The Bay competed in their last Welly tournament at Llandudno. They faced a tough draw with their first game against a visiting Bowden A side. They were faced with a large team who bought physicality to the breakdown area. Despite conceding early scores the Bay showed there renowned character to claw a try back. Unfortunately they ran out of time, narrowly losing.

Colwyn Bay 5- Bowden A 10

Next up was a Caernarfon side who had not appeared for regular season fixtures previously. The Bay began brightly but were held up by committed tackling. After several efforts the Bay scored but Caernarfon held on with a try of their own. The Bay had the majority of possession but the slippery conditions contributed to several unforced errors. The Bay led going into the final minute before Caernarfon scored to earn a draw.

Colwyn Bay 10- Caernarfon 10

The final pool game saw best rugby of the day. Wrexham began strongly but committed tackling by the team held them out for long periods. Wrexham did score before Colwyn Bay forced their way back to earn a hard fought draw.

Colwyn Bay 5- Wrexham 5

A good day’s rugby for the squad who have improved their individual performances considerably this year.

An excited group of coaches, parents, and sixteen children piled into two minibuses on Friday morning for the much anticipated Easter tour of South Wales. There were the usual last minute pre-flight checks before lift off. Paul[ route-planner?] suggested the scenic route which lived up to it’s name. A well earned pit-stop at Llanidloes RFC  to re-fuel certainly recharged batteries before arrival at Sennybridge army camp. The guard house were woken from their slumbers by 16 kids equipped with Viking hats. A quick kit off –load, sufficient for an assault on Everest, before we headed to a out door activity planned in secret by Alex.

 It was noted at this stage that Arwel’s war wounds began playing up ,while Paul took a back seat to guard the buses in rural Brecon?  All became clear when the instructors started the gorge walk, or SAS assault course as it turned out. Seb ,the resident clothes horse, appeared shocked at the need to become soaking wet and covered in mud. Never the less he informed the instructor that his designer boxer shorts were water resistant and rose to the challenge. Stu and Graham were volunteered to become camouflaged and ended up chewing considerable portions of Brecon mud for the cause. Joe K eventually overcame his nasty allergy to water and received a soaking for his troubles. Arwel was soon shamed into joining in the fun[ torture] and quickly realised that his change of clothing had been left behind in the camp!! The parents and Paul  warmed to the task of barracking the mud sodden party, Llewllellyn was in danger of dissolving by this point. A final total wipe-out game lived up to it’s name before and an exhausted group arrived back for dinner. This proved elusive before the NAFFI was raided for supplies.

The kids settled down after the obligatory room raiding missions and the coaches began their annual Willy John Mcbride inspired selection meeting. With the help of some sports drinks this was settled after three hours or so.

Saturday began with breakfast with the squaddies before the trip to Dowlais RFC. With Stuart [ AKA Jenson Button] at the helm the tractor boys in bus 2 were soon left floundering in his wake. On arrival Arwel ,chief tour handshaker, met the opposition before being dethroned by Graham and Keith for this role. The game followed:

DOWLAIS RFC  19- COLWYN BAY RFC 47

The home team began brightly as the Bay weighed up the task in hand. An early try in the corner by Dowlais stung the team into action. The Bay quickly realised that in the heat, the pace of the backs was the key to unlocking the opposition. Some trade mark carries by Tom Cuddihy and Sion Edwards  created the room for Sam Earl- Jones to score. Dowlais came back strongly with some fierce drives through their forwards to score either side of half-time. This inspired the team and there followed a flurry of tries from the backs, Sam Holt and William Opie clearing out well at ruck time.

Try scorers: Carwyn Knights, Connor Williams, Connor Hogan, Sam Earl-Jones [4]. Man of the match Sam Earl-Jones.

After the post match hospitality we returned briefly to Sennybridge for another kit change before heading to Llanelli to watch the  Magners fixture against Munster. The Haribos did their trick and the kids were captured on TV enjoying the atmosphere on several occasions. A cracking game followed, unlucky George North, before the party returned to camp. Another lengthy selection meeting and rehydration session followed for the coaches.

Sunday morning presented another beautiful day. The fatigue factor surfaced [ Stu/ Arwel] but the kids continued to run on Haribo fuel. We headed over to Builth Wells for a much anticipated game.

