wrth ir chwaraewyr dyfu’n hên a symyd yn ei bleunnau i’r Pwllheli Bye Edited and designed by
senior games – the assumption is that better suited referees ieuenctid â’r oedolion – y rhagdybiaeth yw fôd yna ddy- Pool 2 - Caernarfon v Bethesda
Gary Williams,
will do those games. farnydd mwy addas ar gyfer y gêmau hynnu. Llangefni bye
Pool 3 - Nant v Colwyn Bay
Wylfa, Westwood Park,
But how did those referees get there? Ond sut y mae cael y dyfarnwyr hynnu? Llandudno bye Welshpool, Powys SY21 7QP
Pool 4 - Bala & Ruthin have byes Email: gwycmru1@aol.com
The WRU is actively recruiting and retaining referees (Match Mae URC yn frwd ricriwtio â chadw dyfarwyr (swyddogion Tel: 07713 514 375
Officials) across the board. They make decision centrally gêmau) ar ledled. Ei prif amcan yw gofal gannolog am Gym-
North Wales Intermediate Cup
and for the whole of Wales as their primary objective, ru oll gyda phwislais ar y gêmau rhyngwladol, rhanbarthol
with emphasis on the international, regional, and national a’r cyngrheiriau cenedlaethol. Mae pwyslais syfaenol hefyd Pool 1 - Bangor v Pwllheli 2nds This magazine has been
leagues and games. The community game is also an inte- ar y gêmau cymmunedol, ond mae cyfrwng ar ei hadnoddau Teirw Nant v Harlech produced with the generous
gral part of their objective, but their resources are limited, yn golygu for y cyfrifolded wedi wi ddatganoli tua rheolwyr Pool 2 - Rhyl v Flint assistance of
and so it is devolved out to the regional community manage- rhanbarthol y gymuned a hefyd y cymdeithasau dyfarwyr Denbigh v Abergele
Conwy Land Rover
ment and the local referee societies to attract referees, spot lleol, i sicyrhau adabyddiaeth potential â hybu safonnau. Pool 3 - Welshpool v Llanidloes
potential and work on improving the standards. Pob rhiw ychydig fisoedd y mae cyrisaiu safon un yn cael Newtown v COBRA
and the North Wales Rugby
ei rhedeg gan URC – mae’r dyfarwyr yma yn sylfaenol i’r Pool 4 - Shotton v Rhos Union Council
Level 1 courses are run by the WRU every few months gêmau graddau oedran – hebddo nhw ni fyddau’r gêmau yn
Wrexham v Llangollen
– these referees are the backbone of the age grade game mynd yn ei blaen.
Next issue will be out during
– without them the games would not go ahead.
Mae cael dyfarnwyr safon un yn y clwb, yn cyfri tua pwintiau the first week of December
Level 1 referees count towards club audit points, but did you yr archwiliad, ond wyddoch chi fod dyfarnwyr safon dau a
know that Level 2 referees contribute a lot more points and safon tri yn cyfri fyw fyw? www.ovalzone.co.uk
Level 3 even higher points allocation?
Twitter: @OvalZoneRugby
Gallai dyfarydd safon un ddyrchafu at ddyfarnu safon dau
Level 1 referees can become Level 2 referees after the ar ôl cyn lleied a mis wrth gwbwlhau amser o ymsefydliad. Faebook: Oval Zone Rugby
completion of an induction period, where advisors will watch Bydd asesydd yn gwylioi gêmau gan rhoi adborth â chyfrad-
games and provide feedback and rating – the period of diad – mae’r amser y gymerith i ddyrchafu yn ddibynol ar
induction is dependent on previous experience and game brofiad a chysondeb by dyfarnydd.
availability, this can be as soon as 1 month.
Fydd rhaid traddodi ddyfarnu o leia 6 gêm ieienctid neu
To qualify for Level 2 grading referees must commit to oedolion pob tymor er fod yn gymwys i ddyfarnydd raddio at
refereeing youth or senior community games for a minimum safon dau. Yn amlwg mwya y gêmau, y mwyaf galluog fydd
of 6 games per season. Obviously the more games refereed y dyfarnu.
the more proficient the referees become.
Swyddogaeth asesydd yw sicyrhau cysondeb y dyfarnu
The roll of the advisors is to ensure consistency across the ar ledled ac hefyd i hybu dyfarwyr i ddyrchafu a gwella ei
referees and also provide feedback on things to improve safonau ynhob agwedd o’r gêm.
and standards to maintain.
Mae dyfaru yn rhoi’r posibilid o gadw yn y gêm, i sefydlu a
Refereeing is an opportunity to keep actively involved in meithin pherthnasau gyda’r gymund rygbi.
rugby, establishing and maintaining bonds with the rugby
community. Am mwy o fanylion ac i gymeryd rhan ech at wefan URC
http://www.wru.co.uk/cym/dyfarnwyr/index.php
For more information and to get involved please reach out to Neu estynwch at eich rheolwr cymmunedol lleol
your local hub officer, or check the WRU website http://www.
wru.wales/eng/referees/courses/index.php
FROM COMMUNITY TO NORTH WALES
activities for coaches of Under 8,9,10 and 11 in preparation
for their move up new age groups in September and with
Community Rugby 2017
consequent progressions in the WRU Pathway.
CLUB AND BEYOND 37 coaches spread evenly across the age groups came
together for a day of learning headed up by WRU Staff and
North Wales Coach Educators.
The story of North Wales Rugby is one RGC has been on a journey to “Ultimately the
that dates back to 1881 when Bangor success over the last few years, in
were one of the founding members of September 2016, RGC entered the growth of North Wales The remit for the day was threefold. Firstly to up skill the
the Welsh Rugby Union. Today, North Principality Premiership and in doing coaches on the technical areas, Under 8s moving to Under
Wales has 33 clubs spread across the became the first ever North Wales rugby has to be based 9s on tackle, Under 9 and Under 10 on Contact area and
backdrop of the North Wales region, representative team to play in the Under 11 on areas of the XV a side game they were going
all of whom share the ambition to grow Premiership.
on a sustainable into with Under 12.
the game of rugby in North Wales and pathway that allows Secondly, there was a run through and discussion on the
in doing so provide a platform for all Most of Wales thought RGC would be
ages, gender and ability to be involved in to just make up the numbers, but all aspects of our laws they would be dealing with and any queries or issues
in the game of rugby. this couldn’t have been further from with this. To assist with this there was a ‘‘what you know and
the truth. RGC not only finished 4th in game to flourish’. what you need to know” session with a follow up at the end
The North Wales Development Region their first season in the Premiership, and an opportunity for each of the older groups to workshop
is now looking to the future and at they did it in style scoring the most
Mark Roberts, WRU with those the year below on their experiences over the
ways it can inspire our community tries in the league and in front of the of a sell-out 6,750 crowd drawn from previous season and answer any queries.
through rugby success both on and off biggest and nest crowds recorded in all quarters of North Wales, the match Spotlight on North Wales Community Rugby 2017
the field. The next chapter in the North the 2016/17 season. was shown live on S4C attracting over Lastly, it was a great opportunity for coaches from different
Wales rugby story will be about how 120,000 viewers making it one of the When you think of North Wales Rugby, I’m sure your mind clubs to come and work together and get to know each
we can make our rugby landscape a RGC is the regional side for North most attractive fixtures in the 2017 quickly jumps to the RGC senior men’s team that has made other to help when playing games against each others club
positive and vibrant one. Wales, it takes pride in the devel- rugby calendar. fantastic strides forward over the past few seasons. the following season.
opment of North Wales talent and
Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) was the team is committed to having a So, North Wales is very much on the However so much more work is happening behind the
formed to provide a platform for our
best talent to perform and shine at
minimum of 85% of its starting line-up
from the North Wales region and
rugby radar and there is already so
much to celebrate and be proud of.
scenes to enhance grass roots rugby.
