RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU - CIC

2011-01-19T20:04:00.007Z

Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, the cooperative community interest company, which established and managed the current North Wales Regional Rugby Team, went into liquidation today (19^th Jan 2011).

The team has been absorbed into the WRU National Academy and continues to play.

During it’s short existence Rygbi Gogledd Cymru had a significant impact on the development of individuals, rugby, organisations and infrastructure in North Wales. Directly or as a catalyst it:-

Created a regional rugby identity and brand (Gogledd Cymru and subsequently RGC1404),
Offered senior players, referees and spectators the experience of high quality rugby,
Identified Parc Eirias as the most suitable venue for the team, stimulating a £6.5 million regeneration investment which will have a major impact on Colwyn Bay,
Provided a vehicle for the development of Canadian Rugby,
Facilitated the return of a former Wales Coach to the International Rugby stage,
Organised the world’s first open International Rugby Injuries Conference,
Initiated innovative research into the use of virtual reality simulators to improve rugby skills,
Improved the participation of physiotherapists in North Wales rugby through the establishment of Rugbyphysios,
Successfully managed the North Wales Rugby Team, for almost four years; the team were finalists in the last ever Welsh Counties Cup in 2007 and Rugby World's Team of the Year in 2008,
Organised the first reunion dinner for former North Wales Rugby players,
Forged a pathway by which any North Wales side could potentially achieve a Welsh Premiership place,
Revived the Rydal Vikings Rugby team and an historic fixture, by inaugurating the annual Bleddyn Williams Trophy match.

Unfortunately, unlike a true catalyst, this activity has consumed RGC-CIC.

The Board of Directors would like to thank all those that supported us. We successfully raised the profile of rugby in a region, which represents half the landmass and a third of the populations of Wales.

None of this would have been possible without the enthusiasm, dedication and uncompromising pursuit of rugby excellence of coach Jon Aby (Head Coach Feb2007-Dec2009). Welsh Rugby will always be indebted to him.

SOME OF THE GOG PLAYERS IN EXILE - CROESO NOL AR GYFER Y NADOLIG

2010-12-01T17:56:00.002Z

1404 v LEEDS MET - 7.30 WED 15TH SEPT

2010-09-14T02:33:00.004+01:00

With their first team in the Premier British Universities and College Sports (BUCS) League and three other teams in the lower leagues of the competition, Leeds “Met” (Metropolitan University) will prove formidable opponents for RGC1404 on their first visit to North Wales.
This second game of the Varsity Series will kick off at 7.30pm on the 15th Sept. at Parc Eirias and follows RGC1404’s exciting win over Loughborough University last week.
Coached by former Scarlets and Wales outside half Colin Stephens this will be a preseason fixture for Leeds Met, as they build their challenge for this year’s Premier League BUCS title. Stephens’ formerly player and kicking coach with Leeds Carnegie is now Director of Rugby at Leeds Met.
Firmly established as one of the UK’s top 8 university rugby teams, strong links with Leeds Carnegie offer the students high performance coaching and a chance to represent Leeds Carnegie's A team and Development sides.
Clive Griffiths’ charges will provide formidable opponents tonight. Griffiths and his coaching team Darren Morris and Jon Aby are rapidly molding representative players from across the region into a structured team with its own off field camaraderie. Recent addition to the side Llandudno’s Kelvin Davies has been “Seren y Gêm” in the last two matches and Machynlleth’s Arwel Lloyd who empowers the second row are just two of the players who provided last week’s crowd with a high paced skillful and exciting win.