BUILTH WELLS RFC 19- COLWYN BAY RFC 21

 This was a great game of rugby by both teams. The Bay quickly realised the size of the task and spent the entire first half camped in their half. Despite resolute defending by Carwyn Knights and Seb Marshall, Builth  moved the ball well and the Bay went into half-time 19-0 down. In the second half the Bay again started on the back foot before Joe Fisher and Ruby Roberts in the pack led a quite inspired come-back. Repeated re-cycling from the break down led to the Bays’ first score. This lifted the teams’ confidence and they rolled up their sleeves and drove back up the pitch. All the squad contributed to the second score with Joe Kilpatrick’s hooking at scrum-time proving crucial .A second try followed to set up a thrilling finish. Once again a great kick chase led to a breakdown near the Builth line before some excllent handling by the backs, including Connor Williams at outside centre ,led to a try in the corner for the Bay. An outstanding performance against quality opposition, the conversion giving the Bay a hard fought victory.

Try scorers: Sion Edwards, Sam Earl- Jones[2]. Man of the match Joe Fisher.

The squad finished off a successful trip with lunch and a kangaroo court at Builth’s club-house. All the squad once again were a credit to the club and received praise from the opposition coaches for their on and off field behaviour.

On a hot, sunny morning Colwyn Bay travelled to Rhyl.  Colwyn Bay kicked off for the start of the match and chased the ball well.  The ball was brought back for a scrum for Rhyl, due to a missed kick.  Colwyn Bay won the scrum and immediately moved downfield with a well worked attack using the full width of the pitch and all the backs.  The ball was passed out to Sam Holt who crossed the line but unfortunately into the dead zone (slight misunderstanding of the try line markers!)  

Colwyn Bay re-grouped and Rhyl began their attack but couldn’t break through the Bay defence.  The Bay re-gained possession of the ball and, once again, using the full width of the pitch gained valuable ground for Sion Edwards to eventually cross for the first try of the match.

At the re-start, Rhyl started well but soon lost possession.  Colwyn Bay kept up the pressure and were rewarded with another try through Ivor Fetherstonhaugh. Rhyl were starting to feel the pressure and although they were defending well, they couldn’t stop the Bay crossing for their third try, once again it was Ivor Fetherstonhaugh who crossed.

Rhyl took the ball at the re-start and attacked well.  The Bay tried to hold them back but their player broke through and ran down the wing to score their first try of the match.  This seemed to lift Rhyl’s spirits.

When play re-started, the Bay defended well but Rhyl came out fighting.  Once again, Rhyl continued their attack and managed to breakthrough to score their second try of the match.

Colwyn Bay were now starting to feel the heat of the morning, this allowed Rhyl back into the game as they utilised their subs in the heat.  Although Colwyn Bay were defending and clearing out well it wasn’t enough to stop Rhyl equalling the score at three tries each.

Just before half time, Colwyn Bay picked themselves up and managed to attack well which allowed Sam Earl-Jones to cross for the Bay’s fourth try.

In the second half, Rhyl came out determined to keep the score-line level.  With some good clearing out, Rhyl kept possession of the ball and managed to catch the Bay unawares and break away down the wing to score their fourth try.  The game was now equal and seemed to lift Rhyl’s spirits.

At the re-start, Colwyn Bay attacked well and the Bay tackled and defended well keeping them in their own half.  From the scrum, the Bay gained ground with some good passing down the back line putting Rhyl under pressure.  Eventually Colwyn Bay capitalised and Carwyn Knights broke through the Rhyl defence to score the Bay’s fifth try of the match.

Colwyn Bay kept up the pressure on Rhyl’s defences and with some good tackling and clearing out, Ivor Fetherstonhaugh managed to cross for the Bay’s sixth try of the match.  Rhyl defended well throughout but with minutes left to play, Colwyn Bay won a vital scrum and with the ball passing well through the backs, Carwyn Knights was able to gain ground and cross for the Bay’s seventh and final try of the match.

In very warm conditions the day ended with an enjoyable game of rugby being watched with good effort by both teams.

Try Scorers :  Sion Edwards, Ivor Fetherstonhaugh (3), Sam Earl-Jones and Carwyn Knights (2)

Man of the Match : The Whole Team - for great teamwork!

On an overcast morning, the Bay travelled to Bethesda.  With just enough players to form a team, the Bay were looking forward to the game.

