This seasons new 1st team captain Bryn Williams took a developmental squad of ex youth, 2nd team, and regular 1st teamers to Nant Conwy for this pre-season friendly. The game was a first chance for all the players and officials to get to grips with the new ELV’s which have come into rugby union this season. These unfamiliar variations on previous laws did stop the flow of the game at times, however by the end of the session both teams seemed to have grasped the changes.

After the long summer break both teams started off very quickly with some long phases of scrappy play. The Bay pack was full of last seasons lads, with Sion Thomas winning good ball in the lineouts and scrums. In the backs Sam Lewis Jones and Ben Coxon took turns in filling in at scrum half. At flyhalf there was the welcome return of Tom Duffy who has been out through injury for the last two years.

As both teams settled into the game the Bay pack were able to resume their familiar role of platform building, with ball carriers Aled Zackary and Alex Jones making good ground. However any loose balls were quickly turned over by the very strong Nant pack, who capitalised with some good running from their backs who made good use of the 18 acre Conwy Valley playing fields. It was evident that Bays makeshift backline need time to gel and improve communication as Bay were outnumbered in open field on numerous occasions.

As the game got into the later stages it was clear that Bays hard work in pre season fitness training with Conditioning Coach Mark Lewin has paid off, as the longer the game went on the stronger the Bay side looked.

Sean McDonagh was particularly sharp in the backs, putting his cricketing skills to good use under the high balls, and putting in some strong return runs through the Nant defence.

With playing 3 X 20 minute sessions with two different referees the scoreline was difficult to keep track of, however by the 3rd and final 20 minute session it appeared that honours were roundabout even.

Captain Bryn Williams commented " I was pleased with the turn out tonight and we showed that this new squad of players has much potential. I was particularly pleased to see Adam Vallor, Nik Noble and Sergio Cabezelo step up from last seasons 2nd team squad and do a good job for us tonight. The 1st team squad door is open to anyone who makes the grade. Our first league game is in two weeks and training attendance is imperative so we can build on tonight’s performance"

Head Coach Mark Earl commented " After last years runners up spots in both the league and the cup it will be a different squad of players this season. It is time to start building again but we have a great foundation to work from. I encourage all players to stand up and be counted your club needs you! "

1st Team Manager Peter Rice commented " The squad showed great potential tonight. The new ELV’s took some time to get used to and I will be making sure that any of the ELV related points raised in tonight’s game will be ironed out before our first league game. We have a few players missing due to holiday and cricketing commitments but they will be back with us very soon"