COLWYN BAY U16' 22                    LLANGEFNI U16's  19

This end of season epic, saw ‘Bay sneaking the win within the dying seconds of this unscheduled yet highly entertaining encounter. Llangefni went into this fixture as huge favourites, as ‘Bay struggled to field a starting fifteen. With the assistance of the visiting coaching staff, play was able to commence with the loan of three Llangefni substitutes.

The expected explosion of tries failed to materialise as ‘Bay managed to contain and remain in touch of the islanders throughout. Following two consecutive mid half Llangefni tries (one con), the flood gates remained closed as ‘Bay continued to challenge, taking the game to the visiting fifteen. Expansive play propelled the hosts to within the 5m area, recycled ball was quickly shipped to an awaiting winger to cross the white wash and score ‘Bay’s only try of the half (unconverted).

The second half saw both teams racing through the gears as the efforts of the first half seemed pedestrian by comparison. Llangefni extended their lead with a converted run in try. ‘Bay remained unphased as the deficit grew to two converted tries. Edging the forward arm wrestle, the hosts began to stretch the Llangefni defence as winger Lewis Stockton ran in the first of his three second half tries (two converted) to earn Colwyn Bay this edge of seat thrilling victory.

Colwyn Bay’s depleted yet committed core of players deserve credit and recognition for their determination and “never say die” attitude during this encounter, to come back from a fourteen point deficit and sneak a win at the death, especially against quality opposition is a huge achievement and test of character. As a result, all ‘Bay players have been awarded Man of the Match.  

CHESTER TOURNAMENT- SHIELD CUP GRAND FINAL: 03/04/11

A tough two days of competition saw Colwyn Bay progress into the Shield Cup Group play off’s. ‘Bay were dominant throughout the final day, beating Waterloo, Rosendale and Chester Barbarians, propelling them into the Shield Cup Grand Final as leaders of their group.

Colwyn Bay and second placed team Waterloo locked horns in this pulsating Grand Final, as both teams fiercely contended the outcome of this top of the table clash. ‘Bay took the game to their challengers, as Charlie Rhodes split from a rolling maul within the Waterloo 5m area to cross the white wash and open the ‘Bay account, failure to convert the additional two points left ‘Bay vulnerable throughout this highly charged encounter. Waterloo pushed, gaining valuable yardage. ‘Bay were stretched but remained focused, containing Waterloo’s efforts and countered at every opportunity. With the first half coming to an end, Ieuan Jones extended the lead (converted), taking ‘Bay into a 12 – 0 second half lead.

CAERNARFON U16's   17                 COLWYN BAY U16's 7

The inclusion of touring team Stafford, turned this scheduled fixture into a Round Robin event.

Injuries, regional and national duties saw a depleted sixteen man 'Bay squad facing a strong touring Stafford team. 'Bay met the tourists fiercely in the tackle area, but failed to contain the speedersters in the Stafford backline, conceding a try within the first five minutes (unconverted). 'Bay were more than a match in the lineout aerial battle, and edged forward competition in scrum, ruck and mauls. Upping their pace, the 'Bay eight powered through a splintered Stafford defence, gifting Patrick Atkinson time and space to run in a converted try.

'Bay went into the second half with a slender 2 point lead.

'Bay managed to contain the tourists during the majority of the second half, dominating the forward head- to- head, but failed to turn possession into points. Unforced errors began to creep into the Colwyn Bay's defence, fall away tackles and an inability to close out the Stafford attack cost 'Bay the game. Within seconds of the final whistle, an assault on the 'Bay right wing ended with a corner flag try. 

.

With barley time to take a second breath, 'Bay faced host team Caernarfon. Their intention was clear from the kick off, 'Bay were in for a tough game as Caernarfon came out of the starting blocks with all guns blazing. The 'Bay pack controlled the forward assault, although poor decision making in the backline contributed towards this loss as Caernarfon ran in three tries (one converted) to 'Bay's one converted try.  

.

Inclement weather and a resurgent Bro Ffestiniog team left 'Bay digging deep to earn this hard fought victory. Forward momentum ripped deep into the Bro defence, gifting Jules Sheil the games opening try, yet a lack of ball retention at critical points forced 'Bay into a series of defensive errors, as the hosts pinned the travelling fifteen down on their 5m line. Dogged defending was not enough to stop Bro from crossing the white wash, leaving 'Bay to play catch up rugby for the majority of this encounter.