Colwyn Bay made headway with the ball, gaining valuable ground, whilst Bethesda were defending well.  A quick pass of the ball down the line and eventually collected by Connor Williams allowed him to break through their defence, down the wing to score the first try of the match.

Bethesda responded well and came back fighting.  Through some good clearing out, they were able to gain ground and eventually broke through to score their first try of the match.  This was converted by Sion Edwards.

Joe Fisher and Sion Edwards both moved forward with the ball for an attempted try but were both unfortunately held up by Bethesda in the try zone.

Colwyn Bay kept up the pressure on the Bethesda defence and with some good passing from Sion Edwards, Tomos Cuddihy and Joe Fisher, Sam Holt managed to take the ball over the try line and score the Bay’s second try. This was converted by Joe Kilpatrick.

Colwyn Bay defended well but unfortunately due to late pressure Bethesda equalized with a good run down the wing.  It wasn’t long before Bethesda made use of the Bay’s lack of speed at clearing out to move down the field and eventually cross for their third try.

At the re-start the Bay attacked well and were unlucky not to score just before half time.

The second half started well and good defensive tackles were made by Sion Edwards, Tomos Cuddihy, Sam Holt with some good passing and running by Joe Fisher, Conor Hogan, Ruby Roberts and Connor Williams.  Joe Kilpatrick hooked well allowing us to win most of the scrums and the backs rallied hard to break through their defensive line.  Connor Williams, once again, broke down the wing but was stopped short of the line.  The Bay were slow to pick up the loose ball and were turned over.  This allowed Bethesda to use their speed and run down the wing to score their fourth try.

Colwyn Bay kept the pressure on Bethesda and gained valuable ground.  Once again we were held up in the try zone and awarded a penalty.  The backs passed the ball down the line whilst the forwards took the ball towards the try line.  The Bay had several attempts to break through and were eventually rewarded when Tomos Cuddihy broke through to score the Bay’s third and final try of the match.

Bethesda attacked well from the re-start and managed to find a hole in the defence to cross for their fifth and final try of the match before the final whistle.

This was an evenly contested match with the score line not giving justice to the game played. 

Try Scorers : Connor Williams, Sam Holt and Tomos Cuddihy

On a cool, spring morning, the Bay welcomed Rydal to Brookfield Drive to play the deciding round of the Cooper Cup.  The players were eager to hold onto their previous win, even without some of the key players.

The game started well with both teams being evenly matched.  Colwyn Bay were keen to prevent Rydal from scoring and some good defending by Colwyn Bay prevented them from breaking through.  Joe Kilpatrick hooked the ball well in the scrum allowing the Bay to retain possession and get the ball down the field.  Through some good attacking work the Bay, through Carwyn Knights, crossed over to score the first try of the match.

Rydal came back well and picked up pace.  They were defending well but the Bay’s attacking allowed them to find space in their defence and Ollie Thomas crossed for the Bay’s second try of the match.

Rydal re-grouped and with some good runs eventually managed to break through the Bay’s defence and crossed to score their first try of the match.

In the second half, the Bay started attacking the Rydal defence. Ivor Fetherstonhaugh and Sam Earl-Jones gained them valuable ground and the whole team kept the ball moving down the line to find a gap to get through.  Through his speed and footwork, Sam Earl-Jones crossed in the corner for the Bay’s third try.

Rydal, once again, attacked well and found pace and space in the defence.  Will Opie and Joe Kilpatrick defended well but couldn’t quite stop Rydal from crossing for a second try.

Colwyn Bay were defending well, attacking player after player to prevent Rydal from breaking through the Bay’s defence.  At the breakdown, Colwyn Bay were slow to clear out which Rydal capitalised on, winning several balls allowing them to gain possession.  Eventually Rydal crossed for their third try, this put them within two points of the Bay.

Will Opie, Sam Earl-Jones and Ivor Fetherstonhaugh continued their defence well but could not prevent Rydal from gaining ground with the ball.  Basic mistakes continued to allow Rydal to gain possession which eventually allowed Rydal to cross for a fourth try putting them into the lead.  Colwyn Bay continued to attack and Sam Earl-Jones almost crossed but was tackled close to the try line with little support.  Eventually through continued attacking Colwyn Bay managed to break through with Ivor Fetherstonhaugh crossing for the Bay’s fourth try, once again giving them the lead.

