First Team 2011-2012 Season
The first team play in League One North.You can visit the Welsh Rugby Union's website here. Note that there is a time lag before the WRU record match results and details are inputted into their system.Details of our first team games can be seen below.
Llandudno RFC 3 Pwllheli RFC 56
With Pwllheli's recent erratic form and Llanduno's recent close encounter away to Bethesda the Lleyn side knew that getting a result from this fixture was important as they lay their foundations for next season.Conditions could not have been much worse for the game.It was cold,wet and windy and the teams had to play on the second team pitch as the first team posts had been storm damaged.
The opening salvos were even.Llandudno using their bulky if ageing pack to get some decent possession for their powerful fly half to make ground.It took them only four mintes to take the lead as Dave Davies slotted a fourth minute penalty.With both teams giving their all Pwllheli tightened the game and the visiting pack gradually took the ascendency.After thirteen mintes captain of the day Richard Hughes crashed over following a well organised forwward drive.The conversion drifted well wide in the swirling wind.Stalwart Geraint Parry scored his first try of the season after twenty minutes.Five minutes later right wing was given space wide outin his own half.His pace and balance took him past several would be defenders to score under the posts.Owain Williams added the two points.
To their credit Llandudno fought back but solid Pwllheli tackling kept them out.The gates opned again with Pwllheli's Kiwi Matt Duggan scoring his first try after thirty four minutes to secure the try bonus point.Flanker Tom Parry added to his tally of tries right on half time to take the score at the break to twenty seven to three in Pwllheli's favour.
The early encounters of the second period mirrored the first.Scrum half Nick Butterworth,who leaves for New Zealand in a fortnight,added Pwllheli's fifth try after eight minutes.Five minutes later number eight Huw Williams got on the scoresheet with an effort that was converted by Owain Williams.Eighteen minutes in replacement hooker Sam I.Roberts scored his first try of the season.A penalty try followed two minutes later with Williams adding the two points.On twenty eight minutes impressive centre Ifan Roberts touched down for a deserved score.
It was at this point that Pwllheli agreed to Llandudno's request to call it a day and both teams went off to a thoroughly deserved hot shower.
Pwllheli now have a two week break from league duty and their next match is a home fixture on the eleventh of February against Ruthin.On Friday February the tenth Pwllheli host Czech side Havirov RFC at Boedegroes.This is a floodlit match with a 6.30 kick off.All gate receipts will go to help efforts to stop the ward closure at Bryn Beryl.
Pwllheli RFC 10 Bala RFC 11
With only four home League matches after Christmas it was important that Pwllheli turned in a good performance for their faithful supporters.The opening exchanges all went Pwllheli's way and they had several opportunities to score during the first quarter.Despite this it was Bala who scored first with a penalty from Owen Aled after sixteen minutes.The scores were level two minutes later as Owain Williams slotted a penaty for Pwllheli. T
he home side pressed again but Bala defended stubbornly and with Pwllheli yielding a raft of penalties the Bala line held.Bala finally had a player yellow carded for killing the ball but even with the home's side numerical advantage it was Bala who went ahead with a try from prop Alwyn Dylan after thirty four minutes.The referee allowed a series of tap penalties and Bala , against the run of play, made ground for the score.
The contest became more even with Bala's backs becoming more threatening as the game progressed. Bala missed a kick at goal on forty one minutes and the score at half time remained at Pwllheli three Bala eight. The second period saw a game where two competetive fit sides both did well in patches but neither were allowed to sustain a period of dominance.Once again Pwllheli's set pieces did well but they were outthought in the loose.Bala played intelligent basic rugby and forced Pwllheli to play from deep.This policy paid dividends after fourteen minutes when they extended their lead with a second penalty from Owen Aled.The play became frenetic as Pwllheli chased the game.
Both teams were highly committed with heavy tackles going in from both sides.However the game was intermittent and was littered with stoppages.Pwllheli broke through on thirty six minutes.The ball was moved left on the half way.Wing John Pugh outpaced the cover to score a well taken try.With Owain Williams' conversion Pwllheli were only one point adrift.As it was Bala were able to close the game down and the whistle went with the visitirs hanging on to their slender lead. This was a match Pwllheli could have won but they can have no complaints as to the result.Their management of the game last week against Bro was excellent but in this match they never really came to terms with the way Bala were allowed to play.
With the side safe from relegation and no threat to the title chasers it is crucial they take the opoortunity to let this young team develop.If they learn from this performance then it augurs well for the future. Pwllheli will have to regroup yet again to prepare for the potential banana skin away match to Llandudno RFC on Saturday.There will not be wholesale changes in the squad but with some injury concerns there will be personnel changes from the Bala match.
Bro Ffestiniog RFC 0 Pwllheli RFC 5.
This was a home fixture Bro were expected to win after the long Christmas lay off but Pwllheli's team had the advantage in that most of the squad had played in William Naden Hughes' Memorial match only the week before.As it was the pitch surface was slippery after all the rain and players had a strong crossfield wind to contend with throughout the match.
Both sides started strongly and Bro could have gone ahead with an eighth minute penalty but the kick drifted wide.The set pieces were even with Pwllheli nudging the scrums and Bro the line.Pwllheli had planned to deal with the siege gun boot of Barry Roberts and even with the slope it was Pwllheli who got stronger as the half progressed.With both teams fully committed the referee had his work cut out to keep the game flowing.On twenty five minutes Pwllheli won quick ruck ball on the half way line.The ball was moved left and three basic draw and give passes put left wing Emyr Jones in the clear and his touch down put the visitors five points up.The conversion missed.Pwllheli continued to make basic erors,particularly in the linesout but Bro were unable to take advantage.The half time came with Pwllheli holding the slenderest of leads.
