The Bay played their last game against Nuneaton RFC one of the Midlands strongest junior teams who were on a tour of North Wales. Nuneaton had played Pwllheli RFC on the Friday 15^th April 2011 in what was  a very competitive game and Pwllhelli sneaked the result by 5 points in the final stages of the game. Nuneaton had only lost twice this season and had previously gone three seasons unbeaten so this was going to be a very tough game to end the season and with some key Bay players missing due to the holidays.

Nuneaton opened strongly and went into a 7 nil lead after two minutes where the Bay were caught by a quick line break. However the Bay hit back with two quick tries from good open quality back play to lead 12: 7.However Nuneaton again crossed the line with a forwards try to make the game 12:10 at the break ina very physical game. In the second half the Bay played some of their best rugby of the season  and fronted up with some great tackles by both sets of backs and forwards and the Bay started to dominate the game. Two further tries by the Bay sealed the match and ended the season on a high point not losing any of their club games since returning from France in mid March showing that the tour spirit is still in abundance.

The match author apologies for the brevity of the report as all the try scorers and match highlight details contained in the touch line report went with his shorts into the  wash!!.

The Bay  had a double header this weekend playing Bala RFC and also Eccleshall RFC from Staffordshire a touring side who had played Llandudno on the Saturday and had given a very good  account of themselves running Llandudno close with some good open rugby. The Bay had a point to prove as Bala had beaten Colwyn Bay  December 2010 by 14 points to 12  in a very tight game. Bala have improved tremendously over the last year and with the sun beating down and good running rugby conditions, the large assembled crowd were in a for a feast of good rugby, in shorter timed games to take account of the weather and playing conditions. Added to the Bay challenges today was the fact that the Bay only had fifteen players so everybody had to move around and play in different positions so it was going to be a hard day’s work.

Bala 19 v Eccleshall 12

This game set the standard for the day with both teams playing good rugby and running the ball. Bala started the stronger of the two teams and opened with the first try after four minutes scored by Stephen which was quickly followed by a another converted try  by James. However Eccleshall had not come to Colwyn Bay to make up the numbers and the hit back after great forward play with a try by Jeremy which was nicely converted from long range by James. Bala were galvanised by this comeback and scored a try against the run of play with a break out move with the ball going through many hands for Robin to score a converted try to make it 19:7 at half time. In the second half Eccleshall dominated the forward play and started to make the pressure pay into points with another unconverted try. However only outstanding Bala tackling and aggressive defence stopped this spirited side from the Midlands taking this fixture with Bala winning 19:12     

Colwyn Bay 24 Eccleshall 7

As everybody knows touring sides are hard to predict their playing standard however the Bay had the advantage of a key human performance element ....sleep which is a luxury no touring team possess. The Bay got off to a flyer with Connah Harding opening the scoring with a converted try which was quickly followed by Joe Pitts who usually plays  in the forwards now playing at outside centre with a great long range try to make it 14 nil at half time. The second half was entirely different and Eccleshall took the game to the Bay with strong forward play (especially in the scrum )and with plenty of possession and territory again only superb tackling by the Bay  backs particularly  Jake Wilson, Luke Rawicki Winger, Iwan Cochlan  kept the Midlander's backs out of the danger zone or it would have been a different story. Iwan Cochlan Centre ended his try scoring drought with a superb solo run to make the score 19 nil and this was added to by Remy Sheil now at Scrum Half who nipped in for try from a scrum five after some great defence from Ecceshall. However Eccleshall  were not to be out done and after some Bay defensive infringements, Eccleshall took  a quick tap penalty and after a bullocking run by their second row from the 22 metre line, they scored in the corner taking two Bay defenders with him for a great individual try to close the game at 24:7 to the Bay.

A great day rugby was had by all and at the presentation in the sun shine the Bay have been invited back to Eccleshall in the autumn of 2012 for a return fixture. The Bay Man of the Match was Jake Wilson for some superb tackling and a special mention to Joe Pitts and Luke Rawickii for some inspiring tackling.

Colwyn Bay 24 Bala 0

The Bay current rich vein of form continued this weekend and retained a second clean sheet against a Bala side which had just won their opening match and were full of confidence. The Bay opened spritely with a try from Jake Wilson Centre which was nicely converted and this was quickly followed by a great forwards try where after a 15 metre driving maul Jacob Weigh peeled off to go the final 20 metres under the sticks. The Bay backs were not to be out done and Connah Harding now on the wing and has played in every back line in the last two weeks scored a superb side stepping try to go under the posts to make it 19:0 at half time. After a slow start Bala started to play and some great forward play by the Bala forwards was only stopped by the Bay forwards playing as a unit and the Bay backs tackling the Bala flying half backs who threatened the Bay line. Harri Chinery Parkes added to the score in the second half to make the score line 24; nil which does not reflect the efforts made by the Bala boys in which was a good test of rugby for the Boys from the Bay.

Man of the Match  Connah Harding for outstanding attack and defence with a special mention to Harri Parkes and Sean Harrison now playing in the forwards.

The Bay took on Denbigh who are probably North Wales most improved team at this age group and recently competed very favourably in the First Hydro Co tournament on Sunday 27^th March 2011.Both teams were missing key members of their teams as today  was Mothers Day and Denbigh arrived light so the game was played with 13 men a side which meant plenty of space for open running and broken play.

