30th September  '06

Rhosllanerchrugog 2nds  19    Colwyn Bay  2nds  21

The Bay 2nds travelled to Rhos to record their first win out of three in this year’s campaign.  Although weakened through injury in a number of crucial positions (and also because of a lack of navigational skills by three of their players), the Bay side played with such an indomitable spirit that another loss was just not an option. 

The lead changed no less than four times in a ding-dong struggle in benign conditions against a strong but easy-paced Rhos side.  Skipper for the day Ritchie Evans (at No 8) opened the scoring for the Bay in typical style with a slippery and powerful run in six yards out from under the Rhos posts.  Steve Thatcher converted – one of three potted in immaculate 100% style that eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Rhos replied with two tries of their own both in pushover style and one of which was converted.  The Bay rallied and came back with a try of their own through fly-half Dan Eames-Hughes after some quick hands close to the Rhos try line.  The Bay went into half-time 14 points to 12 up. 

The second half saw Rhos again take the lead with a converted try before the Bay fly-half Dan Eames-Hughes saw red and aim what the referee saw as a punch at the big Rhos no 8 after the whistle had blown for a Rhos knock on. Dan saw red again as the referee waved him off the field for the rest of the game. 

Down by 14 to 15 men, the Bay side refused to give up and in an inspired period gave a “they shall not pass” defensive display with Richie Evans (now at fly-half), newcomer Andy Curran (scrum-half), Sergio Cabazuelo (outside centre), Dan Lycett (flanker) and Deano Henson (2^nd row) especially prominent.  Such spirit deservedly saw the Bay score again as Deano Henson crashed through to put the scores level. It seemed like a stroll in the park for super-cool Steve Thatcher to give the Bay the crucial advantage as he slotted the conversion.  The Bay bravely held on for an agonising seven minutes before the final whistle blew.