FIRST TEAM MATCH REPORTS-

 

2007-08 SEASON.

 

April 28th 2008

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

 

Pwllheli RFC 52 Wrexham RFC 10.

This was Pwllheli's last league game of the season as well as their last home match.

Prior to kick off Pwllheli were awarded the Division Five North Trophy by North Wales Director of Rugby Austin Thomas. Pwllheli's effort this season was also rewarded by a bumper crowd.

 

Wrexham started the stronger of the two sides, with Pwllheli's case not being helped by a series of penalties awarded against them, culminating in home captain Geraint Parry being yellow carded.

 

Wrexham took advantage and kicked a penalty goal after six minutes.The Lleyn side was unsettled by the stop start nature of the game and the crowd had to wait thirty minutes before they took the lead. It was captain Parry who burst through some tired tackling to score under the posts. Fullback Owain Williams kicked the conversion. Two minutes later Meilir Hughes sped away from a ruck thirty metres out to score. Williams was again accurate with his kick.

 

Prop Bleddyn Davies doubled his try count for the season on thirty eight minutes. Winning clean lineout ball twenty metres out Pwllheli stormed over Wrexham's line to score a try straight out of the training manual. The home side went in half time nineteen to three in the lead.

 

The second period saw Pwllheli strengthen their hold on the game. It took them only two minutes to score their fourth try.This was deservedly scored by centre Dylan Morris Williams who is having a strong end to his season. Owain Williams's kick was successful. These scores ensured the bonus point for scoring four tries, a feat Pwllheli achieved in every single league match played this season. Tries then came at regular intervals as Pwllheli notched up a total of eight. Further scores coming through Owain Williams - who ended the day on nineteen points, hooker Kevin Morris, flanker Richard Hughes and left wing Ifan Roberts. To their credit Wrexham did score a consolation try on sixty six minutes.

 

Pwllheli end their league campaign twenty five points clear at the top of the league. They scored 117 tries while conceding only thirteen.Their commitment to expansive rugby is best epitomised by the fact that they only kicked four penalty goals, and no drop goals, all season.

 

Pwllheli now face Ruthin away on Bank Holiday Monday May 5th in the Semi Final of the North Wales Cup. Kick off 2.30. Division Four highfliers Ruthin will be firm favourites but the Lleyn side will prepare well and are unlikely to be overawed by the event. Coach leaves the club at 10.30.

 

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April 25th 2008

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

 

Pwllheli RFC 67 Rhos RFC 10.

 

Rhos travelled to Pwllheli with a depleted side to commendably fulfill their fixture obligation on Wednesday night.

 

As it was Pwllheli rested some players but still had too much for the visitors. As often happens in such matches Pwllheli found it difficult to focus. Though they scored eleven tries and gained yet another bonus point they will not have been overly happy with their performance. Having said that Rhos put up a more than creditable defence and also scored two well taken tries of their own in the second half.

 

It is likely that Rhos will return to North East Counties rugby next season. In terms of personality and commitment the league will be all the poorer without them.

 

Pwllheli will have learnt form this experience and will be mentally tougher for the Wrexham match as a result.

 

Austin Thomas Director of Rugby for North Wales will be presenting the Division 5 North trophy to the Club on Saturday. As Austin has to be in Caernarfon to award the Division 4 trophy to our friends the Cofis later in the afternoon, he will be awarding the trophy prior to kick off at around 1.00pm. There will be a brief post match presentation as well, so please hang about for a few minutes at the end of the match.

 

Don’t forget that Dudley RFC will be playing the Pwllheli Vets in the Howard Roberts memorial match prior to the Wrexham game on Saturday afternoon – kick off 12.30pm.

 

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April 19th 2008

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

 

Pwllheli RFC 31 Bethesda RFC 0.

 

This was a game both teams were desperate to win. Bethesda to maintain their surge towards a promotion place and Pwllheli to distance their memories of a lacklustre away performance last month where they lost their only league fixture of the season to date.

 

Conditions were far better than expected for the match with only an occasional drizzle and a strong breeze to interfere with play. From the outset it was clear that both teams were going to give their all with heavy tackles being traded across the pitch. Pwllheli had done their homework for this match and were aware of the threats posed by Roberts' at centre and also from the visitors' speedy fullback. Pwllheli's defence was well organised and their set pieces started well and got better as the match progressed.

 

It was from a lineout after ten minutes that Pwllheli won clean ball fifteen metres out.They rumbled towards the Bethesda line and it was Pwllheli's stalwart prop, Bleddyn Davies who reaped the reward to notch up his first score of the season. As expected the visitors reacted strongly and took the game to Pwllheli. However try as they might - and they were assisted by a string of penalties in their favour - Pwllheli would not yield. The Lleyn side weathered the storm and with centre Euros Thomas making ground every time he got the ball the match began to swing their way. It was perhaps inevitable that it was Pwllheli's Michael Adams who broke the impasse but the opening was made for him by some slick handling amongst Pwllheli's backs. Elgan Rowlands added the conversion.

