Fixture

Dinbych gave a tremendous defensive performance to restrict a Dolgellau side who dominated the match for long periods to a solitary late try. However the defensive effort took its toll with inevitable penalties conceded as well as with Dinbych having to play for a quarter of the match with restricted numbers for two sin bin periods. Despite this Dinbych showed their attacking potential in spite of limited possession by outscoring the hosts by three tries to one with right wing Huw Mars-Jones proving a deadly finisher with a brace of tries.

Not for the first time this season Dinbych had to start with five front row forwards in the pack as well as giving first team debuts to replacements Jake Vaughan-Thomas at hooker and James Tilley at full back. Also, Dafydd Evans returning after a long absence made his usual mark with a robust display at open side flanker as well as crossing for a try

Dolgellau dominated the first quarter in both territory and possession and opened the scoring when Dinbych conceded a penalty in the shadow of their posts. The hosts then increased their lead with two further penalties as Dinbych were forced to defend desperately as Dolgellau attacked deep in the Dinbych half.

Trailing by nine points Dinbych then hit back with two stunning tries both initiated by outside half Robyn Cartwright intercepting passes as Dolgellau attacked deep in the Dinbych half. For the first he linked with centre Aidyn Jones who took play near to half way before the ball was recycled to the right releasing Huw Mars-Jones on a touchline run to end by diving over the line in the corner to beat a final covering defender for an unconverted try. 

For the second Robyn Carwright intercepted again and made ground to halfway before finding Huw Mars-Jones in support who again outpaced the Dolgellau defence in a diagonal run to score in the corner for his second unconverted try which gave the visitors a 10 points to 9 lead at the interval.

Dolgellau regained the lead early in the second half with a long range penalty from near half way for a high tackle and extended the lead with their fifth with Dinbych losing a player to the sin bin for an infringement at a breakdown. Although still dominating play the hosts found great difficulty in breaching Dinbych’s defence until late the half when the driving play from the home forwards from a short range line out eventually gained success with a converted try.

Dinbych’s unyielding character was shown in the final minutes as they took play under the Dolgellau posts where the hosts conceded a penalty. From the tap the initial surge by No.8 Joe Davies was halted on the line but the possession was recycled with flanker Dafydd Evans forcing his way over for Dinbych’s third unconverted try which gave them a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.