Saturday 9th Sept '06

BAY WIN CLOSE CUP ENCOUNTER AGAINST RUTHIN

This first round Konica Minolta Cup match was the first fixture between the clubs for some long time.

Early Ruthin pressure from the kick-off was well defended by the Bay three-quarters with solid tackling by centres Adam Hughes and Dave Hocknell.  Attempts to open the game were thwarted by strong defensive play by both sets of backs and the early forward exchanges also resulted in honours even.  Bay outside half Matt Anwyl was marshalling the Bay backs well and after 20 minutes, clever inter-passing resulted in pressure on the Ruthin line.  Ruthin defended solidly but after 20 minutes Dave Hocknell dived on a loose ball following a line out to score the Bay’s first try, converted by Adam Hughes to put the Bay 7-0 ahead. 

The Ruthin team responded by exerting pressure on the Bay line aided by some clever tactical kicking by outside half Huw Roberts.  The Bay defended solidly but conceded a penalty 30 minutes into the half, which was kicked by Huw Roberts to take the score to 7-3.  Ruthin continued to have the edge on possession and in the 52^nd minute of an unusually long first half lively Ruthin scrum half, Iwan Thomas, cut inside the Bay defence for a fine solo try converted by Huw Roberts to take the score to 7-10 at half time. 

At the end of the first half the Bay lost Adam Hughes with a dead leg, substituted by Gafyn Owen and early in the second half lock Bryn Williams sustained a broken collar bone and was substituted by Mark Bratt.

At the beginning of the second half there were successive narrow penalty misses by Ruthin and the Bay.  The Bay pack started to gain the ascendancy in the set pieces and some fine line-out work by number 8 Chris Hughes, aided by accurate throwing-in by hooker Dan Lycett, secured a stream of quality possession for the Bay backs.  10 minutes into the second half Chris Hughes won an important line-out and the following forward drive ended with second row Chris Browne forcing his way over the line for an unconverted try to put the Bay 12-10 in front. 

The Ruthin backs came straight back on to the attack and after 15 minutes were awarded a penalty for obstruction, converted by Huw Roberts, to take the score to 12-13.  After 20 minutes Chris Hughes was sin-binned and the Bay defended solidly until his return.  After a fine performance Bay prop Chris Dentith was substituted by John Beagley.  The Bay returned to the attack and a Ruthin infringement in front of the posts after 30 minutes resulted in a successful Matt Anwyl penalty to take the final score to 15-13.

The Bay are away to Rhydyfelin in the second round on 30th September.