The second half saw a far more dynamic performance from Bro.They used their bulky forwards to make ground but were unable to capitlise on their possession.Eighteen minutes in they crossed the Pwllheli line but were held up.Pwllheli had to be forceful and committed in defence and they managed their opponnets well.The visitors had a strong case for a penalty under the posts,and a case for a penalty try,when flier John Pugh beat the cover chasing a sixty metre kick.He seemed to be nudged as he went to gather the ball but the referee was well positioned and adjudged a knock on.
Bro powered back and were camped on the Pwllheli line for minutes at a time but their bludgeoning tactics came to nothing.The whistle went after eight minutes of injury time with Bro very much on top.They will have been very disappointed by the outcome but Pwllheli's organisation and commitment won the day. On Saturday Pwllheli host Bala RFC at Bodegroes with the Saturday designated also as a Sponsors day to thank the Club's many sponsors and Vice Presidents for their continuing support.Despite the welcome support of the Welsh Rugby Union most clubs in Wales would not survive without the finacial backing of local businesses and individuals.
Pwllheli RFC 0 Nant Conwy 25
For only the second time this season Pwllheli failed to register any score in this intense forward confrontation.
The visitors started with the winds at their backs but it was Pwllheli who looked the more promising in the opening exchanges.As the game wore on Nant's streetwise team managed their own possession realy well and were able to slow down any Pwllheli ball.With Pwllheli's backline stuttering for much of the match it was up to their pack to front up to give the home side any chance of getting anything from the game.
As it was Nant took the lead with a finely worked try.Moving the ball left their centre cut a fine line to make ground before offloading to his support to score under the posts.The conversion was a formality.Nant added a penalty to take them ten points clear.Pwllheli then responded well and took the ball to under the Nant posts but with the offside in the rucks not being controlled they stole possession to relieve the pressure.Nant then had a period of dominance and unlike Pwllheli they capitalised on it scoring their second try thirty two minutes into the half.Though the conversion missed Nant took their half time lead to eighteen points with a second penalty.
Despite the lead Pwllheli had some hope of reducing the arrears with the winds at their backs.It was not to be as quick ball was never allowed to materialise and the ball fed to the backs was not well used.The final nail in the coffin when Nant broke away and according to the referee won the race to the touchdown.The visitors were as surprised as the home side when the try was awarded.The game ended with Nant on top and Pwllheli knowing they have work to do.
This was not a good performance for Pwllheli.They are missing consistent coaching but they are a young side with much potential.They will regroup and look forward to their next game away to Bro Ffestiniog on January the seventh next year.
The William Naden Hughes Memorial match is being held at Bodegroes on Wednesday 28 December.Kick off is at five.A pwllheli Chairnman's XV play a North Wales Presidents XV to commemorate Will's all too brief life.All gate proceeds and those from the later auction of sporting memoriblia will be donated to the family.
CAERNARFON RFC 23 PWLLHELI RFC 13
In a windy encounter at Y Morfa the homes side with the wind at their backs had the better of the opening salvos.They used the wind effectively and after only two minutes benefitted from a loose Pwllheli lineout to win quick ball.They transferred the ball left to right and speedy wingster Garnedd Williams scored a fine try in the corner.Pwllheli fought back and won a penalty twenty metres out and under the Caernarfon posts.The kick was missed. Caernarfon were dangerous whenever they got into the Pwllheli half.Caernarfon's second try was a well worked training ground move when they brought in centre Dafydd Roberts at a cutting angle to scythe through the Pwllheli defence to touch down near the posts.The conversion by Lloyd Davies added the two points.
Now twenty two minutes into the game Pwllheli could have crumbled but they held fast and gradually the tide turned.First blood came from fly half Owain Williams after thirty four minutes who was put into space twenty metres from the Caernarfon line.Despite the host of would be defenders he jinked through to score wide out.With the Lleyn pack now dominating the loose against their bulkier opponents they forced Caernarfon on the back foot.From the ensuing maul Pwllheli used the blindside well and prop Alwyn Trenholme crashed over in the corner in the forty second minute.
The half time score was Caernarfon twelve Pwllheli ten.
Now with the wind at their backs Pwllheli dominated territorially.They were camped on the Caernarfon line for minutes at a time but even when the home side lost a player for killing the ball they could not make the breakthrough.Pwllheli had several opportunities but failed to take them.The game was nip and tuck with Caernarfon threatening on the breakout but Pwllheli dominant up front.With only five minutes to go Pwllheli's Owain Williams slotted what appeared to be a crucial penalty to put his team ahead.Caernarfon came straight back and retook the lead with a penalty of their own.Pwllheli were still in the game but a mistake gave Caernarfon a scrum centre field.They broke right and got the ball to right wing Garned Williams.His pace and power took him past Pwllheli's cover to score an excellent try.
With Pwllheli now seven points adrift but still with a losing bonus point the decision to award a penalty in the last play of the match for an innocuous offside was disappointing at best.The offence had no impact on play with the ball thirty metres away and the visitors were deprived of a point that was the very least their play merited.The final score truly did not reflect the eighty minutes but Caernarfon took thier chances while Pwllheli did not.
This was a good effort by Pwllheli but this young team have not yet got the mindset that Caernarfon showed in this match to pull off a last gasp victory.They have shown this season to date that they can compete with any team in North Wales and they have the potential to be a fine side.