The Bay got off to a great start and when Jake Wilson Centre was set up nicely with a well timed flat pass from Connah Harding at Fly Half. This quick try was followed by a long range solo effort by Remy Sheil Scrum Half which was converted by Oliver Wood Winger and Captain of the Day celebrating his 14th birthday. Jake Wilson added a further try with another quick line break and went under the posts for another converted try by George Roberts Full Back to make the score 19:nil.In the latter part of the first half  Denbigh came back into the match with some good scrummaging and quick rucking but the Bay defensively were on the top of their game, and kept a clean sheet by half time against a spirited Denbigh team.

In the second half Jake Wilson again broke away for a hat trick of tries after some great back play with  the ball going through five pairs of hands and Harri Chinery Parkes playing at Scrum Half slotted the conversion from under the posts. Harri Chinery Parkes who had put in some immense hits then got on the score sheet himself with a runaway try which was quickly followed Joe Pitts Second Row barging over after for a forwards try after some great team mauling. Connah Harding finished off the game with some scintillating side stepping to go over for try in the last play.

The Bay played some outstanding rugby today both in the backs and the forwards and the spirit of the recent four day tour to France was still there. Although both teams were missing players and space was freely available for both teams, the Bay were on top form and the aggressive defensive tackling returned a clean sheet against a well organised Denbigh team who had beaten the Bay in the Autumn of 2010.

Man of the match was Oliver Wood who showed that physical size has no bearing on the game and when it comes to tackling Olly Wood can tackle with the best of them putting in some great hits on his 14th Birthday.

The Bay welcomed Linlithgow RFC from Scotland on their 2011 tour of Wales as a reciprocal thank you for hosting the Colwyn Bay tour of Scotland when the Bay boys were Under 12s in 2009.Linlithgow are also invited as International Six Nations guests representing Scotland to the First Hydro Co North Wales tournament on the Sunday 27^th March the following day.

Linlithgow RFC made a magnificient entrance having parked the bus on Brookfield Road and then walked the last 200 metres behind their Scottish National Flag (the Saltire) and their Piper and fly half Andrew playing on his bag pipes Scottish songs like Flower of Scotland, and Scotland the Brave.This was warmly welcomed and the Colwyn Bay boys who formed a tunnel of respect and clapped them in to the club.Andrew continued to play the Pipes all the way to changing room number 8 down the Bay tunnel which for all the Scots in exile was a great moment. 

Linlithgow had arrived on the Thursday night and after a day sightseeing in Caernarfon and go karting had played Denbigh RFC on Friday night before in a tough opening match where they had played very well against a well organised Denbigh Under 14s team.As all touring sides know the home side always has the advantage as they have the benefit  of a night sleep which is a rare commiodity on all tours.Linlithgow boys were all about 6 to 11 months younger than the boys in Wales due to the age grading system in Scotland.The Bay entered into the spirit of the tour and played a mixed team comprising of one Under 12 Finlay Jones, and Bradley,Ben,Josh Callum from the Under 13s with the majority of the team in the starting line up were made up of boys who were not picked to play in the First Hydro Co sponsored tournament the following day.

The Bay  opened strongly when Bradley from the Under 13s playing at inside centre who was fed by Finlay Jones at Fly Half from the Under 12s made a line break and scored under the posts which was converted to go into a 7 nil lead.Linlithgow hit straight back and scored a great try by their hard running back Stephen Grant running in a powerful try which was which was cooly converted to make it 7 all.Linlithgow showed that they had come to Wales to make up  the numbers and were out rucking the Bay on many occassions and mauling as a well trained outfit and with a very powerful scrum the Scots wer ein town big time.The Bay gained territorial advantage from some good kicking by Connah Harding now at Full Back, and from the resulting lineout Remy Sheil side stepped his way to the line to go 12- 7 up.Again Linlithgow came back into the game and from a well rehearsed move from the line out out manouvered the Bay with Cameron McAndrew going over for an unconverted try.The Bay then shipped the ball more quickly to the Bay lighting backs and some hard running by Harri Chinery Parkes and Connor “new boy” Harvey playing  in his first season of rugby (another football convert)scored try’s  to make the score 24:12 at half time.

In the second half tour fatigue hit Linlithgow RFC and the late nights,go karting,sightseeing and Scottish 12 Year old wine began to take effect (that was just the adults) however the players continued to battle away and never lost heart.David Edwards from Colwyn Bay (known as “Big D”)showed that losing his eyebrows in France on the Under 14s four day tour to Kent and Paris last weekend did not sap his strength and powered over for a try from close range.Harri Chinery Parkes poached another try from a miss kick in defence and added to his hatrick later in the dying moments of the game.The Bay had the try line at the mercy however knock ons and failing to get the ball down over the line after some superb cover tackling by Linlithgow backs kept the score very respectable,especially taking into consideration the age difference.The scoreline does not reflect the effort that the Scots boys had put in throughout the match and only hard defensive tackling by the Bay backs stopped the try line being crossed by Linlithgow RFC with the “Hit of the Day” going to Tom Jones Colwyn Bay taking out “Big T” the Linlithgow RFC loose head.  

Today there were two men of the matches one Cameron Mitchell from Linlithgow and Harri Chinery Parkes from the Bay.It should also be noted the great effort by the Under 12s and Under 13s who played today with great confidence in a strange team so well done Finlay, Bradley,Ben,Josh Ben etc.

Rhyl  50 CBRFC 33

The Bay travelled very light today to Rhyl with only 13 players from the squad of 26 on duty. This was due to a mixture of injuries and absences which some were agreed in advance so as to ensure any injuries were recovered in time for the four day tour to France starting next Friday.

