Machynlleth 1sts 13, Rhyl 1sts 20
THE second half of Rhyl’s season kicked off in successful style on Saturday.
To underline the growing strength in depth and maturity of the senior squad, they returned from their trip to Mid Wales with a hard fought win in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Despite the long journey and several enforced changes due to injuries, Rhyl started the game at a high tempo and started to cause all sorts of problems for the home team’s defence with the much lighter Rhyl pack totally dominating their opponents.
This gave an impressive Rhyl back line several chances and it came as no surprise when young winger Nick Wolstenholme went over in the corner.
Shortly afterwards, following more excellent interplay between backs and forwards, Gaz Pearce scythed his way through for a superb try.
With the score at 10-0 at half time, the home team decided that, unable to live with Rhyl’s high tempo game, they would use a kicking game and try to rely on their much larger forwards.
Following a period of intense pressure the Rhyl defence finally cracked. In previous years the pressure may well have told on Rhyl’s young team, but in a sign of how much progress has been made at the Waen, Rhyl came back strongly with a well deserved try by club stalwart Budso Jones.
Following an exchange of penalties and a final period of pressure from Mach, Rhyl came away with an 20-13 win.
This result bodes well for rest of the season, and with Rhyl also still in the cup, confidence is high at the Waen
nThe Rhyl Rugby Sports and Social Club on Vale Road, Rhyl, is holding a ladies day for the Wales against Italy Six Nations clash on Saturday, March 20. Free entrance is offered to all ladies from 1.30pm, with tickets otherwise £5 each and including entertainment and a meal.
For details and ticket information, email rhylrugbyclub@yahoo.co.uk.