RGC WEST
regional and ultimately international clubs. This success wasn’t going to There is, as always, work still to be Marc Roberts the WRU Participation Manager in North
levels. For RGC to succeed and go be enough for this ambitious side and done especially if we want to be the Throughout the summer the Urdd and WRU linked up
Wales commented, “Ultimately the growth of North Wales
from strength to strength, it is impera- region, RGC enjoyed a successful best possible region we can be but the together over North Wales Schools competitions across
Rugby has to be based on a sustainable pathway that
tive that all of our 33 clubs, the region, run in the WRU National Cup and on signs are positive and very encourag- RGC. Sites across RGC West provided hosts to Primary,
allows all aspects of our game to flourish. The community
our communities, people and RGC Sunday 16th April, RGC were crowed ing. Boys and Girls competions and in different formats including
game is an increasingly diverse area and in North Wales
unite and work together to make our WRU National Cup champions when beach and 7’S rugby .
we have a committed team of Rugby Co-coordinators in
vision a reality. they beat Pontypridd RFC in front of a Sion Jones Rachel Taylor, Allan James and David Higgs covering West,
Principality Stadium packed with North WRU General Manager – North Wales East and South respectively. Their work is in enhanced by
Along with RGC, we are fortunate to Wales supporters. Development Region & RGC the support of Tim Hoare developing coaches and engaging
have teams in place in North Wale new coaches into the game. Our most recent addition to
to cover Performance and Participa- On the 2nd June the team is David Roberts who work across the Region
tion helping to engage and connect 2017, another piece as Women and girls Game Changer. Below are just some
with a number of target audiences of history was made snapshots of some of the good work that has and is hap-
and groups from across the region in Colwyn Bay when pening”
supporting the WRU strategic purpose WRU National Cup
of MORE PEOPLE, MORE OFTEN Champions RGC, Coach Development
WITH MORE ENJOYMENT AND hosted a fixture
MORE SUCCESS. against the Welsh CPD culminating in Wales training session
National Team at
Today our North Wales team is made Parc Eirias as part of A great season of Coach Development CPD in North Wales
up of Rugby Co-ordinators, Hub Offic- their preparation for was concluded when 85 coaches attended a Wales squad
ers, Analysts, Strength & Conditioning, the 2017 South Seas training session at Stadiwm Ziworld, Parc Eirias which was
Community Coaches, Coach Educa- summer tour. In front followed by a highly illuminating question and answer ses-
tion & Development Officers, Game sion with the Welsh Coaching team. The session was part
Changers and Physiotherapists who all of the preparations for the Wales versus RGC game and the
play an important role in the develop- coaches were invited as a thank you for all their hard work
ment of rugby across North Wales. during the season.
This team engages with hundreds and
thousands of people every week and All in all, there were 49 CPD events across North Wales
every month and this engagement delivered by Coach Education workforce and also including
is crucial for the game to grow and sessions from Gareth Williams, Wales 7s Head Coach,
prosper across North Wales. Chris Horsman and Geraint Lewis, Wales Age Grade and
Skills coaches and Mark Jones, RGC Head Coach.
North Wales has been identified as a There was 699 coaching attendance and 786 players were
Development Region and has a future involved and the sessions took in 21 different Clubs
mapped out through a strategic plan
which focuses on six strategic pillars Pathway Transition Day
- Unity, Player Experience, Supporter
Experience, Revenue Up, Cost Down, At the end of May, Colwyn Bay RFC played host to North
Our People and Beyond Rugby. Wales Pathway Transition Day. This comprised of 5 hours of
Holyhead Rugby Club - on the rise Llanidloes RFC delivers the Rugby on a regular basis which runs alongside
the Junior Teams training. There are a number of the Rhos
Club growth over the last year has been incredible. After a Llanidloes RFC recently showcased its excellent facilities Mums/Ladies who have now merged in to and sit on the
club visit from Tim Feak Sport Chaplin at RGC as part of a and committed volunteers by hosting three weeks of 10 a Mini & Junior Committees at the club and are currently go-
new club link up initiative of Our Club Our Story, the club side Festivals. Week one saw teams at U9s, U11s, U13s, ing from strength to strength.
has gone from strength to strength. The club has rewarded U15s. week two saw teams at U8s, U10s, U12s, U14s, Rhyl Rugby
long serving members and rejuvenated its club awards night U16s. Week three saw a girls festival at U15s and U18s. Club in This particular project then developed in to the Supporting
celebrating new and old club members. action Sunday’s events which were run across North East Wales
The unique location and facilities allowed teams who of their project to move from the current site at Y Waen in to and as well as celebrating the work of the Mini & Junior
The club creatied a summer touch programme which led on wouldn’t normally play each other the opportunity to mix. the Heart of Rhyl’s communities on Ty Newydd Road, with Teams in the locality, other teams were invited to bring
to coaching courses delivered through Tim Hoare, gaining Teams like Carmarthen Athletic, Pwllheli, Hendy, Jesters, a brand new Club House and facility in the process of being parents (Ladies) across, of which there were 3 festivals
players and coaches for the coming season. Mold, Ystradgynlais supported the more local teams. built. This in conjunction with the work noted above will pro- consisting of Llangollen Ladies (who have developed their
vide a huge number of further opportunities for these young contact side also), Shotton Steel RFC (who are now running
Holyhead Rugby has developed not only a Junior section The rationale of the festival has always been to give as may people to engage consistently with the sport by also taking a Ladies section as well as mixed Touch Rugby) and Clwb
with the support of the Hub officer, but also a Youth section players an opportunity to play early in the season. The three down any associated travel barriers which currently exist. Rygbi Rhos, to a point where all teams have turned up in
and a Womens section to bolster the club. weeks has seen 80 plus teams, with over one thousand kits also.
players having early season opportunities. A great effort to Further successes included the up skilling of 12 new vol-
The club is striving to continue its growth and develop com- all who gave up their Sundays to support this. unteers trained to deliver TAG Leaders award in the Com-
munity bonds into 2017/2018. munity, one of whom is Father Charles along with five other
Street Games volunteers who will now continue delivering Women and Girls
Rugby within the Street Games Club that functions on a
weekly basis. Equally, 3 of the 6 successful Rhyl & District Cluster Rugby
RFC Youth Team will also be giving back to their community
when they do some continued intermittent delivery at RAPA This year’s girls only cluster rugby has seen over 400 girls
over the coming weeks. aged 7 to 15 take part in rugby activities and festivals over
the summer. The introduction of satellite centres making
Rhyl & District RFC, through the fantastic work of their the opportunities more accessible proved a massive suc-
Community Liaison Gareth Pates, will continue to support cess with twice as many girls taking part than the previous
the two community sites by providing equipment (balls) and summer.
conducting site visits to RAPA & Street Games with a view
to working together on more events in the near future. ‘Game On’ Division
The introduction of the ‘Game On’ division has been a huge
Clwb Rygbi Rhos Mums / Ladies Rugby; success with over 100 women taking part in the first two
RGC EAST Following a successful Club Development meeting during
rounds of fixtures and three new teams playing competi-
tive rugby in Shotton, Holyhead and Pwllheli. The division
Rhyl & District RFC & North Wales Police Update the end of the 2015/16 season looking at various projects includes participation points for the number of players in the
and support structures the WRU could work with, a clear match day squad in a bid to encourage participation and
Over the past two years Rhyl & District RFC have engaged highlight was the lack of engagement and potential oppor- retention as well as competitive rugby in a bid to have more
in a Partnership with North Wales Police & RAPA to deliver tunities for some of the mums of the players at Rhos to be a sustainable outlets for women’s rugby in North Wales.