The Bay started badly going three tries down and then clawed their way back into the match to get back to level terms by half time in a match the seesawed all the way through the game. The game turned on a one incident where the Bay were awarded a penalty 5 metres from the line for continually infringing by the Rhyl referee. On placing the ball down a Rhyl forward played the man and ball before any played had engaged in Nicholas Ingham one of the Bay best  forwards in the second row going off the pitch injured. With no resulting penalty try or disciplinary measure taken the Bay could not get over the try line to take the lead. The Bay were now down to 12 men for the second half and although light in the forwards all the boys battled manfully against a much improved Rhyl side.

In the second half the game again ebbed and flowed but as the time ticked away Rhyl who had seventeen players a their disposal brought on fresh legs and ran in two late tries one in the last period of play to make the score better than it should have been. The scorers for the Bay  were Remy Sheil 3, Jake Wilson 1 Luke Rawickii 1 and David Edwards 1.

Pwllheli 61 CBRFC 21

After beating Pwllheli earlier in the year by 31 :17 earlier in the year the Bay knew that at home the Boys from the Llyn would not be an easy fixture at their home ground. With missing three key players up front and having played the Rydal Sevens the day before the Bay started badly and let in five unanswered tries and as a fixture the game was over by half time. The Bay did not let their heads go down and in the second half scored three tries but a series of handling errors, poor kicking, and occasional missed tackles made the Pwllheli score better than it should be.

Man of the Match  Remy Sheil with a special mention to all the backs for brave defensive tackling.

Rydal Invitation Sevens Tournament Saturday 

The Bay Under 14s were favoured to be invited to play for the second year in the Rydal Sevens Tournament where the best rugby playing schools in the North West i.e. Manchester Grammar School, St Ambrose, Birkenhead School, St Arnolds, Stonyhurst College, Merchant Taylors, Rydal Penrhos, Wrekin College, and St Anselm’s College all of whom have outstanding 15 a side team and play seven a side rugby on a regular basis. Last year as the Under 13s the team lost narrowly in the semi final and this year we hoped to go one better however that was not to be the case in a such a tough group which had Manchester Grammar, St Ambrose,  one of who were winners and the other a semi finalist. The selected 12 players battled hard  but lost to Manchester Grammar by 5 tries to nil, St Ambrose by 4 tries to 2,Birkenead Head School by 5 tries to 3 and St Arnolds by 4 tries to 2.All in all it was a good day with all parents confirming that their boys slept well that night. Congratulations to Jordan Edward CBRFC Under 14s Prop who was required to play for his school Rydal and Captained them all the way to the semi final.

 Player of the Day for CBRFC was Harri Chinery Parkes  

This away game was always going to be the toughest mach of the year as Wrexham provide the majority of the Under 14s for North East Wales Regional side. Although we have 26 players registered only 12 players made themselves available due to a mixture of long injuries, sickness, family absences, and the school half term holidays. Indeed this is the first time at this age group since the manager took over the team in 2004 the Bay have never had enough players for a Sunday match .However rather than scrub the fixture and have a “no show” as some clubs have done to the Bay, CBRFC honoured the fixture knowing that it would be hard match and gave their all. Wrexham sportingly gave three players to CBRFC who had just started playing one making his debut for the club to make up the numbers.

Wrexham opened strongly and dominated the first half  and the match was as a contest by half time with Wrexham being 36 points ahead. In the second half Wrexham swapped their loaned players over which the added experience Scott, Rhys, and Elliot who all play for North Wales balanced the game. The Bay came back strongly in the second half and scored three tries in the second half from Jake Wilson Centre, Remy Sheil Scrum Half, and Connor Harvey back row, to make the score more respectable.

Although he did not get on the score sheet Man of the Match was Ewan Coghlan Centre for outstanding tackling on the big Wrexham forward Matty and a mention for Remy Sheil, Connor Harvey,Jordan Edwards and Jacob Weigh  is deserved for taking the game to Wrexham

Due to cancellations the Under 14s played the Under 15s in a training game split into three sections of ten minutes. The game could only go ahead with all players having parental consent as per the WRU requirements so we were not at full strength. On the whistle was Cameron McMullen.

The Under 14s played very well over the three ten minute session and the play in the loose and the set play was excellent and restricted the Under 15s to a few tries. Hard running by Iwan Coghlan and Remy Sheil kept the Under 15s on their toes. The Under 14s player of the day was Tom Jones who tackled and floored everything that came his way and the action highlight of the day was a double try saving  tackle by Gareth Mansfield and Luke Rawickii on a what looked from the touch line like runaway train carrying a rugby ball and answering to the name of called “Rich”.

The Bay travelled to Bala today to play a club that has never beaten them but came unstuck in a game played in the legendary Bala fog. Although travelling light with only 16 players instead of our normal 25 due to the “reindeer run” credit must be given to the way Bala won this match using tactical kicking and slotting  their penalties from long range. After 20 minutes the score remained nil-nil and Bay having most of the possession and territory but could make it count. From penalty just inside the Bay half albeit on a shortened pitch the Bala kicker slotted a good penalty to go three up. The Bay hit back with a great try where the forwards moved the ball to the backs and quick hands from Connah Harding and Remy Sheil set up Iwan Cochlan Full Back to go over in the corner for a great try and the Bay to lead 3:5 at half time.  

In the second half the bigger Bala forwards took ascendency and instead of moving the ball wide the Bay stood toe to toe with the Bala forwards and gave as good as they got. Bala forwards then started running of the back of mauls and rucks and the Bay back line of Connah Harding, Remy Sheil and Jake Wilson tackled furiously all day. From a tap penalty the Bala shipped the ball to their back row who went over on a crash ball for an converted try near the posts to make the score 5:8 to Bala. Bala  played good quality forwards rugby retaining the ball and the Bay gave away two penalties one for a side entry and one for being off side to make the score 14:5 ten minutes left on the clock. The Bay dominated the last ten minutes and a forward maul drove Bala over the line and Adam Smith got the touchdown. However the clock was against the Bay and on Harri Chinery Parkes conversion the full time whistle was blown.