Colwyn Bay seemed to relax and through good attacking from Rydal but with some good defending by Will Opie, the Bay eventually allowed Rydal to cross for their fifth try.

At the re-start, in the last couple of minutes of the match, the ball was carried forward by the Bay and once again, Sam Earl-Jones made good ground but was eventually tackled just short of the try line.    

Rydal ran out eventual winners and overall Rydal retained the Cooper Cup.

Try Scorers : Carwyn Knights, Ollie Thomas, Sam Earl-Jones and Ivor Fetherstonhaugh

Man of the Match : Will Opie

20^th March 2011

On an overcast morning, the Bay travelled to Ruthin.  Colwyn Bay were a little apprehensive about playing this match but determined to give it their all.

Colwyn Bay took a few minutes to get into the game which enabled Ruthin to cross for an easy try.  At the re-start, Ruthin constantly put the Bay under pressure and forced errors which allowed Ruthin to cross and score two more times.  The Bay tried to gain ground but the Ruthin defence stopped them in their tracks.

Following an injury to Sion Edwards, Ruthin loaned us a player who managed to break through their defence with his speed and cross to score Colwyn Bay’s only try of the match.  This showed the Bay that we were lacking the pace on the day.

In the second half the Bay came out with more determination.  Handling errors allowed Ruthin to regain possession and capitalise on their backs, which were lined up ready to receive the ball.  This allowed Ruthin to score again.  A determined Ruthin team kept the Bay on their toes.  Under pressure, both teams made crucial handling errors which allowed the ball to be turned over.  Colwyn Bay couldn’t gain vital ground through the Ruthin defence to put any more points on the board but the Bay defended well throughout.

Tries : (Loaned Ruthin Player)

Man of the Match : Joe Kilpatrick

On a warm, sunny morning Colwyn Bay welcomed Rhyl to Brookfield Drive.  Colwyn Bay kicked off for the start of the match and chased the ball well.  Rhyl attacked well and the Bay tackled and defended well keeping them in their own half.  From the scrum, the Bay gained ground with some good passing down the back line putting Rhyl under pressure.  Eventually Colwyn Bay capitalised and Ivor Fetherstonhaugh crossed for the first try of the match.  This seemed to boost the Bay’s spirits and they came out fighting once again. The forwards cleared out well and the backs were passing well through the line.  The ball passed to Joe Fisher who took it down towards the try line, passing to Carwyn Knights to cross for the Bay’s second try.

At the re-start Rhyl increased the pressure and, through penalties, were able to gain vital ground.  This allowed the visitors to eventually score their first try of the match.  The Bay rallied, and used the width of the pitch to get the ball downfield and within reach of the try line.  Once again, the ball passed out to the wing where Carwyn Knights was able to cross for the third try for the Bay.

In the second half, Rhyl came out fighting.  Handling errors by the Bay, once again, allowed the visitor to gain valuable ground which they used to their advantage.  Colwyn Bay defended well and initially held them up over the line.  Rhyl pushed on and crossed for their second try of the game.  This spurred Rhyl on and they continued to attack well with errors happening from both teams.  The visitors used the advantage of penalties to move downfield nearer to the try line and eventually managed to score their final try of the match.  This levelled the score but the conversion pushed them in front.

The Bay pushed ahead and through some good pace out back and clearing out from the forwards, especially Seb Marshall, Sion Edwards was able to cross for the Bay’s fourth try.   At the re-start, the Bay chased the ball down and a Rhyl error allowed the Bay to re-gain possession.  The ball passed down the line to Tomos Cuddihy who took the ball to within inches of the try line before being held back.  Tomos offloaded to Ivor Fetherstonhaugh who crossed the line to score the last try of the match.

Try Scorers :  Ivor Fetherstonhaugh, Carwyn Knights and Sion Edwards

Man of the Match : Ivor Fetherstonhaugh

On a cool but sunny morning, the Bay welcomed Pwllheli to Brookfield Drive.  This was a return match which the players were a little apprehensive about playing.

Colwyn Bay took a few minutes to get into the game which enabled Pwllheli to cross for an easy try.  At the re-start, Pwllheli constantly put the Bay under pressure and forced errors which allowed Pwllheli to cross and score two more times.  The Bay tried to gain ground but the Pwllheli defence stopped them in their tracks.