SUPPORT REGIONAL RUGBY IN NORTH WALES

MERCHER am EIRIAS

19 LIVERPOOL ST HELENS - 34 RGC1404

2010-08-27T19:49:00.000+01:00

RGC 1404 registered their first victory of the campaign with a promising showing deep in rugby league country.
It was the hosts who had the best of the opening encounters. A combination of physical running and poor RGC discipline offered them early territory advantage. The ability of LSH to produce quick ruck ball was rewarded when they went in for the first try down the right hand side; converted.
Just as they did against Tonmawr, RGC responded positively to the early setback. A Kriss Wilkes try opened the RGC account. A fine pass from 10 Gareth Holgate put Wilkes into the space and he was too strong for the covering defence. Rhodri Carlton-Jones failed to tie things up with the conversion.
RGC number eight Mike Stubbs thought he had given RGC the lead when he powered toward the line. The referee deemed his effort to be short of the line but Harri Morgan capitalized on the loose ball to dive over from short range. This time Carlton-Jones was able to add the extras.
RGC had opportunities to extend their lead after fine open field running from captain Andrew Baston and half back Tom Holloway but they lacked the finishing touch on both occasions. LSH made RGC pay for this when they exploited a dogleg in the defence to go over from five meters out. Once again the extras were added and a missed penalty from RGC on the stroke of half time made sure LSH went in ahead.
RGC returned after half time and looked to raise the tempo and avoid getting locked into an arm wrestle with their physical opponents. Simon Griffiths returned to the RGC pack after playing the first half for the opponents, his club side. It was the RGC scrum that created the opportunity for the first try of the second half. This sent LSH into reverse five meters from their line and back row Kelvin Davies was able to rip the ball from the home scrum half to cross for the try.
RGC decided to keep the scoreboard ticking over as Gareth Evans slotted a penalty. However RGC were not done on the try front and finally managed to marry their expansive game with the clinical finish that had at times eluded them. Fine interplay down the touchline from Nick Blyth, Chris Smith and Kelvin Davies ended in Davies going in under the posts for his second of the evening. Davies’ Llandudno teammate Carlton-Jones added the extras with a drop kick.
The next try came as a result of quick thinking from sharp scrum half Tom Holloway. When RGC were awarded a penalty on the opposition 22, another shot at goal may have seemed the obvious choice. However Holloway decided otherwise and scooted under the posts without being touched. Evans completed the RGC scoring for the night with the conversion.
The competitive home side were not done yet and continued to trouble the RGC defence with some physical and dynamic running. They made sure they had the final word when nice footwork and an offload from the outside half provided LSH the games final try.
RGC were happy to come away with a win on what was a useful outing for both sides. This win should give them confidence going into the varsity series at Eirias Park throughout September.

7 RGC1404 - 31 TONMAWR

2010-08-15T13:42:00.001+01:00

A good crowd at Parc Eirias saw RGC 1404 take on Welsh Premiership newcomers Tonmawr. In a game which saw the visitors start the brighter of the two sides, RGC responded well, improving throughout the game. This was reflected in the score; 12-0 in the first half, 19-7 in the second - final score 31-7.
After an early wake-up call, in which only some resolute defending kept Tonmawr at bay, RGC responded well. A well stolen line-out followed by a precise kick by fly-half Michael Raikes allowed the Caernarfon “gasman” Dylan Owen to pressurise the Tonmawr back three. RGC maintained the pressure, winning a kickable penalty on the visitors 22, but Raikes was unable to capitalise.
Tonmawr recognised that this would be no stroll in the park. Their physical forwards showed organisation, to drive over for the afternoons first five pointer. Hooker, Darryl Harvey was the beneficiary of the eight man effort. No. 10, Andrew Williams put the conversion just wide.
RGC regrouped and once again found strong field position before Tonmawr were penalised for infringing at ruck time. Raikes, who didn’t seem to have his kicking boots on and pulled the penalty just wide.
Tonmawr were in a clinical mood and were rewarded with a second try. Good play from their backs resulted in a try for wing Steff James. Williams converted from near the touchline with a superb drop kick.
RGC continued to plug away at their more experienced counterparts, with quick breaks from the backs. They were unlucky not to score when Pwllheli flanker, Harri Parri pounced, after the ball popped out of a scrum on the Tonmawr five metre line. There good breaks by Rhyl centre Kriss Wilkes and hooker Andrew Baston, but big hits by the South Walian defence kept RGC at bay.
At the break, Clive Griffiths’ men must have heard encouraging words. They flew out of the blocks in the second-half, but lacked the clinical touch that will surely come as this new team takes shape.
As the initial RGC adrenalin rush slowed, Tonmawr capitalised, scoring three further tries through full-back, Gareth John and substitutes Ieuan Dobbs and Gareth Beer. Williams converted two.
RGC topped up their resilience. There were glimpses of class, with scintillating, breaks from the Llandudno duo of Rhodri Carlton-Jones and Man-of-the-Match Kelvin Davies.
As ever, the men of North Wales never gave up the fight and kept up a steady barrage of the visitors defence for the final 15 minutes of the game. Persistently infringements, quick tap penalties and off-loads took RGC close to the Tonmawr line. However they conceded a soft penalty for obstruction and the visitors cleared.
RGC ran the ball straight back and were finally rewarded with a penalty try when the referee lost patience with the South Walians’ repeated infringements. Substitute Nick Blyth converted.
After an extended break for an injury to Rhodri Carlton-Jones, RGC kept up the pressure right until the final whistle. They will feel they have plenty to build on.
RGC 1404 Coach, Clive Griffiths wasn’t disheartened: “Some of our play was disjointed due to our lack of preparation,” he commented. “We’ve only had four full training sessions and know there are areas of the game that we need to improve on. We came back well in the second half and a lot of individuals put their hands up: Andrew Baston had a good game; Llion Trefor did well in the line-outs; Kelvin Davies was deservedly Man-of-the-match; Harri Parry grafted well; Harri Morgan carried well; Dylan Owen and Rhodri Carlton-Jones showed great pace. All of these are positive and with more training we will improve the other areas”.
Commenting on the missed opportunities, Griffiths added: “Normally Raiksy (Michael Raikes) would have slotted two of those penalties and that would have made it a different game. The important thing is that all these young North Walians have been given game time against Premiership opposition, an opportunity denied to them in the past. They are more streetwise from the experience. Some of them are really young and will improve in the future."
RGC-CIC Chair Kenton Morgan was also pleased with the day. “It was a competitive game, Rhodri had a bad knock but after attention from physio Nikki Davies and paramedics I am pleased to report that he is OK. It was a good crowd and it was great to see so many supporters in their RGC gear. This is an unprecedented learning experience for our players. We have invested in a high quality coaching team. Analyst Marc Carter will go through the video over the weekend and Clive will used this in the next training session to give individuals the benefit of his enormous experience. In the long term will rub off on rugby throughout the region. It is wonderful progress but we cannot be complacent. To sustain this we need more support from the north Wales community both on an off the field."
The next game for RGC 1404 is at home on Wednesday 8th September against Loughborough University, 7.30pm kick-off.

