U9Match 09-10

25th April '10

Colwyn Bay U9s 1 - Ruthin U9s 7

Try Scorer: Alex Martin

Colwyn Bay U9s 0 - Wrexham U9s 4

(Colwyn Bay U9s 2 - Wrexham U9s 1)

Colwyn Bay U9s travelled to Wrexham for the annual Anglo-Welsh Tournament. It was disappointing that the only English team in the U9s had dropped out leaving Colwyn Bay with only 2 matches to play, both against local rivals.

The first match against Ruthin started well with a good early try from Alex Martin who started the game with an injury to his knee. Well done for supporting your team and playing. From then on Colwyn Bay's tackling let them down leading to a straightforward victory for Ruthin.

In the second game against Wrexham it was again Bay's tackling that let them down. Rugby is a team game and it is very hard to be competitive when only half your team is getting involved. Wrexham played well for a good win. Unfortunately this was the end of the Tournament for Bay.

An impromptu game was held at the end between a Wrexham U9s team and Colwyn Bay. This was a changed team that rose from the disappointment of leaving the competition early to play some lovely team rugby. The players who struggled to get involved in the earlier games played some of their best rugby of the season, lifting the whole team to a 2-1 victory with tries from Arthur McCann and Byron Wilson-Noon. Jasmine Burton played her best rugby of the season by far. She seemed to be everywhere on the pitch and the opposition found it hard to play her. Lets see more of that Jasmine! Philip Higton nearly scored his first try in a super straight run down the wing. Thomas Bale led well as captain and along with Joshua Thomas, Ethan Ryan & Ewan Luke played well all day. Man of the Day goes to Alex Martin who could have gone home with his injury but played for his team. Well done Alex & to everyone for a team performance in the third game.

11th April '10

Colwyn Bay U9s 2-2 Pwllheli U9s Try scorers Ethan Ryan, Sam Earl

Colwyn Bay U9s 2-2 Pwllheli U9s Try scorers Sam Earl 2

On a beautiful spring morning Colwyn Bay U9s welcomed Pwllheli to the Club. On what could politely be described as a fast track 2 games of high quality rugby were played and thoroughly enjoyed by both players and supporters alike.

In the first game it took Pwllheli until nearly half-time to score the opening try. Colwyn Bay’s rush defense at restarts caused Pwllheli problems all morning and led to several turnovers. This match was a fantastic example of how good U9s rugby can be when two teams are prepared to run at every opportunity and tackle anything that moves. Ethan Ryan scored a try that was made by Byron Wilson-Noon’s break followed by a lovely pass to Ethan that left him with plenty of space to score. Strong work from our pack of forwards led by Josh Thomas made for quick recycling of ball from rucks and mauls. Bay were unlucky not to win this game. The vast improvement in defence and tackling by the whole team, substitutes included, led to this match being a tight fought draw with the equalising try coming from Sam Earl.

The second was another close affair with both teams playing with commitment and no lack of enthusiasm. Colwyn Bay were leading by 2-0 at half time thanks to two Sam Earl interceptions in a game that he read well. As the game progressed it was evident that players were tiring leading to unforced errors from both teams. Pwllheli fought back to score two tries, again leaving the game a draw. The greatest success today was the quality and number of tackles made by Colwyn Bay against quality opposition. Both teams were roundly applauded by all the supporters who had enjoyed a display of fine rugby. Man of the match for Colwyn Bay is Sam Earl but Joshua Thomas needs to be highly commended for his unceasing work. All the players should feel very proud of their performance. This was the best rugby of the season so far. Well done to you all!

31st January '10

Colwyn Bay U9s 3 – 7 Caernarfon U9s

Try Scorers Alex Martin 2, Josh Thomas

Colwyn bay U9s 5 – 2 Caernarfon U9s

Try Scorers Alex Martin 3, Josh Thomas, Byron Wilson-Noon

On a snowy January morning Colwyn Bay welcomed Caernarfon U9s to Brookfield Drive for the first match for some weeks.

In the first game Caernarfon took control and Colwyn Bay found it difficult to get into the match despite an early try from Josh Thomas. Caernarfon had a couple of strong runners which challenged Colwyn Bays defensive line. In this first game there was little team cohesion resulting in large gaps opening up for the opposition to run through. The lack of tackling from the home team made life easier for Caernarfon. The Captain for the day Alex Martin scored two worthy tries and led from the front. This was not enough however to threaten the result of the game.

