Newtown 15 –12  Colwyn Bay

The squad travelled to Newtown with just 15 players, so knew they were going to have to play to their full potential to compete with a big powerful Newtown squad. The team started well taking an early line out against the throw and putting pressure on the home side’s try line. This pressure was eventually rewarded when Tom Williams scored a well-worked try, out wide.

Following this early success and despite a number of promising chances the Bay side failed to add to this early score. Then just before half time Newtown hit back with a converted try of their own, due mainly to some weak defence by the Bay. The half ended with Newtown leading 7-5.

The second half started with the Bay showing great determination and was exemplified by a number of good driving mauls, setting up a number of promising attacks, which were well defended by Newtown. Then 10 minutes into the half a clearance kick into the sun was not gathered by the Bay defence and, as a result Newtown were awarded a penalty in the 22 which they kicked to lead 10-5.

The Bay again came back strongly and were awarded a number of penalties close to the Newtown try line. Each time they elected to go for the line out and the catch and drive to score a try. Despite clean catches and well-organised drives the try still eluded them.

Following this extended period of attacking play, Newtown again cleared their line with strong kick down field. A mix up in defending this kick, led to Newtown scoring their second try of the match, and extending their lead to 15-5.

With time starting to run out, the Bay needed a quick score to get themselves back into the game. Immediately, they again got into the Newtown 22 and following a series of drives actually crossed the try line only for the score to be disallowed, as the referee was unsighted. Undeterred the side continued to press and were eventually rewarded when Rory Jones scored a try through individual determination.  The try was converted by Steve Thatcher to bring the score back to 12-15.