33 RGC 1404 DRAGONS ‘A’ 35

2010-04-25T17:30:00.001+01:00

A last gasp penalty from the left boot of Pontypool Full Back Geraint O’Driscoll denied RGC 1404 a winning end to their inaugural season. Despite failing to record their fifth straight victory, the RGC set-up can be proud of a performance that not only entertained the 700 strong crowd but one that earned them respect from the travelling men of Gwent.

In fine weather conditions, on a hard and fast track, both sides seemed intent on playing an attacking brand of rugby with RGC full back Ciaran Hearn showing fine pace and footwork in the early stages. However it was the Gwent side that drew first blood. O’Driscoll slotted a simple penalty to open his side’s account. Their first try came soon after, as Lewis Evans charged down a Sean White box kick to cross the whitewash. The Dragons looked a good bet to build a healthy lead but were thwarted by good turnover work by the RGC pack and their own inability to hold onto crucial passes.

RGC grabbed a try of their own when the impressive Chauncey O'Toole gathered in his own half and showed pace and then composure to send Jack Moorhouse under the sticks with Raikes on hand to convert. When Sean White was pulled back, whilst chasing his chip over the top, RGC were presented with a kickable penalty, however they put faith in their forward pack and went for the corner. Their ambition was rewarded when a huge effort from the front eight resulted in a try for Jebb Sinclair with Raikes again on hand to add the extras. RGC could have added another try, soon after, when fine offloading work by Luke Cudmore and Richard Hopkins resulted in an opportunity for promising youngster Kriss Wilkes, who was just unable to hold on to the final pass with the try line at his mercy.

RGC 1404, who lost centre Nick Blevins in the warm-up, were dealt a further blow when ever present centre Jack Moorhouse was stretchered from the field with a dislocated and fractured ankle. The severity of the injury forced a fifteen-minute break in play to allow the medics to reduce the dislocation and safely escort Moorhouse from the field and straight to hospital.

When play resumed, the Dragons built a period of pressure with North Walian Pat Leach leading the way with a number of strong carries. Strong work in defence and at ruck time by RGC limited the Gwent men to just a further three points, via the boot of O’Driscoll, before the end of the first stanza.

A key turning point in the game came when the referee sent RGC prop Doug Wooldridge to the bin for foul play. As has become the trend in modern rugby, the Dragons took full advantage of their numerical advantage. The Dragons regained the lead when Leach found a hole in the home defence and showed good pace to finish, much to the delight of onlookers from Colwyn Bay RFC. The boot of O’Driscoll added the two points. The lead was extended when number eight Lewis Evans powered over from a five metre scrum and then wing Steve Taylor finished off a fine passage of play in the right hand corner.

RGC were not done yet and were back in the game when Hartpury College Number 8 Michael Stubbs used a strong fend to cross from a five metre scrum, after good link play from Ciaran Hearn and Joe Palmer had given RGC field position. RGC scored again when a Stubbs offload sent man of the match Chauncey O’Toole clear, despite showing good feet to beat O’Driscoll, the Dragons defence scrambled well to drag him down inches short. From the ensuing ruck Sean White managed to burrow over under the posts with Raikes again converting. RGC. buoyed by the vocal home support, were not done there and with less than five minutes remaining, a training ground set play saw a strong carry into the heart of the Dragons defence, resulting in quick ball being fed to the blind side and the elusive Sean White, who ignored an overlap to cross for the try that put RGC back in front, Raikes failed with a tough conversion leaving RGC up by just one with minutes remaining.