Pwllheli now have a gap in fixtures until December 17 when they host the ever consistent Nant Conwy at Bodegroes.The only other senior match in Efailnewydd this year is the William Naden Hughes Memorial match on Wednesday 28 December when a Pwllheli Chairman's XV play a North Wales Presidents XV .This match has a 17.00 kick off time.All proceeds from the gate and the subsequent auction will go to the Memorial Fund.
November 19,2011.
BETHESDA RFC 13 PWLLHELI RFC 8.
Pwllheli travelled to close neighbours and rivals Bethesda with yet more enforced changes in their starting fifteen.The positive from this is not only that many of their aspiring youngsters are being exposed to senior rugby but that they are responding well to the challange. Conditions were ideal for rugby with a firm pitch ,a light breeze and blue skies.
From the outset it was obvious that the teams were well matched.Pwllheli had the better of the opening exchanges but as the half went on Bethesda's confidence grew.They threw attack after attack using their bulkier pack to make inroads.They utilised the blindside very effectively but Pwllheli's well organised defence held.The breach came when Bethesda's Mathew Parry slotted a long distance penalty to take the lead.Pwllheli then had a good ten minutes and an Owain Williams penalty was just reward for their efforts.Though the home side had their opportunities particularly through the boot of Parry the half time score was level at three points each.
With both teams having solid set pieces it was in the loose that the contest was to be won or lost.It was all Bethsda for the opening salvos but this youthful Pwllheli side held until fifteen minutes in when Carwyn Williams took the would be Pwllheli tackler with him to crash over to score a try.Mathew Parry added the conversion.Minutes later his second penalty gave Bethesda a ten point cushion.Pwllheli responded well and their backline looked more threatening than they have all season.The pacy back three in particular look to have considerable potential and it was no surprise that Pwllheli's riposte came from this source.Having moved the ball right Pwllheli's fullback Owain Williams received the ball tight to the touchline.He deftly chipped the oncoming defence and won the race for the touchdown.The conversion was missed and despite their best efforts Pwllheli could not bridge the gap as the home side took the points.
Pwllheli's losing bonus point was some solace and it places Pwllheli fifth in the league.Saturday poses another huge hurdle for this developing side as they travel away to Caernarfon. Aaernarfon
SQUAD--ALWYN TRENHOLME-ALAN ROBERTS-AARON OWEN-GERAINT PARRY -OWAIN THOMAS-TOM PARRY-RICHARD HUGHES-DAN OWEN-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-ELGAN ROWLANDS-EUROS THOMAS-JOHN PUGH-EMYR JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS
SUBS-JOHN THOMAS-DAFYDD ANWYL-PEREDUR JONES-TUDUR GRIFFITHS.
SCORERS-TRY-OWAIN WILLIAMS
PENALTY-OWAIN WILLIAMS
November 12,2011
PWLLHELI RFC 20 LLANGEFNI 22
Both sides had a huge investment in this match.llangefni needed the points to pull away from the basement while Pwllheli needed a result to keep in tough with the three leading clubs.Despite the overnight downpours conditions were once again conducive for running rugby at Bodegroes.
Pwllheli started the match strongly and immediatley had the visitors on the back foot.After only three minutes Pwllheli quickly recycled the ball in the Llangefni twenty two.Second row Geraint Parry then threw a sublime twenty metre flat pass to full back Owain Williams whose pace took him oustside the defensive cover to touch down The conversion missed.The next five minutes was all Pwllheli but the game was stopped after eight minutes after an injury to Llangefni's Karl Jones.Pwllheli will be proud of the way the player was attended to with immediate para medic assessment and The player was kept immobile and warm until the Air Ambulance arrived.The game restarted after a thirty minute delay.
When the game restarted Pwllheli were gain on the front foot.This all changed thirteen minutes into the match.Pwllheli were on the attack but a long pass was intercepted and despite the efforts of debutante wing John Pugh Llangefni's wing Gwyn Jones scored under the posts.The conversion by Iwan Davies was a formality.Four minutes later and capitalising on another unforced error by Pwllheli when they knocked on following an innocuous kick ahead .Llangefni's prop Mathew Thomas gleefully crashed over .Davies'conversion put the vistors an improbable fourteen to five lead.Pwllheli rallied and a long range solo effort from flanker Tom Parry and a conversion from Owain Williams cut the defecit On thirty five minutes the home right wing Emyr Jones scored following a searing touchline run to put Pwllheli nineteen to fourteen ahead at half time.
Sadly Pwllheli's generosity was apparent again at the start of the second half.Winning ball fifteen metres from their own line they decided to run the ball rather than take the kicking option.Almost inevitably they knocked the ball on.From the ensuing scrum-which was the only facet of the game where Llangefni had the edge-winger Jones scored a neat blindside try to give them a two point lead.Back came Pwllheli and the lead changed hands again on twelve minutes when Owain Williams kicked a penalty.Though Pwllheli had the bulk of territory and possession it was Llangefni substitute Carwyn Milburn who slotted a penalty to put the visitors back in front.
Pwllheli rachetted up their efforts knowing-or believing that they had time on their side. Despite their pressure the whistle blew giving Llangefni an excellent away win and leaving Pwllheli to ponder what might have been.
That it was not to be Pwllheli's day was exascerbated by the referee ending the match fully five minutes early and without allowing for the two lengthy periods of injury time in the second period.Pwllheli's ire was placated somewhat when the referee later acknowledged that he had made an error in his timekeeping.His apology was accepted and a line drawn under the matter.On a positive note the pace and form of youngster John Pugh on the wing will be a welcome addition to Pwllheli's squad.