Street Rugby Style engagement to break down some of the bigger part of the club than they were at the time. RGC
barriers associated with the children joining the local club.
RGC SOUTH One of which has been sited is the travel, so the Rugby Club This started initially through some engagement work with
the parents of the players’ parents, which resulted in a
This year is the first year that RGC have been represented
at both U18s and Senior levels in the regional champion-
in conjunction with the North Wales Police, has come up
Bro Ffestiniog RFC with a project of taking the game to them, which encourages Fitness trainer being brought in to deliver some circuit ses- ships. Over 120 players registered their interest in the pro-
more people to play more often. sions for the ladies before Allan James delivered CPD to the gramme from North Wales clubs as well as Exiles looking to
Over the last 12 months Bro Ffestiniog RFC has increased team & trainer through the delivery of ‘Social Touch Rugby’. play for their home region. Both squads recently performed
its mini and Junior section my over 30%, allowing opportuni- These areas were strategically identified as Year One – Ys- excellently in the Super 5s event in Caerphilly RFC. Early
ties for players to play from U8 to U16. It has also created a gol Bryn Hedydd estate & Year Two – comprising of 2 areas Following the support of a 4 week block, the Fitness trainer displays are encouraging as we continue to develop our
successful Womens rugby fit session with numbers growing across South & South West Rhyl. These areas were outside then adapted his delivery through Touch Rugby and now elite pathway for North Wales women and girls.
all the time and a refurbishment of the club. The commit- the grounds at RAPA, who supported the delivery of the
ment of the club is not only to be the rugby point of the project and the Green area just off Palace Avenue.
town but also to be a community hub. The club allows the
high school to play games at the club and support it with Over the two years of delivery, this project has delivered to
coaches, and it recently worked with Byw’n Iach Gwynedd to over 100 participants, less than an estimated 5% of which
host a Primary School Festival, with the commitment to do are currently accessing habitual participation in Rugby. This
this every year. is huge on Rhyl & District RFC’s radar, as the continuation
The Grand Old Men of the North
Simon Thomas takes a look at the remarkable North Wales
rugby players who are still going strong in their 50s and 60s
Here are the characters who are womens and junior coach and now mark his 60th birthday and there’s no
living proof that when it comes to membership secretary. sign of him hanging up his boots yet.
playing rugby age is just a number
“I mainly referee now, but I will cer- “I’m not going to stop. I’m just waiting
Following report reproduced with tainly be playing second team games until I get stopped,” he says.
the kind permission of Simon Tho- this season and maybe even a few for
mas, Wales Online the first team,” he says.
Rugby correspondent Simon Even though he was late in taking it
Thomas has embarked on a fresh up, rugby has always been a passion
search for the oldest players in for Larder who spent his formative
Wales and these are the fascinating years in Fiji. grew up out there from Andy Edwards - Age 53
tales he has come up with. the age five to 13 and rugby was the
only sport I knew,” he said. “It has Go on to You Tube and search for the
always been my great love. I watched 1988 game between North Wales and
the Wales side of the 1970s and things Western Samoa and you see will a
like that.” certain A Edwards at tight-head prop
for the home team.
But after heading to the UK for his
education, Larder found that rugby Almost 30 years later, Andy is still go-
wasn’t the sport he was ideally suited ing strong, turning out for Ruthin RFC.
for.
“I’m still as competitive as ever, but it’s
“I went to Aberystwyth University and easier to smile and enjoy it all with a
the rugby was very strong there,” he grey hair or two,” he explains.
recalls. “I went down a few times and
turned out once for the thirds. But Having started out with Colwyn Bay in
while in recent times he has also Saturday’s fundraising efforts, the Vale 1977, he then moved on to Wrexham,
pretty quickly I saw the competition
served as a referee at junior level. of Clwyd MIND. playing some 30 odd times for North
was too stiff. So I went on to play
basketball. I could run for ever, but I Keith Jones - Age 60 Wales, including that Samoan game.
Retirement from the game is not an As for the future of his beloved club,
was really skinny, so I was far better
option that Keith - nicknamed Eggy - is he is full of optimism, with a new play- A spell with Liverpool St Helens fol-
off playing basketball.” Keith Jones’ life-time love affair with considering any time soon. ing and social base on the way. lowed ahead of a couple of years in
rugby began when he was in the
Yet as the 1990s arrived, so Larder’s crowd at the old Arms Park for the Australia where he played first grade
“It probably helps that I have a legen- “We have a very strong junior section rugby in Sydney. On returning to north
sporting story took a fresh turn. famous 1973 match between the dary inability to tackle,” he says. at the club and although we do still Wales, he played for Llangollen and
Barbarians and the All Blacks. lose players as they move on to uni-
“I always loved rugby and wanted to then joined Ruthin, where he has
Recently elected as a town council- versity, we have a fantastic opportunity captained the Seconds for the last five
play the game, it was just a question of So it’s fitting that him still playing rugby lor, one of his aims is to promote to make rugby the number one sport years.
realising that,” he said. “Since entering at 60 should be marked with a game mental health awareness and this was in the town, with our new facilities,”
my mid 30s I’ve been able to do that. against the Barbarians - the North reflected in his choice of charity for he said. Season number 42 is about to begin
Wales Veterans variety.
“The game of rugby has changed with a trip to Barcelona to take part in
and moved towards my style of play. They provided the opposition for a an international Vets tournament in
It’s less about being a hulk and more veterans team from Jones’ club, Rhyl, Lloret de Mar.
about skill and running. “I was at my in a testimonial in his honour at the
best as a rugby player in my 40s. weekend. “There are new boots purchased, so
I will have to play a couple more sea-
“I have always done a sport and “I have hundreds, if not thousands of sons to get value,” says the man who
Nick Larder - Age 61 given I was still improving in my 40s, I amazing memories from what seems, will turn 54 in November.
couldn’t see a reason to stop. “When at first impression, just another sport,”
Nick Larder was very much a late it started to get harder in my 50s, I he said. “I’ve coached though the age grades
starter in rugby, but he’s certainly was so hooked on it and I didn’t want as well. I coach and have played with
made up for lost time. He didn’t start to stop. “But especially here in Wales, rugby is my eldest son and now coach my
playing seriously until he was into his more than just a game. To paraphrase youngest son. Five years more and I’ll
mid thirties. Yet now, at 61, he is still “Players I thought would take my place Bill Shankly, from that ‘other’ shaped play with him too!”
going strong. either retiured in their 20s or stopped ball game, rugby is a way of life.”
through injury, so I just kept going. It That has tended to be the case quite
Since making his debut for Welshpool was just a question of carrying on to Keith has played in Rhyl’s first team at often in recent times. “We did struggle
in 1991, he has proved a huge stalwart another season.” least once in every season since 1979 with numbers quite a bit last season,”
for the club, serving as captain, chair- and has racked up close to a thousand revealed the 53-year-old, who can
man, vice-chairman, fixture secretary, Last year saw a testimonial match to games, including two years as captain, cover both prop and second row.