Men of the Match Connah Harding, Remy Sheil and Jake Wilson for great tackling against regional standard players. Also a special mention for George Roberts for taken on the position of scrum half and doing a good job.

On Sunday 28^th November the Under 14s and Under 15s mixed team for the day at the Bay were  eagerly awaiting the visit of Rougemont Independent School from Newport South Wales, who tour North Wales on a yearly basis. Rougemont School are one of South Wales top Independent Schools and their standard of rugby on the park is a high as their educational standards off the park and their fixture listing is very  impressive playing against all the top Welsh independent schools on a regular basis i.e. Llandovery College, Llandaff, Harberdashers, Brecon etc. The Rougemont school rugby team and tour is led by Mr Anwar Akram Head of Chemistry who played for Colwyn Bay for many years and taught Chemistry at Eirias School.

On the 19^th March 2010 the Bay Under 13s (now under 14s) had played Rougemont School on Tour in Newport what was a thrilling match where Rougemont took the honours 12:7 in a match played on the wettest day of the year, so the Bay were keen to get even. However the weather again played its part in this fixture and on the coldest night and day of the year (-3) at the club house the pitch were frozen as rock hard and the game had to be postponed for safety reasons. We look forward to hosting Rougemont School next year when we are under 15s.

The holders of the First Hydro Co Under 13s  sponsored tournament from  March 2010 arrived at Brookfield Road today for the eagerly awaited local derby match where in the last two years the boys from the valley have taken the honours by quite a substantial margin. Today was a day where the Bay backs had to be on their toes to stop probably the best set of backs in North Wales  running in a big score margin.

The Bay got off to good start dominating the early stages and being in the very unusual position of being the larger set of forwards with some great mauling and rucking with the Bay back row of Harri Chinery Parkes, Joe Pitts and Tom Jones working well linking with Scott Kane scrum half nine to provide good quality ball. However a spilled ball from the break down was quickly despatch by the Nant backs to the their winger who went over for an unconverted try which was aided by some poor  tackling out wide by the Bay. From the restart the Bay forwards regained some quick gained possession from the base of a ruck however an intercepted loose pass was intercepted by the Nant and the Nant centre was under the posts to make it 12 nil after ten minutes. The Bay ascendency in the forwards continued in the game however points make prizes in this game and it was not until the 20^th minute when Bay got back in the game with a well worked try linking forwards and backs which saw Iwan Cochlan Fullback going  over the try line to make the sore 5:12 to Nant  at half time with Bay having the possession but Nant having the points!!

In the second half Nant  opened the scoring going in a 5 :17 lead with a try from a break out of their own half with their fleet footed winger scoring in the corner which was added to shortly afterwards with another try again in the corner and Nant had the game in the bag and were looking at a potentially large score line. However the Bay refused to lie down and the Bay forwards stepped up a gear with Adam Smith second row crashing over to add a further try with five minutes to go. The score line took on a more respectable look when Remy Sheil play which was converted by Harri Chinery Parkes in the last minute of play.

The Bay played well today and fought back well in a very competitive game where Nant took the few chances that were on offer and converted them to points. Whether it is the All Blacks or Nant Conwy Under 14s you cannot give any team a 17 point head start and expect to recover the score line in the modern game. The Bay man of the match was Joe Pitts Back Row and a particular mention to the Bay the back row boys lead by Harri Parkes who took the game to Nant.   

Please note training at Llandrillo on Tuesday is on the 3G pitch and be there for 18.20.Next Sunday there will be a game against Rougemount Independent School from Newport who as we all know gave as hosted by Mr Anwar Akram ex CBRFC Front Row and Eirias School Chemistry Teacher gave us a great welcome in South Wales in March 2010 on our Welsh tour. This fixture is classed as an Under 15s match and those who are chosen to play in this match will be told on Tuesday and parental agreement will be sought before they can play up a year. For those boys not chosen to play up a year please note there will be no training on Sunday as we will have no coaches free but if you wish to come and support the Under 15s/14s mix team please do so.

Colwyn Bay 31 Pwllheli 17

The visit of Pwllheli Under 14s is always going to challenge any club in North Wales and today the boys from the Llyn were no exception in what was a very competitive match played in great spirit. After all the teams held a respectful remembrance silence for two minutes  the game kicked off at a great tempo with the Bay opening the scoring from centre Jake Wilson  breaking through the tackling of the Pwllheli defence after two minutes which was converted by Harri Chinery Parkes. Pwllhelli hit back with a great breakout move by Gethin Jones number 8 which was nicely converted by Thomas Hughes Fly Half to make the game 7 all after ten minutes. The Bay then played one of their set moves and Remy Sheil who  usually plays number 8 and playing at scrum half today broke from the base of the scrum and went over to score a try taking two Pwllheli players with him and the try was converted by Jordan Clemson. As all teams know Pwllheli do not come to  make up the numbers and again aided by some weak tackling by the Bay defence Gethin Jones added a further try with an excellent  solo effort from the half way line to make it 14:12 at the half time whistle with everything to play for.

