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 DESERVED WRU YOUTH COMPETITION WIN

 CN EMLYN YOUTH 24 BANGOR YOUTH 10

Emlyn welcomed their old adversaries Bangor to Dol Wiber for the second season running in the 2^nd round of the WRU national youth competition.

Emlyn were forced due to unavailability to re-jig their back line. Ifan Thomas lined up at outside half, the same position as his father Barrie was occupying that afternoon, appearing for the 1^st XV away at Tata Steel.  Captain Crwys Rees slotted in at inside Centre with Dafydd Adams returning to occupy the full back position.

It was evident from the outset that the visitors had a heavier older pack and from the initial exchanges it was obvious to everyone present that the visitors would present a sizeable forward challenge.

After 5 minutes Emlyn took advantage of some quick re-cycled ball near halfway. The ball was passed speedily to the left and as the cover defence converged on him, Crwys Rees managed to launch a kick deep into the Bangor 22. The home team scavenged for the loose ball which was gathered by winger Dafydd Morgan, enabling him to crash over for a try which was converted by Rees.

The games was an interesting contrast of styles with Bangor attacking through their powerful forwards with a pick up and drive game, while Emlyn looked to utilise any ball by attacking wide with quality ball.

Emlyn added to their tally when the forwards produced quick ball to the backs. The ball was transferred swiftly to Full back Dafydd Adams who sauntered over for a nice try, which was converted by Rees.

With Centre Mathew Rollins prominent in the early exchanges Emlyn continued to produce fine attacks which had the visiting defence well employed.

The visitors produced a purple patch using their pick up and drive game and came close to gaining a deserved score. They were prevented by some fine tacking by the young back row of Sam Forrester-Evans, Osian Davies and Lloyd, who had a fine game at blindside flanker.

Emlyn defended with commitment and whilst in their 22 managed to recycle possession for No 9 Thomas Jones. It seemed that a clearing kick would be the sensible option but Jones sensing there was space on the blind side decided to counter-attack. He launched the ball out to winger Olly Butterworth who took off up the touchline like an express train. The speedy winger out flanked the back row and backed his pace enabling him to sprint up to half way. As he approached the 22 he swerved outside the full back to gallop over for a fine individual effort, which went unconverted.

The Emlyn 8 worked hard with second rows Gareth Stevenson and Jake Thomas making some hard yards and the front row battling in the scrums where young props Gethin Evans and William Davies dug in deep. Their efforts were rewarded with two fine strikes against the head secured by hooker Hefin Powell.

HALF TIME – CN Emlyn Youth 19 Bangor Youth 0.

 Bangor dominated the first twenty minutes of the second half and it took a determined defensive effort by Emlyn to limit them to unconverted tries.

The visitors’ first score was from a concentrated forward effort. Bangor used their pick up and drive game to recycle possession, allowing them to crash over for their first score.

Their second score was following a catch and drive at a 10m lineout. The visitors secured clean possession from an accurate throw and drove a driving maul resulting in the pack crashing over in the corner.

Emlyn used their bench well with the introduction of Centre James Williams, on debut impressing with some strong carries in midfield where he was supported by flanker Ifan Davies.

 The final score which settled the game was a result of fine team play. The Emlyn forward attacked their opponents with some fine close contact offloading involving Steffan Crossman, Aron Davies and Dion Lewis taking play to the opposition 10 metre line. The ball was recycled and quick ball presented the backs with an opportunity to attack on the 22m line. The ball was passed swiftly along the line to Crwys Rees who spotted a gap in the visiting defence. The outside half sprinted to the line before crashing over for an unconverted try.

With Emlyn defending in their half, replacement Rhys Thomas secured some crucial lineouts enabling Emlyn to clear their lines.

The game was now won and when the final whistle went Emlyn were left to reflect on a workmanlike win and celebrate a win, on the balance of play deserved. .

The Bangor outfit acquitted themselves well and had a powerful forward unit who challenged the Emlyn 8 to the full.

CN EMLYN – Tries:   Dafydd Morgan, Dafydd Adams, Olly Butterworth and Crwys Rees.                                                                              Cons: Crwys Rees 2.