NORTH WALES RUGBYRygbi Gogledd Cymru

Issue 9 - April 20th, 2011

RGC 1404 continue winning run with 10-71 win over Ospreys U20

RGC 1404 v Royal Navy Parc Eirias, Wednesday, 27th April, 2011, kick-off 7.15pm

Still riding the crest of a wave following their 71-10 victory over an Ospreys development team last Sunday, RGC 1404 will be aiming to finish their season with a home victory against a Royal Navy XV on Wednesday 27th April at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay. When the teams last met in March 2010, RGC defeated the Royal Navy 36-3.

The season has been one of steady growth for RGC 1404, and with several victories over Welsh Premiership and Division 1 teams under their belt, they can be suitably pleased with their progression. The North Walian contingent, in particular, has developed to a level far above where they were at the beginning of the year. A product of the influential coaching they have received, and from playing alongside the Canadian internationals.

Teenagers such as Alex Schwartz, Joe Simpson, Bryn Phillips and Shaun Strudwick have also come through the Academy system and experiencing this level of rugby can only make them better players in the future. Another aspect of note is the depth of the strength in the squad, with the level of performance never seeming to drop as replacements have been brought on.

Head Coach, Clive Griffiths is extremely pleased with how the performances have gone: “This has been a really successful season, it has been great to bring together the Canadian and North Walian players and gel them into an extremely tight and cohesive unit. The weather has been kind to us in the last few games and the team have been scoring lots of points, taking advantage of the dry conditions, which are conducive to how we want to play the game. I’d hope to see us maintain our fine form against the Navy, this is a big game for both teams and we have agreed to use unlimited subs so that all players get an opportunity to show themselves in front of our passionate home crowd”.

This game will be the last opportunity for fans to see RGC 1404 this season and it is hoped that a bumper North Walian crowd will turn out to see their regional team and also to say goodbye to the Canadian contingent, who will be heading home shortly after the fixture.

The Navy’s last outing was against the RAF, beating them comfortably 52-3 and they will be using the game against RGC as a warm up for their annual season finale against the Army at Twickenham.

Tickets for the game are priced at £5 for adults and £1 for juniors with kick-off at 7.15pm. For further information please contact Colwyn Leisure Centre – 01492 577900.

Coaching Course dates for your Diary

Level 1 - Coleg Llandrillo 7 May 2011, 8 May

2011, 15 May 2011. £120. Closing Date 7 April -

please contact WRU urgently if you are interested

Level 2 - Coleg Llandrillo 11th, 12th June 2011,

9th, 10th July 2011. £200. Closing Date 12th May

Level 1 - Dolgellau 8th, 9th, 16th October 2011.

£120. Closing Date 8th September

Application forms available on Welsh Rugby

Union website at www.wru.co.uk

CLWB RYGBI DINBYCH(DENBIGH RFC)

VETERANS 10s TOURNAMENTSaturday, 14th May, 2011

Open to teams with players over 35 years old

Further details from Jon Casemore by email

to jpcasemore@yahoo.com or 0783756023

Level 1 Referee Courses

Summer 2011

Sat 2nd July Pontypridd RFC

Sun 3rd July Taibach RFC

Sat 9th July Llanidloes RFC

Sun 24th July Colwyn Bay RFC

Sat 30th July Cross Keys RFC

Sun 31st July Carmarthen Quins RFC

Course Duration 0930 - 1600

Registration 0900 - 0930

Further details and application forms can be obtained from

David R Davies 02920822420 davidrdavies@wru.co.uk

Marcia Harding 02920822419 mharding@wru.co.uk

Closing Date is 1 week prior to course date

Course costs £20, non refundable, includes buffet lunch.

To book a place, completed application form and fee must

be received in the Referees Department.

WELSH RUGBY UNION ANNOUNCE

DATES FOR REFEREE COURSES

Head Coach Vacancy at COBRA

COBRA require new head coach from next season

The role requires the coach to organise the coaching for the senior players and take charge of the 1st team on matchdays.

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring coach to develop a group of young players with potential. The position is unpaid. A Level 2 or higher UK coaching certificate is desirable however no qualifications or previous experience is necessary. The Club encourages and pays for Coaches to attain WRU accredited coaching qualifications.

If your interested in the position contact the Club's Chairman Tony Evans on (01938) 810432. For more information please contact James Watkin on 07762 917532 or (01938) 810535.

North Wales U17 7 v Wales Schools U16s 38

A disappointing final score which did not reflect

the effort of the home side who never gave up

right until the final whistle

The first fifteen minutes of the game were spent almost exclusively in the Wales 16s 22 and the home side were left to rue missed scoring oportunities when with their first attack of the game Dafydd Howells went over in the right hand corner and less than 2 minutes later their lead was increased further when their impressive full-back Hallam Amos scored with a great solo effort. In spite of these setbacks,the North Wales Under 17s fought back to score a try of their own from flanker Alex Pope just before half-time.