In the second half the Bay played a much more co-ordinated rugby linking the forwards with the backs and most of the second half was played in the Pwllheli half. The Pwllheli team (especially the players playing up a year tackled manfully showing that size is no real impediment in the game) and many other teams would have shipped a lot of points but not these boys today. The Pwllheli rucking and loose play was keeping them in the game however the Bay then stretched the lead by another long range try from Jake Wilson Centre which went unconverted. The Bay were then gifted another try about two minutes later when a drop out from the 22m line only just crossed the line and  straight to Jake Wilson Centre who ran in his hat trick of tries. From the resulting kick off the Bay secured good possession and from the resulting maul and rucks the Bay were deep in the 22m areas. Harri Chinery Parkes playing at Flanker extended the lead with some great play in the loose stripping the ball from a maul and then going for the line to put the ball under the posts for a converted by Iwan Cochlan to make the score 31:12.However Pwllheli had the last say in the match when taking the advantage for a high tackle and playing to the referees whistle shipped the ball out wide and Ellis Vaughan who outran the Bay defence to go over in the corner for an unconverted try in the last play.

Although the Bay were missing five regulars due to remembrance Sunday and other school activities this was a game that have gone either way. However after losing the last two games the Bay are happy to get a win under their belt against this strong side. A much better performance this Sunday was made by Bay Forwards and more direct running by the Backs tipped the balance to the Bay. We look forward to the return match on the 6^th March 2011 in Pwllheli which will be great conditioning for the four day Tour to France commencing on the 18^th March 2011 incorporating the  Six Nations match two weeks later.

Llandudno 50 Colwyn Bay 7

The honours in the local derby match which until recently has been quite evenly matched over the years went to Llandudno this time who played their best rugby of the season. In the opening 5  minutes there was not much to choose between the teams with both side playing good quality rugby with most of the game in the Llandudno half. However as the game moved on quicker tactical awareness by the bigger Llandudno pack especially at the break down ensured that the ball was moved to their backs quicker and three quick and converted  tries followed within the fifteen minutes from Llandudno to make the score 21:0.The Bay fought back bravely and were camped in the Llandudno 22 m area but could not get the ball over the line due to some excellent defending by Llandudno. On clearing their lines Llandudno broke away on two occasions and some good running by their backs particularly Mickey Murray at Centre aided by some incredibly weak tackling by the Bay the score was 33:0 at half time and the game was effectively over as a contest. 

At the start of the second half The Bay shipped a further try by not clearing their lines with some poor defensive kicking. Their then followed a fight back led by Tom Jones Flanker and Remy Sheil Number 8 an improved performance by the Bay especially in the contact area against a much bigger opposition. Remy Sheil from a quick tap penalty got over the line for a converted try by Jordan Clemson to ensure the score line was not a “nil return” or the game got stopped because of the WRU 50 point ruling  margin neither of which has ever happened to this team. Further pressure by the Bay on the Llandudno line did not materialise in points due to further excellent defending by Llandudno on the try line and Llandudno who then added  two late tries one in the final play section to bring up the fifty to make the score line better than it should have been.

Although 18 of The Bay Boys had completed a 6 mile cross country fundraising sponsored walk for the French tour the day before and they were missing a couple of players on the day there can be no excuses Llandudno were by far the better team on the day. However on the positive side a nil the score line was avoided, the game was not stopped by the referee on the WRU ruling 50 point margin, and the team fighting spirit in the second half was highly commended by the Mike, Philip and George the Llandudno coaches after the game so there is something to come out of the game for the visit by Pwllheli next week.

The Bay player of the day was Tom Jones Flanker who might be one of the smaller member of the team but his tackling was an example to everybody on the pitch showing that in this game size does not always matter. Well played  Tom.  

WALK FOR FRANCE

A part of the fundraising for the Tour to France in March and attending the IRB Six nations match in Paris whilst on tour the fundraising began with a demanding sponsored walk where sponsors got serious value for the pledge. With twenty boys walking and supported by finely tuned athletes such as Mark Clemson, Mark Mansfield, David Lloyd, Jilly Sheil, and Tabatha Harding and team manager Martin Kane the walk commenced at 09.15am with Connah Harding Fly Half declaring a magnificent fund raising start of £27.00 pre payment before he had even took a step out of the car park. Starting from the club (carrying a rugby ball of course which was not allowed to hit the ground or ten press up could follow) and walking to Bryn Pydew via the Pen y Bont farm and Bryn Pydew nature reserve the group made good progress .However with many of the boys were intent on “ tabbing” or “yomping” which forces members will recall vividly a series of up hill 50 metres sprints were executed on 1 in 5 hill going up to Bryn Pydew to slow them down which worked well.

The walk continued through Bodysgallen Hall Hotel (trying not to wake to many of the guests who had paid handsomely for some weekend peace and quiet) through Llanrhos and all the way to Deganwy and to the top of the Vardre where there an impromptu game of rugby commenced. The Vardre has stunning views however for most of the boys the best view was the inside of their tuck box and the view for Mark Mansfield and Jilly Sheil Adults adult walkers was the inside of the Cilmeityn Woods yes they were lost and half an hour of the pace!.

The return leg good progress was made and the pace was increased so that the team could meet two dead lines (one to get to the next feeding station) and the second to get to the club for the Wales v Australia game. The “second food pit stop” was at Fron Farm where Mr and Mrs David and Adrianne Jones had kindly opened up their home for 20 boys who were fed warm hot dogs and sticky buns which went down a treat which .A quick dash from Bryn Pydew ensured the boys just made it for the International match at the club house at 14.30.

The Bay  came unstuck today at local neighbours Denbigh and although Bay were missing Nicholas Ingham in the scrum and lineout the best team won on the day. Denbigh won by playing good forward orientated rugby rucking and mauling better than the Bay and shipping the ball to a very quick fly half when there was the opportunity having sucked in the Bay back line. The game as always at Denbigh RFC was played in great sporting spirit and very well refereed by the home referee.