Towards the end of the first half, Ruby Roberts broke away and ran down towards their try line before being tackled to the ground.  Colwyn Bay kept possession and through good teamwork the ball eventually went back to Ruby Roberts who crossed to score the only try of the match for the Bay.  This was converted by Will Opie.

In the second half the Bay came out with more determination.  Handling errors allowed Pwllheli to regain possession and capitalise on their backs, which were lined up ready to receive the ball.  This allowed Pwllheli to score again.  A big Pwllheli team kept the Bay on their toes.  Under pressure, both teams made crucial handling errors which allowed the ball to be turned over.  Colwyn Bay couldn’t gain vital ground through the Pwllheli defence to put any more points on the board but the Bay defended well throughout to keep the score down, stopping Pwllheli crossing on several occasions.

Tries : Ruby Roberts

Conversion : Will Opie

Man of the Match : Will Head

The Bay travelled to Llangefni on a sunny morning to play a mixed 10/11’s side.  Colwyn Bay were eager to continue the development of their training and put what they have learnt into practice on the pitch.

Colwyn Bay loaned two players to Llangefni (Joe Fisher and Luke Sampson) to allow both teams to field full squads.  Colwyn Bay started with a well worked out attack to put the first scores down.  The forwards were clearing the ball out well to enable them to get the ball out to the backs and down the field.  In the first half the Bay made full use of their forwards to push their way down the pitch to take them into their opponents half.  This allowed them to put Llangefni under pressure and the Bay to eventually cross for three tries in the first half.

Llangefni were able to capitalise on a Bay error in the second half and cross over for their first and only try of the match – this gave them a boost of confidence which was maintained throughout.

The backs showed good handling skills and the Colwyn Bay team were clearing out well.  Llangefni had good field position only to be held up and pushed back on several occasions.  Colwyn Bay continued the pressure and made full use of the width and length of the pitch, switching the expected run of play to gain valuable ground.

Colwyn Bay capitalised on this field position and crossed for another three tries in the second half.  The squad worked as a team and supported each other throughout.

Try Scorers:   Ruby Roberts, Tomos Cuddihy (2), Carwyn Knights, Conor Hogan and Sam Earl-Jones.

Man of the Match : Tomos Cuddihy

Colwyn Bay 42 – Llandudno 21

After a couple of weeks off due to cancelled matches, both teams were eager to get onto the pitch and play a good game of rugby in the much anticipated local derby.  Colwyn Bay started well, keen to make an impact on the Llandudno team.  Both teams were attacking and defending well but good tackling from Sam Earl-Jones and Sion Edwards allowed the Bay to creep down into Llandudno’s half.  Sam Holt and Joe Kilpatrick were clearing out well at the breakdown which enabled Joe Fisher to eventually cross for the first points of the game.

At the re-start Colwyn Bay chased the ball down field and put pressure on the Llandudno team.  As the Bay took the ball deep into Llandudno’s half, Llandudno managed to regain possession but a missed pass down the Llandudno line allowed Sion Edwards to pick up the loose ball and cross for the Bay’s second try of the match.  The Llandudno team were determined not to give up and their winger took a pass and ran passed a couple of Bay players to cross for Llandudno's first try of the match.

The Bay used the whole width of the pitch engaging all their players and gaining ground on Llandudno.  The forwards had re-formed behind the backs and as they moved forward the ball was eventually passed to Carwyn Knights, who ran down the wing and managed to cross for the Bay’s third try, before the half time whistle.

In the second half, Llandudno came back fighting and their winger managed to breakaway and past the Bay defence to score two tries, back to back.  Whilst waiting for the second conversion, the Bay had a quick team chat which seemed to inspire them to keep fighting.  The ball was carried downfield with the Bay attacking and defending well.  Colwyn Bay was awarded a penalty, deep within Llandudno’s half.  Conor Hogan carried the ball towards the try line before being brought down by the opposition.  Tomos Cuddihy picked up the loose ball to carry the ball over to score.  This seemed to lift the Bay’s spirits!

At the re-start the Bay, once again chased the ball deep into Llandudno’s half.  Llandudno defended well but the constant clearing out of Joe Kilpatrick and Sam Holt couldn’t stop them for keeping the ball.  Eventually we gained possession of the ball and Sam Earl-Jones dived over to score a try.

