Under 13/14

4th May '08

Rhyl and District U 13's 24 Colwyn Bay U13's 24

The final fixture of Colwyn Bay's season was an eagerly awaited encounter with Rhyl & District at The Waen, and this encounter did not fail to disappoint as Bay's depleted team applied early pressure to gift Callum Mitchell the first of his 3 first half tries (2 converted by Kieran Fardoe). Bay pressurised Rhyl for almost all of this half and controlled the game from within the hosts 10 metre line. Strong, committed rucking and mauling from Bay's forwards gave the backs a platform to run at the home teams defence, however, Rhyl constantly sniped for a chance to pull back the score. Loose play from the visitors allowed Rhyl to score an unconverted try. Bay went into the break with a 5 - 19 lead.

The first quarter of the second half was dominated by Rhyl as Colwyn Bay were pinned on their 5 metre line. Weak tackling allowed Rhyl to impose themselves on the game, running in 3 tries (2 converted) to give them a 24 -19 lead. Bay began to claw themselves back into the game as forwards and backs pushed Rhyl's defence to their 5 metre line, from here Callum managed to scoop up the ball and power through to equalise the scores (unconverted). Colwyn Bay saw out the final 5 minutes of the game in the ascendancy as they continued to look for the winning try, which eluded them.

This was a hugely entertaining game. The 15 players who donned the Colwyn Bay shirt played exceptional rugby. Special recognition to Tristan Rowling's who found space as he ripped the ball out of mauls, Sion T who used his strength to make the hard yards, Rob and Dan (fearless) Hughes whom put in try stopping tackles, mostly as last line of defence, for these reasons all 4 boys have been named 'Man Of The Match' - well done lads.

2nd March '08

Llangefni U 13's 68 Colwyn Bay U 13's 0

Colwyn Bay were not out played as much as out muscled by a mostly larger and physical team. Llangefni's strength lay within their ability to break 'Bay's defence almost at will. Llangefni's bigger player's dominated the game. Colwyn Bay tried to put together a 15 man game even though their ability to play passing rugby was countered by the hosts limited but effective individual style of play.

Colwyn Bay were facing defeat well within the first quarter of the match. However, all boys continued to play for pride and to contain the efforts of the host team. Outside half, Kieran Fardoe and outside centre, Matthew Heywood both had an outstanding game, not only for their running rugby but also for their relentless tackling. For this reason they have both been named "Man Of The Match".

17th February '08

Oswestry U 13's 40 Colwyn Bay U 13's 19

Mold U13's 36 Colwyn Bay U13's 0

Colwyn Bay made the journey down the A5 to play in a two match encounter against hosts Oswestry and visiting team Mold. 'Bay faced Oswestry in the opening game. Early dominance from Colwyn Bay was rewarded with a Callum Mitchell try. Converted by Kieran Fardoe. The hosts replied with a brace of tries (one converted). 'Bay held firm and controlled the game from within the Oswestry half. Broken play on the opponents "22" metre line resulted in Callum crossing over to score 'Bay's second try, converted by Kieran. This took 'Bay into a first half lead. Oswestry dominated the second half as their quicker, larger backs began to punch holes in 'Bay's defence. Scoring an additional 4 tries (all converted). Colwyn Bay managed to score a solitary try as Zak Hudson finished off an impressive phase of play controlled by the back line.

Colwyn Bay's second match was a similar affair as they faced a highly organised and established team. Mold ran in 4 tries (2 converted) to put the game beyond 'Bay by the end of the first half. The second half saw 'Bay concede 2 early opening tries (1 converted). Colwyn Bay then began to match and better anything that Mold could throw at them. Our game improved dramatically as the boys proved that they do have the ability to raise their game to a high standard against quality opposition. Matthew Heywood was solid both in attack and defence, and as a result, has been awarded 'Man Of The Match'. Well done Matthew.

Colwyn Bay U14's 43 Caernarfon U14's 0

Colwyn Bay U14's started well against Caernarfon, but found it very difficult to establish any forward domination, all too frequently possession was lost through poor technique at the breakdown allowing Caernarfon turnover ball. This produced a stalemate for the first 15 mins with neither side gathering any momentum. This changed when the Colwyn Bay forwards finally found some cohesion and after a series of drives in the Caernarfon 22m Will Broadway dived over unopposed. With the forwards winning their fair share of possession Colwyn Bay then started to use their backline leading to 2 scores from Ethan Morris 1 converted. Caernarfon did not give up and ended the half strongly with good forward drives pinning Colwyn Bay in their 22m. Half time score 19-0. After half time the Bay's handling skills in the backs really started to make the difference and further tries were run in by Tom Hindley (2), Ethan Morris and Jordan Sheridan with 3 conversions by Ethan Morris to give a final score of 43-0. Caernarfon to their credit did not give up and only strong defence and tackling by Lloyd Jones and Mat Lownes in particular kept the Bay line intact. Bryan and John would like to thank all the parents who have come along to support us over the last few weeks to the various away games it is much appreciated.

