Fixture

A sunny, blustery afternoon saw Nant Conwy host Clwb Rygbi Rhuthun at the weekend. With both teams having had good wins the previous week, this had the hallmarks of a close game..

The first half was an evenly contested affair in terms of possession with both teams showing a desire to play open, running rugby. 

Nant got the early score after 7 minutes when, with the Rhuthun players appearing to be questioning a penalty decision, Cai Jones took a quick tap and ran in from 15 metres. The Caron Davies conversion gave Nant a 7 - 0 lead.

Play then resumed it's even pattern until a two-try burst around the 20 minute mark saw Nant pull away. The first came when Rhuthun lost the ball on their own lineout. After several phases of quick ruck ball, Cai Jones picked up to break through the gap to score his second try.

From the restart, Nant gathered to chip ahead. Rhydian Jones gathered and made good ground. Two passes saw the ball with Brychan Dafydd who ran in from 20 metres. Davies second conversion put Nant 19 points up.

The remainder of the half saw Nant come close to increasing their score but often incurring penalties allowing the opposition to clear the ball. It was through the conceding of penalties that Rhuthun got their first meaningful visit inside the Nant 22 after 30 minutes. The attacks were being dealt with well by Nant but it seemed that each time they cleared their lines another penalty would put them on the defence.

In the last minute of the half Rhuthun finally got points. From a ruck on the left the ball eventaully found the right wing and though tackled in the corner the referee deemed the ball had been grounded. This gave a half time score of 19 - 5.

The chances of a comeback by Rhuthun were much reduced not long after the start of the second half. From a line-out in the Rhuthun 22 the ball was moved through the backs and Elis Fôn went through the gap to score near the posts. This was soon followed by a try for winger Carwyn Davies who cut in from the right wing to leave the defence flat footed. The two conversions by Caron Davies put Nant 33 - 5 ahead.

Play then resumed its more even aspect until the beginning of the last quarter, when Sam Hughes burst through following a number of phases, to get his first try for the club. Unfortunately, in doing so he received a knock and was required to be replaced.

Rhuthun then enjoyed their best spell of the game as they strived to get something out of it. Nant defended well but each time they cleared their lines they were back on the defence, usually due to penalties conceded.

Try as they might, Rhuthun were frustrated in their efforts and the final five minutes must have knocked the stuffing out of them. From being under constant pressure, Nant broke from their 22 and swept downfield and Ifan Williams was on hand to take the final pass and go in. From the restart a fumble and an offside pick-up allowed Nant to take the ball and quickly attack. This time Tomos Williams took the final pass to go over. From the next restart Nant again gathered and were on the attack. Ifan Williams again took the final pass to score with the last move of the game. With three of the last four tries being converted Nant ran out 59 - 5 winners.