Fixture

A top of the table clash saw Dinbych extend their lead at the top of Division 2 with a bonus point victory over second placed Welshpool. After an evenly fought first half with Dinbych narrowly ahead at the interval the hosts dominated the second half scoring four tries through the clinical finishing of the backs with centre Gruff Roberts crossing for a hat-trick. The home forwards contributed greatly to the victory through their solid scrummaging whilst the defence was outstanding in repelling strong Welshpool attacks.  

Dinbych started strongly pressing close to the Welshpool line but it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the 11th minute with their first entry into the Dinbych 22 when No.8 Ryan Goodwin broke through several tackles following a short range maul. Full Back Harry Davies added the conversion points. After a period of evenly fought exchanges Dinbych replied midway through the half when Aron Evans won a short range line-out to set up a driving maul by the forwards with Hooker Elliott Davies surging over for a try converted by skipper Dan O’Sullivan. Welshpool’s strong attacking play was only denied by an equally determined Dinbych defence and it was the hosts who went ahead ten minutes before the interval when Welshpool conceded a penalty at a breakdown 35 metres out with Dan O’Sullivan’s kick against a strong wind successfully bouncing over from the crossbar.

With a narrow lead by 10 points to 7 Dinbych went further ahead three minutes into the second half with a try near the corner by Gruff Roberts who outflanked the defence following a break on the blind side of a short range scrum. Dan O’Sullivan added the conversion points. Fifteen minutes later Gruff Roberts crossed for an identical try after another strong scrummage effort by the forwards.

Wing Aidyn Jones then added Dinbych’s bonus point try with solo effort after picking up a loose ball just inside the Welshpool half then breaking through the initial defence before kicking ahead and winning the race to touch down. Dinbych went further ahead when Gruff Roberts intercepted a Welshpool pass just outside his own 22 and then outpaced the defence for another long range try which Dan O’Sullivan again converted.

Welshpool fought to the bitter end and were rewarded with a last minute unconverted try in the corner after going through several phases of play.