 

Again the vistors rallied but they were unable to generate the momentum they had in the previous encounter. Pwllheli's third try came after thirty five minutes. Once more Pwllheli's pack released quick ball. The ball went left where Pwllheli had several options in their overlap but it was Adams again who blasted through to score.

 

Pwllheli were pleased to go in at half time with a seventeen to nil lead and with the wind at their backs in the second period. Bethesda tried desperately to turn matters around but with their lineout malfunctioning and their scrum creaking they were unable to secure a supply of speedy clean ball. They were put on the backfoot by a hardworking Pwllheli eight and Dafydd Myrddin's bonus point winning try reflected Pwllheli's advantage. The conversion took the score to twenty four to nil. It was at this stage Pwllheli introduced repacement prop Aaron Owen making his debut at senior level. He made an immediate impact and Pwllheli's ascendancy at the scrum increased and lasted until full time.

 

Bethesda then had a strong ten minutes. They pressed Pwllheli's line but seemed committed to route one when there were perhaps other options in their armoury. It was therefore against the run of play when flanker Dafydd Myrddin intercepted some clumsy passing to score under the posts. Though eight minutes of the match remained after Rowlands ' conversion the contest was effectively at an end.

 

The win saw Pwllheli confirming their promotion as 2007-2008 Champions.Their commitment to play fluid rugby has seen them score ninety three tries in fifteen matches while  kicking only four penalty goals.

 

Pwllheli still have work to do and will now focus on Rhos' visit on Wednsday night - kick off 7.30 - and their last home match which is at Bodegroes on Saturday against Wrexham.

 

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April 14th 2008

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

 

Rhos RFC 12 Pwllheli RFC 79.

Pwllheli travelled to  Rhos with a  much changed side. Both regular half backs were unavailable and top try scorers Mike Adams and fullback David Williams were on the bench. In their last away league match of the season coach Martin needed to see what options were available in the remaining league and North Wales Cup fixtures.

 

Though Pwllheli made the worst possible start again, conceding an early try and conversion to Rhos, the Pwllheli coaches will have been very satisfied with much of the remaining seventy five minutes.

 

The visitors' job was made somewhat easier with the excellent playing surface at Rhos which suited Pwllheli's backs. Five minutes in centre Euros Thomas was put in the clear and his pace did the rest. The very promising replacement fly half Owain Williams slotted over the conversion to put Pwllheli back on even terms. The fly half orchestrated his backline well throughout the match and demonstrated he could vary his game with some astute linekicks. On eight minutes promising young lock Huw Williams crashed over after a period a driving maul. Again Williams added the conversion. Rhos then dug deep.Their lineout functioned very well and their defence put up stern resistance for the next twenty minutes.

 

As they tired however gaps opened and it was centre Thomas who added a second try closely followed by number eight Richard Hughes' opening score.This score secured Pwllheli's fourteenth successive bonus point. Both scores were converted by Owain Williams. On the stroke of half time Richard Hughes added his second to take the half time score to Rhos 7 Pwllheli 33.

 

Pwllheli started the second period strongly and were able to mix their attacks between their backs and rampaging pack. Lock Huw Williams who impressed throughout added to his season's tally with tries after two and nine minutes. Another of last year's Youths winger, Ifan Roberts scored on fourteen minutes, but Rhos did not give in. Attacking through both forwards and backs on the left they scored a well taken try wide out. Sadly for them the floodgates opened for Pwllheli.

 

Scoring Pwllheli's ninth try was diminuative flanker Chris Studt. He was followed by fullback Medwyn Williams who has been a solid squad member for the whole season.

Pwllheli then gave Mike Adams a ten minute runout, during which he scored twice. The afternoon was capped with a sixty metre run from captain and second row Geraint Parry who scored from the kick off.

 

The result was an excellent one for Pwllheli but all involved praised the commitment and obduracy of their opponents.

 

Pwllheli will face a much sterner test on Saturday when their opponents are fellow promotion chasers Bethesda. Two  points from this match will see Pwllheli promoted as Champions.

 

On Wednesday April 23 Pwllheli face Rhos at Bodegroes with a 7.30 p.m. kick off.This is the reorganised match following a postponement earlier in the season.

 

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April 5th 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Pwllheli RFC 34 Bro Ffestiniog RFC 8.

This was a crunch game for Pwllheli as the two best teams in the League met at Bodegroes. Pwllheli had the points in the bag but Bro had only played eleven matches so had several games in hand on all the other contenders. With the recent news that Rhayader have pulled out of the League for the season it remains to be seen how this will effect League placings at the end of the season.

 

The pitch had received a lot of attention since the downpours of last weekend and was in fine condition.The promised snow and rain did not materialise and conditions were ideal for the brand of rugby both clubs attempt to play. As it was Bro started spectacualrly well. Within two minutes they were awarded a penalty thirty metres out. Pwllheli presumed Barry Roberts would kick at goal but he tapped and caught  Pwllheli out as he crashed over unopposed for a smartly taken try. Bro were fired up with this success and extended their lead with an eleventh minute penalty.