NORTH
WALES
DIVISION
ONE
2nd September
Bala 20 v Mold 12
Bro Ffestiniog 5 v Nant Conwy 63 23rd September 30th September
Colwyn Bay 10 v Caernarfon 27 9th September 16th September Bethesda 8 v Bala 27 Bala 34 v Caernarfon 17
Llangefni 34 v Dolgellau 11 Bethesda 17 v Llangefni 24 Bala 40 v Dolgellau 22 Caernarfon 16 v Bro Ffestiniog 20 Bro Ffestiniog 3 v Llandudno 17
Pwllheli 28 v Bethesda 8 Caernarfon 12 v Pwllheli 17 Bro Ffestiniog 17 v Bethesda 0 Colwyn Bay 5 v Pwllheli 69 Llangefni 27 v Colwyn Bay 15
Ruthin 16 v Llandudno 6 Dolgellau 20 v Bro Ffestiniog 12 Colwyn Bay 3 v Ruthin 68 Dolgellau 20 v Mold 32 Mold 32 v Bethesda 20
Llandudno 22 v Colwyn Bay 13 Llangefni 22 v Caernarfon 28 Llandudno 31 v Llangefni 20 Nant Conwy 24 v Dolgellau 0
The eagerly-awaited season kick off ar- Mold 23 v Ruthin 5 Mold 13 v Nant Conwy 41 Ruthin 16 v Nant Conwy 15 Pwllheli 37 v Ruthin 8
rived and saw Bala start their campaign Nant Conwy 22 v Bala 20 Pwllheli 14 v Llandudno 8
with a hard-fought home win against Mold. Bala continued their good form with a It was ‘fortress Bala’ once again as they
Not many teams go to Bala and get a result Bethesda would have been hoping to get Bala, putting behind their disappointment convincing away win at Bethesda who are produced an impressive display to see off
but Mold will be so disappointed that they more than a losing bonus point against vis- from last week’s narrow defeat at Nant, ran really struggling and urgently need a win. Caernarfon 34-17. No team will look for-
ended up so close to a bonus point. Nant iting Llangefni in week two of the season, in forty points in another impressive home Bro followed on from last week’s win with ward to their Bala trip. The Cofis put in
Conwy showed their intent with a thump- but it was the Islanders, with an impressive display against Dolgellau. Bro got their first their second triumph, a very impressive a spirited second half comeback but Bala
ing away win at Bro Ffestiniog and ended performance, who grabbed the win and win of the season with against Bethesda away win at Caernarfon. were in no mood to let their first half domi-
up the Division’s top scorers on the day. claimed their second win. Caernarfon and who have had a difficult start to the season nance go to waste. Llandudno’s impressive
Pwllheli had a cracker of a game with the with three losses on the bounce. Pwllheli enjoyed a try-fest away at strug- start to the season continued with an away
A great game at Colwyn Bay saw Caernar- visitors edging it and making it two out of gling Colwyn Bay who, for the second win at Bro, who themselves have had an er-
fon take the spoils and get their season off two. Ruthin, with another impressive display, week in succession, had 60+ points scored ratic start, winning just one of their three
to a flier. Division One new boys Llangefni ran riot at Colwyn Bay, who have had a against them on their own ground.Mold, on home games.
and Dolgellau were pitted against each oth- Dolgellau calmed the nerves with a home difficult start to the season, losing three their travels to Dolgellau, put last week’s
er, with Gefni coming out comfortable win- win against Bro, whilst Llandudno kick- games. Llangefni and Caernarfon fought defeat against Nant behind them and came Colwyn Bay had a much-improved per-
ners on the day. We’ll have to wait a week started their season with a home win out a thriller with Cofis just claiming it and away with impressive bonus point win. formance at Llangefni but still couldn’t
before we can see how the ‘newbies’ fare against Colwyn Bay, who gave it their all Gefni having to settle for a bonus point. prevent the Islanders gaining a bonus point
against last season’s first division teams. but left empty-handed. A mixed bag for Llandudno early in the win which sees them in the lofty position
Nant scored early in their away match at season but they impressed in a fine home of fourth in the league table. After just five
Last year’s champions, Pwllheli, got their Mold put a spoke in the Ruthin revival Mold and never looked back as they turned win against Llangefni. The visitors have games, Mold claimed their third victory of
title defence underway with a bonus point wheel with a 23-5 bonus point home win. an impressive performance in to bonus settled well in Division One and have al- the season with another bonus point home
win against Bethesda whilst a few eye- Game of the day was undoubtedly at Nant points. Mold enjoyed a good second half ready shown that they’re a team to be reck- win against a luckless Bethesda.
brows would have been raised at Ruthin’s Conwy where Bala, well down at half-time, with a couple of tries of their own. Pwllheli oned with. What was the shock result of the
16-6 home against Llandudno. Ruthin nar- came back to lead with minutes to go. For- supporters breathed a sigh of relief as the season so far came as Ruthin claimed the Nant got back to winning ways with a 24-0
rowly missed relegation last season and tunately for Nant, a score late in this pulsat- final whistle blew with Llandudno throw- scalp of Nant, ending the visitor’s winning home against league new boys, Dolgellau.
look to have been putting in the hard work ing game gave them the winning points and ing everything but the kitchen sink at them, run in the process. By all accounts, a thriller Pwllheli are now the Division’s only un-
during the summer. frustrated the Bala team and supporters. to make it three out of three. of a game with a result that was always in beaten side after a convincing 37-8 home
doubt until the last minute. win against Ruthin.
Team P W D L F A BP Pts
Pwllheli 5 5 0 0 165 44 3 23
Nant Conwy 5 4 0 1 166 54 4 20
Bala 5 4 0 1 131 81 4 20
Llangefni 5 3 0 2 127 102 3 15
Mold 5 3 0 2 112 116 3 15
Llandudno 5 3 0 2 84 66 2 14
Ruthin 5 3 0 2 123 84 1 13
Caernarfon 5 2 0 3 100 93 4 12
Bro Ffestiniog 5 2 0 3 57 117 0 8
Dolgellau 5 1 0 4 73 142 0 4
Bethesda 5 0 0 5 56 128 1 1
Colwyn Bay 5 0 0 5 46 213 0 0
win the previous Saturday, they were season. Welshpool picked up their first
NORTH
brought back to earth when visitors Rhyl win of the season after a hard-fought tus-
ran in 40+ points in an imperssive win. sle with Llangollen in horrendous weather
COBRA got their season underway with conditions.
WALES
a convincing win against near neighbours
Welshpool, scoring 59 poitns in the proc- And so, after just four games, we have
ess. some clear runners at the top of the table
DIVISION
with four teams unbeaten. There’s going to
Dinbych, firing on all cylinders, almost got be some momumental battles in the next
the ton in their 98-7 win against a shell- few weeks as clubs seek to break away.
TWO
shocked Llangollen. In the other Mid Wales
derby, bragging rights went to Llanidloes as Saturday 14th October 2017
they edged a close win at rivals Newtown. Bangor vs Dinbych
Llangollen vs Llanidloes
In a very tight match at Shotton, the home Newtown vs Abergele
2nd September side came out on top against a Wrexham Rhyl vs Welshpool
Bangor 21 v Newown 17 side playing their first league game of the Wrexham vs COBRA
Llangollen 6 v Abergele 11 season at the same time securing their sec-
Llanidloes v COBRA Postponed ond win of the season. Saturday 21st October 2017
Rhyl 5 v Shotton Steel 45 COBRA vs Bangor
Welshpool 0 v Dinbych 78 Saturday 23rd September 2017 Saturday 30th September 2017 Dinbych vs Newtown
Bangor 7 v Shotton Steel 85 Abergele 10 v Bangor 24 Llangollen vs Rhyl
One of the promotion favourites, Dinbych, Llangollen 8 v COBRA 43 COBRA 32 v Rhyl 3 Llanidloes vs Shotton
started the campaign with a high-scor- Rhyl 6 v Dinbych 69 Dinbych 22 v Wrexham 19 Welshpool vs Wrexham
ing away win at Welshpool. Dinbych, still Welshpool 25 v Llanidloes 41 Shotton Steel 45 v Newtown 14
smarting from missing out on promotion Wrexham 106 v Abergele 0 Welshpool 13 v Llangollen 6 Saturday 28th October 2017
last season, showed that they’re going to be Bangor vs Welshpool
formidable this season. It might have been close for Shotton on the A big improvement from Gele but still not Newtown vs COBRA
previous Saturday against Wrexham but enough to get some much-needed points Rhyl vs Llanidloes
Bangor gained that all-important first win they certainly didn’t let Bangor get a sniff against a Bangor side who put the previ- Shotton vs Abergele
on opening day against a Newtown side as they scored an impressive 85 points on ous week’s drubbing against Shotton well Wrexham vs Llangollen
who will be glad to have got their longest the road. and tuly behind them to secure a valuable
trip of the season out of the way on day away win. Saturday 4th November 2017
one. Llangollen’s disappointing start to the ses- Dinbych vs Shotton
on continued as they lost heavily at home to COBRA made it three wins out of three. A Llangollen vs Bangor
Abergele started life in Division Two with COBRA, who have showed enough in their close first half saw the Meifod men leading Llanidloes vs Abergele
a narrow away at Llangollen and will be first two games to be considered contenders 10-3 at half time against a youthful Rhyl Rhyl vs Wrexham
looking to keep this going and push for a for promotion. side but a couple of early second half scores Welshpool vs Newtown
return straight back to the top flight. Shot- made the game safe.