With the clock running down an RGC knock on presented possession back to the Dragons who showed structure and patience to move into the RGC 22. It was then that the over eager RGC defence were adjudged to be offside. This presented O’Driscoll the opportunity to hand victory to Dragons ‘A’ and so it was that the reliable left boot of the full back sent the ball between the uprights to give victory to the Men of Gwent.

16 RGC 1404: 13 CROSS KEYS

2010-04-19T00:07:00.003+01:00

RGC 1404 welcomed Welsh Premiership Rugby to Parc Eirias in the form of Cross Keys, currently lying 10th in the league. This was a stern test for RGC in their quest to be a Premiership team.

The game kicked off in uncharacteristically glorious weather. Almost immediately, the home side scored a penalty through the boot of Michael Raikes; though RGC couldn’t hold onto the lead for long. An individual try by David Langdon was converted by Gareth David. Another 3 points put Cross Keys 10-3 ahead.

Knowing they had to get back into the game, RGC made several surges into the Cross Keys half, with a powerful run from Will Bown yielding a penalty for RGC. This descended into chaos as several brawls, with both XVs involved. The result was a yellow card to each team, Luke Cudmore for the home side and Rob Nash for Keys. Play continued, with Raikes scoring a resulting penalty to bring RGC to within a try of the opposition.

Trademark solid defence from RGC kept Cross Keys away from the try line and with both sides returned to a full complement, the game continued its fast-flow. RGC threw themselves back into the game, with a sharp break from captain Sean White leading to a penalty. Raikes put it over to leave the hosts trailing by just one point. After a fantastic build up and quick hands, RGC winger James Farrell scored a well-worked try, converted by Raikes to take the home side to a 16-10 lead. Cross Keys chipped away at this. David kicked a penalty to narrow the lead to three points. Some good defensive work from RGC’s captain was cut short by a trip from the opposing scrumhalf. Tempers flared tempers again and it was perhaps fortunate that the referee blew for half time shortly afterwards.

The opening of the second half was a static affair broken only by a difficult penalty kick from Raikes which drifted just wide of the uprights. This seemed to galvanise both teams and the game opened up once more. RGC matched their Premiership opponents for speed and strength and the game became a stalemate. After determined defence, RGC won a penalty to clear their line but Cross Keys hit back with some well constructed phases to reach the RGC line. Only a held up ball prevented a try. RGC dominated the resulting scrum, turned the ball over and White cleared.

Cross Keys continued to pressurise and were unlucky not to score; a penalty hit the cross bar. Stolen ball from a Cross Keys line out then gave the home side a territorial advantage and several minutes in the Cross Keys 22 which unfortunately they couldn’t convert to points. Cross Keys had several chances and breaks which were ground to a halt by typical ferocious RGC defence, which once again was a key component in their win.

An excellent result for RGC, proving that they can hack it in the Premiership; exciting days ahead for rugby fans in North Wales.

Match report by Kumari Tilakawardane

RGC SNATCH 24-21 VICTORY IN PHYSICAL ENCOUNTER

2010-04-08T04:37:00.000+01:00

RGC 1404 welcomed Enisei to Parc Eirias expecting a tough game from the Russian National Championship runners-up and receiving just that. Last week in a convincing win over the Royal Navy, RGC 1404 had the majority of possession. This week, the first ten minutes proved to be an entirely different story; the lion’s share of possession and territory went to Enisei.

From kick-off, it was apparent that the Russians would present a very physical challenge. Only strong RGC defence stopped the impressive Enisei from scoring in the first five minutes. For most of the first half, there was little fluidity to the game, despite the good pitch condition and clear weather. Although Enisei seemed to have parity in most areas of the game in the opening stages, RGC hit back to score a penalty through fly-half Michael Raikes. In reply, some tidy play from Enisei saw Dima Gerasimov kick a penalty for a deliberate knock 10 minutes in to level the scores at 3-3.

RGC soon found their feet and with a quarter of an hour gone some neat offloading saw RGC full back Ciaran Hearn score the first try of the game. Settled by this, the home team started playing the expansive passing game that the Eirias crowd have become accustomed to. They were unlucky not to score as a number of promising moves failed to result in a try.

Both teams spurned promising scoring chances close to the line, due in part to ferocious defending from both teams. RGC broke through the tough Russian defence a number of times, but couldn’t quite finish off the moves. Eventually, Enisei fought their way through to the RGC try line. A number of phases followed and after a scuffle on the line, Anton Rudoy scored Enisei’s first try. RGC struggled to break through the organised Enisei defence, but from a quick tap by scrum half White, RGC were awarded a penalty. Raikes scored to draw the scores level 11-11 at half time.

