BAY 2NDS FAIL TO CRACK SHOTTON

SHOTTON 15  COLWYN BAY 2NDS 13           

Bay 2nds travelled to Shotton hoping but just failing to make it five in a row in the North East Wales District League going down by three tries to two against a big and determined Shotton side.                      

With one of two players missing from key positions, the Bay had the advantage of a strong wind in the first half and took an early lead with fly half Steve Thatcher slotting a long range drop goal after ten minutes.  The Bay extended their lead just after the half hour when prop Nathan Hughes seized on a loose ball to run in close to the posts.  An easy failed conversion was a sign of things to come as two make able penalty attempts also went wide.

The Bay’s troubles multiplied as No 8 Mark Bratt was sin binned just short of half time for a professional foul after the Shotton scrum had rumbled over to take 5 points back.  The half ended with Bay 8 – 5 up, one man down and turning into the wind.

Sure enough while Bratt was off Shotton scored again but with player parity restored 2^nd row Bob Blackwell sprinted in from 25 metres to put the Bay back in front but Shotton hit back with a final try of their own.

With the visitors straining every sinew to overhaul the home side and Thatcher hitting the post from 20 yards out under the posts the Bay just failed to overhaul the home side whose stamina, strength and determination was enough, just, to keep the Bay out.