The visiting pack continued to make decisive inroads, as they ploughed through a fragmented Bro eight, however, the failure to adapt to the weather conditions saw 'Bay adopting an expansive game plan, resulting in a spate of unforced handling errors, as the backline struggled with ball in hand. Bro' read the conditions well, and exploited all areas of the park with carefully aimed touch finders. With the first half coming to an end, Bro managed to breach 'Bay's defensive line, which left the visitors a 7 point deficit going into the second half.

'Bay slowly began to adapt to the weather conditions, retaining ball, as the forwards took the game to the Bro pack. With the try line at the mercy of the attacking eight, 'Bay spilt the ball allowing the hosts the opportunity to clear their line. Again, the visiting fifteen found themselves pinned within the 10m area. A lapse in concentration saw 'Bay infringe within kicking range of the sticks, Bro' didn't need a second invitation, and bisected the uprights to take them into a 10 point lead. With time and the game ebbing away, 'Bay had to keep ball in hand. Forward dominance dictated the outcome of this challenging encounter, the visiting eight executed their training park drills to perfection as Gareth Huffen finished off a set piece move to gift 'Bay a life line. With minutes remaining, the hosts found themselves back within scoring range as Jules Sheil found a half gap to put 'Bay into the lead for the first time. Bro battled hard, forcing the visitors onto the back foot. With seconds remaining an attacking set piece went against the head leaving Sion Jones a simple tap into touch to end this nail biting encounter.

A brief spell of losses became a distant memory for 'Bay, as Rhyl were all but dispatched within the first half. The hosts competed well, and true to the sport, battled to the very end. However, 'Bay controlled all aspects of this encounter, and were rarely off the attacking front foot. Speed and agility from visitors running backs, cut deep into the heart of Rhyl's defensive line. Off the ball support was highly evident as 'Bay covered the park with ease. Forward work was relentless, controlled and remained dominant throughout.

 Morgan Harries, Patrick Atkinson, Ashley Jones, Matt Phelan and Jules Sheil amongst many more, had an exceptional game. Choosing a Man of the Match has become very difficult, although two players put in just enough to edge the decision: Lewis Stockton was solid in both attack and defence, whilst prop Krystn Yeomans was hugely physical during forward play, as a result, both players have been named Colwyn Bay Man of the Match.                          

Fall away tackles, poorly aimed clearance kicks and minor infringements contributed towards 'Bay's loss. In most part, the Wrexham fifteen were shepherded well as the visitors contained forward momentum. However, an inability to close down Wrexham's counter attacking options, whilst on the back foot, gifted the hosts far too much opportunity to gain needless amounts of yardage.

'Bay absorbed the pressure, keeping the Wrexham score line within scope. Strong scrummaging and quick ball distribution gifted the visitors the green light back into the game, yet a level of indecision in the back line failed to deliver the desired result.

The travelling fifteen were not out played and contributed towards this highly entertaining encounter. Jules sheil, Callum Mitchell and Matt Phelan put in the thumping tackles. Sion Jones bossed the base of the scrum. As for Man of the Match: one player was instrumental in spoiling Wrexham's attacking options, strong tackles, awareness, quick to the breakdown, for these reasons, Gareth Huffen has been named Colwyn Bay's Man of the Match.  

An opening spell of poor handling and indecision saw 'Bay struggle to contain a surging Wrexham team. Unforced errors allowed the visitors to dominate the first quarter of the half, as 'Bay failed to gain territory. Wrexham's strangle hold began to slip as the hosts running backs made inroads deep into the heart of the visitors defense. A period of indiscipline gifted Patrick Atkinson a brace of penalty conversions. Wrexham remained focused, meeting 'Bay fiercely in the tackle area. Absorbing the pressure, the hosts increased momentum as Gareth Huffen sniffed a half gap to open 'Bay's try scoring account. Wrexham kept 'Bay in scope, as they crashed over the white wash to take them into the 2nd thirty five with a four point deficit.

Shear determination compensated for 'Bay's lack of structure during the second half. Expansive play and sniping runs cut through a strong Wrexham defense. Tries from Morgan Harries and Patrick Atkinson took the game away from the competing visiting fifteen. Wrexham battled hard, but failed to threaten 'Bay's scorline, even with the consolation of a late try.

Two player's are named as Colwyn Bay Man of the Match. Jules Sheil had a fantastic game, strong, powerful tackling, regularly breaking the gain line with storming runs. In addition, Matt Scott displayed control in the line out aerial battle, contending and securing difficult ball.