 

To their credit Pwllheli did not panic and went through several promising attacks only for the final ball to let them down. With Bro tackling everything that moved it was going to take something quite special to break the vistors defence. This happened after twenty three minutes when the ball was first swept right and sucked in the Bro cover before switching left. This created some space for left wing Dylan Morris who took his chance well.

 

Bro did all they could to respond and it was nip and tuck until five minutes before half time. Prop Brandon Campbell took the ball from a maul just inside Bro's half. He seemed to have been covered but brushed off several would be tacklers and made fully fifty metres to score under the posts. The conversion by Rowlands was a formality and saw Pwllheli go into the second half with a narrow twelve points to eight lead.

 

The second period saw Bro trying to use their powerful backline to break the defence but the home line held firm. It was on a counter from such an attack that Pwllheli scored next. Ripping the ball from a Bro player Dafydd Myrddin made ground on the left.When the  ball was kicked ahead, Pwllheli's Man of the Match, flanker Chris Studt, beat the cover for pace to score. Despite Bro's efforts the tide inexorably turned Pwllheli's way. Their bonus point try came from Pwllheli's number eight Richard Hughes, who stole Bro lineout ball to crash over. Brandon Campell doubled his tally in Pwllheli colours when he squeezed over under the posts for his second. Rowlands added the conversion. Pwllheli's sixth try was directly as a result of the constant pressure on Bro's backs. A would-be clearance kick was charged down and prop Kevin Morris scored for the second time in two weeks.

 

Pwllheli deserved their five point win but were made to fight hard for every point by a committed and talented Bro fifteen. Pwllheli travel away to Rhos RFC on Saturday hoping to continue their winning run.

 

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March 31st 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Rhyl RFC 0 Pwllheli RFC 34.

 

Given the atrocious weather conditions there were grave doubts during Saturday morning as to whether the match could be played. As it was, and with due credit to Rhyl, the pitch was very much in a playable condition despite the rain.

 

Pwllheli had advantage of the wind in the first half and played a tight game using their pack to suck in the Rhyl cover. As always Rhyl had a jumbo set of forwards but Pwlheli's eight proved to be far more mobile and concerted than their opponents. From the oustset the visitors had dominance in the scrums and disrupted Rhyl ball throughout the game. Rhyl's lineout however was solid and gave them an excellent supply of ball for the full eighty minutes.

 

The Lleyn's side first try came from a driving lineout. Though the initial drive was stopped Pwllheli picked up and drove again. It was prop Kevin Morris who touched down for the first score. The conversion was missed. Rhyl were allowed into the game through Pwllheli's lapses but when it mattered their defence held firm.

 

Pwllheli's second try came from an attack on Rhyl's right. Pwllheli made ground into the Rhyl 22 and were awarded a scrum. Such was Pwllheli's dominance that they tried for a pushover from fully twenty metres out but were held short. From the ensuing maul Pwllheli's Chris Studt crashed over close to the posts. Elgan Rowlands passed the hundred mark for league points this sesaon with the successful conversion.

 

Again Rhyl came back but despite territory and a fair share of possession they had no cutting edge. They tried to vary their game but with David Williams solid at full back most kicks were returned with interest. Pwllheli crossed the line for the third time almost inevitably through Mike Adams. This was not the usual scorcher but a close quarter thrust which took the half time score to Rhyl  0 Pwllheli 17.

 

The pattern of the second period very much echoed the first half. Pwllheli were reluctant to spin the ball but such is their development this season that they have a solid forward orientated game in their repertoire. It was against the style of the game therefore when after fifteen minutes of the half Pwllheli ran the ball from their own twentry two. The ball swept to centre Euros Thomas who sliced through Rhyl's defence. He made fully sixty metres before timing a try scoring pass to the supporting Mike Adams, who scored under the posts. Adams became the second Pwllheli player to reach one hundred points this season with his twentieth league try. This try earned Pwllheli their thirteenth bonus point of the season and Rowlands' conversion took Pwllheli twenty four points clear.

 

Once again Pwllheli had a strong bench and second row Mark Saynor and flanker Dafydd Myrddin impacted on the game. Myrddin scored two late tries to give Pwllheli a well deserved and well earned win.

 

Pwllheli now face high flying Bro Ffestiniog at Bodegroes on Saturday.Despite injuries and the unavailability of some key players Pwllheli are looking forward to the fixture. With both teams in the mix from promotion it should be an encounter worth watching.

 

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March 22nd 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Pwllheli RFC 66  Caereinion OBRA 13.

This was a long awaited match for Pwllheli, being their first home fixture since November 17, 2007!! With Cobra having a strong season and with Pwllheli faltering in midweek against Bethesda the stakes were high for both clubs.

 

The kick off was delayed by 15 minutes due to the heavy Bank Holiday traffic but this helped swell the already sizeable crowd. Though still bitterly cold the gale force winds of the previous evening had subsided and the pitch was in fine condition.