The Bay conceded two very quick tries  within ten minutes which allowed Denbigh to game forward momentum and the upper hand in the forwards from the whistle. The first try was a neat side step by the Denbigh number 10  “Tommo” Evans on the Bay 22m which caught the Bay a back line out and this was converted to make it who it 7 nil. The second try was again a repeat of the first by the Fly Half and some weak tackling by the Bay let the number  10 in for an unconverted try. The Bay hit back and were in good field  position within 5 metres of the Denbigh  line but spilled the ball to the Denbigh Fly Half who got the ball  and went the length of the park and in spite of some last ditch tackling Connah Harding and Connor Harvey he went under the posts to make it 19:nil at half time.

In the second half the Bay  finally woke up and produced some good back play with Connor Harvey and Ewan Coghlan outing in some hard running and making good territory gains. Olly Wood Winger ran in a great try from his half way even celebrating before he got over the line for an unconverted try. Obviously the celebration galvanised the Denbigh backs as a missed kick to the touch line from the Bay was scooped up by the Denbigh winger who slipped the ball inside for a further score to make the score line 26: 5 with ten minutes to go. The Bay forwards started to get more of the ball and Harri Chinery Parkes Flanker played out of his skin in the loose and the tight play and eventually managed to slow down the Denbigh Fly Half. To the credit of the Bay boys they never gave up and Jake Wilson Centre  (wearing a borrowed pair of referees boots) after been set up Harri Chinery Parkes went over for a try to make the score line more respectable at 26:10.The Bay player of the day was Harri Chinnery Parkes Flanker who just pipped Jordan Edwards Prop to the nomination this week.

The Bay look forward to the return match at Brookfield Road and to seeing Denbigh compete for the first time in the First Hydro Co Sponsored Rugby tournament on the 27^th March 2010 at Colwyn Bay which will be in its sixth year.

Wrexham who are probably the strongest club in North Wales at this level paid CBRFC a visit today in what was to be the Bay hardest fixture of the season to date. Wrexham who field the most players in the North East Wales regional team at this age level were coming off a good run of form and had just beaten Nant Conwy by 38:6 the previous week, so this was going to be a tough day for the Bay. As per our playing policy all players were to have a game which is daunting thought for the new boys who have only just picked up the game but  Josh Jones Winger, Sean Harrison Full Back and Alex Harvey Winger all showed great promise against some great Wrexham running backs.

The Bay who are usually slow starters opened quickly and for the first ten minutes Wrexham could not get out of their half and the Bay opened the scoring with Adam Smith second row crashing over from a tap penalty which was converted by Jordan Clemson .This stung Wrexham very large forwards into life and they came right back into the game and set up three quick tries one for Elliot the Winger, one from Kieran the Centre, and  quickly followed by Luke the Prop with two tries coming from some poor Bay tackling. Wrexham added a further try on the on the stroke of half time from the Winger and with not converting any of their tries Wrexham led by 7:20 at half time and Wrexham were looking good to repeat the big score against another Borough of Conwy Under 14s team.

In the second half the Bay fell further behind after a speculative kick from Wrexham took a wicked bounce and their quick footed centre managed to touch down to make the score 7:25 for another unconverted try. In times like these you really see what your team is made of and the boys could of easily have capitulated and the game would have been shortened as Wrexham were capable of racking up fifty points quite easily in this form. However the “Bay boys” at Under 14s are made of sterner stuff and realising that the only way to beat the much bigger pack Wrexham was to move the ball out wide and they started to play more attacking and attractive rugby. From an attacking move the Bay got a scrum in the 22m metre and Remy Sheil No 8 went from the base of the scrum and scored a try which was converted by Oliver Wood to make the score 14:25 to Wrexham. The Bay again moved the ball out wide and Inside Centre Jake Wilson side stepped his opposite number to run in a try from 40 metres with the Wrexham wingers and Centre in hot pursuit. The try was converted by George Woods and the score was 21:25 to Wrexham with three  minutes  to go.

The last three minutes were frantic with great loose play by both sides and the Bay forwards contested for everything however they had left it to late and the clock beat them. Wrexham won by 21:25 which was a fair reflection on the game.

Today was a forwards game which Wrexham were very accomplished at playing and recycling good ball which makes them such a good team a this level. The Colwyn Bay Man of the Match goes to Tom Jones Flanker who when he came on changed the game with some superb tackling. Other outstanding performances were from Jordan Edwards Prop and Harri Chinery Parkes Flanker  who took the game to Wrexham and got the Bay back into the match. For Wrexham their stand out player was Second Row and Captain Matthew who led from the front, show good leadership qualities, and maintained his discipline at all times in the cut and thrust of the forwards contact.

A great come back by the Bay  and the heads never went down against North Wales top team which shows great promise for the remainder of the season and the four day tour to France in March.  

As followers of this age group will know this is one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures in the CBRFC Under 14s fixture list sporting calendar and this year was no exception. This year proved a thrilling encounter where the Bay only just pipped Rydal to the result who are a vastly improved team in Year 9 from last year. This demonstrates the hard work that the Rydal boys have put in as supported by their new coach by Mr Proudlove as last year the result was one sided, but not this year. There are many attractions about this unique fixture which appeal to the Colwyn Bay RFC boys in that:

·     It is a local derby going “up  the hill” to play a North Wales best Independent school with a long pedigree in school rugby in Wales and England, It is one of the only Saturday fixtures in the season so extra rugby to be played is always more enjoyable, The Bay boys are playing against their friends with some CBRFC boys playing for their school notably i.e. Jordan Edwards and Will Murphy who were not going to be pushed around in the scrum by their club mates.  