The most important news is that Llangefni's Karl Jones was later discharged from hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Pwllheli face another tough task on Saturday as they travel to Bethesda who have overcome a slow start to the season and are playing some powerful rugby.
Squad-AARON OWEN-ALAN ROBERTS-ALWYN TRENHOLME-GERAINT PARRY-HUW WILLIOAMS-DAYDD ANWYL-TOM PARRY-RICHARD HUGHES-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-ELGAN ROWLANDS-EUROS THOMAS-JOHN PUGH-EMYR JONES-OWAIN WILLAIMS.
Subs-TUDUR GRIFFITHS-OWAIN THOMAS-MARK SAYNR-GETHIN ROBERTS
Try-OWAIN WILLIAMS-TOM PARRY-EMYR JONES
Con-OWAIN WILLIAMS
Pen-OWAIN WILLIAMS
NOVEMBER 5,2011
BALA RFC 8 PWLLHELI RFC 0
Pwllheli travelled to Bala for this Swalec Plate tie on the back of an impressive away win the previous week.There were again some enforced changes but Pwllheli had prepared well for the contest.
The weather was ideal for rugby.From the outset it was clear that these were two well matched sides.Both sets of forwards were fully committed and despite the conditions this was never going to be a high scoring fluid match.Bala had the edge at the set scrum and this meant that Pwllheli were often on the back foot.The rampaging home back row never allowed Pwllheli's half backs to settle and it was these factors that saw Bala deservedly through to the next round.
They went ahead through a penalty kick in the first half while Pwllheli missed their long range opportunity to level the scores.The key moment of the game come mid way through the second half.Bala had been pressing the Pwllheli line .From a defensive scrum the clearance kick was charged down and Bala were first to the loose ball to touch down.The conversion missed but Bala now had a two score cushion.
Pwllheli came back strongly and came close several times.Bala did what they had to do to keep Pwllheli out and the whistle went with a dejected Pwllheli out of yet another Cup Competition.
Pwllheli now need to regroup as the face Llangefni at Bodegroes on Saturday in a Division One North fixture.Both sides will be desperate for the win for different reasons so it should be worth wathcing.
SQUAD-DAFYDD ANWYL-TUDUR GRIFFITHS-ALAN ROBERTS-ALWYN TRENHOLME-GERAINT PARRY-HUW WILLIAMS-TOM PARRY -RICHARD HUGHES-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-MARK SAYNOR- EUROS THOMAS-ROBIN HUGHES JONES -EMYR JONES-
OWAIN WILLIAMS
SUBS-CARL STUDT-ELGAN ROWLANDS-DILWYN JONES-
Photos courtesy of Evan Dobson
OCTOBER 29,2011.
MOLD RFC 15 PWLLHELI RFC 21
Pwllheli travelled to Clwyd knowing that they had never won a competetive League match at Mold's Chester Street ground.Despite the enforced changes in the side Pwllheli's squad system is giving more continuity and confidence in their style of play and game plan.
Mold too clearly realised the need to have a dominant pack and the full eighty minutes saw both sets of forwards giving their all for their clubs.Big hits abounded from the outset and players from both fifteens have the bumps and bruises to show for the committed nature of play.The rugby is a hugely contact sport was epitomised in this contest as no quarter was asked or given by either team.
Pwllheli started against the pronounced slope .The game plan was simple.Take Mold on up front and keep the game tight.When ball was released they used seventeen stone centre Mark Saynor to take the ball up knowing their speedy back row would be there in support.The plan worked and despite their best efforts Mold were chasing the game from the early minutes.The Lleyn side took the lead with a penalty from full back Owain Williams to put them three points up.When Tom Parry- a last minute change from flanker to wing - finished off a charge by the visiting pack by scoring a try Pwllheli were in control.A second try from the rampaging Huw Williams followed by an Owain Williams conversion put Pwllheli fifteen points up.Mold's pride and efforts saw them cut the defecit firstly by a penalty and right on half time with a try.
Half time Mold eight Pwllheli fifteen.
The second half started with Pwllheli extending their lead with two further penalties from Owain Willams as Mold killed the ball. Mold now threw the kitchen sink at Pwllheli.They pressed hard and on twenty six minutes were awarded a penalty try when Pwllheli were deemed to have thwarted a try scoring opportunity with a deliberate knock on.Pwllheli also suffered their first yellow card of the season as prop Trenholme was sent off for ten minutes.Despite their best efforts and having a one man advantage Mold could not add to their score.Pwllheli even contrived to miss a penalty kick under the posts but were still on top as they game came to a close.
Pwllheli will be delighted with this result knowing that Mold had been rapidly improving after their poor start to the season.They will now need to step up a gear again as they prepare for their third consective away match when they travel to Bala in a Swalec Plate match.
Pwllheli are privileged to host a Dewar Shield under fifteens match at Parc Bodegroes on Saturday.The 11 .m. kick off will see the best of North West Wales' youngsters take on the visitors from Camarthern schools.Pwllheli are proud to have several representatives in the squad and if you can't make it to Bala came on support these talented youngsters.
SQUAD-DAFYDD ANWYL-ALWYN TRENHOLME-DAFYDD MYRDDIN- AARON OWEN-ALAN ROBERTS-HUW WILLIAMS-GERAINT PARRY-RICHARD HUGHES-TOM PARRY-HARRY PARRI-TUDUR GRIFFITHS.
NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-MARK SAYNOR-EUROS THOMAS-ELGAN ROWLANDS-ROBIN HUGHES JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS-GETHIN ROBERTS.
SCORERS-Tries by TOM PARRY-HUW WILLAIMS
PENALTY-OWAIN WILLAIMS 3
CONVERSION-OWAIN WILLIAMS-1.
OCTOBER 22,201
RUTHIN RFC 12 PWLLHELI RFC 8.
SQUAD-DAFYDD ANWYL-ALWYN TRENHOLME-KEVIN MORRIS-GERAINT PARRY-HUW WILLIAMS-HARRI PARRI-TOM PARRY-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-ELGAN ROWLANDS-EUROS THOMAS-ROBIN HUGHES JONES-EMYR JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS.
SUBS-TUDUR GRIFITHS-DEIO BRUNELLI-ALAN ROBERTS-MARK SAYNOR
SCORERS.TRY-MARK SAYNOR
CONVERSION-NICK BUTTERWORTH.
OCTOBER 15,2011
Pwllheli RFC 76 Llandudno RFC 11
Llandudno's player availabilty problems continued as they arrived at Bodegroes with fourteen players.Pwllheli had anticipated this and once they knew there would be uncontested scrums they were able to adjust their starting lineup accordingly.Conditions were again near perfect for rugby with a firm and even pitch and only a slight breeze to contend with.Both teams and supporters observed one minute's silence prior to kick off as a mark of respect to club stalwart Arthur "Harry" Studt who passed away on the Friday.
As it was the visitors started strongly and were committed in the loose and the linesout.Pwllheli were able to make use of theri extra man when left wing Robin Huighes Jones was put into space to score .Matt Duggan converted.Llandudno dug deep and took the game to Pwllheli.On twenty eight minutes Pwllheli's fly half Matt Duggan was the victim of a dangerous tackle .He reacted and lashed out.The referee deemed that his reaction warranted a red card whilst the perpretator received no sanction at all.It's a shame Alain Rolland did not have the same interpretation!!! Llandudno were awarded the penalty which Dave Davies duly slotted.The sending off unnerved Pwllheli and three minutes later Davies slotted another kick to reduce the defecit to one point.
The home side settled and now with fourteen players each it became a fairer contest.Losing the set scrum disadvantaged Pwllheli but they gradually were able to set up a solid platform for their half backs.They extended the lead on thirty four minutes with a second try from Robin Hughes Jones.Three minutes later flanker Tom Parry touched down at the end of a twenty metre rolling maul.Butterworth added the conversion.At the stroke of half time Pwllheli's right wing Emyr Jones scored after a strong run to secure Pwllheli's try bonus point.The score at the break was Pwllheli twenty four Llandudno six.
The second period began with Pwllheli very much on top.Full back Owain Williams scored cheekily directly from a tap penalty after only two minutes and Butterworth converted .It was Williams again on nine minutes with Butterworth adding the extras.Full back Williams achieved his rapid hattrick four minutes later when he finished off a neat backline movement.Butterworth kicked the two points.Another three tries followed in quick succession with Hughes Jones reaching his hattrick.Notto be outdone wing Emyr Jones' brace took him to his hattrick .Butterworth added one conversion.
Despite being adrift by over fifty points it is to Llandudno's credit that they rallied to score a well earned try by Ed Weston. Pwllheli responded through Robin Hughes Jones who notched up another two tries.Butterworth converted one and Owain Williams the other.
The uneven match ended with Pwllheli in total control.They will be pleased that their back three scored eleven of the twelve tries.They will also be satisfied by the way the team regrouped after losing Matt Dugggan at fly half.The result takes Pwllheli up to fourth in the table but with a series of away matches to come plus enforced changes in the coaching team they will be wary not to take anything for granted.Their next match is away to Ruthin-a ground at which Pwllheli does not have a good record.
Pwllheli Seconds are away to Nant Conwy.
Squad-DAFYDD ANWYL-AARON OWEN-KEVIN MORRIS-CARL STUDT-GERAINT PARRY-HUW WILLIAMS-TOM PARRY-RICHARD HUGHES-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-EUROS THOMAS-ELGAN ROWLANDS-ROBIN HUGHES JONES-EMYR JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS.
SUBS-ALWYN TRENHOLME-ALAN ROBERTS-ARWEL ROBERTS -DEIO BRUNELLI SCORERS-TRIES-ROBIN HUGHES JONES 5-EMYR JONES 3-OWAIN WILLIAMS 3 -TOM PARRY
CONVERSIONS-NICK BUTTERWORTH 6-MATT DUGGAN 1-OWAIN WILLAIMS 1.
October 8,2011
NORTH WALES CUP
Pwllheli RFC 13 Bro Festiniog RFC 22
Despite the overnight rain conditions at Bodegroes were near perfect for this North Wales Cup encounter.From the outset it was apparent that Pwllheli were not firing on all cylinders.They were making too many basic errors and the crispness of previous games was lacking.They went ahead after sixteen minutes through a Matt Duggan penalty but Bro were the dominant team.They deserved their opening try through Marc Morris despite the obvious midfield knock on.Pwllheli were fortunate in their try on thirty one minutes in that it was against the run of play.It also resulted in their losing their best player and captain Dafydd Anwel as he did his hamstring when stretching to touch down.Pwllheli surprsingly led eight to five at half time.
Bro took three minutes from the restart to level the score through a Barry Roberts penalty.Pwllheli then seemed to regroup but taking the ball on from a lineout they lost the ball in the ensuing ruck.A gleeful Lee Aspen picked up and crashed through Pwllheli's defence to score under the posts.The Roberts conversion put Bro seven points up.
