Machynllech 29 – 5 Colwyn Bay

The squad travelled all the way to Machynllech with only 13 players so borrowed two wingers from the home side, who despite having some 19 players still insisted on un-contested scrums. Despite a strong start The Bay soon found themselves 7-0 down following a well worked move in midfield by the home side which led to a converted try mid way out.

Overcoming this early set back the team settled into a clear game pattern of keeping the ball tight and driving at the Machynlleth mid-field. This tactic proved successful with the game being played for long periods on or around the half way. However, the home side’s backs began to take control, and after a sustained period of possession, they scored a second unconverted try to make the score 12-0.

This encouraged The Bay to increase their effort and set up a strong attacking position in the home side’s 22. It was from here that they won good lineout ball and set up a rolling maul, which was brought down just short of the line for a penalty to The Bay. This was taken quickly by Tom Williams who drove over to score out wide. The try was not converted.

The Bay were now much more in the game and continued to attack for the rest of the half despite Liam Hislop being sin binned for a professional foul and the team being reduced to 14 men either side of the half time, which ended 12- 5 to the home side.

The second half saw us playing up hill and into a near gale force wind so defence was the main order of the day. It was at this point that the team’s problems grew, with an injury to Steve Thatcher forcing him off for a short period to recover. While reduced to 13 players the home side scored another converted try and a penalty, to take them to 19-5 ahead.

By now the squad were showing signs of tiring and tackles were being missed.  As a consequence, the home side scored a further two converted tries. However, in the dying minutes the team rallied and came close to scoring twice before the final whistle denied them with the final score 29- 5 to the home side.

The boys must however be congratulated for their effort especially as a number of players were forced to play out of position. It was again good to see that a lot of the lessons learnt on the training ground were being used in the match with good technique shown in the catch and drive at the line out and in the pick and go game.