A Llandudno scrum, last play of the game, was won by Colwyn Bay through Joe Kilpatrick’s determined hooking.  The ball was quickly passed out and the Bay ran down the field into Llandudno’s half.  After some good clearing out and attacking by the Bay, the ball was passed to Connor Williams, who with lots of determination, managed to cross to score the last try of the match.

The whole of the Colwyn Bay team played a great game of rugby.  All players attacked and defended well with each one deserving a mention with a special Coach’s mention to Sam Holt for consistent clearing out during the whole match.

Try Scorers :  Joe Fisher, Sam Earl-Jones, Sion Edwards, Carwyn Knights,

                       Tomos Cuddihy and Connor Williams

Man of the Match : Joe Kilpatrick

Colwyn Bay 28 – Rydal Penrhos Prep School 14

On a crisp morning, the Bay travelled to Rydal’s Brackley Fields to play the preliminary round of the Cooper Cup.  After the Christmas break and cancelled matches they were keen to get going and put their training into action again, even without some of their usual players.

The game started well with both teams being evenly matched.  Colwyn Bay were keen to prevent Rydal from scoring and some good defending by Joe Fisher and Sam Earl-Jones prevented them from breaking through.  Joe Kilpatrick hooked the ball well in the scrum allowing the Bay to retain possession and get the ball down the field.  Through some good attacking work the Bay, through Ruby, crossed over to score the first try of the match.

Rydal came back well and picked up pace.  The players were attacking well and gaining ground and eventually their perseverance paid off and they were awarded a try in the far corner.

On the re-start, the Bay started attacking the Rydal defence. Ivor Fetherstonhaugh and Sam Earl-Jones gained them valuable ground and the whole team kept the ball moving down the line to find a gap to get through.  Through his speed and footwork, Sam Earl-Jones crossed in the corner for the Bay’s second try.

Rydal, once again, attacked well and found pace and space in the defence.  Connor Williams and Olly Thomas defended well but couldn’t quite stop Rydal from crossing for a second try to even the score.

In the second half, Colwyn Bay came out fighting.   Luke Sampson and Carwyn Knights were defending well, attacking player after player to prevent Rydal from breaking through the Bay’s defence.  A loose ball allowed the Bay to regain possession and move down the field into Rydal’s territory.  Eventually Connor Williams crossed over for the third try.

Luke Sampson, Ivor Fetherstonhaugh and Joe Fisher continued their defence well and prevented Rydal from getting any space with the ball.  Although Rydal got close to the try line, they were tackled into touch allowing Colwyn Bay to regain possession.

Some good attacking work followed that allowed Carwyn Knights to eventually cross for the fourth and final Bay try of the match. 

 Try Scorers : Ruby Roberts, Sam Earl, Connor Williams and Carwyn Knights.

Man of the Match : Luke Sampson

12^th December 2010

On a crisp, sunny morning, the Bay welcomed Bethesda and Bangor.  After a week off due to frozen pitches, they were keen to get going and put their training into action again.

As neither Bethesda nor Bangor had a full team, it was suggested for them to combine to form one team for the main match and then play 7-a-side matches after, to which they agreed.

The Bay were attacking and defending well from the start and this paid off with their first try and conversion.  At the re-start the Bay moved quickly into the opposition’s 22 and Sam Earl-Jones intercepted a pass along their back line by the try line to score the second try of the match.  Conor Hogan gained valuable ground and great teamwork followed with good passing down the back line.  The third try quickly followed.

Bethesda/Bangor started working as a team and caught the Bay unawares with their first try of the match.  At the re-start, the opposition kept up the pressure and quickly scored a second try through the Bay’s mistakes allowing the opposition to gain ground through penalties.

In the second half the teams looked very evenly matched and a good, flowing game was enjoyed.  Once again, the Bay attacked well and through good clearing out and passing, was able to score again through Seb Marshall.  Bethesda/Bangor came back fighting and once again were able to break through our defences to score their third try of the match.

The Bay never gave up and still determined, they dug deep and kept the ball moving forward into the opposition’s territory.  Bethesda/Bangor did well to prevent the try being scored but eventually the ball came out and was passed out to Tomos Cuddihy who crossed to score the last try of the match.