ton, always dangerous when at full strength, Rhyl’s topsy-turvy start to the season con- Saturday 11th November 2017
had a fine away win at Rhyl to show their tinued as they shipped 69 to a rampant Dinbych and Wrexham enjoyed a hum- Abergele vs Dinbych
intentions. Dinbych who are sweeping all before them. dinger of a battle with a final scoreline of Bangor vs Rhyl
Welshpool, who lost in the WRU Bowl to 22-19 to the hosts. A great performance by Newtown vs Llangollen
Saturday 9th September 2017 Llanidloes, showed a big improvement to the visitors who reminded the home side Shotton vs COBRA
Abergele 5 v Rhyl 41 score five tries and earn their first point of that they won’t be having everything their Wrexham vs Llanidloes
COBRA 59 v Welshpool 7 the season against Llani. own way this season despite the fantastic
Dinbych 98 v Llangollen 6 start.
Newtown 22 v Llanidloes 29 There was no stopping Wrexham at Bryn
Shotton Steel 26 v Wrexham 24 Estyn as they amassed a mammoth 106 Shotton Steel made it four out of with a
points against am Abergele team who could convincing home win against a Newtown
If Abergele were pleased with their away do little to stop the onslaught. side still looking for their first win of the
Team P W D L F A BP Pts
Dinbych 4 4 0 0 267 31 3 19
Shotton Steel 4 4 0 0 201 50 3 19
COBRA 3 3 0 0 134 18 3 15
Llanidloes 2 2 0 0 70 47 1 9
Wrexham 3 1 0 2 149 48 4 8
Bangor 3 2 0 1 52 112 0 8
Rhyl 4 1 0 3 55 151 1 5
Welshpool 4 1 0 3 45 184 1 5
Abergele 4 1 0 3 26 177 0 4
Newtown 3 0 0 3 53 95 2 2
Llangollen 4 0 0 4 26 165 2 2
NORTH
WALES
DIVISION
THREE
22nd September
Dinbych 2nds 22 v Benllech 8
Mold 2nds 13 v Menai Bridge 29
Nant Conwy 2nds 22 v Machynlleth 15
Pwllheli 2nds 48 v Flint 0
Holyhead 61 v Rhos 0
9th September 23rd September
Whether you agree or disagree with the Dinbych 2nds 36 v Mold 2nds 12
Benllech 10 v Nant Conwy 2nds 53
decision to allow second teams in to this di- beaten with three wins out of three, picking Saturday 9th December 2017
Flint 27 v Mold 2nds 28 Holyhead 29 v Benllech 8
vision, the results in this opening weekend up a bonus point in all three games to keep Dinbych 2nds v Menai Bridge
Menai Bridge 25 v Dinbych 2nds 8 Nant Conwy 2nds 36 v Menai Bridge 6
certainly showed that they could certainly them snapping at the heels of Nant 2nds Holyhead v Machynlleth
Rhos 0 v Pwllheli 2nds 60 Pwllheli 2nds 28 v Machynlleth 24
hold their own with Menai Bridge being and Pwllheli 2nds, with a game in hand. Mold 2nds v Flint
Rhos 0 v Flint 18
the only side to triumph against these new A bonus point win at Machynlleth on 7th Nant Conwy 2nds v Benllech
It was Menai Bridge who once again
opponents. October would see Holyhead sit proudly on Pwllheli 2nds v Rhosllanerchrugog
stopped a clean sweep by the second teams Much closer score lines this weekend as
the top of the table.
as they made it two out of two with a teams settle down. Free-scoring Pwllheli
The day’s top scorers were Pwllheli 2nds If you see any errors in any of the results
home win against Dinbych 2nds. Pwllheli 2nds were pushed to the wire against Ma-
who showed what strength in depth there is 7th October or upcoming fixtures, please email with the
2nds ran riot at Rhos and have an impres- chynlleth as they made it three out of three,
on the peninsula and rattled up an impres- Machynlleth 45 v Holyhead 7 details - gwcymru1@aol.com
sive 108-0 points difference after just two emulating their first team, with Mach hav-
sive forty eight points. Mold 2nds fought A convincing home win for Mach ends
games. Nant 2nds also ran up over half a ing to settle for another losing bonus point.
hard in their encounter with Menai Bridge Holyhead’s super start to the season.
century of points after their 10-53 win at
but the visitors prevailed and got their ideal Dinbych 2nds notched up their second
Benllech.
start to the season. 14th October
home success of the season against Mold
Holyhead v Mold 2nds
A real thriller of a game at Flint in which 2nds. Holyhead gained another impressive
A tight game at Nant ended with the home Machynlleth v Flint
Mold 2nds just nicked it by the narrowest win against neighbours Benllech who have
side just edging it against a Machynlleth Nant Conwy 2nds v Dinbych 2nds
of margins. After just two weeks it was ob- found themselves a little off the pace at the
side who had to settle for a losing bonus Pwllheli 2nds v Menai Bridge
vious that the second teams have certainly start of this campaign.
point. There have been good vibes com- Rhos v Benllech
brought some quality to this division.
ing from Holyhead during the summer and Nant 2nds continue to keep the pressure on
this was confirmed with a convincing 61-0 21st October
Pwllheli 2nds at the top of the table with
home win v Rhos and definitely will need Benllech v Machynlleth
another impressive win, this against Menai
keeping an eye on. Dinbych 2nds v Holyhead
Bridge. Meanwhile, Flint got their first win
Flint v Nant Conwy 2nds
of the season away at Rhos, who like Benl-
Menai Bridge v Rhos
lech, remain winless.
Mold 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds
30th September
4th November
Benllech 5 v Pwllheli 2nds 81
Benllech v Flint
Flint 16 v Dinbych 2nds 10
Holyhead v Nant Conwy 2nds
Machynlleth v Rhos – Postponed Team P W D L F A BP Pts
Machynlleth v Menai Bridge
Menai Bridge 18 v Holyhead 24
Pwllheli 2nds v Dinbych 2nds Pwllheli 2nds 4 4 0 0 217 29 3 19
Mold 2nds 18 v Nant Conwy 2nds 41
Rhos v Mold 2nds Nant Cnowy 2nds 4 4 0 0 152 49 3 19
Flint, buoyed by their first win last week, Holyhead 4 3 0 1 121 71 3 15
11th November
continued their good form with a home
Dinbych 2nds v Rhos Dinbych 2nds 4 2 0 2 76 61 2 10
win against Dinbych 2nds who, unbeaten
Flint v Holyhead
at home, are finding it tough on the road. Menai Bridge 4 2 0 2 78 81 2 10
Menai Bridge v Benllech
Pwllheli 2nds and Nant 2nds continued Flint 4 2 0 2 61 86 1 9
Mold 2nds v Machynlleth
their relentless march, knocking up some
Nant Conwy 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds Machynlleth 3 1 0 2 84 57 4 8
impressive points totals at the same time.