 

Cobra started strongly using both the wind and their juggernaught pack to very good effect. They opened their scoring with a penalty after five minutes and stunned Pwllheli with a well crafted coverted try after ten minutes. As had been the case in the away fixture at Cobra, Pwllheli stuck to their game plan and gradually took the sting out of visitors' attacking play. After fifteen minutes Pwllheli cut the deficit with a Dafydd Anwyl try wide out on the left. The touchline conversion against the wind by Elgan Rowlands was superb.

 

Much to Cobra's credit they took the game to Pwllheli but were stung again when centre Mike Adams finished off a sixty metre counter attack with a try. On thirty five minutes it was that man Adams again who was put clear to score under the posts. The conversion was a formality which took the half time score to Pwllheli 19 Cobra 10.

 

Cobra started the second period strongly and were awarded and kicked a penalty after two minutes play. Pwllheli however, kept their focus and were rewarded with a forty ninth minute Adams try and another conversion by Rowlands. From this point on Pwllheli dominated the game and it was only stalwart Cobra defence which kept the score down.

 

Tries came regulary as Pwllheli rediscovered their fluency and verve. Mike Adams secured an unique double hattrick, David Williams notched a brace and second row Geraint Parry scored a popular captain's try. Elgan Rowalnds also had a fine day. He was back to his best and gave a strong fly half display and also kicked eight conversions out of his ten attempts.

 

This was a performance which reinstilled confidence in the Club. Players and coaches did their allotted tasks well. There is at long last competition for places which is a huge bonus for coach David Martin as he prepares for the remaining seven league matches, and of course the North Wales Cup semi final against Ruthin.

 

The team coach will leave the club at 10.45 next Saturday for the away fixture at Rhyl. The hosts are always a difficult team to beat on their own pitch and Pwllheli will have to be at their best to get the win they need to maintain their aspirations of promotion to Division 4. Supporters welcome.

 

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March 6th 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Bethesda RFC 24  Pwllheli RFC 22.

Matches against old rivals Bethesda have always been a tough proposition for the Lleyn side. This contest was to be no different. Pwllheli appeared well prepared for the fixture and absorbed early home pressure quite comfortably. So when David Williams' searing break set up centre Euros Thomas for an early Pwllheli try all seemed well.The straighforward conversion eased Pwllheli into a seven to nil lead.

 

When further Pwllheli pressure saw flanker Richard Hughes put right winger Tomos Henry clear for his side's second try the away win was very much on the cards.

 

Bethesda dug deep and reduced the deficit to twelve to three with a well struck penalty by Gareth Roberts.The home side kept up the pressure and using the blind side effectively they made ground before Arwyn Roberts crashed over for a try which Gareth Roberts again converted.

 

Once again Pwllheli were able to respond through another long distance flair try by Mike Adams. Confusion as to who was to take the kick resulted in a straightforward conversion being missed from in front of the posts.

 

Bethesda opened the second period strongly and were rewarded with two tries from burly centre Steven Roberts. Roberts brought a lot of stability to the Bethesda side and gave them the cutting edge.

 

With Gareth Roberts coverting both tries, Pwllheli were chasing the game. They were however only able to take one of their several chances when centre Euros Thomas scored his second try. With the conversion missed their last chance of coming away with a win disappeared.

 

Bethesda deserved their victory. They played well as a team whereas Pwllheli's game play was well below par. It was some solace, given their performance that Pwllheli earned a bonus point for scoring four tries and another for being within seven points.

 

Pwllheli were despondent after this result and performance and are relishing the prospect of making amends when they face high flying COBRA on Saturday March 22nd at Bodegroes.

 

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March 1st 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Machynlleth RFC 16  Pwllheli RFC 29.

 

Pwllheli travelled to Machynlleth knowing that their hosts' spirits were sky high after

their recent convincing three tries to nil victory over high flying Wrexham. Pwllheli in turn knew that a victory would lay a solid foundation in their quest for league honours.

 

The visitors started strongly with a gusty win at their backs. It was only poor option

taking and finishing skills which kept a blank scoreboard for the first fifteen minutes.

Mach were ferocious in their tackling and they were in Pwllheli's faces for the duration of the game. Fortunately Pwllheli were stronger in the set pieces which gave them some respite from thumping Mach tackling.

 

Pwllheli finally took the lead after laying siege to their hosts' line. A surging drive from loose play saw second row Carl Studt crash over. The straighforward kick was missed in the swirling wind.This score saw Machynlleth raise  their game. They took the ball up to the Pwllheli twenty two. They kept possession well in several forward drives before releasing the ball left for their centre to score a top notch try. The excellent conversion took Mach to an unexpected lead of seven points to five.

 

Pwllheli upped the pace of their game and created several clear cut opportunities all of which went begging. It took a touch of sublime skill from Pwllheli's scrum half, Mathew Hicks to restore Pwllheli's lead. Seeing Mach deploying early in their rush defence he lobbed the ball accurately to flanker Dafydd Anwyl to score wide out. The Lleyn side worked hard to create a third try wide out on the right. This time it was winger Medwyn Williams who was put in the clear. The touchline conversion added a further two points and took the half time score to Mach 7 Pwllheli 17.