Try Scorers : Sion Edwards, Sam Earl, Tomos Cuddihy (2), Seb Marshall

Man of the Match : Ollie Thomas

Sunday 21^st November 2010

On a cold but sunny morning, Colwyn Bay travelled to close rivals, Nant Conwy.  In the first half, Nant had the Bay on the back foot.  Although the Bay were defending and attacking well, when it came to the breakdown, Nant were ready and able to get the ball wide and score down the wing.

A slightly disheartened Bay gave away crucial ground through penalties allowing Nant to score again.  Nant dominated the breakdown and the half allowing them to score most of their tries.

After a team-talk at half time, the Bay came out showing their determination.  A good run and try early on in the second half by Sam Earl-Jones raised their spirits and the Bay started to raise their game.  Good tackling by Sion Edwards and Sam Earl-Jones with good clearing out by Seb Marshall and scrum half, Sam Holt, allowed the ball to be carried down the pitch gaining valuable ground.  Tomos Cuddihy and Carwyn Knights allowed the Bay into the Nant twenty two with Seb Marshall eventually crossing to score.

At the re-start the Bay dominated with their forwards and only a slight lack of concentration allowed Nant through to score, their only try of the second half, Nant’s half and it wasn’t long before Sion Edwards dived across for the last try of the match.

Try Scorers :  Sam Earl-Jones, Seb Marshall, Sam Holt, Sion Edwards

14^th November 2010

Colwyn Bay 0 – Pwllheli 40

On a cool but sunny morning, the Bay travelled to Pwllheli.  All the teams came together from all age groups to hold a minutes silence before commencing their respective matches.

Colwyn Bay took a few minutes to get into the game but they were consistent in their defending and attacking but a big Pwllheli team kept the Bay on their toes.  All the Colwyn Bay teamed tackled well and were committed throughout and never gave up!

This local derby is always eagerly anticipated on both sides and today’s game was no different.  Colwyn Bay took the first five minutes to wake up allowing Llandudno to put the first score on the sheet.  There was some good defending and attacking on both sides, especially tackling from Sam Earl-Jones and Sion Edwards.  Seb Marshall and Conor Hogan started clearing out well and allowed the Bay team to gain ground.  Eventually, through some determined running, Conor Hogan crossed over to level the score.  This seemed to boost the team and it wasn’t long before Sam Earl-Jones crossed over to edge the Bay into the lead.  The Bay were unlucky not to stretch this lead further at the end of the first half when Seb Marshall crossed but was held up over the line.

In the second half, Llandudno came back fighting with a renewed vigour.  Llandudno defended well and continuously attacked the Bay keeping them in their own half.  Some basic mistakes gave way to penalties which Llandudno capitalised on, scoring three tries back to back.  Ivor Fetherstonhaugh stopped a breakaway run with a text book tackle down the wing thus allowing the Bay to regain possession.

Undeterred, Colwyn Bay dug deep and once again started attacking, forcing Llandudno to make mistakes.  Seb Marshall, Carwyn Knights and especially Conor Hogan put in some determined runs to gain valuable ground once again.  This pressure paid off as Sam Earl-Jones tried to cross but a loose ball near the try line allowed Ruby Roberts to collect and place over.  A determined Bay then started again with Sam Earl-Jones capitalising on a Llandudno passing error, intercepting the ball and running down the field to score the last try of the match.

Try Scorers :  Sam Earl-Jones (2), Conor Hogan, Ruby Roberts

On a bright morning the Bay hosted a strong Mold team. This turned out to be a real classic encounter with some outstanding off-loading. The Bay were short of several key players due to half-term commitments. The squad dug deep and showed what teamwork can achieve. The first ten minutes were dominated by the Bay with William Head unluckily dropping the ball in the act of scoring. The Bay were quicker to recycle the ball. Mold hit back with two tries from their left winger before the Bay drew one back with a well worked drive with Carwyn Knights touching down. Unfortunately the Bay were slow from the restart and coughed up possession for a soft try before half-time.

  The second half saw the team wake up and play some of their best rugby of the season. They were rewarded with a good scrum-half's try by Sam Holt. Both teams demonstrated excellent commitment and Mold broke back to score in the corner. The Bay dominated possession and using good hands were able to score thanks to a determined run from Connor Hogan. Mold held on at the death but the Bay should be proud of this performance.

Try scorers Carwyn Knights ,Sam Holt and Connor Hogan. Man of the match Carwyn Knights for a fine attacking performance in the second half.