Having warmed up in the first game Colwyn Bay were a transformed team for the second match. They took the initiative with good straight running and great passing to players running in support. This led to tries from Alex Martin (3), Josh Thomas and Byron Wilson-Noon. There were displays of text-book try saving tackling from Thomas Bale and Matthew Richards, who made his debut. He shows great promise for the future. In very difficult conditions Colwyn Bay did all that was asked of them in the second game and the result reflected the effort that they put in. This was a true team performance and all players should be proud of themselves. Man of the Match is Alex Martin for his 5 tries and good all round play. Well done Alex!

Thank you to all the parents for their enthusiastic support of the team as always. Spring is round the corner!

6th December '09

Colwyn Bay U9s 4 – 3 Rhyl U9s Tries: Byron Wilson-Noon 2, Arthur McCann, Ewan Luke

Colwyn Bay U9s 2 – 4 Rhyl U9s Tries: Byron Wilson-Noon, Joshua Thomas

After three weeks without a match Colwyn Bay welcomed Rhyl on a sunny December morning. The team were raring to go and for the first time this season hit the ground running. By the half-time whistle Colwyn Bay were leading three tries to nil thanks to good team play drawing the defence and passing the ball to the supporting player in space. Arthur McCann scored a beautiful try from kick-off. Byron Wilson-Noon & Ewan Luke added to the tally. In the second half Colwyn Bay thought the game was won. They went to sleep and Rhyl promptly ran in three unanswered tries. Only a last minute try from Byron Wilson-Noon secured the victory for Colwyn Bay. Thomas Bale was unlucky not to score on two occasions, once he was tap-tackled short of the line and on the second occasion his try was disallowed by the referee for a double movement. Harry Roberts deserves a mention for his relentless determination and try-saving tackles. Alex Martin is to be congratulated on his first game of rugby. Well done Alex.
The second match saw Colwyn Bay continue to sleep-walk through the first half with a lack of tackling encouraging Rhyl to run at them. This resulted in a first half score of 4-0. They pulled things together again during the second half with more passing and tackling resulting in a try by Joshua Thomas and again Byron Wilson-Noon. Colwyn Bay's mistake in the second game was when they made a tackle they did not get the opposition player to the ground allowing them to continue and pass the ball.
There was much to take from the performance today. Colwyn Bay showed that when they play running rugby they can win games. They also learnt that victory is not assured until the final whistle has blown. Fraser Williams captained well. Man of the Match goes to Harry Roberts for his superb tackling, showing the rest of the team how it should be done and for his relentless work rate. Well done Harry and all the team!

15th November '09

Colwyn Bay U9s 1 -7 Pwllheli U9s    Try scorer-Thomas Bale
Colwyn Bay U9s 2 - 3 Pwllheli U9s      Try scorers - Byron Wilson-Noon,
                                                                                          Joshua Thoma

Colwyn Bay travelled to a gloriously sunny Pwllheli where they played 2 matches against strong opposition. The first game can be divided into three parts. In the first part Pwllheli dominated, Colwyn Bay didn't make their tackles and didn't hold their shape. They played in a bunch which left wide spaces that Pwllheli took advantage of relentlessly. For the 8 minutes either side of half time Colwyn Bay rediscovered their tackling ability and shape. This period of play was started by a fantastic solo run from Thomas Bale which led to Colwyn Bay's only try of the match. In the final third Colwyn Bay again lost shape and returned to playing in a tight bunch around the ball. Pwllheli were worthy winners of this first match.
After conceding a soft early try the second game was a completely different affair with Colwyn Bay playing with dedication, vigour and shape from the start. Ethan Ryan made a series of tremendous tackles saving at least 3 tries. There was strong running from Joshua Thomas, Byron Wilson-Noon and Harry Roberts. Thomas Bale put in another consistently strong performance. Ewan Luke led well as captain and very nearly scored a long-range solo try being felled just before the line. When Colwyn Bay played as a team and passed the ball they were a constant threat to Pwllheli. This led to such a tight second game. Colwyn Bay need to realise that in Under9s rugby it is very rare that a try is scored by a solo effort. The tries are made by strong direct running drawing the defence in and then passing to the supporting player in space. This is the lesson from the day.
Man of the Match for the first game goes to Thomas Bale & Man of the Match for the second goes to Ethan Ryan who consistently tackles players much bigger than himself and seriously punched above his weight in this fixture. Well done Thomas, Ryan and to all the team for a fantastic second match against good opposition!
Finally thanks to all the parents for supporting our youngsters at Pwllheli, which is our furthest fixture!

8th November '09

Colwyn Bay U9s 3 – 4 Llandudno U9s

Try scorers: Harry Roberts, Byron Wilson-Noon, Joshua Thomas

Colwyn Bay U9s 3 – 1 Llandudno U9s

Try Scorers: Harry Roberts 2, Byron Wilson-Noon

Colwyn Bay U9s welcomed Llandudno on a Remembrance Sunday morning full of sunshine. After a minutes silence the matches began.

