Fixture

Dolgellau take all important league points on the road at former North division one side Colwyn Bay this afternoon. They may however rue wasted opportunities in the first half to translate pressure into points, which could have resulted in a bonus point.

Fifteen players made themselves available for the fixture, which was was a little disappointing given the strength in the overall squad.  Still the boys who came, brought with them a dogged determination to play a physical and expansive game of rugby.

The first half saw Dolgellau dominate possession and territory,  yet they failed to secure a single point in what can only be described as an ill disciplined performance from both sides.  Despite the Dolgellau dominance, Colwyn Bay went into the break with three points from a penalty close to half time won during a rare incursion into our half.

Dolgellau started the strongest after the interval, placing the home team under great pressure.  Nine, Lewis Jones took advantage of spilled ball from a five metre scrum to cross unopposed for an unconverted try. The 3-5 narrow advantage was short lived as Colwyn Bay struck back with a breakout unconverted try from the restart.

Standoff and captain Dafydd Roberts controlled play and kept the home team pinned in their own half through deft use of the boot.  The  Dolgellau chasing backsforced Colwyn Bay to concede possession and further territory.  The visiting pack showed an impressive work rate with standout performances from Rhys Lewis, Rhys Titley, Osian Lewis-smith, Dafydd Jones and Celt Lewis. 

The scratch center paring of Dafydd George and Dean Thomas closed down any attempt by the home team to gain an advantage.  As usual the bulk of the work was done up front and it was fitting that man of the match Rhys Lewis crossed to regain the lead with with a powerful run from 15m.  Elis Smith converted to stretch the points difference to an uneasy four points.

Twice, Rhys Titley crossed the whitewash, with the referee either being unsighted or judging the ball to be held up.  It was left to the impressive Dafydd Jones to make the game safe three minutes from time, by finishing off some great forward interplay unstoppable from five metres.  This was the final score  of the game.

Much better discipline in in the second half made all the difference, as Dolgellau focused on the task in hand. Still an extra point would have resulted in maximum points against a determined and talented Colwyn Bay side.  Good work today guys.  Let's try to make sure we have better numbers in training and available for the next game following a break for the Autumn Internationals.

Tries: Lewis Jones,  Rhys Lewis, Dafydd Jones
Conversions: Elis Smith (1)