MATCH REPORT V MOLD 7 OCTOBER 2006

BAY BREAK MOLD’S UNBEATEN RUN

Colwyn Bay ended Mold’s impressive record of 25 consecutive unbeaten league games with an 11-6 victory at home in a closely fought match.  Solid defence by both teams meant that try scoring opportunities were few and far between but a fine Bay try in the run-up to half time proved the decisive factor.

Colwyn Bay dominated possession from the kick off and good ball retention made it difficult for Mold to play their usual flowing rugby.  However Mold soon got into their stride winning an increasing amount of ball but they were beaten back by long relieving kicks by Bay centre Adam Hughes.  An inside break by his co-centre Patrick Leach led to Mold conceding a penalty near their posts, converted by Adam Hughes to put the Bay 3-0 in front.

Following sustained pressure on the Bay line Mold hit back quickly with a well taken penalty by outside half Scott Henshaw to level the scores 3-3.  Shortly afterwards Mold conceded a penalty just inside their half and a successful long range kick from Adam Hughes put the Bay back in front 6-3.  With honours fairly even up front a well worked move by the Bay backs resulted in a well timed pass from Patrick Leach to put right wing John Davies clear for a 40 metre sprint and a well taken try near the touchline to give the Bay an 11-3 lead.

In the run-up to half time Bay prop Mark Edwards was yellow carded for a team offence and the Mold pack started to increase possession.  Mold started the second half strongly and early pressure from their backs met solid resistance from the Bay with good defensive kicking.  On returning to 15 men the Bay came back into the game and were unlucky with 2 narrowly missed penalties.  In the final stages of the game strong pressure on the Bay line from Mold resulted in another penalty for Scott Henshaw to pull the score back to 11-6.  Relentless attacking play by Mold in the latter stages met stout defence for the Bay to secure a deserved victory.