Saturday 14th January '06

Colwyn Bay 22 - Pwllheli 15

Colwyn Bay shocked third placed Pwllheli with two tries in the first five minutes. Coming off a close game last week against second placed Nant Conwy, Bay had targeted this game for a much needed three points. A large travelling crowd from Pwllheli were left stunned as in the first minute Bay hooker Mike 'Tookie' Hughes intercepted a pass on the halfway line and showed the chasing Pwllheli centres a clean pair of heels as he ran 50 metres to score under the posts. Gaz Wyn converted. On the restart Bays pack relentlessly chased down the ball, bullying possession from Pwllheli. The 5 minute marker saw a Bay breakaway deep into the Pwllheli half, with second row Chris 'Crempog' Hughes beating two backs to score and round off a great team try. With 5 minutes gone and already 12 points to nil ahead Bay were full of confidence. A good lineout provided fly half Andy Williams Owen with quick ball, and he launched a speculative drop goal from a full 35 metres out. The ball sailed through the centre of the posts giving bay a 15 to nil lead.

Halfway through the first half Pwllheli were rewarded for some powerful running into Bay territory, and scored a deserved try wide out. The second half saw the introduction of Tom Lewis Jones and Steve Davidson for the Bay side. Apart from a 3 point penalty for Pwllheli, Bay maintained in control the game throughout the second half, not least down the hard work by Bay second rows Chris Hughes and Phil Roberts, and also Kiwi flanker Tame Heke. The trios work rate in set piece and open play being an example to the many junior player watching. Bay completed their points total with a great team try, involving hooker Mike Hughes. and backs Sean McDonough and Gaz Wyn, the later getting the final touchdown. Williams Owen converted. The final minute of the game were needlessly made tense for Bay, as they were reduced to 14 men, due to scrumhalf Ben Evans being sin binned for a silly off the ball incident. Pwllheli immediately scored a try after this, however the clock was on the home teams side. The final whistle sealing a great 22 - 15 victory for Bay.
Colwyn Bay will try to further distance themselves from the lower end of the table in their next match, away to Caernarfon.   

Match Sponsor: Paul Jones Memorial Fund

Team Mascot: Joseff McAlinden