BANGOR U16's  21                    COLWYN BAY U16's  31

'Bay struggled to match Bangor during the majority of the first half. Lack of direction and an inability to retain ball in open play, left Colwyn Bay defending off the back foot. Basic and unpressurised errors allowed the hosts a number of scoring opportunities from within the visitors 22. Fortunately 'Bay's frantic defending kept the try count down to one as Bangor threatened to turn the screw and close out 'Bay. The visitors absorbed the pressure and slowly began to build, phases were controlled and focused. Tight play gifted Callum Mitchell his first try of the encounter (converted), however,  'Bay's fragile lead was short lived, as a conceded penalty within the 22 was easily dispatched,  taking Bangor into a one point end of half lead.

The second half saw both teams battle for early dominance. 'Bay began to edge the forward challenge, creating time for the backline to spin the ball though the hands and take the game to Bangor within their 10m area. Recycled ball kept 'Bay on the front foot, as Callum Mitchell stretched his account with two hard fought tries. Bangor replied with two unconverted tries and a penalty. The game began to turn in 'Bay's favour, as Patrick Atkinson intercepted a poorly timed pass to put the visitors into the comfort zone. Left wing Josh Parsonage finished off a tap penalty on the Bangor 5m with a corner flag try.

A hard fought win for 'Bay. Callum Mitchell was instrumental in almost all facets of the game. As a result, Callum has been named Colwyn Bay U 16's Man of the Match.

Bala's intention was clear from the kick off, 'Bay were in for a tough game. From the kick off, Bala reclaimed ball from a fiercely timed tackle, gifting them the opening try (converted). 'Bay competed well, pulling the score back with a Callum Mitchell try (unconverted). The hosts remained in control as 'Bay struggled to contain forward momentum, conceding a penalty within kicking distance of the sticks. Bala bisected the uprights, forcing 'Bay into a spell of catch up rugby. The visitors slowly began to gel, putting phases together, the 'Bay pack slogged their way into the Bala 22. A speculative pass to Lewis Stockton allowed the centre create a half gap and score a much needed try (unconverted). The powerful Bala fifteen took no prisoners as they thumped their way up the park, to score the last try of the first half (unconverted)taking them into a 15-10 lead. 

'Bay slowly closed out the hosts during the second half. Training park set moves enabled the visitors to expand their game plan. Interaction between forwards and backs swiftly propelled the attacking fifteen into the opponents 22m. 'Bay were often rocked by crunching Bala tackling, but close play and support off the ball rarely gifted the hosts a foot hold with the 'Bay "red zone". The visitors outscored Bala six tries (four converted) to one 1.

'Bay were rocked early within the first half. Confidence and an ability to adapt, secured 'Bay this hard fought win. All the 'Bay player's deserve credit for this win. As for Man of the Match: one player displayed huge courage in the tackle area, had presence of mind to to secure lose ball, and contributed towards two of the 'Bay tries, for these reasons Dan Hughes has been named Colwyn Bay U16's Man of the Match.  

Tries: (3)                          Tries: Morgan Harries (2)

                                                Lewis Stockton (2)

Con: (2)                                    Jack Foster (1)

                                               Callum Mitchell (2)

Pen: (1)                                    Kieran Fardoe (1)

                                        Con: Callum Mitchell (3)

                                                Jack Foster (1)  

The only thing this game was missing, was the kitchen sink, as both teams threw everything into this pulsating encounter. Nant took the early lead as 'Bay failed to contain forward momentum. The hosts replied with a Morgan Harries try (unconverted), but unforced errors allowed Nant the opportunity to stretch the first half lead with a second converted try.

The second half saw 'Bay meeting Nant in the tackle area. Fierce defending at the breakdown gifted the hosts a way back into the game. Turnover ball at key points, began to alter the dynamics of the game, as 'Bay turned defense into attack. However, the kicking option rarely created an attacking platform, as Nant were content to return the ball down field with added interest. A penalty conceded within kicking distance of the 'Bay posts failed to hit the mark. 'Bay regrouped, with ball in hand, the hosts began to punch holes in the strong Nant defense. Tries from Ieuan Jones and Patrick Atkinson (one converted) took the game into a nail biting finale. The hosts covered the park and cancelled out any hope Nant had of sneaking a last gasp try.

This win was truly a team effort. As for Man of the Match, one player was instrumental in spoiling the Nant attack at critical points of the game, as a result Sam Jones has been named Colwyn Bay U16's Man of the Match.      

Tries: Morgan Harries (1)              Tries (2)

         Ieuan Jones (1)

         patrick Atkinson (1)             Con: (2)

Con: Patrick Atkinson (2)

COLWYN BAY U16's   55            PWLLHELI U16's  41

Colwyn Bay's first half dominance was clinical and controlled. All phases were precise and executed at pace. Pwllheli struggled to contain 'Bay's free flowing style of play. Backs and forwards combined, stretching the lead and taking 'Bay into the second half with, what was believed to be, an unassailable lead. First half ended 38-5

The score line flattered to deceive, as 'Bay fell off the pace during the second half, allowing Pwllheli a route back into the game. Lack of structure, and an inability to remain focused, also contributed towards 'Bay's failure to capitalise on early dominance. 