Pwlheli's next ten minutes saw them play with some of the missing structure and control, and they were rewarded with a well taken try by Owain Williams on twenty six minutes.The conversion attempt disappointingly drifted wide.Bro's third try was disputed and controversial.Bro kicked ahead.Pwllheli's fullback seemed to touch down.The pursuing Barry Roberts then touched down the loose ball and claimed the score which was duly awarded.Roberts converted his own "try".Pwllheli tried to up their game but Bro comfortably held on to earn their place in the next round.
Bro thoroughly deserved to win this North Wales Cup game and will enjoy their first ever senior win against Pwllheli.They were the more committed side throughout .The home side in contast did not play well.There were far too many mistakes and the decision making was not up to their previous standard.True Bro were fortunate to be awarded two of their three tries,the first for a blatant midfield knock on and the second when the Pwllheli fullback had touched the ball down before Barry Roberts claimed the touchdown.Pwllheli will have to learn from this and will realise that you cannot play such a loose game against heavier and committed opposition.
They have the opportunity to regroup and face Llandudno at home in a Divison One North Leaue match.Though the visitors are having a tough season to date they did the double over the Lleyn side last year and will be keen to kickstart their campaign.
1 October,2011.
Bala RFC 7 Pwllheli RFC 10
In scorching conditions both teams played the full eighty minutes at a high tempo.Bala had started the season with a run of three straight wins and were unbeaten at home.Pwllheli had the luxury of only one enforced change in their squad since thier last outing.
Pwllheli started the stronger and had changed their game plan to suit the conditions.They used more width than previuosly and both teams had quality speedy wings at their disposal.Bala yielded an early penalty for killing the ball and given their more pragmatic decision making this season they decided to go for goal forty five metres out .Matt Duggan's kick sailed through the posts to put Pwllheli three points up.
As expected Bala countered and several times broke Pwllheli's first line of defence only to be stopped by Pwllheli's cover.Bala varied their tactics but with fullback Owain Williams safe under the high ball their kicking game did not play dividends.When they tried to bludgeon their way through Pwllheli's pack were able to match them.Bala'r backs remained threatening but Pwllheli were able to stifle most attacks virtually at source.
With the match being allowed to flow it was a delight not to have constant stoppages.This added to the workload of the players and half time came with both teams very much in the hunt.
Thes econd half saw the same commitment from both teams.Fly half Rhydian Jones showed some nice touches for Bala but his forays lack close support.Pwllheli's break throigh came after a series of scrums and linesout close to the Bala line.Forming yet anothe rdriving maul Pwllheli's prop and vice captain KevinMorris burst through the cover to score a well earned try.Duggan added the tricky conversionto put Pwllheli ten points up .Bala never gave up but it was in the very last move of open play that Bala's scrumhalf Euros Jones cut through to score.Even before Rhydian Jones added the conversion Pwllheli's players had their shirts off for some relief from the oppressive heat.
Pwllheli's fitness saw them through in this tight encounter.Bala will rue their missed opportunities but Pwllheli's defence was aggressive throughout and to hold Bala to an injury time try is a credit to both the players and the coaching team.It was encouraging to see the new backline begin to develop as an unit.
On Saturday Pwllheli host neighbours Bro Ffestiniog in the North Wales Cup.Bro come to Pwllheli on the back of a thumping of previously unbeaten Nant Conwy and will be hoping to reverse their recent league loss at Parc Bodegroes.It should be a contest well worth watching.
Squad-DAFYDD ANWYL-ALWYN TRENHOLME-KEVIN MORRIS -ALAN ROBERTS-GERAINT PARRY-HUW WILLIAMS-TOM PARRY-RICHARD HUGHES-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-EUROS THJOMAS-ELGAN ROWLANDS-ROBIN HUGHES JONESS-EMYR JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS
SUBS-AARON OWEN-CARL STUDT -CHRIS STUDT-DEIO BRUNELLI
SCORERS-TRY KEVIN MORRS
CONVERSION-MATT DUGGAN
PENALTRY-MATT DUGGAN
24 September ,2011.
Pwllheli RFC 20 Bro Ffestiniog RFC 15.
Despite the heavy overnight rain conditions were near perfect for rugby at Bodegroes for this crucial League fixture.Bro came to Pwllheli with an unbeaten League record and it was clear from the outset that they were very well prepared for the match.
The opening salvos all came from Bro.They used their weight effectively at close quarters and they made ground against the lighter Pwllheli pack.In the scrums too they pressured Pwllheli.Scrum half Nick Butterworth and number eight Richard Hughes did well to release the slow ball.Bro broke the impasse with a try by their number eight Tom James following a period of concerted pressure.The hefty boot of Barry Roberts added the conversion to take Bro seven nil up.With Bro dominating the exchanges it needed something special to get Pwllheli back into the contest.The inspiration came eighteen minutes into the half.Winning the ball in their own twenty two Pwllheli moved the ball along the backs.They straightened the line to make space for left wing Robin Hughes Jones.His pace did the rest and he scored a fine try wide out on the left.The conversion attempt drifted narrowly wide.
Bro were still not done.Though Bro had their lock yelllow carded took the wrong option from the ensuing penalty.With Pwllheli losing the ensuing lineout Bro attacked from deep and Bro's fly half scored a well worked try to take the half time score to twelve points to three in Bro's favour.