 

If Pwllheli thought they were in for an easy ride they were very much mistaken. If anything Machynlleth became even more tenacious and their endeavour earned just reward. They were awarded, and kicked three penalties, to cut down Pwllheli's lead to a solitary point. Pwllheli are made of sterner stuff this season and with captain Geriant Parry leading by example and sound use of a very useful bench they turned the tide. Tries from Geraint Parry and fullback David Ll Williams and a conversion by Elgan Rowlands saw Pwllheli finish well on top.

 

This was only Pwllheli's ninth League match of the season but their unbeaten sequence plus a bonus point in each game finally sees Pwllheli topping the League on forty five points with Wrexhan a close second on forty three.

 

Pwllheli now face old rivals at  Bethesda on Thursday night with a 7.30 kick off. The pressure is now very much on Pwllheli's young side to maintain their composure and discipline in this very stern test.

 

Pwllheli's next home League match is against COBRA on March 22nd - four months and twelve days since their last home league fixture!!!

 

 

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February 23rd 2008

SCOTTISH POWER NORTH WALES CUP.

QUARTER FINAL.

Dolgellau 12 Pwllheli 29

This was Pwllheli's first outing since January 27th and although there were some signs of rustiness the players were delighted to be playing rugby again.

 

Conditions were somewhat overcast and the pitch a little heavy, but the early kick off did not dilute the intensity of the game one bit. Giving away an early penalty, Pwllheli were soon in arrears when Dolgellau's fly half kicked from the halfway line.

 

Pwllheli's riposte was not long in coming and after a searing break from his own half, Mike Adams supporting hooker Dafydd Myrddin scored under the posts. Elgan Rowlands added the conversion.

 

Dolgellau came back and with the vistors conceding a series of penalties it was no surprise when Pwllheli's lead was cut to a single point with a further homeside penalty. Not being overawed Pwllheli again counter attacked from deep; this time through full back David Williams. He made forty metres before passing on to the talented youngster at second rower, Huw Williams, for the lock to score another peach of a try. Yet again, Dolgellau making full use of the wind at their backs cut the deficit with a third penalty before taking the score with a fourth kick to twelve points each at the interval.

 

The second half saw Pwllheli turn the screw. Their scrum achieved dominance and pressurised the home eight for the remainder of the game. Pwllheli's backs too upped a gear and gradually the vistors pulled away. First to score was fly half Elgan Rowlands who powered through the Dolgellau defence in a thirty metre diagonal run. Ten minutes later it was Mike Adams who brushed aside would be tacklers to score wide on the right.

 

Pwllheli had the luxury of a strong bench and Colin Jones and Jo Hughes both capitalised on a tiring Dolgellau scrum. Pwllheli missed several gilt edged chances, before captain Geraint Parry scored Pwllheli's fifth and final try. The conversion was the icing on the cake for Pwllheli's five try to nil win.

 

Pwllheli's reward is an away semi final fixture against Ruthin on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th.

 

Pwllheli's focus remains firmly on the league and Saturday's away match at Machynlleth will need Pwllheli to be at their best if they are to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. The bus leaves the Club at 11.00am. Supporters welcomed.

 

Many thanks to Rod Davies for photos.

Click on photo above for slideshow.

 

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January 27th 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Welshpool RFC 3  Pwllheli RFC 29.

 

Despite their lowly league position Welshpool have traditionally posed stiff opposition when they play at home, and this match was no exception. Welshpool started strongly with a strong breeze at their backs. Their heavy weight pack caused problems at the scrums and they had most of the territory in the first thirty minutes.

 

It is inevitable in this disjointed league structure that Pwllheli's rustiness showed as they had once again not played for three weeks. However, try as they might Welshpool could not find a way through Pwllheli's defence. Gradually pwllheli got into the rhythm of the contest and their backs made some incisive forays towards the Welshpool line. This season though, Pwllheli have much more than just a plan A. Having got into the Welshpool 22 courtesy of a huge line kick by fly-half Elgan Rowlands, Pwllheli won the lineout and a concerted drive saw them power over the Welshpool line for number eight Richard Hughes to open their account for the afternoon.

 

Three minutes later a scything break from centre Euros Thomas saw fellow centre Dylan Morris put in the clear to score. Once again the goal kick was missed. Pwllheli then scored their third try following a concerted move between forward and backs with hooker Dafydd Myrddin taking a fine line before crashing over.

 

Starting the second period fifteen to nil in the lead and the wind at their backs a high score seemed likely for the visitors, but a gutsy Welshpool stood firm although Pwllheli several times had the line at their mercy.

 

It was not until the later stages that Pwllheli opened up the home cover again. Their fourth try ensured a bonus point and the score was well worth waiting for. Counter attacking from their own half, Pwllheli created a metre of space for full back David Williams to score under the posts. Rowlands added the conversion.