10th February '08

Pwllheli U 14's 10 Colwyn Bay U 14's 10

A highly entertaining game as both teams battled for early supremacy during what turned out to be an evenly matched encounter. Pwllheli opened their account from set field position following a penalty conceded by 'Bay on their 22 metre line. Pwllheli kicked for touch, retained ball possession from the line out and pushed over for a try (unconverted). Colwyn Bay took the restart and managed to secure possession on the opponents 22 from turnover ball. Rapid passing from 'Bays backline

stretched Pwllheli' s defence as Kieran Fardoe closed in on the hosts' try line before a tackle brought him down on the 5 metre line. Pwllheli were then penalised for an infringement in the ruck. This gifted Arthur Astbury the opportunity to take the tap penalty, linking up with Callum Mitchell to score 'Bays first try (unconverted). Following the restart, Pwllheli were again awarded a penalty from outside 'Bay's 22. And as they had done earlier. The ball was kicked to touch, retained and pushed over for their second try (unconverted). The second half saw 'Bay controlling the game within Pwllheli' s half. Any chance of the hosts stretching the lead was snuffed out as 'Bay's tackle count began to mount. Exceptional tackling from full back Jordan Sheridan kept Colwyn Bay in the game. As full time approached. Tom Hindley secured possession. Running in a 50 metre try (unconverted) to tie the match. Well done to Callum Mitchell and Kieran Fardoe for jointly being awarded "man of the match".

3rd February '08

Nant Conwy U13's 46 Colwyn Bay U13's 5

Lack of quality training sessions during the period of wet weather combined with players playing out of position during today's encounter, gifted Nant a relatively easy win. The hosts ran in 5 first half tries (2 converted) to put the game beyond 'Bay at an early stage. The second half was slightly different as Colwyn Bay began to put together some exciting phases of play, which led to Callum Mitchell breaking free of a maul to score 'Bays only try of the game (unconverted). 'Bay continued with a sustained period of pressure which almost resulted in 2 additional tries. Only a scrambled defence robbed the visitors of anyway back into this game. Nant exploited Colwyn Bays smaller back line. Releasing their larger centre's to run in another 3 tries (one converted). Colwyn Bay never lost heart during this one sided encounter. And the boy's battled all the way to the final whistle.

6th January '08

Colwyn Bay U14 19 - Ruthin U14 5

Colwyn Bay started as they have done all season, slowly this allowed Ruthin to set up good field position and resulted in a try for their fly half after some good work by their backs and forwards. This set the tone for the first half with the Bay constantly on the back foot and just about hanging on defending in their 22 for almost the whole half. Excellant tackling (Jordan Sheridan and Sean Waddington) and committment prevented and further scores and the Bay were fortunate not to have their line crossed again. The second half was the complete opposite with the Bay gaining in the ascendancy and putting pressure on Ruthin. The forwards now started to provide the backs with good ball on the front foot and the tries followed 1 apiece for Lloyd Jones, Tom Hindley and Josh Lloyd the latter adding 2 conversions, for a final score of 19 - 5.

Colwyn Bay U 13's. 31 Ruthin U 13's. 24

Colwyn Bay U 13's welcomed a strong Ruthin team to Brookfield Drive for a highly entertaining opening match of the year. From the start. Ruthin' s larger backs found gaps in the 'Bay's defence and ran in 2 early 1st half tries (one converted). However, Colwyn Bay rose to the challenge, keeping the ball tight. The home team rucked and mauled to within the visitors 22 metre line before releasing prop forward Callum Mitchell to run in 'Bays opening try (unconverted). Ruthin replied with a converted try to stretch their lead. The restart gifted the home team possession which turned into points, as forwards and backs linked up to take the ball to within 5 metres of the visitors try line. Callum Mitchell seized the opportunity to claim ' Bay's second try (converted by Zak Hudson). The restart saw Ruthin utilise their back line to score a late 1st half try (unconverted).

The second half was dominated by Colwyn Bay. Ruthin' s backs were man marked and found it difficult to gain momentum. 'Bay retained ball possession which turned into points as Zak Hudson, Callum Mitchell and Jules Shiel all scored impressive individual tries (2 converted by Kieran Fardoe). Ruthin mounted a late attack on the hosts try line. Determined defence put the game beyond the visitors as the referee blew the final whistle. This was a highly impressive effort by a depleted Colwyn Bay team. All players contributed towards this great game. As the try count suggests. Callum Mitchell has been awarded MOTM.