In the second half RGC hit back straight away. A brilliant break and support play from White, sent Hearn in for his second try. Raikes kicked the conversion to give the home team a 7 point lead. A yellow card for Enisei’s Pavel Butenko allowed a Raikes penalty to increased the RGC lead.

Not to be outdone, man-of-the-match Rudoy ran in a try under the posts after shrugging off several would-be tacklers, with the conversion added by Gerasimov. Both teams were now playing with much more invention and the game started to open up. Only a solid hit from Jack Moorhouse stopped Enisei running in an interception try, though they then scored with a penalty to level the scores.

In the end it was a Raikes penalty which brought the 24-21 victory to RGV after some hard-fought rucks. This was a game of two halves, the first belonging to Enisei and the second to RGC. In the end the home team managed to hold on to snatch a hard fought win against a well-drilled touring side. They continue their rich vein of form at Parc Eirias, once again proving that a strong defence can win games.

MOORHOUSE SHINES IN 43-3 WIN OVER ROYAL NAVY

2010-03-30T23:29:00.001+01:00

JACK MOORHOUSE MAN OF THE MATCH

With a good crowd of over 450 watching RGC 1404 started strongly against the Navy in their warm up game prior to playing the army at Twickenham on May 1st. Within 10 minutes of kick-off RGC were 10-3 up with tries by prop Tom Dolezel and wing Dylan Owen. The navy had little match for RGCs strong running and effective offload in the tackle and RGC went further ahead with a pushover try from Dolezel quickly followed by good phase play leading to a try by scrum half Sean White. Both tries were converted by fullback Ciaran Hearn. The RGC surge continued and centre Nick Blevins was the next to go over the Navy line again converted by Hearn. Just before half time, great running by man of the match, Jack Moorhouse, led to the final score of the half putting RGC 36-3 ahead. The second half was a very different affair with the Navy containing RGC’s attack and beginning to test their defence. Twice, the Navy were virtually over the North Wales try line but their defence held. For a period the play became rather scrappy with neither side in ascendancy and errors beginning to creep in on both sides. It began to look as though the second half would be scoreless when RGC put on a late attack and after the ball was worked across field, young winger Kriss Wilkes took advantage of the overlap and scored the final try of the match which Hearn again converted. With the final score at 43-3 to RGC this was a convincing win and sets the team up well for their next match against Russian touring side Enisei at Eirias Park on 7th April.

SALE WIN 21-19 AS LEAD CHANGES HANDS TWICE IN LAST TEN

2010-03-16T01:36:00.002Z

Sale fielded a strong side for this return match. After going down 31-17 to RGC1404 at Parc Eirias, it was clear from the start that the aim was to make amends for this defeat. Sale kept the lead for 45 minutes in the middle of this game until a try by young substitute wing, Kriss Wilkes, drew the teams level 16-16 in the 69th minute.
Five minutes later, a penalty by outside half Michael Raikes saw RGC1404 take the lead for the first time since the sixth minute of the game. With the score at 19-16 it looked as if the RGC might sneak a win but a strong attack brought Sale a scrum infront of 1404's posts. A few minutes later, a try out wide by Birchall clinched the game for Sale.
The game had started well for RGC1404, early pressure brought them a penalty after 6 minutes. Raikes converted. As is often the case, in the early stages of the modern game, Sale drew level with a penalty by Jordan Davies, 5 minutes later and another penalty took the score to 6-3 to the home side on the 24th minute. Playing at high intensity the home team extended the lead through a try by Will Cliff. Davies converted to make it 13-3 at the break. It looked at this stage as if Sale were going to be easy winners.
Whatever coach Clive Griffiths said to the team in the interval, it worked because four minutes after the restart, Ciaran Hearn, playing in one of his best games of the season, entered the line with a perfectly timed run to make it 13-8.
RGC were now gaining the ascendancy but a penalty on the hour, by Davies, allowed them to extend the lead. Raikes responded three minutes later and with the score at 16-11, enter Rhyl's young rugby league star Wilkes.
This was a hard, physical contest with good rugby played on both sides. Although the result did not go RGCs way, this is just the sort of closely fought game that development teams need to produce high quality rugby.

CROWD ENTERTAINED AS CARNEGIE EDGE WIN

2010-03-11T19:16:00.000Z

RGC1404 went down by one point last night against an organised, physical Leeds Carnegie side. One thing was clear from the moment Leeds took the field. This was not an under19’s side, as billed in the programme.

The game started well for 1404. Following some penetrating runs, an offside offence gave them a penalty after two minutes. Outside half Steve Woodward put the home team ahead. The lead was short lived and a few minutes later another offside saw Leeds draw level through the boot of Christian Georgiou.