The second half saw a transformed Pwllheli.They were quicker to the loose ball and their set pieces got stronger.They played to the pattern set by the coaches and within three minutes reaped the reward.From a powerful driving maul flanker Tom Parry touched down.Duggan added the conversion to tie the scores.Pwllheli were now very much on top.The pressure saw Bro ceding a number of penalties one of which was slotted by Duggan after thirteen minutes.After eighteen minutes wing Emyr Jones finsished off a movement led by the pack and finished by the backs.
The home scrum had the nudge on Bro's and they layed siege to the visitors' line.They came close several times but Bro's defence managed to keep them at bay.In the dying minutes of the game Bro were awarded a penalty in their own half.They made ground and used their weight to take the ball into the Pwllheli twenty two.They tried to bludgeon their way through but the Pwllheli defence held.In the last action of the game Bro were awarded another penalty.Centre Barry Roberts stepped forward and his successful kick earned Bro a useful and deserved losing bonus point.
This was an excellent result for Pwllheli against a bulky and committed Bro side.Bro edged the first period but Pwllheli dominated the second half and were unfortunate not to get the try bonus point.The sides meet again at Bodegroes in the opening Swalec Cup match on Saturday October 1 st.
Pwllheli are away on Saturday to Bala who have made an excellent start to the season.
SQUAD- DAFYDD ARWEL - ALWYN TRENHOLME-ALAN ROBERTS-KEVIN MORRIS-GEARINT PARRY-HUW WILLIAMS-TOM PARRY-RICHARD HUGHES-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-ELGAN ROWLANDS-ARWEL ROBERTS-ROBIN HUGHES JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS-EMYR JONES
SUBS-DAFYDD MYRDDIN-CARL STUDT-EUROS THOMAS-AARON OWEN.
MAN OF THE MATCH-ROBIN HUGHES JONES.
17 September,2011.
Nant Conwy RFC 23 Pwllheli RFC 10
Pwllheli travelled to Llanrwst on the back of two encouraging home performances.Once again they had an enforced much changed team but they had the basis of a solid pack and potentially creative threequarters.As it was their first half performance was hugely disappointing.They gifted a first minute try to Nant's Elgan Davies after a relieving kick was charged down and the home side capitalised on the error.The first of many penalties awarded against Pwllheli saw Perdedur Ellis kick a penalty after only four minutes.He added a second on fourteen minutes to take Nant eleven points up.Twenty five minutes in yet another penalty saw scrum half Matt Duggan reduce the arrears with a well hit kick.
Nant Conwy then had their best period in the match.They twice cut the Pwllheli defence with tries on thirty one and thirty eight minutes by centre Aeron Jones and scrum half Ifan Jones respectively.Ellis added one conversion to take the home side to a comfortable half time lead of twenty three points to three.
Pwllheli showed far more strongly in the second period though the stop start nature of the contest did little for continuity.The Lleyn side brought on Dafydd Myrddin and Huw Williams on which bulked up their pack.For all their possession it took until thirty two minutes for Pwllheli to reduce the defecit.Prop Kevin Morris crossed from short range and Duggan added the conversion.In the closing minutes two Nant players were yellow carded for persistent ball killing but Pwllheli were not ruthless enough to take advantage.They rightly decided to take a five metre scrum rather than a late penalty but they lost control of the ball as they were nudging forward.The whistle went with Pwllheli frustrated with their performance
Nant Conwy were worthy winners.They took their early chances well and had Pwllheli on the back foot for much of the first period.Pwllheli will be encouraged that they came back strongly and were unfortunate not to score a second try which could have earned a losing bonus point.
In contrast to their previous games the flow of the match was dominated by the whistle to the extent that there were more penalties awarded in one half of this game than in the sum of the two previous games.This left players and supporters perplexed,confused and disappointed.Pwllheli will have to learn lessons ready for their next fixture which is at Bodegroes on Saturday when they host high flying Bro Ffestiniog.
Pwllheli Seconds won their second consecutive away match when they beat Bethesda by twenty nine points to seven.
ALWYN TRENHOLME ALANROBERTS-KEVIN MORRIS-GERAINT PARRY CARL STUDT-TOM PARRY-RICHARD HUIGHES-DAFYDD ANWYL (CAPTAIN) MATT DUGGAN ELGAN ROWLANDS-CHRIS STUDT-ARWEL ROBERTS-EMYR JONES-ROBIN JONES-OWAIN WILLIAMS
SUBS-BLEDDYN DAVIES-HUW WILLIAMS-OWAIN WILLIAMS-DAFYDD M HUGHES.
SCORERS- TRY-KEVIN MORRIS
CONVERSION-MATT DUGGAN
PENALTY-MATT DUGGAN
September 10,2011.
Pwllheli RFC 21 Caernarfon RFC 24
This was the match Pwllheli had to use as the benchmark of the progress they had made during the summer months.The answer was that that had successfully bridged much of the chasm that existed between the clubs last season but still had some work to do.
New fly half Matt Duggan missed a kick for Pwllheli after only two minutes as Caernarfon transgressed in a ruck.Pwllheli continued to press and it took some sharp passing by the Caernarfon backs to release Dylan Gwyn who outpaced the home cover to score a long distance try.On seventeen minutes Pwllheli missed another penalty attempt.Twenty one minutes in Caernarfon scored their second try through Dylan Parry.With Pwllheli now ten points down it was crucial that they kept their heads.