Pwllheli 2nds have now scored 217 points Mold 2nds 4 1 0 3 71 133 1 5
18th November
in just four games with only 29 conceded.
Benllech v Mold 2nds Rhosllanerchrugog 3 0 0 3 0 139 0 0
Machynlleth v Dinbych 2nds Benllech 4 0 0 4 31 185 0 0
Holyhead, whilst not rattling up the big
Menai Bridge v Flint
points scores, have nonetheless enjoyed a Please contact gwcymru1@aol.com if you see any errors in this table
Pwllheli 2nds v Holyhead
fantastic start to the season, remaining un-
Rhos v Nant Conwy 2nds
ELEN
management are watching and put and looking for a starting shirt for the know. I think if I follow her lead I might
my name forward to the U19 coaches. upcoming Six Nations, I dislocate my just get myself back on track.
This is where my thanks to Mam start, elbow playing for Dolgellau (on my
driving me down to Cardiff most week- birthday, no less). This means missing Just before the 2017 Six Nations I’m in
ends - I’m not driving at this point - and my only chance to play at Twicken- the best physical shape I’ve ever been,
she hasn’t stopped supporting me one ham. I’m struggling, and even more looking like I might make the World
EVANS
way or another since. heartbroken when I hear the home Cup after all. This is when I start writ-
game against Italy is to be played at ing ‘I’m not done’ on my wrist before
While still playing for the U19 side I the Millennium Stadium (as it’s then every game as a constant reminder. I
get pulled into the Wales and Wales called). This triggers something inside would have given up without you, Tails.
A training squad. I’m a shy girl from me to blast through rehab, push my
North Wales, and this means training elbow and return to play. This summer I have done the follow-
with the best players in Wales at the ing: played in my third consecutive
time - the likes of Non Evans, Kylie The cast comes off in the evenings World Cup, facing New Zealand and
73 and Out
Wilson, Lowri Jones and Claire Flow- and I’m getting some press-ups and the Haka for the third time at the
ers. But training with them makes me curls done. I want to prove wrong eve- tournament; earnt my 70th cap against
want to be one of them and play for my ryone who has written me off for the Canada; helped Wales to one of our
country. I keep playing with the U19s whole tournament. After a lot of hard best finishes, automatically qualify-
Elen Evans finished her international career playing and training with the seniors, and then work strengthening the elbow and con- ing for the next World Cup in 2021;
in her third Women’s Rugby World Cup. in 2004 I get my first game for Wales vincing the physio and coaches that alongside Tails, had the privilege of
A against England. The following day I’m okay, I get back to full training just presenting the girls with the red jersey
Following report kindly supplied by the Welsh Rugby we go and watch the seniors play in time to be selected at centre against for the final game against Ireland; and
Union Scotland at Cardiff Arms Park. Unfortu- Italy at the home of Welsh rugby. To finally written ‘I’m done’ on my wrist.
nately for Non Evans, she picks up an top the day off, I score the first ever
Wing Elen Evans ended her international career on injury and has to be taken off. female international try at the stadium I end my international career in
a high at the Kingspan Stadium last month, helping and we secure a great win. Belfast, with a victory against Ireland,
Wales to a 17-27 victory against hosts Ireland at the I think nothing of this at the time, but just like when I started 13 years ago.
Women’s Rugby World Cup. Here, she reflects on on the Tuesday I get a phone call I gain my 50th cap in 2014 against the My time on the A470 clocking 800
her life in rugby. asking me to fly out to Ireland with the USA and after that year’s World Cup miles most weeks is done. I have had
senior squad. Not to sit on the bench, in Paris, I believe I’ve got one more in an amazing journey in the red jersey
How do you sum up an amazing 16-year rugby but to start at full back. So with no time me. I work so hard and maintain my fo- of Wales and owe so many thanks to
journey in so few words? for nerves, I get my first international cus so that I can make the tournament family, friends, coaches and medical
cap away to Ireland in a 14-0 win in Ireland in 2017 and end my career staff who have supported me over the
My family have always been rugby mad. My Dad thanks to two Hayley Baxter tries. where it started. Things are going years.
played for Dolgellau and North Wales and, with me well, I’m feeling fit playing for Scarlets,
having a younger and older brother playing constant- Seventy-three caps on and I’ve had a Caernarfon and, by now, Wales Diolch yn fawr. #73AndOut #ImDone
ly in school and at their club, I felt I was missing out. lot of highs and my fair share of lows. Sevens. While playing sevens out in
This is well before any girls’ rugby or cluster rugby I’m flying high and loving my rugby Brive in September 2016, I damage
was around Dolgellau, so the only time I played the with Wales, Dolgellau and North Wales ligaments in my ankle, which means
game was when I was messing around on the farm until the injuries start. I dislocate and seven weeks on the sidelines and
fields with my brother. break my thumb in 2006, then break missing the Autumn internationals.
my collarbone in 2007. I hate rehab
In my last few years in high school, Dolgellau Ladies at this point and struggle to get back Once fit, I’m back in the squad for the
rugby team formed. This was my chance, but being on track, so in the summer of 2007 I Armed Forces fixture in November.
only 14 I had to wait two years until I could join. So decide I need a break and withdraw I come off the bench and within ten
come Tuesday 9th January 2001, I turn 16 and I’m from the international squad. minutes I’ve damaged the AC joint in
old enough to start training with the team on the Fri- my right shoulder. I remember thinking
day. I’m made! I turn up late - which will be a theme I call this period my sabbatical. I build ‘I can’t go down, this can’t be happen-
of my career - and join in the passing drill warm-up. I my house, enjoy time with my friends ing’; there are new coaches in the set
hear the murmurs straight away: “She can spin pass away from the rugby field and gain a up and I need to impress them and
and sidestep” (which is particularly amusing because few pounds! I keep playing club rugby not look like an over-the-hill, struggling
my career since then has in no way been about my but always miss the international side player. I stay on and somehow score
passing!). of it. Then, in spring 2010, the Scarlets a try, but once the final whistle goes
Ladies form and a few of us from I’m in the changing rooms on my own,
There’s a game away to Wrexham on the Sunday, Dolgellau go down for trials and to play away from everyone and questioning
and after begging Mam she drives me there so I can some games. whether I can go through rehabilitation
sub for the team. It’s a close game and 10 minutes again.
after half-time the coach unleashes me. I’m nervous, I’m just happy to be playing at a higher
since I’ve not even had tackling practice yet, and on I level again, but realise I miss the It’s my last year and I can’t put two
go for my first every rugby match at fullback and slot feeling of competing with and against games together without getting injured.