Sunday 17^th October 2010

Colwyn Bay competed in the Mold Tournament with teams from North Wales and North West region.  This is always a big step up but gives the players valuable experience.

Colwyn Bay 0 - Caldy 10

Colwyn Bay turned up with a full squad in good weather.  Caldy began well hitting the Bay defence hard.  The forwards were slow to clear the contact area and had to defend hard to prevent Caldy from scoring.  The Bay managed to hold up Caldy’s first try attempt before they eventually broke through the line to score.  Through basic mistakes,  Caldy were able to break free to score a second try down the wing.

Colwyn Bay 10 – Llandudno 5

This match, as always, was going to be fiercely contested.  After their first match defeat, the Bay was determined not to lose to our local rivals.  After a well worked out attack, Sam Earl-Jones broke away down the wing to score our first try of the tournament.  Seb Marshall, Tomos Cuddihy, Sion Edwards and Sam Earl-Jones defended well putting Llandudno under pressure.  Once again, a basic mistake, allowed Llandudno to break through the defence, down the wing to equal the match.  Colwyn Bay came back fighting and kept up the pressure and was rewarded by another try scored by Sam Earl.

Try Scorer : Sam Earl-Jones (2)

Colwyn Bay 0 – Ruthin 15

The last game was against the eventual Pool winners.  The Bay needed to win this match to make the semis.  This was always going to be a tough match.  Ruthin attacked hard but the Bay defended well and held them up as they attempted to cross for their first try.  The Bay team continued to defend well but unfortunately Ruthin proved too strong and eventually scored.  In the second half, from a cleared kick from our 22, Ruthin caught the ball and ran through our defence to score an easy second try. The Bay re-grouped and came out fighting, constantly putting Ruthin under pressure,  causing them to make mistakes.  Once again, Ruthin eventually managed to break through the defensive line and score the final try of the match.

The team represented Colwyn Bay with credit.

Man of the Tournament : Sam Earl-Jones

Sunday 3^rd October 2010

On a wet morning when most other matches were being cancelled, the Bay travelled to Bethesda.  After a week off, they were keen to get going and put their training into action again.The forwards made headway by clearing the ball which allowed the backs to move it forward and gain ground.  This was eventually rewarded by Sam Earl’s break down the wing to score the first try of the match. Joe Fisher moved forward with the ball for an attempted try but was unfortunately held up by Bethesda in the try zone.

Colwyn Bay defended well but unfortunately due to late pressure and the referee loosing track of time, Bethesda equalized just before half time. The second half started well and good defensive tackles were made by Harry Edwards, Sam Earl and Sion Edwards but small mistakes allowed Bethesda to gain ground through penalties.  Joe Kilpatrick hooked well allowing us to win most of the scrums and the backs rallied hard to break through their defensive line.  Once again, Sam Earl scored but this time from a succession of passes down the line.

The Bay kept their aggression in check despite some provocation but penalties allowed Bethesda to gain ground and break down the wing for another try just before the final whistle.

Try Scorers : Sam Earl (2)  Man of the Match : Harry Edwards

Sunday 12th September 2010

LLANGEFNI U11's     14       COLWYN BAY U11's  52

The first game of the season is always eagerly anticipated by the Bay and this was no different.  The Bay welcomed a mixed U11/10 Llangefni side.  Colwyn Bay were eager to put the new rules that they had been learning into action.

Colwyn Bay started with a well worked out attack to put the first scores down.  The forwards, led by Seb Marshall, were clearing the ball out well to enable them to get the ball out to the backs and down the field.  In the first half the Bay made full use of the new sized pitch and were able to use this and score tries. Llangefni were able to capitalise on a Bay error in the second half and cross over for their first try of the match – this gave them a boost of confidence which was maintained throughout and eventually led to their second try. The backs showed good handling skills, particularly Sam Earl and Sam Holt under the high ball and the latter at anticipating the bounce from a clearing kick to score a try.

Colwyn Bay began to tire towards the end of the match due to the increased playing time but maintained their lead throughout. With the increase in numbers allowed to play in a match, this allowed all the team members (old and new) to participate in the match.  A good start to the new season!

Try Scorers:   Sion Edwards, Seb Marshall, Tomos Cuddihy, Ivor Fetherstonhaugh, Sam Holt, Will Opie (2) and Carwyn Knights.