 

Though Welshpool scored a token penalty kick, Pwllheli had the last say with a fifth try by Richard Hughes. The touchline conversion was to be the last score of the match.

 

Players and coaches were satisfied with the result. This gave Pwllheli their eighth successive bonus point victory, but with more than half the season still to go. With Pwllheli unable to get Rhos RFC to confirm a date for their outstanding fixture it seems Pwllheli will have another enforced two week break until they play Rhayader RFC at Bodegroes on February 16th. These constant lengthy breaks make continuity and match fitness a huge issue.

 

Match report from Welshpool website.

 

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January 5th 2008

 

WELSH NATIONAL LEAGUE.

DIVISION 5 NORTH.

Wrexham RFC 0  Pwllheli RFC 29.

This was always going to be the crunch match, between the two remaining undefeated sides in Division Five North. Conditions were perfect for rugby with a fine level pitch and only a slight breeze, in complete contrast to the weather at Machynlleth last Saturday.

 

As expected the opening salvos came form Wrexham's jumbo pack as they tried to bludgeon their way through the Pwllheli defensive line. Pwllheli's were well organized and held firm against the barrage. It did not take long for the Llyn side to launch threatening counter attacks and several times they stretched the Wrexham cover, but the home defence just about held.

 

The initial set pieces went Wrexham's way as they made their extra weight tell but Pwllheli countered well, with some effective rolling mauls of their own. Heavy tackles went in from both sides but the contact area was well refereed throughout, so both teams were able to focus on playing rugby.

 

Pwllheli went ahead after twenty five minutes. Winning yet another midfield maul, scrum half Matthew Hicks spun the ball left to full back David Ll Williams. He used his wing as a decoy and sped through to score under the posts. Inexplicably the conversion attempt went wide of the posts.

 

Wrexham retaliated strongly and were held up time and again close to the Pwllheli line. Fortunately for Pwllheli, Wrexham were insistent on playing route one rugby throughout, but these efforts were blunted as the game went on. Pwllheli held on for a half time score of five points to nil.

 

Pwllheli started the second period as much the stronger team. After only five minutes the home side conceded a penalty which fly half Elgan Rowlands slotted. Ten minutes later flanker Meillir Hughes took full advantage of loose ball from a Wrexham ruck to gallop forty yards to score. With the conversion Pwllheli were now fifteen up.

 

Wrexham again rallied but their over dependence on slow ruck ball and the lack of cutting edge of their backs saw Pwllheli's defence hold quite comfortably. Each time Pwllheli's three quarters got the ball they were able to stretch the Wrexham cover. It was such a move which took them to within twenty yards of the home try line and from the lineout, hooker Dafydd Myrddin sprinted through a tiring defensive line to score under the posts. The conversion was a formality for Rowlands.

 

The coup de grace and the crucial bonus point for four tries came in the last move of the game. Pwllheli received the ball within their own twenty two and with justifiable confidence spread the ball. Fullback David Williams joining the line still had three defenders to beat but hugging the touchline for a full eighty yards touched down under the posts. His successful conversion brought to an end the game and a fully deserved victory with Pwllheli leapfrogging their opponents to the top of Division Five North.

 

Pwllheli's tactics of keeping the ball alive and shunting the heavy Wrexham pack around the pitch became more effective as the game wore on. This young side still has many lessons to learn, but the style of rugby being played by these inexperienced youngsters is very different to that which lost them their Division Four League status last season. Targets are being met but there is a long way to go before they become the finished article.

 

Sadly the league structure conspires against the team as yet another enforced break is forced upon the team. The next League match is away to Welshpool on January 26. Unbelievably - Pwllheli's last home match was against Rhyl on November 11th, 2007 and the team and home supporters will have to wait until February 16th until the next scheduled home League match.

 

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December 29th 2007

SCOTTISH POWER NORTH WALES CUP.

Machynlleth RFC 6  Pwllheli RFC 7.

Pwllheli started this Scottish Power North Wales Cup Second Round match with wave after wave of early attacks. Despite the strong wind and the cold they moved the ball at every possible opportunity to their talented backline and after only five minutes this attacking style paid dividends as centre Euros Thomas scorched through for a long distance try. With Elgan Rowlands' conversion a formality things were looking good for Pwllheli and any cobwebs having not played for a month appeared not to exist.

                          

 

However as the game went on mistakes started creeping into their play and the half was littered with errors and frequent stoppages. Machynlleth realised that they were very much still in the match and made forays of their own into the Pwllheli half of the field, culminating in a penalty ten minutes before the interval. With the wind at their backs Pwllheli needed desperately to build on their early score before half time, but try as they might Machynlleth stood fast.

 

Pwllheli's frustrations grew in the second period as they game descended into a series of short term flurries, neither team being able to find any fluency in their play and failing to settle into their game plan. The visitors’ concerns grew when Machynlleth reduced their deficit to a single point with their second penalty kick of the game.

 

The Lleyn side reacted positively and took the game to their hosts. They could and should have scored several times but hard fought territorial gains were regularly cancelled out by some astute defensive kicking. Machynlleth it must be said made better use of the elements in the second period than Pwllheli did when the wind was in their favour.