They launched several attacks and cut the defecit with a Nick Butterworth penalty.Pwllheli now had their tails up and scored a super breakaway try from their own twenty two.Pwllheli's fullback David Lloyd Williams latched on to a loose ball and kick ahead.He gathered the ball and made ground before releasing left wing Emyr Jones with a nicely timed pass.Jones kept his composure to touch down under the posts.The conversion was a formality for Butterworth.Three minutes later they took the lead when Caernarfon were caught offside and lost their second row when he was yellow carded for killing the ball. Butterworth slotted the penalty kick.It was now all Pwllheli but half time came with Pwllheli leading by thirteen points to ten.
With Pwllheli's pack matching Caernarfon's in every aspect of play Pwllheli it was Caernarfon's potent backline that posed an ongoing threat wide out.On fifteen minutes Pwllheli fell off a midfiled tackle which created an overlap for the visitors.Dylan Gwyn took his opportunity well to score.Kelvin Morris added the two points as Caernarfon retook he lead.Once again Pwllheli's riposte came through the boot of Butterworth with his third penalty.
Pwllheli should have taken the lead as the outscrummaged the Caernarfon pack close to their line .They drove the ball over the line only for it to be knocked on.The game was stopped to deal with two injuries but with Pwllheli one point adrift at sixteen to seventeen they succumbed to another effective backline movement by Caernarfon.Carnedd Williams scored their fourth and bonus point try and with Morris' successful conversion Pwllheli looked to have lost even their bonus point.However they came back strongly and it was second row Carl Studt whom produced the final score of the game with his side's second try.
Pwllheli deserved something from this competetive and exciting fixture.They had to be satisfid with a losing bonus point but know that they could well have had more.Coaches Evans ,Jones and Martin will have been proud of their team's efforts and have pinpointed areas which need to be worked on.
On Saturday they have an away fixture at unbeaten Nant Conwy and know they will once again have to be at their best to compete with Nant's well drilled fifteen.Coach leaves the club at 11.45.
Pwllheli's seconds won away at Bro Ffestiniog.The Youths lost at home to Ruthin but the experience of Division One rugby will stand them in good stead.
DAFYDD ANWYL(captain)-ALWYN TRENHOLME-ALAN ROBERTS-KEVIN MORRIS-GERAINT PARRY-CARL STUDT-RICHARD HUGHES-HARRI PARRI-NICK BUTTERWORTH-MATT DUGGAN-ARWEL ROBERTS-EUROS THOMAS-EMYR JONES-DEIO BRUNELLI-DAVID LLOYD WILLIAMS
SUBS-AARON OWEN-CHRIS STUDT -HUW WILLIMAS-OWAIN WILLIAMS.
SCORERS-TRIES-CARL STUDT-EMYR JONES
CONVERSION-NICK BUTTERWORTH
PENALTY-3-NICK BUTTERWORTH.
September 3,2011.
PWLLHELI RFC 7 BETHESDA RFC 3.
A minutes silence was observed before kick off as a mark of respect to Pwllheli player William Hughes who was tragically killed in a car accident the previous week.
Though it rained throughout the match conditions were firm underfoot.For both sides this was an important yardstick for the season to come.Pwllheli had lost both home and away to Bethesda last season and had worked hard under the new coaching regime to turn matters around. From the outset it was clear that the teams were evenly matched.Big tackles littered the game from start to finish as the teams vied for supremacy.
The first half saw Pwllheli cross the line and touch down but the referee was unsighted.Bethesda too had opportunities but Pwllheli's defence was solid.Pwllheli missed a kick at goal after twenty minutes and half time came with no score.
Bethesda took a three point lead after thirteen minutes of the second half when their centre Mathew Parry kicked a forty five metre penalty.Pwllheli's fitness work with Bethan Jones Evans began to tell.The set pieces,and particularly the scrum,began edging in Pwllheli's favour.After twenty one minutes Pwllheli used the driving maul to make thirty metres.Bethesda were awarded the scrum put in six metres from their line but the ascendant home pack drove them off the ball and Pwllheli's number eight Richard Hughes touched down.Scrum half Nick Butterworth slotted a neat conversion.
Bethesda were still very much in contention but Pwllheli starved them of possession.Their play was disciplined and even with a slippery ball they gave away very few opportunities to the visitors.
Pwllheli deserved the win and with a raft of players becoming available for Saturday's match the coaches will have a challenge to pick the team.
Caernarfon are the visitors as Pwllheli have consecutive home matches.Caernarfon have been the best team in North Wales over the past few seasons and convincingly beat Pwllheli in both matches last season.It will be interesting to see have far Pwllheli have been able to bridge the gaap.
Pwllheli Youths entertain visitors Ruthin at Bodegroes on Saturday.Pwllheli hope to reverse the
second team fixture and travel to Bro Festiniog in their opening game of the new season.
Squad-
DAFYDD ANWYL(CAPTAIN)-ALWYN TRENHOLME-ALAN ROBERTS-KEVIN MORRIS-HUW WILLIAMS-CARL STUDT-HARRI PARRI-RICHARD HUGHES- NICK BUTTERWORTH-OWAIN WILLIAMS-ARWEL ROBERTS-EUROS THOMAS-DEIO BRUNELLI-MIKE HUGHES-GETHIN ROBERTS.
SUBS-PERDEUR JONES-CHRIS STUDT-TUDUR GRIFFITHS-EMYR JONES.
SCORERS-RICHARD HUGHES-TRY.NICK BUTTERWORTH-CONVERSION.
AUGUST 17,2011.
PWLLHELI RFC 17 DOLGELLAU RFC 14.
This was a hard fought training match played between two young ,fit and competetive sides.
Pwllheli shaded the victory by three tries to two.
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