At this stage the game appeared finely balanced but any hopes North Wales might have had of scoring a famous victory were soon dashed when in the opening minute of the second half Amos scored his second try with further scores coming later from Torin Myhill,Shaun Clarke,and Dillon Lewis. Despite the efforts of Joe Simpson and Jason Blackmore the North Wales side rarely threatened as the Wales Under 16s gave a great display of runnng Rugby to the large and enthusiastic crowd.

This was the North Wales Under 17s final game of the season and although disappointed to have lost they can take heart from another highly committed performance. They will resume their preparations for this Autumn's regional age-grade competition at the beginning of July when their Summer Training Programme will commence.

Marc Roberts the WRU Performance Development manager for North wales said " This is the first time that North Wales have played a National squad within the age grade framework. I know all the players feel it's been a great experience to play against our national squad. However to be honest the feeling amongst the players and management is one of disappointment. Perhaps we have no right to be disappointed as, at the end of the day, this was a region against a country however we know that our defensive structure and set piece weren't good enough tonight and that we have far more development to come. "

Inaugural All Wales Golden OldiesRugby Festival

to be held at Caernarfon RFC

on June 11th 2011

This inaugural Golden Oldies festival has been arranged following the overwhelming success of the 10th European Festival held at Caernarfon last summer which saw 32 teams from mainland Europe and further afield competing, with players ranging from 35 to 74 years old.

Caernarfon hosted 1,000 visitors during the event creating a wonderful atmosphere in the town and surrounding areas.

The organisers, Y GOGS (Geriatrics o Gymru) (from Wales) are a team of over 35s based in Caernarfon, who still love their rugby as well as the hwyl and camaraderie that go with the sport…. It is their wish to share with all the experience of this great event and enjoy our national sport. Their take on the Irish mantra is ‘there are no strangers in rugby- only friends yet to be met’

This is an opportunity not to be missed, great craic coupled with the chance to re- enact those magical rugby memories ……… in slow motion!

Manylion pellach gan/further details from:Emrys Ll Jones - emojos@btinternet - 07813142751- 01286 672070

NW Wales U13 15 v Scarlets East U13 0

Excellent three try to

nil win for North West

Wales Under 13's at

Llanidloes

North West Wales Under 13s travelled to Llanidloes on Wednesday 20th and took on the might of Scarlets East. Despite missing a few players, and not playing their best rugby, the North boys showed how good they are by scoring three tries and not conceding any. The tries came from Sam Hughes (2) and Guillaume Peyrasse.

Team pictured below

www.nwru.co.uk

Please send all your reports, news,

pictures, results etc to Gary Williams at gwcymru1@aol.com

Or telephone07713 514 375

RUGBY SHORTS

North Wales Cup FinalSaturday, 14th May at Colwyn Bay RFCBro Ffestiniog v Nant Conwy 3pm

North Wales Plate FinalSaturday, 14th May at Colwyn Bay RFCMold v Llandudno 1pm kick-off

Clwyd Cup FinalRuthin 2nds v Colwyn Bay 2nds28th May at Denbigh RFC(to be confirmed)

Clwyd Plate FinalLlandudno 2nds v Abergele 2nds or Wrexham 2nds28th May at Denbigh RFC(to be confirmed)

Mid Wales Cup and Shield FinalSunday, 2nd May at Llanidloes RFC Aberystwyth 2nds v Newtown 2ndsWelshpool 2nds v UWA 2nds

Please send your club news, reports, pictures etc to gwcymru1@aol.com

Caernarfon edge closer to title after home win against Nant Conwy

WRU Division One NorthBethesda 34 v 19 Llangefni Bro Ffestiniog 47 v 14 Colwyn Bay Caernarfon 45 v 31 Nant Conwy Pwllheli 10 v 9 Mold

There's no change at the top of Division one North as leaders Caernarfon collected maximum points by denting the challenge of third-placed Nant Conwy with a 45-31 home win. The leaders trailed 17-11 at the interval, but stormed back early in the second half to take the points. The home side ran in sixd tries led by full back Lance Owen with two and one apiece for winger Robert Farrar, scrum half Tristan Gwilym, second row Paul Williams and wing Barry Jones with no 10 Kelfyn Morris adding the goal kicks. Nant have to be satisfied with a try bonus point from their four tries - one apiece for props James Jones and Elgan Davies, number eight Carwyn Ellis and a penalty try.

Number eight Steven Roberts helped Bethesda to stay in second place with a hat-trick of tries in their 34-19 home win over Llangefni. Centre Cameron Moore and outside half Gareth Vaughan Edwards also crossed for tries, the number ten also kicking three conversions and a penalty. Flanker Declan Griffiths managed a try for the visitors which were converted by fly-half Carwyn Milburn, who also kicked four penalties.