The Gogs performed well in the set pieces but their attack looked disorganised. Second row Luke Cudmore produced good lineout ball and had an excellent game. The scrum performed well but on a dry pitch in front of a good crowd, the Gogs 8,9,10 unit, so effective in previous games, did not quite add up to 27.

RGC were competitive at the breakdown with Will Bown and Spillane’s man of the match Chauncey O’Toole in good form. Decisions are the breakdown seemed unpredictable at times, both to the crowd and players, and a penalty each brought the score to six all at half time.

In the second half, Leeds continued to challenge, innovative kicks behind the Gog’s defence and some excellent offloading kept the home team on its toes. In this intense but game, there were frequent infringements by both sides. The penalties favoured the Gogs and Woodward put the home team 12-6 ahead.

From early on it seemed one of those games that would be won by the first side to score a try. A momentary defensive lapse allowed Leeds to break the line from 30 metres out. Harry Rowan scored near the posts leaving an easy conversion to bring the score to 13-12 to the visitors.

Stung by this try, RGC went on the offensive, but it was too late, the referee’s whistle concluded the game.

ENTERPRISE PLC SPONSOR RGC 1404

2010-03-06T02:46:00.000Z

L ot R Peredur Jenkins (WRU), Kevan Rudd (Enterprise), Lord Elis-Thomas, Kenton Morgan(RGC)

Enterprise plc, a major player in the utility services and public sector maintenance industry, have become a sponsor of RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) 1404.

“Developing a successful rugby business is key to the sustainability of RGC1404 and the support from Enterprise will be critical to our success,” stated RGC chair Kenton Morgan.

Their vision to support “Sustainable, productive communities that benefit the residents, businesses and future generations” is also an aim of the Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, the Cooperative Community Interest Company which runs the team.

Kevan Rudd, Service Director for Enterprise explained their involvement further: “Enterprise is fully supporting rugby in North Wales. We recently sponsored a new kit for the Presidents XV team and are now backing the RGC 1404 team. We can see the huge potential here and want to be long-term partners in this exciting project." He also revealed: “We have signed up to a 1-year deal, with the option to extend for a further 2 years. I hope this shows our commitment to not just the team, but to the region as a whole.”

Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council said, "I am delighted that RGC 1404 have the support of the business community, it reaffirms the Council's belief that this important initiative that will bring opportunities as well as enjoyment to North Wales."

The RGC 1404’s new kit has also been officially unveiled. Joe Lydon, WRU Head of Performance & Development said: “It was felt that a kit was needed that would bring RGC 1404 into the modern era. The kit is being produced by Samurai and uses the traditional North Walian colours of black and yellow. An awful lot of consideration was taken during the design process and I hope that the supporters like the kit and can now see the huge strides forward that the team are making”.

“This team has the potential to really progress and compete at the highest level. Announcements like this are brilliant news as they show that there is commitment, not just verbally, but also that businesses want to be involved with us and be part of a project that is going places” stated Clive Griffiths, Head Coach of RGC 1404. “Personally I really like the look of the kit and look forward to seeing the supporters wearing the kit at future games”.

Canadian international, Doug Wooldridge, first played in the kit during the recent 20-11 victory over Worcester Warriors ‘A’ and he felt that the new kit gave the players an added dimension: “The kit gave the players an extra spring in their step and a little extra confidence”.

North Walian scrum-half Carwyn (Cookie) Williams added: “We really feel like a team now and are looking forward to coming up against top-class opposition whom we feel we can now compete against on a level playing field”

31 RGC 1404 - SALE JETS 17

2010-02-25T02:36:00.001Z

Man of the match Nathan Rees scored two scintillating tries from the right wing in RGC1404’s 31-17 win over Sale Jets last night at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay.
His first came after 3 minutes when from a pass by fullback Ciaran Hearn which saw Rees speed to the line. Michael Raikes playing at 10 converted. The Jets responded with fast flowing rugby but it was a penalty, by Jack Turton that gave them their first points,15 minutes into the game. Raikes replied with three penalties and by half time the score was 16-3
The Gogs were in fine form against a hesitant visiting side, The Jets had plenty to think about at the interval, including how they were a man up after prop Doug Wooldridge was shown a yellow card on 22 minutes and yet conceded three points during his absence.
The second half started disastrously for The Jets, Chauncey O'Toole, outstanding in the recent game against Worcester took as pass from Rees to crash over. Centre Moorhouse, increases in confidence and delivery with each match and produced two strong runs. The second one started the buildup for the Gogs' third try. Quick ball, from a tackle and ruck, to gave the deadly Rees his brace of tries. Raikes converted..
The Jets finally strung together some concerted threequarter play, setting up Ian Kench for a try after 61 minutes, Turton converting. Tom Brady then made a great run down the left, fed Eddie Stobart, but the replacement was bundled into touch. The Jets' pressure told again after 69 minutes, Mark Atkinson crossing the line from close range for Turton to convert.
Raikes was in fine kicking form and a penalty at 71 mins took the score to 31-17, and the visiting cause wasn't helped when Sale’s Cameron Thompson was shown the game's second yellow card.
Watched by a crowd of over 600 this was another shot in the arm for North Wales regional rugby.