The concerted team effort, so highly prominent in the first half, decided to take an early shower. However, 'Bay continued to add to the score line, but were outscored 2 to 1 by a resurgent Pwllheli. 

One player remained highly focused and vocal during the second half. As a result, Pat Atkinson has been named Colwyn Bay's Man of the Match.

Tries: Lewis Stockton (3)          Tries: (7)  

         Alex Trowman (2)

         Sion Jones (1)                 Con: (3) 

         Jack Foster (1)

         Patrick Atkinson (1)

         Gareth Huffen (1)

Con:  Patrick Atkinson (4)

         Alex Trowman (1)

What is usually considered to be a close run encounter between both teams, turned into a Halloween nightmare for Bangor, as 'Bay ran in seven unanswered tries. The visitors matched 'Bay at the break down, but failed to capitalise on both turn over ball, and the ever increasing penalty count 'Bay were beginning to amass. However, the hosts split the Bangor defence almost at will. Exciting line breaks and angles of attack took the game beyond Bangor within the first half. The visitors covered the park well, but failed to turn possession into points.

Choosing a Man of the Match has become a difficult decision. On this occasion, two players were highly prominent during the encounter, and as a result, Jules Shiel and Kieran Fardoe have both been named Man of the Match.

Tries: Kieran Fardoe (1) Jack Foster (1) Alex Trowman (1) Patrick Atkinson (1) Lewis Stockton (2)  Morgan Harries (1)

Con:  Patrick Atkinson (5)  Jack Foster (1)

Regional duties and unavailability of players, forced Denbigh into utilising a handful of the Colwyn Bay squad to fulfil this encounter. As expected under the circumstances, 'Bay were dominant, putting 31 points on their opponents within the first twenty minutes. Denbigh managed to reply to the score line with two unconverted tries.  

The match was unfortunately brought to a premature end at half time, as a Hamstring injury to the referee left the official with no other option but to abandon the game.     

Tries: (2)                                  Tries: Morgan Harris (2)          Con: Patrick Atkinson (3)                                    

                                               Lewis Stockton (1)    

                                               Patrick Atkinson (1)

                                               Kieran Fardoe (1)

Power, passion, belief and maturity, sums up Bay's approach in sealing this pulsating encounter. Rydal created early scoring opportunities, as Bay's back line was opened with hinge like ease, allowing the hosts to run in two unanswered tries (one converted).

'Bay remained focused, the backline tightened and Rydal were met fiercely in the tackle area. With composure, 'Bay eased their way back into the game. Playing for territory, the visitors made their way up the pitch, forcing Rydal onto the back foot. With the try line in sight, Ashley Jones created space for Callum Mitchell to cross the white wash and open 'Bay's account (unconverted). 'Bay continued with the pressure, forcing Rydal into conceding a penalty within kicking range of the posts. Pat Atkinson bagged the three points, to take 'Bay into the second half with only a single try separating the score line.

'Bay began the second half, pinning hosts Rydal down on their 5m line. Loose play and spilt ball gifted Charlie Rhodes a sitter of a try (unconverted), to take 'Bay into a fragile one point lead. The intensity increased, as Rydal's back line attempted to breach the 'Bay defence. Again, the hosts were penalised within range of the posts. Pat Atkinson split the uprights, and increased the 'Bay scorline. Rydal threatened to close in on the visitors tally, as their exciting fly half picked up lose ball, only to be tackled and brought down within feet of the try line by a retreating Lewis Stockton. 'Bay regrouped, easing the pressure with a down field clearance. Rydal countered from deep, but failed to gain ground. With the mounting pressure, Rydal conceded another penalty on their 22m line. A quickly taken tap by Kieran Fardoe was looped outside for Callum Mitchell to cross the line, and put daylight between the two scores (converted). 

Rydal dug deep, forcing 'Bay back. Forward power propelled the hosts towards the beckoning try line, and score the final try of the game. A difficult decision as far as Man of the Match is concerned. However, Matt Phelan had a huge game, winning and competing for all line out ball. As a result, Matt has been named Colwyn Bay's Man of the Match.

