Fixture

In bitingly cold weather, national league rugby returned to Caeau Les Phillips after a break of over 21 months as Dinbych entertained their visitors from Meifod. COBRA (Caereinion Old Boys Rugby Association) were to be congratulated for making the long journey from Powys in difficult travelling conditions. The match was watched by a brave, hardy and well wrapped up group of spectators who wisely took shelter, in the stand, from the harsh elements!

COBRA won the toss and decided to play with the advantage of the strong freezing wind behind their backs. However, it was the home side who made the first dangerous attack when Aidyn Jones made a searing break only to be stopped in the Cobra 22. After 10 minutes of play, COBRA took the lead with a converted try when centre Iwan Vaughan crashed over after breaking through some weak midfield defence from set play. Poor tackling by the home defence was again going to prove expensive as powerful flanker Chris Morris surged through midfield and score a try with a barn storming run. With additional points being scored through two penalties and one conversion, by outside half Will Worthington, COBRA had built up a commanding 18-0 lead. However, to their credit, Dinbych battled bravely and scored an excellent try just before the half time whistle. Some quality handling by the backs led to the ball reaching Aidyn Jones who used his power and footwork to step inside the defence and score half way out. Gruff Roberts added the difficult conversion.

With the wind at their backs for the second half, and having scored at the end of the first forty minutes, Dinbych would have hoped to take control of the second period, but it was not to be. For the first 10 minutes of the second half, COBRA controlled the game and Dinbych struggled to gain territorial advantage. COBRA were dominating the break down and taking ascendancy in the vital set plays. Despite this control, COBRA’s only score was another penalty by Worthington. Gradually, Dinbychdid gain some valuable possession and  made it pay when hooker Elliot Davies went over following an impressive break by talented Gruff Roberts, who was playing in the unaccustomed position of outside half. This try made the score 21-12 to the visitors and there was more than a hint of hope for the home team. However, Dinbych’s inability to maintain possession and provide sufficient quality ball to their main strike runners was to prove expensive. COBRA’s pack continued to maintain control and eventually the men from Powys extended their lead with a try from Iwan Williams which was converted by Worthington which extended the lead to 16 points and to a 28-12 victory.

Dinbych gave a spirited and committed performance, exemplified by tight head prop Joe Davies, who made some outstanding tackles in open field and also Elliott Davies, who, after some initial difficulties, threw very accurately in highly difficult conditions. They also benefitted from the return of the versatile and experienced forward, Narmer EL-Lamie. When they received quality ball in open play, Aidyn Jones, Gruff Roberts and Kieran Bonar invariably looked dangerous. Special mention must be made of the match referee, Ed Brown, who was a late call up for the game after the original referee had been held up in traffic on his way from Manchester. Ed did an excellent job, especially when one considers that he’d already been out on a morning run and was on a bike ride when he received his call up for the match!!

Next weekend Dinbych are scheduled for two away games. The 1st XV are scheduled to play in Bro Ffestiniog, whilst the 2nd XV are away at Rhos.