Saturday 20th January 2007

Colwyn Bay 8-24 Bala

As Bala arrived with only 13 players, the game was played as a 13 a side match, with uncontested scrums, thus reducing any benefits the Bay’s strong pack would have gained for the home side. Despite this, the Bay started well playing with a strong wind behind them, and soon found themselves camped in the visitors 22.  However, due to good Bala defence the Bay failed to score.

The scores remained even until mid way though the half when Bala were awarded a penalty which they converted. This strengthened the Bay’s resolve and they were soon on the attack levelling the score with a penalty of their own, kicked by Carl Roberts. This was soon followed by the best attacking move of the half, which ended in Craig Roberts forcing his way over for an unconverted try. The half ended 8-3 to the Bay.

Playing against the elements the Bay knew that they would have to defend well during the second half, and for the first ten minutes they held out against a number of penetrating attacks from Bala. However, following a concerted period of pressure Bala scored a converted try to take the lead 10-8.

Minutes later, the Bay’s situation worsened as Ashley Brocklebank, who had just come on as a replacement, was sin binned for a team offence of handling in the ruck. Before the Bay could re-organise themselves, Bala scored a second converted try. With the Bay reduced to 12 men, Bala made the most of their advantage, scoring their third converted try of the match.

Once back up to full strength, the game became a much more even contest and the Bay came close on a number of occasions but failed to make the most of a number of promising opportunities. With the match ending 24-8 to Bala.

Although disappointing, this result should be seen as some progress as earlier in the year the squad conceded 5 tries to Bala while also failing to get on the score sheet. Furthermore I’m sure that if there had been contested scrums the result would have been much closer.