two tries and seal the win for the team. I think I like the best in the business. After the first Maybe my time is up and I won’t make
rugby and rugby likes me. game I find out that the reason for the World Cup. I can’t keep fighting the
these fixtures is to finalise the World younger generation for my shirt. This
After that afternoon in Wrexham I don’t stop, playing Cup squad that is heading to London is when Tails (Rachel Taylor), one of
for Dolgellau, Waterloo, Caernarfon, Scarlets, Wales in the summer. The squad is nearly the closest friends I’ve made on this
U19, Wales Sevens, Wales 15s and, hopefully soon, complete, with five spots available. journey, unknowingly becomes my mo-
RGC. My international breakthrough comes just Game on. I make the final cut and am tivator. She’s also coming to the end of
after Dolgellau progress in the cup in 2002, and we off to the first of my three World Cups. her career, and I see how hard she’s
play a game away in Pontyclun. We lose, but I must working and how much she wants it,
have made an impression because the then Welsh In January 2012, while playing well pushing herself harder than anyone I
30 December 2017 24 March 2018 14 April 2018
Carmarthen Quins v Swansea Bedwas v Carmarthen Quins Aberavon v Pontypridd
Ebbw Vale v Llanelli Cardiff v Aberavon Bargoed v Ebbw Vale
Llandovery v Aberavon Cross Keys v Bargoed Carmarthen Quins v Newport
Merthyr v Cross Keys Ebbw Vale v Swansea Cross Keys v Cardiff
Neath v Bargoed Llanelli v RGC 1404 Llandovery v Bridgend
Newport v Cardiff Merthyr v Bridgend Llanelli v Neath
Pontypridd v Bedwas Newport v Neath RGC 1404 v Bedwas
RGC 1404 v Bridgend Pontypridd v Llandovery Swansea v Merthyr
3 February 2018 30 March 2018 21 April 2018
Bedwas v Merthyr Aberavon v Bedwas Aberavon v Newport
Bridgend v Cardiff Bargoed v Cardiff Bargoed v Pontypridd
Carmarthen Quins v Aberavon Carmarthen Quins v Ebbw Vale Bedwas v Cross Keys
Llandovery v RGC 1404 Llandovery v Newport Bridgend v Swansea
Neath v Cross Keys Llanelli v Bridgend Cardiff v Llanelli
WRU National Cup 2017/18
RESULTS + FIXTURES + LEAGUE TABLE Newport v Ebbw Vale
Pontypridd v Llanelli
Neath v Merthyr
RGC 1404 v Cross Keys
Ebbw Vale v RGC 1404
Merthyr v Carmarthen Quins
Round 1 (matches to be played on the
RESULTS FIXTURES Swansea v Bargoed Swansea v Pontypridd Neath v Llandovery
weekend of 6 January, 2018)
26 August 2017 28 October 2017 10 February 2018 2 April 2018 5 May 2018
Aberavon v Skewen
Aberavon 40 v 15 Bridgend Bridgend v Aberavon Aberavon v Swansea Bedwas v Bargoed Bridgend v Bargoed
Bargoed v Trebanos
Llandovery 31v 10 RGC 1404 Carmarthen Quins v Llanelli Bargoed v Llandovery Bridgend v Neath Ebbw Vale v Bedwas
Cardiff Met v Llanelli
Llanelli 24 v 8 Carmarthen Quins RGC 1404 v Llandovery Bedwas v Newport Cardiff v RGC 1404 Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins
Cross Keys v Pontypridd
Neath 39 v 16 Swansea Swansea v Neath Cardiff v Merthyr Cross Keys v Llanelli Llanelli v Swansea
Ebbw Vale v RGC1404
Cross Keys v Bridgend Ebbw Vale v Aberavon Neath v Aberavon
Glynneath v Bridgend
2 September 2017 4 November 2017 Ebbw Vale v Pontypridd Merthyr v Llandovery Newport v Cross Keys
Narberth v Bedwas
Bridgend 13 v 31 Llandovery Aberavon v Swansea Llanelli v Carmarthen Quins Newport v Swansea Pontypridd v Cardiff Neath v Cardiff
Neath 18 v15 Carmarthen Quins Carmarthen Quins v Neath RGC 1404 v Neath Pontypridd v Carmarthen Quins RGC 1404 v Merthyr Newcastle Emlyn v Merthyr
RGC 1404 25 v 22 Llanelli 12:30 KO Pontypool v Tata Steel
Swansea 28 v 41 Aberavon Llandovery v Bridgend 17 February 2018 7 April 2018 12 May 2018 Rhydyfelin v Newbridge
Llanelli v RGC 1404 Bargoed v Aberavon Bedwas v Cardiff Aberavon v Bridgend Swansea v Newport
9 September 2017 Bridgend v Ebbw Vale Bridgend v Carmarthen Quins Bargoed v Merthyr Byes: Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins,
Aberavon 12 v 28 Carmarthen Quins 11 November 2017 Llandovery v Cardiff Cross Keys v Ebbw Vale Cardiff v Ebbw Vale Bedlinog, Beddau
Llanelli 5 v 19 Llandovery Bridgend v Swansea Merthyr v Pontypridd Llandovery v Llanelli Carmarthen Quins v Neath
Neath 18 v 31 RGC 1404 Carmarthen Quins v Aberavon Neath v Bedwas Merthyr v Aberavon Cross Keys v Pontypridd
Swansea 22 v 6 Bridgend Llandovery v Llanelli Newport v Llanelli Newport v Bargoed Llanelli v Bedwas
RGC 1404 v Neath RGC 1404 v Carmarthen Quins Pontypridd v RGC 1404 RGC 1404 v Newport
16 September 2017 Swansea v Cross Keys Swansea v Neath Swansea v Llandovery
Bridgend 27 v 18 Llanelli 17 November 2017
Carmarthen Quins 10 v 6 Swansea Neath v Llandovery 24 February 2018
Llandovery 29 v 15 Neath Bedwas v Bridgend
RGC 1404 32 v 24 Aberavon 18 November 2017 Cardiff v Neath
Aberavon v RGC 1404 Carmarthen Quins v Bargoed
23 September 2017 Llanelli v Bridgend Cross Keys v Llandovery
Aberavon 20 v 19 Llandovery Swansea v Carmarthen Quins Ebbw Vale v Merthyr
Carmarthen Quins 30 v 28 Bridgend Llanelli v Aberavon
Neath 17 v 40 Llanelli 24 November 2017 Newport v Pontypridd RGC Under 18’s
Swansea 16 v 16 RGC 1404 Llanelli v Neath RGC 1404 v Swansea Sunday, 7th January, 2018
A v Blues South
30 September 2017 25 November 2017 10 March 2018 Sunday, 14th January
Bridgend 28 v Neath 20 Bridgend v Carmarthen Quins Aberavon v RGC 1404 A v Scarlets
Llandovery 32 v Swansea 9 Llandovery v Aberavon Bedwas v Llandovery Sunday, 21st January
Llanelli 36 v Aberavon 22 RGC 1404 v Swansea Cardiff v Swansea H v Dragons
RGC 1404 26 v Carmarthen Quins 13 Cross Keys v Carmarthen Quins Sunday, 28th January
1 December 2017 Ebbw Vale v Neath H v Blues South
7 October 2017 Neath v Bridgend Llanelli v Bargoed Sunday, 4th February
Aberavon 41 v Neath 20 Merthyr v Newport A v Blues North
Carmarthen Quins 26 v Llandovery 12 2 December 2017 Pontypridd v Bridgend Sunday, 11th February
Llanelli 33 v Swansea 27 Aberavon v Llanelli H v Ospreys
RGC 1404 18 v Bridgend 17 Carmarthen Quins v RGC 1404 17 March 2018
Swansea v Llandovery Aberavon v Cross Keys RGC Under 16’s
Bargoed v RGC 1404 Sunday, 28th Janary, 2018
23 December 2017 Bridgend v Newport A v Scarlets West
Bridgend v RGC 1404 Carmarthen Quins v Cardiff Sunday, 11th February
Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins H v Blues North
Llandovery v Ebbw Vale
Swansea v Llanelli Sunday, 18th February
Merthyr v Llanelli
H v Ospreys East
Neath v Pontypridd
26 December 2017 Sunday, 25th February
Swansea v Bedwas
Neath v Aberavon A v Ospreys WestAugust 26th, 2017 ever, RGC continued to give the ball The second half started positively for September 9th, 2017 never stopped running for the whole
away cheaply and in turn Llandovery RGC when Evan Yardley picked up the game, especially as much of the play
Llandovery 31 were able to clear their lines and ease ball at the back of the maul and went Neath 20 v RGC 31 was through the middle of the field.The
any pressure. over for the try. visitors were controlling the game and
v RGC 10 RGC claimed a hard fought Bonus
pushing forward for the score. It was
It was a tale of missed tackles, slow The next score was always going to be Aron Evan put on the burners and the pack that was responsible for both
Point win on the road against Neath.