 ·    The facilities and post match hospitality laid on by Mr Leach and the Rydal Sports team are always excellent (great sausages and chips and gateaux) .The  fixture is always arranged to compliment the Rydal School Open day so the boys had a large gathering of very sporting Rydal spectators watching on the Brackley Fields which added to the game atmosphere.

Straight from the whistle  Rydal went on the offensive led by School Team Captain Jordan Edwards and the open the scoring with their flying Winger Divine broke through the tackles to open the score which their scrum half Morgan slotted over for 7 nil lead after five minutes. The Bay then woke up when Jordan Clemson playing at number 8 for the injured Remy Sheil barged over from the base of the scrum and took the conversion to equal the scores. The Rydal team now playing good rugby connecting the forwards and backs had Bay pinned in their own half and the Bay had to put in some good tackles to keep their flying wingers from scoring .However a break from their inside centre well supported by the Rydal back row who slipped the ball to their winger and Rydal were in again for the try under the posts to go in at half time 14:7.

In the second half the Bay forwards took the game Rydal with some great forward drives from David Edwards, Nicholas Ingham and Jordan Clemson as supported by and aggressive running from Tom Caldwell playing at Centre. From a set move the ball was flipped by fleet footed Scott Kane Scrum Half for Adam Stroud at outside centre to run through on the crash ball to score in the corner to  make it 14:12 with a missed conversion. The Bay then exerted more forward pressure  and got into the red zone (the 22)and Jake Wilson scored a superb try from a tap penalty taken two brave Rydal tacklers with him over the line, which was converted by Oliver Wood Winger for the Bay to go into the lead 12:19.Last year Rydal heads may have went down however again they came straight back  and their backs and forwards linked well together to put Ben Staubley over in the corner. The conversion was a fantastic long range left foot kick from Morgan from the touch line which hit the bar and fell over for the two points and Rydal were in the lead again 21:19 with six minutes to go, and the crowd erupted into spontaneous applause at the quality of the rugby being played by both sets of boys.

The Bay then regained good field possession in the remaining five minutes and Connah Harding Fly Half took the ball from a pop up pass to break through the tackles from Rydal and put the Bay again back in the lead at 26:21 the conversion was taken by Jordan Clemson. Rydal never gave up and in the last play nearly broke through for the winning try but some great tackling by the Bay backs held out for a nail biting win by five points.

Great effort boys against a much improved team and we need to step up again for the return match against Rydal School to be played hopefully under flood lights later in the Autumn. The Bay Man of the Match was Jordan Clemson Number 8 with outstanding player points awarded to Tom Caldwell at Inside centre.

The best match of the took place at the Under 14s age group where a pulsating match took place against a team that has had a remarkable seasonal turnaround in fortunes. Bro Ffestiniog  have never beating CBRFC at this age group or in the annual First Hydro Co sponsored rugby tournament and indeed games have been very one sided but that was not the case today. The Bay were missing four key players today with Remy Sheil, Jordan Edwards, Kieran Williams and Scott Kane all missing through injury and seasonal illnesses.

The Bay started very badly and were 7 nil down after one minute after a breakaway by the Bro Ffestiniog strong running inside centre who went the length of the park and converted the try. Within another five minutes the Bay were 14 nil down after another try by the same inside centre which was made by some poor tackling and the Bay were up against a team which had a remarkable turnaround in fortunes. Only after twenty minutes did the Bay start to perform when Nicholas Ingham 2^nd Row barged over the line for a forwards try and this was also followed by Tom Caldwell who took a superb running line to go over for a great inside centres try. However after doing all the hard work of getting back into the game the Bay shipped another two try’s in quick succession after two speculative kicks were followed up by the Bro pack which assisted by some poor tackling again to let Bro Ffest go into half time at 28:14.

The second half was a complete reversal of fortunes and the Bay dominated the half so much that Bro Ffestiniog only got once to the Bay 22m line and the rest of the half was in the Bro Ffestiniog half. Luke Rawickii winger got on the score sheet by chasing a great kick from Jake Wilson and then robbing the fullback to fall over the line for an unconverted try. David Edwards Prop was not to be outdone and he bundled his way over with all his forwards in support  and it was 28:26 with 15 minutes to go. For the remainder of the match Bro Ffestiniog were pinned in their 22m area and showed outstanding defence with both backs and forwards tackling their hearts out. The Bay scrum was outstanding with Bro Ffest being pushed off the ball continually and in the line out the lessons from Tony Lumby Seniors Coach on the Tuesday night in the line out play were put into place. Even though the Bay were over the line three times and Bro Ffestiniog were down to 14 men, the Bay could not ground the ball and Bro Ffestiniog held out for a deserved victory by one of the narrowest of rugby scoring margins.

The Bay second half performance was very commendable but today’s match was lost in the dressing room. The Bay underestimated the Bro Ffestiniog side by reflecting on big victories in previous seasons. A good lesson was learned today in that you always play what is in front of you at all times and treat every opposition who come to Brookfield Road like they were the All Blacks.

Man of the Match Adam Smith Second Row for taking the game to Bro Ffestiniog with some huge ball carrying runs with outstanding contributions by Nicholas Ingham 2^nd Row and George Roberts playing at Scrum Half today for the first time in his rugby  career converting from Hooker.    

The Bay played their annual match against the tourists from the South West and as regular followers of this age group will know Clevedon School are a top side  in Bristol with a long pedigree in rugby. Today was another landmark day with again two new players making their Colwyn Bay debut with Connor Harvey playing on the  wing and Iwan at full back, pulling on the blue and white top for their first full game.