Colwyn Bay dominated the first half of the first match on the pitch but the half time score was a tight 1-1. Strong running from both teams led to end to end play. A lack of tackling, especially in the second half allowed the visitors back into the game. Eve Doherty made a magnificent tackle to save a try for which she must be highly commended. Tries were scored by Harry Roberts, Byron Wilson-Noon and Joshua Thomas. Byron was unlucky not to have scored a second. The lack of concentration in the last quarter of the match and a lack of tackling led to a well-deserved Llandudno win.

Colwyn Bay took the game to Llandudno in the second match with a tremendous team effort right from the start. Harry Roberts as captain led from the front with text-book tackling, great passion and 2 further tries to add to his tally. When the coach of the opposition team shook Harry’s hand after a tackle it was obvious that it must have been of the highest quality! Fraser Williams had a great game, probably his best game of rugby so far. Matthew Harrison, in his first day of competitive rugby settled in quickly. He ran with the ball and made a couple of tackles. He was obviously enjoying himself judging by his grin! The team came together in the second match and that is why they won. Man of the Match goes to Harry Roberts for an outstanding day of rugby. Well done to Harry and all the team!

25th October '09

Colwyn Bay U9s 2 - 4 Caernarfon U9s
Try Scorers: Ethan Ryan, Joshua Thomas

Colwyn Bay U9s 3 - 2 Caernarfon U9s
Try Scorers: Harry Roberts 2, Byron Wilson-Noon

Colwyn Bay travelled to Caernarfon for their second away match of the season. This was a fixture played in the true spirit of the game and Caernarfon were great hosts.
Caernarfon won the 1st game by 4 tries to 2. Ethan Ryan and Joshua Thomas were the try scorers for The Bay. Colwyn Bay were guilty of not making their tackles and playing as individuals rather than a team. There were some good individual performances with Arthur McCann leading well as captain.
In the second game Colwyn Bay played as a team and with great determination. There were strong runs from all members of the team, presentation of the ball in the tackle was excellent and passing of the tackle was very good with great support play. There was a good display of strong running from Fraser Williams, Thomas Bale, Byron Wilson-Noon and Joshua Thomas. The whole team pushed forwards well. It was particulary pleasing to see the back staying in position across the field giving the team lots of options. Ewan Luke rigorously stuck to his position and is to be commended for his discipline. Barn-storming direct running from Harry Roberts led to his two tries. The third try being scored by Byron Wilson-Noon.
I'd like to inform the parents that Sam Ashman did eventually get rid of all his mud and is starting to really enjoy his rugby.
Man of the Match for the first match goes to Ethan Ryan for his fabulous individual try fron one end of the pitch to the other.
In the second match it really was a team effort so this goes to all the players. Well done to all the boys!

4th October '09

Colwyn Bay U9s 0 – 10 Ruthin U9s

Colwyn Bay U9s 1 – 6 Ruthin U9s Try scorer Byron Wilson-Noon

On a damp, overcast Sunday morning Colwyn Bay welcomed Ruthin U9s for what turned out to be an interesting couple of matches.

Ruthin are always a very competitive team, well-drilled and confident and this showed through during the first match. They out-played Colwyn Bay in all facets of the game ending up as convincing victors. Colwyn Bay failed to tackle with the energy, confidence and enthusiasm with which they do during training, allowing Ruthin to run the length of the pitch to score try after try. They struggled to maintain their defensive line against tough opposition and lost the ball regularly.

The second match was a different story and the score line should have been closer. Colwyn Bay came out with more of an understanding about what it takes to compete in contact rugby. They showed a competitive nature and physicality not seen in the first game and on more than one occasion drove the Ruthin attack backwards. There was an excellent display of tackling and running rugby from Ethan Ryan who felled many players much larger than himself and single-handedly saved at least 3 tries. Joshua Thomas had a good game all round and again tackled well. Byron Wilson-Noon has rediscovered his speed and proved to be almost unstoppable on the attack. He scored a lovely try through sheer determination and a desire not to give up. His tackling was again much improved during this match and he led from the front as captain. Jasmine Burton coped well in her first game of competitive rugby and will become an important part of Colwyn Bay’s attacking line up as she showed a good turn of speed today. Man of the Match goes to Thomas Bale who played his heart out all morning. He tackled ferociously, ran well with the ball, supported his team mates at every opportunity and wore his inevitable bruises with pride. He never gave up and showed the rest of the team what is needed to win a game of rugby.

We are proud of you all as you came out strongly in the second match having been outplayed in the first. That takes a lot of spirit and confidence in your team mates. Remember what it feels like to play hard and take the game to the opposition as that is what we need to achieve week on week. Well done.