 

With five minutes left Machynlleth had the opportunity to win the match but a penalty attempt drifted wide and Pwllheli ground out a hard won victory in the end.

 

Despite the close result this was exactly the match Pwllheli needed to prepare them for the away match at Wrexham next Saturday. With both teams unbeaten in the League Pwllheli needed to be sternly tested and the Machynlleth fixture certainly did this in no uncertain terms.

 

The coach will leave the club at 11 a.m. next Saturday with the Youth team also travelling to Wrexham in their North Wales Youth Cup fixture.

 

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December 5th 2007

Bro Ffestiniog RFC 20  Pwllheli RFC 22.

 

This was the match that both sides were desperate to win. Both teams were unbeaten in the league and with home advantage Bro were confident that their talented side were capable of denting Pwllheli's title aspirations.

 

Despite the weather forecast the pitch was in excellent condition, the rain held off and although the wind was blustery it was not gale force. It was the Lleyn side who started the stronger, dominating the early exchanges and scored after only six minutes when American prop Billy Brittain scored his first try for the club when he finished off a concerted forward drive. Pwllheli were aggrieved that the conversion attempt was ruled void as the ball appeared to cut the uprights. Pwllheli continued to threaten and left wing Dylan Morris came very close but the play was called back for a Pwllheli scrum.

 

Gradually as the game went on Bro got into their stride and with centre Barry Roberts using the wind well they forced Pwllheli onto the back foot. It was Roberts who slotted two penalties to take Bro into a six to five half time lead.

 

The second period started well for the visitors. They had a purple patch when forwards and backs combined well to push deep into Bro territory.  With scrum half Mathew Hicks at the centre of Pwllheli's fight back it was not surprising that it was his pass which gave winger Tomos Henry a yard of space for him to touch down in the corner. Again the conversion was controversially disallowed. Pwllheli did not allow Bro to settle and sweeping the ball right, wing Tomos Henry took a difficult high pass. He made ground before passing inside, and with the whole backline in support Pwllheli interpassed before centre Euros Thomas touched down to score. This time the conversion was awarded to take Pwllheli into a seventeen points to six lead.

 

Pwllheli did not slacken and again took the game to Bro. The breakthrough was not long in coming and this time it was fullback David Wilo Williams who scored wide out. Yet again Pwllheli contended that the conversion was good but was not allowed.

 

This fourth try secured Pwllheli a bonus point and with barely fifteen minutes remaining surely the game was over as a contest. Not so. Pwllheli committed several transgressions and a series of penalties saw Bro advance into the Pwllheli 22. Bro took clean lineout ball and in an attempt to stem the attack skipper Gareth Parry was sin binned for killing the ball. From the ensuing penalty Bro squeezed over for a try. With Barry Roberts converting the contest was back on.

 

Five minutes from the end of ordinary time Bro took advantage of Pwllheli conceding penalties and made ground to the Pwllheli line. From a forward drive Bro scored their second try and with Roberts' conversion there was suddenly only two points in it and plenty of time left on the clock. To their credit the Pwllheli fourteen took control and indeed came close to scoring. Bro's last opportunity had gone .

 

Pwllheli were worthy winners but it was a close contest between two good teams both of whom should surely have a say in where the Division Four North championship lies at the end of the season. Pwllheli play Rhosllannerchrugog RFC at Bodegroes on Saturday in their last home game before Christmas. Kick off as always with league fixtures is at 2.30pm.

 

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November 22nd 2007

Scottish Power North Wales Cup

Pwllheli 35 Mold 7

This first round North Wales Cup saw Pwllheli put Division Four North leaders Mold to the sword. The visitors composure was shatterered after only three minutes when pwllheli won a strike against the head. Scrum half Matthew Hicks quickly released the ball to his left and with a basic, but superbly executed passing movement gave left wing Dylan Morris some space to run at the defence. He handed off his opposite number before crossing in the corner.

 

Pwllheli kept up the pressure on the Mold scrum which creaked throughout the match. The home side's back row also kept the Mold's half backs quiet and forced them to rush their plays.

 

Pwllheli extended their lead with another try, which resulted from a powerful run from centre Euros Thomas, who was playing his first competitive match of the current season.

Their third score then came from a driving maul, which was a facet of the home side's play and surprisingly kept Mold on the back foot. Pwllheli twisted and turned towards the Mold line and it was Carl Studt who crashed over to score and continue his impressive try-scoring streak. The conversion was again wide and failed to reach its target in the swirling wind.  

 

As expected the current North Wales Cup holders came back strongly but their over dependence on their heavyweight pack gave them little option in attack. Pwllheli defended stoutly and shocked the visitors with another try after thirty two minutes. Pwllheli, who were quicker to the loose ball throughout the contest, won turnover ball in their own half. The ball was whipped out to the backs who broke clear for centre Mike Adams to score. Fly half Elgan Rowalnds added an excellent touchline conversion to take the half time score to twenty two nil.

