COLWYN BAY RFC V BETHESDA 21 OCT 2006

TOM DUFFY HAT TRICK SEALS AN IMPRESSIVE CUP WIN FOR COLWYN BAY AGAINST BETHESDA

Despite the wet and windy conditions at Bethesda both sides contributed to an entertaining game of quality rugby in this first round North Wales Cup match.  Bay fans had high expectations following impressive recent wins against Mold and Nant Conwy and they were not to be disappointed with a convincing 66-7 victory.

The Bay started the game strongly and good handling skills by prop Chris Browne put the strong running centre Patrick Leach in for an unconverted try after 5 minutes.  Shortly afterwards further pressure by the forwards saw full back Ben Evans sell a dummy for a try converted by centre Adam Hughes.  After 20 minutes, clever inter-passing by the Bay backs resulted in Patrick Leach crossing for his second try converted by Adam Hughes to put the Bay 19-0 in front.

Bethesda fought back with a period of sustained pressure by their forwards and they were rewarded on 30 minutes when hooker Claud Williams forced his way over for a try converted by outside half Kevin Evans.  Bay countered when Patrick Leach put second row Chris Hughes in the clear to cross for a try converted by Adam Hughes and shortly afterwards a backs move ended in a break for winger Tom Duffy to score.  Adam Hughes was successful with the conversion to move the score to 33-7. 

A recurrent hamstring problem meant that Adam Hughes had to be substituted shortly before half time.  A handling error by the Bethesda backs was picked up by second row Mark Earl and his slipped pass was taken by wing Phil Dixon to score a try converted by wing forward Josh Leach to take the score to 40-7 at half time. 

The Bay pack started the second half purposefully and a chip through by Patrick Leach was pounced on by Tom Duffy for a try converted by Josh Leach.  Facing the prospect of a heavy defeat Bethesda rallied and mounted several unsuccessful attacks and brave defensive play kept the Bay out for over 20 minutes.  However relentless Bay pressure resulted in a try when Patrick Leach charged down a kick for wing Jodie Prior to touch down to put the Bay 52-7 in front.  Shortly afterwards, after an impressive debut, Bay outside half Ash James had to leave the field with a leg injury.

Bethesda continued to defend bravely but they could not stop Ben Evans crossing for a try which he also converted.  Shortly before the end of the game Tom Duffy took a slipped pass from Mark Earl to complete a hat trick of tries.  Ben Evans converted to take the final score to 66-7. 

The Bay’s next fixture is a league match at home against Denbigh.