President’s XV 26 RGC 1404 12
TONY Gray’s President XV of players picked from the local rugby clubs achieved a notable victory at Bangor on Friday when they beat RGC 1404, the squad backed by the WRU aimed at preparing the way to regional rugby in North Wales.
The conditions at Bangor made for open rugby and a good crowd were treated to a great game and its success should have the effect of bringing more local rugby players into the RCG 1404 fold to take advantage of the facilities and coaching by a team headed by Welsh international Clive Griffiths.
The game demonstrated the talent in North Wales club rugby and North Wales rugby’s Alwyn Bevan thanked the players and coaches for their support making it clear that Mr Griffiths was pleased with the talent on show and looked to them for a larger pool of players for selection consideration for coming RGC fixtures.
The President's XV had the edge with their superior forward power, a strong front row unit of James Jones (Nant), John Shirley (Mold) and Gareth Pawson (Llangefni) with Machynlleth lock Arwel Lloyd leading the way.
Iestyn Dafydd (Llangefni) dominated the lineouts with a scavenging back row trio of Harri Parri (Pwllheli),Carwyn Ellis (Nant) and Caernarfon’s Andrew Williams forcing errors and denying chances with the pace too much for RGC players. The ten Canadian squad palyers were mainly rested.
The locals opened the scoring with wing Dylan Gwyn (Caernarfon) touching down after a sprint but RGC's Richie Hopkins from Mold replied under the posts and M Raikes, Sale, converted.
Scrum half Gareth Padgett (Caernarfon) prompted pressure and in defence held firm centre Gwilym Jones (Caernarfon) and Arwel Roberts (Llangefni) playiong well here.
A great try came next when winger Carwyn ap Myrddin (Nant) broke and quick ball put in Harri Parri (Pwlheli) with Llywarch ap Myrddin (Nant) converting for 12-7.
Changes were made to the president’s side and pressure took its toll with centre Chris Malhene Bamgor in for 19-5, prop Gareth Pawson (Llangefni) followed on with a great try under the posts making an easy conversion to take the score to 26-5.
Andrew Baston (Sale Amateurs) went over for a consolation try in injury time.