Saturday 28th January '06

Colwyn Bay 35 Denbigh 15

In what was essentially a 6 pointer fixture, Bay went into the game with a strong 19 man squad for their home game against Denbigh. With the likes of regular first teamers Sion Thomas, Steve Davidson, Phil Roberts and John Beagle resigned to the bench, the pressure was on the starting 15 to produce.
In what is historically a very equally fought fixture, Denbigh started the brightest, being first to everything on the park. Bays quite pre match changing room carried onto the pitch, and where fortunate not concede any early tries. As Bay finally woke up on the 10 minute mark, their first breaches into the Denbigh half produced
a superb opening try for in form centre Dave 'Lemon' Hocknell.
In past games this would have been the wake up call for Denbigh to up their game, however Denbigh  unusually failed to find that higher gear. Sensing this weakness the Bay pack produced some good dogged rucking and mauling. And the resulting possession allowed flanker Dave Brown to be driven over for yet another trademark Bay try. Denbigh's only means of reply was through Toni Jones, who took it upon himself to try and get Denbigh back into the game. From a safe looking scrum, Jones suddenly cut back inside, and jinxed the remaining 40 metres to the Bay try line, leaving no less than 5 Bay defenders enchanted by his footwork. Bay were let off for their ill discipline during the first half as Denbigh missed a number of penalty kicks. Gafyn Owen added another try for the home side giving a halftime lead of 21-5.
The second half saw more bay ill discipline as 20 of the remaining 40 minutes was spent with only 14 men. Marks' Earl and Bratt being sin binned for petty offences. Bay who were desperate for the 3 points kept up the pressure however, and whilst one man down managed to add another try via classy fly half Gareth Wynne. On Earls return to the pitch its was surly pleasing for him to seal Denbigh miserable day, showing some of his European Championship form Bay scoring wide out, and in front of the silent Denbigh crowd. Gaz Wynne added all 5 conversions for final score of 35 - 15.

Six Nations Rugby brings a two week break to domestic rugby. However fitness coach Mark Lewin, and backs coach Rees Rydal will ensure Bays players have a far from relaxing break. The coaches working together to accurately place a much needed rocket before Bay return to league rugby, at home to Dolgellau 11th Feb.

Alun Pugh AM - Brings Luck To The Bay!