Tries: (3)                         Tries: Callum Mitchell (2)     Charlie Rhodes (1)

Con: (1)                           Con: Patrick Atkinson (1)     Pen: Patrick Atkinson (2)     

COLWYN BAY U16's   51               BRO FFESTINIOG U16's  0

Heavy rain and a sodden pitch dictated the style of play both teams were to adopt. Colwyn Bay adapted well, tight forward work kept the backline on the attacking front foot.

Unfortunately, Bro' were on the receiving end of 'Bay's frustration, following last weeks drubbing at the hands of the Wirral. Within seconds of the start, 'Bay were on the score board. Matt Phelan secured line out ball on the 5m line before off loading to Callum Mitchell for a crash over try. From then on, the tries flowed as 'Bay controlled the pace of the game. Bro battled hard but failed to threaten the try line.

Choosing a Man of the Match was a difficult decision. All the 'Bay players contributed towards this win, however Jack Foster lead from the front. As a result, Jack has been named Colwyn Bay's Man of the Match.

Tries: Callum Mitchell (4)          Jack Foster (2)          Ashley Jones (1)          Alex Trowman (2)

Con:  Patrick Atkinson (2)          Callum Mitchell (1)                  

WIRRAL U16's     50                COLWYN BAY U16's     0

A difficult game to sugar coat. As the score line suggests, this was a bad day at the office for 'Bay. All credit to Wirral, they played basic running rugby. Capitalising on loose ball, and creating scoring opportunities from 'Bay's failure to meet them in the tackle area. Certain dynamics within the team failed to function, allowing the hosts to dictate the flow of the game.

On the positive side. Colwyn Bay's scrummaging was strong and controlled, regularly pushing their opposite numbers backwards, and potentially winning the battle of the packs.

Cameron Parry had a huge influence on today's scrummaging. Strength and low body angles made it difficult for his opposite number to control. As a result, Cameron has been named Colwyn Bay's Man of the Match.

Both teams adapted well to the weather conditions, as heavy rain threatened to turn this encounter into a one dimensional, forward dominated slugfest. Fortunately, both sets of backs managed to open up the game with exciting running rugby. Good handling and swift rucking, saw 'Bay open their account with a run in try by Jake Evans. Bangor controlled the phases from the restart, edging towards the visitors try line. 'Bay conceded a penalty on their 5m line, as they failed to contain and control the hosts forward momentum  With the try line in sight, Bangor powered over to equal the scores. 'Bay regrouped, as forwards and backs combined, taking the attack into the heart of the Bangor defense. Quick ball from the base of a ruck was spun out wide for Lewis Stockton to cross the whitewash, and take 'Bay into a 5 point first half lead.

The second half saw 'Bay slowly pull away from their hosts. Sniping runs from Ashley Jones, regularly took the attack beyond Bangor's rush defense, enabling 'Bay's forwards to gain a foothold deep into the hosts half. Tries began to flow as Jack Foster, Lewis Stockton and Kieran Fardoe all crossed the try line. Bangor dug deep, replying with two tries, one converted, but failed to threaten the 'Bay score line.

Special mention to the following players: Matthew Scott was outstanding in the line out aerial battle, Jake Evans was hugely effective, both in attack and defense, Sion Jones controlled the wet ball from the base of the rucks/mauls, quick distribution forced 'Bay over the gain line. However, Ashley Jones was influential in creating most of Colwyn Bay's scoring opportunities, as a result, Ashley has been named Man of the Match.

Sunday 12th September 2010

LLANGEFNI U16's  48           COLWYN BAY U16's  21

Colwyn Bay started strongly. A concerted effort, saw Cameron Parry and Jack Foster score two early tries (both converted by Pat Atkinson). As expected, the early exchanges were played at a high tempo, with both teams attacking at every opportunity. Llangefni kept 'Bay within their sights, replying immediately to the visitors score line. 'Bay fell off the pace during the latter part of the first half, allowing Llangefni's playmakers to exploit a retreating defence. Poor tackling and an inability to block the hosts attacking options, were a contributing factor in today's loss. In addition, first game of the season, with very little training. This was not going to be an easy encounter. A lack of cohesion after the summer break was also evident.  

Colwyn Bay were not played off the park. They countered at every opportunity, regularly forcing their way to the Llangefni 22 with exceptional passages of play. Unfortunately, infringements at key moments allowed the hosts to clear their lines. Llangefni added two more tries (one converted) to their six of the first half. 'Bay scored a consolation try, as Jack Foster battled though fierce defending to put some credibility to the 'Bay score line.  

Special mention to Josh Parsonage. A fine debut on 'Bay's right wing. As for man of the match. Team Captain, Jack Foster had an exceptional game. A brace of tries, and hugely effective in both defence and attack. For theses reason's, Jack been named Colwyn Bay's Man of the Match.