2nd December '07

Chester 10 - Colwyn Bay 22

With threats of torrential rain that never materialised , Colwyn Bay U14s raided over the border to square up against Chester for what promised to be a testing 'international'. Standing water and a gusty wind meant that play would be largely in hand , and with a larger pack Chester looked like dominating with an early breakaway which the Chester centre touched down triumphantly , sadly (for him), he had mistaken the 5m line for the touch line and the ball was soon cleared by 'Bay backs ! Chester later put one over the line and the score stayed at 5 nil until half time.

True to form , Colwyn Bay woke up in the second half and started to run more with ball in hand and stronger tackling exemplified by Sean Waddington who was awarded the Coaches' 'Big Mac of the Match ' award . A well earned early try from Arthur Astbury with an outrageous dummy put a smile back on their faces and with confidence up and good handling , a 'cheeky' long ball from Jordan Sheridan put Mike Winter over for a second in the corner, followed shortly by a well earned try from No 8 Harry Jones . With seven minutes to go Dan Lownes showed an impressive turn of speed to put his debut try down between the posts which Josh Lloyd converted . The Bay lads kept a firm hold on Chester until the final minutes when Harry Jones was carded for indiscipline. This allowed Chester to put some pressure on us with a man down and they deserved their consolation try at the end. An excellent morning's rugby against worthy opponents (and the rain held off !)

4th November '07

CB U14s 32 - Flint U14s 24

A Colwyn Bay U14 squad , down to 13 men due to injury and Half Term went to the Dee estuary ground and took on a much larger Flint U14s in bright autumn sunshine.

Having surveyed Flint's very large front 5 , 'Bay Captain Harry Jones encouraged his team to play a wide , running style of rugby. During the first half they matched the Flint side well with play flowing from end to end with several good breaks down the wing by Tom Hindley and Ethan Morris only thwarted by Flint well inside their 22 : only Zac Trevor was able to power his way over the line for a try in the first half. At half time , Flint were leading 12 - 5 .When they scored again right at the start of the second half , to make it 19 - 5 some may have thought it was all over but the 'Bay lads dug deep and started moving the ball out more quickly and with an excellent display of handling and rising self belief , started running tries in , Ethan and Tom scored 2 each and Prop Sean Waddington added his own to make an amazing turnaround.

Colwyn Bay coaches were so pleased with the strength of character and determination shown by all the lads that they were unable to pick out one Man of the Match , an honour rightly shared by all 13 players.

28th October '07

Colwyn Bay U13 - 10 Llangefni U13 - 31

For only their second match of the season and with many new players , Colwyn Bay U13 welcomed Llangefni to Brookfield Drive and put on a spirited display of teamwork and skills to hold a larger Llangefni side in their own half for most of the match. Llangefni relied on one large , agile and powerful player to run in 4 of their 5 tries from inside their own half , picking up on 'Bay handling errors . Coaches decided that all players had given 100% and didn't award a solo man of the match but thanked Harvey for making up numbers for Llangefni. They didn't deserve to loose this match ! well done lads , a great effort which will only improve as the season progresses , rugby to be proud of.

Colwyn Bay U14 - 29 Llangefni U14 - 15

Both sides , depleted by North Wales squad training and half term absences put out 10 a side teams . Colwyn Bay enjoyed working well together to run the ball at every opportunity and defended excellently to frustrate Llangefni into making a number of mistakes which the 'Bay lads turned into tries . Whenever Llangefni tried to make a break , they were soon pulled down with some spirited tackling , particularly from Mike Winter who was awarded man of the match for his excellent and frequent tackles. Excellent , enjoyable rugby and a well deserved win .

14th October '07

Caernarfon U14s came to Brookfield Drive and looked like a purposeful side on a mission . For the first 20 minutes the two sides were equally matched as they settled into the cut and thrust of an eagerly fought game. Colwyn Bay had an early try disallowed but pressed on resolutely .Shortly before half time they had run in a couple of hard fought tries and buoyed by this success started to really enjoy playing as a team . In the second half the flow of tries became more steady and soon Caernarfon heads went down and the trickle became a torrent with tries from all positions including the front row! Colwyn Bay coaches decided not to award man-of-the-match as it had been a true 15 man effort. The final 68 - 0 score line does not reflect the effort and individual skills demonstrated by Caernarfon who worked hard in defence against an overwhelming 'Bay self belief .The referee commended both sides for the sportsmanship displayed and 'Bay Coach Bryan Astbury said ' It was great to see the lads demonstrating such teamwork'