Pwllheli moved off the foot of the table, thanks to a 10-9 home win over Mold, centre Arwel Roberts getting the only try of the game for his brother Gethin to convert before replacement outside Dylan Llyr made the points safe with a late penalty. No 10 Steven Quinten converted three penalties for the visitors.

Colwyn Bay crashed 47-14 at Bro Ffestiniog and slipped in to the relegation position as they conceded six tries and are now two points adrift of Pwllheli with games running out.

WRU Division Two NorthBala 50 v 0 Denbigh COBRA 53 v 5 Rhyl Dolgellau 84 v 3 Bangor Machynlleth 46v 0 Abergele Newtown P v P Welshpool Wrexham 3 v 32 Llanidloes

Both leading clubs in Division Two North, Bala and Dolgellau picked up maximum points with convincing wins, Bala running in eight tries as they covercame Denbigh 50-0, while Dolgellau scored 14 in the 84-3 crushing of visitors Bangor, with wing Trystan Evans crossing for six.

WRU Division 3 NorthHolyhead 7 v Rhosllanerchrugog 80Harlech 20 v Menai Bridge 27 - LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Cambrian Training Mid Wales LeagueNewtown 2nds 52 v Rhayader 0 - Trefyclawdd 14 v Aberystwyth Athletic 28

North Wales boys selected for Wales Under 16 squad

Rhys Williamas and Luke Williams (both

Mold) and Callum Mitchell (Colwyn Bay)

were selected in the Wales Under 16 squad.

The pictures shows the three players, taken

at the game v Italy U17

Bala Youth v Rhyl and Bala v Denbigh - pictures kindly supplied by Hugh Jones (top 4 pictures)

North Wales Under 17 v Wales Schools Under 16 - pictures kindly supplied by Phil Rees Photography (bottom pics)

Caernarfon Ladies 34 v Gorseinon Ladies 33

A classic cup match that kept everyone on

tenterhooks till the end was played at "y Morfa" last

Sunday when Caernarfon ladies entertained

Gorseinon in the quarter finals of the plate

competition.

Caernarfon became aware of Gorseinon’s intent

within seconds of the kick off when their

inspirational full back collected the kick off and ran

fully 80 meters to score. She also added the

conversion. Caernarfon slowly got back into the

match with Olwyn Jones at scrum half doing work of

forwards and backs hassling and securing possession

from all phases of play to provide the opportunity for

speedy winger Manon Williams to score two tries out

wide. However before a cushion could be gained the

opposing centre ran through to score a well worked

try and Caernarfon’s efforts to gain an advantage

down slope prior to half time failed.

The second half saw more urgency with number

eight Becky Williams charging over from close range

and Sera Bailey again adding the conversion.

However Gorseinon playing down slope began

exerting pressure and the Cofis were camped in their

half for long periods. This pressure resulted in two

well worked tries from several phases of play for the

backs together with conversions from their fullback.

Caernarfon however were still dangerous on the

break and succeeded once again to release Manon

Williams to score their third try to tie the score at 26

each. Injury was taking their toll on both teams but

Sera Bailey slotted over a priceless penalty with six

minutes remaing to give the Cofis the lead. Sadly this

was short lived for Gorseinon pressure resulted in a

seven pointer between the posts with only minutes

remaining. Despite heads being bowed the Cofis

sprung to life once again following a charge by Brea

Leung and the quick release allowed Manon

Williams one more opportunity to reach the try line

and claim an historic one point win at the death.

Caernarfon wait to see they will meet in the semi

final which will be played on a neutral venue on

May 8th.

Wrexham U12's win age group Wrexham U12's win age group Wrexham U12's win age group Wrexham U12's win age group

at Anglo Welsh Tournamentat Anglo Welsh Tournamentat Anglo Welsh Tournamentat Anglo Welsh Tournament

Wrexham Rugby Clubs under 12`s came out as their age group Champions at the prestigious Anglo-Welsh Tournament held at Wrexham Rugby Club. They kept a clean sheet in all their six matches.

The first game was a tense scoreless draw 0-0 against Nant Conwy. The second game against Denbigh saw Wrexham win 5-0 with Rhys Thomas the scorer. Next up was unbeaten Bangor but tries from Blake Turner and Thomas with a conversion from Ethan-Rhys Williams saw Wrexham win 12-0.

Next was Ruthin but tries from Eddie Partyka and Thomas saw Wrexham win 10-0. In the semi final Wrexham again faced tough Ruthin but tries from Turner and Thomas saw a Wrexham win 10-0 taking then into the final. Here they met Nant Conwy but with Wrexham now thoroughly in their stride Capt Cameron Allen saw his team clinch the Championship with tries from Thomas (3),Turner and Nathan Prothero and with conversions from Williams Wrexham won 31-0 to end a terrific team days performance