RGC 1404 – Off to a flyer!

2010-02-20T12:50:00.000Z

Clive Griffiths’ first home game in charge got off to a flying start with victory over a strong Worcester Warriors ‘A’ side that included many first team squad members. On a cold evening, with the pitch quite heavy underfoot this was never going to be a free-flowing game. However, Worcester came charging out of the blocks and looked like they may blow RGC 1404 away in the first 15 minutes. Joe Carlisle was controlling things from fly-half, but RGC’s defence held strong and they survived the barrage only 3-0 down.
After weathering the storm, the RGC forwards started to take control; working their rolling mauls well and proving good, quick ball for the backs. This pressure soon turned to points and they were 6-3 up thanks to two penalties from Stephen Woodward. Further penalties followed and just before the half-time interval RGC 1404 found themselves camped on Worcester’s try line, but their stubborn defence held out and so the whistle went with the score being 12-6 to RGC 1404.
Something must have been said in the RGC 1404 changing room at half-time as inside centre Nick Blevin started to come into the game more, creating gaps in the Worcester defence. One of these breaks saw the ball being shipped out quickly and winger Nathan Rees capitalised with a try in the corner. Although this wasn’t converted, a penalty did soon follow and RGC 1404 found themselves 20-6 in front.
As the early defending had revitalised RGC 1404 in the first half, the same could be said towards the end of the game for Worcester who came back at RGC 1404. Winger Rees, so recently the hero, was now the villain as he was sent to the sin-bin for not rolling away after a tackle. The extra man soon paid dividends and Worcester full back, found a hole in the thinly spread defence to score in the corner. The conversion attempt was missed and the score remained 20-11 at the final whistle.
This was a brilliant result for RGC 1404, as Worcester had inflicted a heavy defeat (72-3) on their last visit to Parc Eirias. Coach Clive Griffiths was delighted with his new look team: “this result shows a massive turnaround in the fortunes of North Wales rugby in the last 12 months. I’m naturally delighted to put one over on my former club, but more importantly I’m delighted to see the team gelling further and becoming a cohesive unit. There are still areas to improve upon, and we will address these in the next few weekst”
Following on from the victory over Glamorgan Wanderers two weeks ago, Griffiths also added: “this is the creation of a small piece of history for RGC 1404. To have defeated Premiership teams from England and Wales in consecutive games is no mean feat and I’m absolutely delighted for those who initiated this project. It took Worcester 79 minutes to unlock our defence and that was only once we were down to 14 men. The game may have not been ideal for rugby purists, but we are working hard to look at the new laws at the breakdown area and once these have been addressed, we will start playing rugby to delight the supporters”.
A crowd of over 500 people watched the game at Parc Eirias, defying the freezing night to cheer on the team. “I hope that we can develop a hardcore support to get as many people as possible to Parc Eirias” added Griffiths.
Next up for RGC 1404 is a home game against Sale Jets at Parc Eirias on Wednesday 24th November. Advanced tickets are available at a reduced rate through Venue Cymru on 01492 872000.

PENALTIES ACCOUNT FOR 21 POINTS IN 1404'S 20-11 VICTORY OVER WORCESTER ACADEMY LAST NIGHT AT PARC EIRIAS

2010-02-18T03:12:00.000Z

2010-02-16T00:04:00.000Z

WORCESTER COME TO EIRIAS - THIS WEDNESDAY 7.30PM COLWYN BAY

PRESIDENTS XV 26 - 12 RGC 1404

2010-02-14T14:36:00.000Z

Tony Gray’s President XV achieved a notable victory at Bangor RFC when his team managed and put together by Alwyn Bevan from locally based club players and coached by Ieuan Jones (Caernarfon) and Eddie Kirby (Mold) comfortably beat RGC1404 by four tries to two.

The facilities and the conditions at Bangor RFC were conducive to open rugby and the sizeable crowd were treated to a great game which was well controlled by referee John Roberts. Enterprise Co. who have recently announced a sponsorship deal with North Wales Rugby could not have picked a better match to mark their association.