defence for RGC and many line-breaks a crucial one, and it was a sucker blow raced down the line but it ended with tries with Tim Grey and Henri Williams
The homeside were unbeaten going
for the Drovers. When the Gogs did get to RGC. Botica looped a pass to Loots a knock on. Llanelli were reduced to coming up with the ball and the pats on
into the game and performed like a
the ball they gave it back soon after but he could not collect it and Aaron 14 men when Tom Phillips was sent to the back.
form side in the 1st half.
with some poor decisions. Maynard hit Warren took full advantage. The winger the sin bin.
the post with another penalty, but if that ran in from the halfway line before May- The boot of Botica was in range again
Apart from the RGC try, from a great
was a let-off for RGC then they were nard hit another conversion. The extra man didn’t work in RGC’s hitting tw0 conversions and a penalty to
Cam Davies run and Tiaan Loots touch-
soon to be tested again. advantage as Flanagan scored after edge RGC to 31 points. With the game
down the visitors didn’t have much to
the home sides defence was split open. being stretched a bit more, Dion Jones
shout about.
The Llandovery pack put the squeeze The visitors went close again but Dion and Harri Evans showed some great
on RGC and after a couple of driving September 2nd, 2017 Jones put in a big tackle. attacking pace with a 40 yard break be-
Howley had given Neath the lead with a
mauls they were given a converted fore the ball ended up in touch. Credit
penalty before RGC got the try but the
penalty try. To make things worse the RGC 25 v Llanelli 22 RGC were working some good posi-
All Blacks had the better territory and
to Neath as they continued to run the
visitors’ Tiaan Loots was shown a yel- tions and running some clean lines, but ball when they had the chance and
possession and used the ball well. It
low card. that penetration just wasn’t happening that endeavour got them a try near the
RGC left it late to claim the 1st win of was no surprise when Neath scored
Jacob Botica on the charge in the backline. end with James Roberts scoring but it
the season against Llanelli. from a Phillips try.
RGC were not helping themselves with was no more than consolation for the
some in-game choices, and home try some of the missed tackles which gave Botica increased RGC’s lead to 22-15 All Blacks.
The home crowd were treated to a sev- RGC could not get into the game and
number two came after the Drovers col- the opportunities to the visitors. with a penalty. That lead was nullified
en try game, with a penalty from Jacob the set piece was not firing at all. Neath
lected a Dion Jones high kick and the when Simpson got Llanelli’s 4th try and
Botica sealing the points near the end. were moving the ball well and when it
pitch opened up for Lee Rees to touch It was RGC’s turn to get a try next, and Hart hit the conversion.
went wide Kieran Williams ran through RGC end-of-season
down. Maynard added the extras. Boti- RGC started the game with some intent it was all down to the pack. The pack the gap to claim the try. Howley missed
ca then took the opportunity to attempt as they ran the ball well. Tom Hughes worked hard at the scrum to earn a With the game all square with the clock
ticking down RGC controlled the ball
his 2nd conversion attempt, and as dinner
a penalty from halfway which failed, scored the opening try with Botica hit- penalty and from the resulting kick to well as a long range penalty attempt
when perhaps a kick to touch and keep- touch and line-out a driving maul was and worked some good phases. It was
ting the conversion. that went short, those points would
ing the ball was a better option. formed and the drove on. Henri Wil- the home-sides best spell in the match,
prove costly as the half went on.
liams came up with the ball and the try. and under some pressure they kept the
It was all RGC in regards to possession
As the half came to a close RGC were Botica added the extras. ball well. Botica hit a great touch finder
and territory in the opening 10 minutes, Richard Williams was next to cause
unlucky with the break of the ball after that rolled over the visitors 15m line.
with Dion Jones and Tom Hughes mak- some problems after RGC lost the ball
a good Loots tackle ended up with a The crowd were on their feet after Harri That boot of Botica won the game with
ing some good runs with ball in hand. and the winger raced down the field on
knock-on, when it looked like he could Evans made a run down the wing but 2 minutes to go with a penalty under
the break, before RGC scrambled a
have collected for a breakaway try. In was stopped in his tracks. RGC then the posts.
The game turned after Llanelli claimed defence to clear the danger. It was a
added time another penalty try went to a try from winger Rogers, and from that were on the attack again after a good frustrating watch from the touchline and
the hosts and the Maynard conversion steal from Tiann Loots and the centre Llanelli still had time to muster one final
the away side grew in confidence and as halftime approached RGC worked
made it 24-3 at the interval. raced down the field. attack, and credit to the RGC defence
played some heads up rugby. Soon up the field for really only the 2nd time
how made some big tackles to not give
after they took the lead when winger in the game. The line-out worked, the
As expected RGC came out from the Llanelli would have been the happier the visitors any opportunity to break
Conbeer went over in the corner. maul was formed and the pack did the
restart fired up, and they did more in of the 2 sided in the dressing room, as through.
rest with Hooker George Roberts get-
attack in the opening five minutes than As much as Llanelli attacked well, RGC they looked the better in attack as the ting the try in his first start.
they did in the whole of the first half. would have been disappointed with half wore on.
With the ball spun wide Alex Taylor Botica nailed the conversion and RGC
went over for the try, Botica hitting the went into the dressing room 14-13 up,
conversion. WR Davies put Botica and would have felt like they had got
in the driving seat
off the hook.
Evan Yardley made a couple of breaks
to give the travelling support some- If the 1st half was about RGC’s poor
thing to shout about, and for a period Thanks to his Player Sponsor set piece, lack of possession and not
RGC looked good to get back into the WR Davies, Premiership Player of the enough territory then 2nd half was the
match. Year Jacob Botica will be backed Mark Jones said his side has learnt complete reverse. The game restarted
off the field. some lessons from last season after as the heavens opened and RGC
They were creating chances with Harri they close win “It was a very nip and kicked from hand a lot more to test
Evans, Tom Hughes and Aron Evans all Botica and the rest of the squad now have individual sponsors, and the sup- tuck game, Llanelli impressed me to- Neath in the wet conditions.
making some impact with ball in hand. port from those companies will help the players throughout the season. day both in attack and defence, which
But if opportunities were being created caused us problems. Looking at the A few niggles broke out between both
they were not taken, with a few miss- Sion Jones is delighted with the support the squad have gained: “We are de- game we did better in the 2nd half and sets of players as the game heated
passes and wrong options at key times. lighted to confirm that all of the 2017/18 RGC squad now have an individual credit to the players who reacted to up. It was a testing time around the
The scrum was starting to do some sponsor in place, this is testament of the successes achieved in 2016/17 at what was happening in front of them. breakdown and the physicality of the
damage and number nine Efan Jones an individual and group level which was topped off with the regional side be- As a group we want them to learn to game was telling. Neath had to make a
was held up on the line. The momen- ing crowned WRU National Cup champions. The broad variety of sponsors make decisions on the field, and today number of changes due to injuries ear-
tum was beginning to edge towards involved demonstrates that rugby in North Wales is in a good place and is able they did that, we stayed in the game lier than they would have wanted, so
RGC. to reach and connect with so many different types of industry sectors and busi- and when it was needed we control- when RGC emptied the bench the pack
nesses. The future is looking very positive and I’m confident that these player led the ball and got that penalty. That began to win the arm wrestle.
Llandovery were then reduced to 14 sponsorships will play a significant role in the development and support of the said the result today won’t mean any-
men after a scuffle and Mathew Moore player in the season ahead” thing unless we back it up next week Loots and Hughes were making some
was red-carded for a head-butt. How- at Neath” good yards with ball in hand and bothYou can also read
