Saturday 7th January '06

Nant Conwy 29 - Colwyn Bay 21

A penalty try awarded by referee Ian Morris was the deciding in this hotly contested local derby. Colwyn Bay started the brightest against a team seven places above them in the league. Bay also scored the highest total of points of any opposition team at home to Nant this season. The first ten minutes saw Bay threatening Nant's try line for the opening score. But a long clearance kick from Nant gained then good field position deep in the Bay half. Nant pressure forced a penalty from Bay. The penalty was taken quickly and the sleeping Bay defensive line was unable to stop Nant
scoring out wide. From the restart Bay retook their hold on the game, with powerful runs taking them within metres of the Nant try line.
Yet again it was captain Dave Brown leading from the front, and a powerful driving maul saw Brown putting the final pressure on the ball. Andy Owens Williams converted to put Bay into the lead. The game continued in a very even way, which was pleasing for Bay coaches, as they had had to bring in two 18 year olds due to injuries. Will Blackwell and Tom Williams Jones in at key positions scrumhalf and hooker respectively. Blackwell, with this his first taste of 1st team rugby is an outstanding production of Bays junior system. He will surly be a key player in Bays near future. Nearing the halftime interval both teams were looking to break the deadlock, and it was Nant’s fluid passing which proved decisive, providing their wings with plenty for chances to run at Bay defence. A good show of interpassing from Nant saw their winger score 2 tries wide out before halftime. The second half saw 3 new bay players join the proceedings, Mike ' Tookie' Hughes, Phil 'Frank' Roberts, and Jay Beardmoore. The trio made an immediate impact, and Jay Beardmoore rounded off a great attack with a try. Williams Owen converted Bay felt the game was within their grasp, and their pack preformed well in securing good possession from a well drilled Nant pack. Further good position for Bay deep in Nant’s half, allowed Dave 'Lemon' Hocknell to use his power to crash over for well worked try. Williams Owen converted. as the game neared its end, the 22-21 score line
caused some tense dying minutes for the large Llanwrst crowd. It was testament to Bays great performance to hear the sighs of relief when Nant scored a final try to put the game out of Bays grasp.
Bay Coach Mark Earl praised his team and asked for continued commitment throughout the second half of the season.

Bay entertain Pwllheli this Saturday at Brookfield Drive, and are hoping for a large crowd to cheer them on as they strive for a much needed 3 points.