In difficult playing conditions and rain continuing to fall throughout the game the match was played with at a high tempo and for the 20 minutes remarkably there was no score. The Bay took on the opposing and much larger Clevedon pack up front very well and the scrum and line out functioned well from the first minute. This is great credit to the boys who have trained very hard at this aspect of the game in what was only their second game of contested scrums. Clevedon opened the scoring when their back row forward took advantage of a knock on in the Bay half to score in the corner in spite of some great ditch tackling by the Bay defence.

In the second half the Bay came alive and dominated the frontal exchanges and this additional possession led to the ball being shipped down the line for new boy Connah Harvey going in for a try in the corner with some great side stepping. With the try being unconverted it was now 5:7 and the Bay were back in the hunt with all the forwards led by Remy Sheil at Number 8 playing outstanding rugby in the loose.

Both sides continued to play very attractive rugby and all the new Bay players to the side in this season got a good run out continuing the team ethos of all inclusive rugby. On two occasions the Bay were through on the line but the final pass went adrift with the line begging.  In the latter part of the game Clevedon got a break out from the back of their line and one missed tackle put the large Clevedon second row forward under the posts for a converted try with 8 minutes on the clock to go. The Bay again fought back and were in the Clevedon half for the remainder in the game however Clevedon made the game safe with a converted try by their winger in the last minutes to put a gloss on the score.

The Bay Man of the Match Remy Sheil Number 8

Sunday 12th September 2010

LLANGEFNI U14's  7          COLWYN BAY U14's  10

The Boys from the Bay made their way to Anglesey to play their first game of the season against Llangefni RFC who are one of the most improved sides in this WRU age group in North Wales. The Bay were unfortunately travelling light on players and were missing key players such as Adam  Smith, Harri  Chinery Parkes, Kurt Taylor Williams, Luke Rawicki, Kieran Williams, Tomos Caldwell, Oscar Astbury and Matty Humphries however the strength and depth of the squad and the  commitment by the boys playing today was as good as in previous seasons.

This was a land mark day in the boys rugby development as for the first time the boys were involved in pushing scrums and lifting in the line out as per the WRU rules for Under 14s.In addition two new players were introduced to the side for their very first game in Colwyn Bay colours and both Joshua Jones Wing and Sean Harrison Centre who play for Aberconwy School in Conwy played very well.

The Bay got off to a great start and in spite of a much bigger Llangefni pack containing some outstanding regional rugby players namely Billy, and Rhodri and with a new starter Matthew Evans playing superbly well in his first full season, the Bay had to front up well. Today’s forwards of David Edwards, George Roberts, Jordan Edwards, Jordan Clemson, Nicholas Ingham, Jacob Weigh, Remy Sheil, Tom Jones, and Gareth Mansfield  took everything that Llangefni through at them and defended manfully. In the scrums the Bay played well but Llangefni dominated the line out using their height and size to big advantage which gave them lots of field possession. The Bay however were the first to score after 15 minutes are a superb “pick and go” by Remy Sheil playing at number 8  who went over the line from 8 yards, out for an unconverted try. The Bay backs were not to be out done and soon got in on the action and from the base of the scrum on the half way line Scott Kane scrum half quickly passed the ball to Connah Harding fly half, who shipped the ball to Jake Wilson Inside Centre who then side stepped three backs to score in the corner for another unconverted try. The Bay now realised that the way to win this game was to move the ball to the backs and the whole back line started to get more involved in the attacks  with Adam Stroud Centre, Sean Harrison Centre, Joshua Jones and Oliver Woods Wingers, making some telling line breaks. Oliver Wood in particular saved the Bay with some great defensive and line kicking which has obviously came from his football training.

In the second half Llangefni came out firing on all cylinders and scored a great forwards try just after the re-start, with Rhodri being bundled over by his forward and Ewan converting the try to make the score 7:10 and the match had come alive with forty minutes played . Llangefni piled on the pressure on the Bay line but could get over for a another try which would have probably sealed the game due to a great team defensive display of tackling by Forwards and the Backs. The Bay in the second half did make the occasional break out with Remy Sheil taking a quick tap penalty on the 22 metre line and getting over the line under the posts, however the ball was not grounded properly and the referee was correct in not awarding the try. As the match progressed the game could have gone any way with the ball going up and down the pitch with some great running rugby played by both teams.

Late in the second half on one breakaway from the tail of the line Matthew Evans Llangefni back row collided with a player and hurt his leg. It soon became apparent as he was treated on the pitch by the excellent first aid team at Llangefni that he had unfortunately broken his leg. The referee  decided quite correctly to terminate the game with 5 minutes  left so that a very brave Matthew Evans could be taken away by the Paramedics and Ambulance. Whilst the score remains at 7: 10 to the Bay all the coaches were of the opinion that a draw would of been the fair result which reflected on the great spirit in what the game was played in. The Bay coaches wish to thank the Llangefni Coaches and the local Paramedics in the prompt manner in the way they handled the injury today. Our best wishes go to Matthew Evans for a speedy recovery and we hope to see this outstanding new player in the return match at Brookfield Road Colwyn Bay later in the season.        

The Man of the Match was Matthew Evans Llangefni who had played so well until his injury and the Colwyn Bay “player of the day” was Jake Wilson for some outstanding defensive tackling and a great try.

All Bay boys please note that training is on Tuesday at 18.45 ready to train on the pitch and also there are plans to play our annual match against Rydal School at CBRFC on Friday evening under floodlights. Please read the web site everyday for these plans. There is also a game also planned for Sunday against  Clevedon School on tour from Bristol.