 

With the wind at their backs Mold opened the second period with attack after attack. Fortunately their threequarters had little penetration or cutting edge and in the set pieces Pwllheli  were comfortable even on opposition ball. Mold's chance came when Pwllheli had a prop sin binned for killing the ball.

Pwllheli's desperate defensive efforts, camped on their own try line for several minutes were dealt another blow when a second player was binned for the same offence.

 

Amazingly the Pwllheli set scrum held solid with six players and with little imagination in their play Mold continued to bludgeon the Pwllheli line. Pwllheli's spirit was highlighted with an all enveloping tackle by prop Brandon Campell which floored Mold's centre.

 

Inevitably and against thirteen men, Mold did score a try, wide out on the left and added an excellent touchline conversion to give them a glimmer of hope. However with Pwllheli’s full complement of players back on the pitch, they again took the game to Mold.

 

The match ended as a contest when two further Pwllheli tries killed off any hopes of a Mold comeback. The first score came from a drive from a lineout with Chris Studt capping an impressive performance with the touchdown. The second and Pwllheli's final try of the game came after they won a quick loose ball, sharply moved the ball to the right where replacement wing Medwyn Williams gleefully touched down wide out. The icing on the cake came from a forty metre drop goal from Pwllheli's fullback, David ‘Wilo’ Williams.

 

This result was a huge statement from the Pwllheli Club. It epitiomised what the club is attempting to achieve  and with increasing competition for places Pwllheli hope to build on this foundation. Pwllheli next play in an away fixture against unbeaten division five leaders Bro Ffestiniog on December 1st. This will be another huge test to Pwllheli's unbeaten start to the season.

Pwllheli have been drawn away to Machynlleth in the Second Round of the Scottish Power Cup.

 

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November 12th 2007

 

WRU Division 5 North

 

Pwllheli are beginning to feel the benefit of consistent selection and increasing fitness levels as their new team continues to gel. Rhyl are not having an easy time of things so far this season, but they travelled to Bodegroes on Saturday with an experienced team and the normal bulky pack for which Rhyl are well renowned for.

 

The contest was even for the first ten minutes but Pwllheli soon took the ascendancy, particularly at the set scrums resulting in a stream of quality possession for their backs, who took full advantage of the wide pitch and firm conditions.

 

Pwllheli scored two early converted tries through centre Mike Adams and full back David ‘Wilo’ Williams before second row Huw Williams galloped in from forty metres to score a well deserved try. Even though Rhyl tried to rally we scored a further five first half tries and with Elgan Rowlands in majestic kicking form the match was wholly secure at half time with the score standing on fifty two points to nil.

 

The second period was less flowing with Rhyl using the wind well to their advantage. Pwllheli scored first though through a long range effort from Mike Adams. Pwllheli lost some focus allowing Rhyl a consolation score which they fully deserved. Four more tries followed for the Lleyn side  before the final whistle. Elgan Rowlands finished with nine conversions adding to his already impressive tally for the season.

 

The players can be satisfied with a job well done. They are staying on their feet far more and are getting the confidence in their fellow players, this only comes with the experience of playing together regularly.

 

The squad will be further strengthened with the return of Dafydd Myrddin and Mark Saynor who scored three tries in his comeback game with the seconds at Bangor University on Saturday. They will need everything they've got for their next match, a home North Wales Cup fixture against Division Four champions and current leaders –Mold. Mold will be clear favorites for this match - which kicks off at Bodegroes at 2.30 on next Saturday 17th November - but Pwllheli are relishing the challenge.

 

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September 20th 2007

Pwllheli 36 Machynlleth 3

Click above to see more photos.

 

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September 8th 2007

WRU Division 5 North

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July 21st 2007

 

Preparations for the season continue.The season will start with a number of fresh faces in the first fifteen lineup. Several club stalwarts will not be available. Gareth Hodgson is moving to Cardiff, Dylan Llyr is unlikely to be available until after Christmas and Pavel Indrak will not be available until November. Prop Huw Hughes will only be available in an emergency and Radim Fajkus has retired from competetive rugby. Lee Oliver is targetting second team rugby and Arwel Fon's future looks uncertain.

The clubs' best wishes are extended to all these fine players who have given so much to the club over the years.

Coach David Martin has available a crop of exciting youngsters who have the ability to step up to the mark and he is confident that pre season training is on schedule.

Certainly the weights room is proving to be a very sound investment and there are several players who have moved up notches in terms of fitness and power since making use of these facilities.

As always Pwllheli will have a potent backline with selection headaches in almost every position.There is a hunger to do well this season and to leave the trauma of last season behind.

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June 1st 2007

Informal training starts on Saturday June 9th - 1pm at Bodegroes.

Touch rugby with BBQ to follow.

This will be repeated the following Saturdays - June 16th,June 23rd and June 30th            same time - same place.

Training will start the following Tuesday - July 3rd at 7pm.

 

The above arrangements are for the Senior and Youth teams only.

 

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2006-07