From the outset the President XV had the edge with their superior forward power led by their outstanding lock Arwel Lloyd (Machynlleth) and their combative front row unit of James Jones (Nant), John Shirley (Mold) and Gareth Pawson (Llangefni). Considering it was a scratch side their set pieces went well with Iestyn Dafydd (Llangefni) dominating the lineouts. Their scavenging back row trio of Harri Parri (Pwllheli),Carwyn Ellis (Nant) and Caernarfon’s Andrew Williams harassed RGC back line forcing errors and denying them the opportunity to get over the gain line. It seemed that the step up in the pace and intensity of the game was too much for the nucleus of the RGC players who play their club rugby over the border.

Winger Dylan Gwyn (Caernarfon) opened the scoring for the President team when he grounded his own delicate chip sprinting clear of the cover defence to score in the corner.

Against the run of play RGC responded with a fine individual try by livewire winger Richie Hopkins (Mold) when he cut infield on a fine running angle to touch down under the posts. Try converted by M.Raikes (Sale Amateurs) to put RGC in the lead 7-5.

With scrum half Gareth Padgett (Caernarfon) sniping at every opportunity the President XV exerted pressure for some time on the RGC try line but were denied a score with RGC defending strongly.

When RGC threatened the President defence held firm, well marshalled by centre Gwilym Jones (Caernarfon) and the ever reliable Arwel Roberts (Llangefni) who had a fine game at full back.

Just before half time the spectators were treated to a great try when the President’s winger Carwyn ap Myrddin (Nant) made a scintillating break from his own half, the ball passing quickly through three pairs of hands before the supporting Harri Parri (Pwlheli) crashed over beneath the posts. Llywarch ap Myrddin (Nant) converted to make the half time score 12-7.

The President XV coaches made a few changes at half time and they continued where they left off continuing to exert pressure forcing RGC to make errors and concede turnovers.

Despite the valiant efforts of RGC captain Wil Bown (Chester) the pressure eventually took its toll and it was no surprise when Bangor based centre Chris Malhene touched down following a strong forward drive to make the score 19-5.

There was now an air of desperation in the RGC ranks as they tried to chase the game prompted by strong running centre Jack Moorhouse (Sale Amateurs) and replacement hooker Andrew Baston (Sale Amateurs) together with replacement prop Rhodri Owen (Chester).

The President’s men were not to be denied and prop Gareth Pawson (Llangefni) burst through two tackles and using a classic hand off scored a great try under the posts making an easy conversion to take the score to 26-5.

Coaches Ieuan Jones and Eddie Kirby continued to ring the changes and to their credit RGC kept going with Andrew Baston (SaleAmateurs) going over for a consolation unconverted try in injury time, making the final score 26-12.

A thoroughly entertaining match which no doubt demonstrated the abundance of talent in North Wales club rugby. Alwyn Bevan commented after the match that it was a very worthwhile exercise in staging the game, he thanked the players and coaches for their support and knows that RGC coach Clive Griffiths was pleased with the talent on show which will now give him a larger pool of players for selection consideration for coming RGC fixtures. Whilst he appreciated that the Canadian RGC players were rested for this match nevertheless he thought it was a great rugby occasion for representative rugby in North Wales.

Coach Ieuan Jones said, “It was great to be involved and have the pick of North Wales clubs talented players. Eddie and myself pre match motivation was not difficult as our players were keen to show their talents in front of RGC 1404 coach Clive Griffiths and were up for it. It was a great rugby occasion and the players were chuffed when President of North Wales Rugby Council and ex Wales coach Tony Gray came to the dressing room afterwards to say how proud he was of his team!!!”

RGC 1404 v PRESIDENTS XV

2010-02-10T14:13:00.002Z

Head coach, Clive Griffiths’ aim to have the best north Walian players in the RGC1404 squad takes another step forward with a game against a President’s XV on Thurs 11th Feb at Bangor RFC (LL57 4AA) k.o. 7.30pm. RGC1404 will take the field without its Canadian players against a side selected from over 50 North Wales players who want to be part of the squad.

North Wales Rugby Council President and former national coach Tony Gray will be there to see his team play, what promises to be, a competitive match. In this instance though, Gray has handed the cones and pads to Eddy Kirby and Ieuan Jones coaches of successful North Wales Division 1 sides Mold and Caernarfon.

“If there are players out there who want to put their hand up and be part of RGC1404, this is their opportunity” says Head coach Griffiths. RGC1404 have shown their potential in beating Glamorgan Wanderers 25-10 on the back of a 22-14 win against a strong Antiassassins team in Chester.

The Presidents game, originally scheduled for the 5th January, but called off because of bad weather, has meant that some prospective squad members have not had the opportunity to be seen in a competitive game. RGC1404 needs a bigger squad so that all the top and up and coming north Walian players have the opportunity to develop until the tutelage of Griffiths and his coaching team of Rudi Meir, Jason Forster and Jon Aby.

Rescheduling this game, at short notice required that it be moved away Parc Eirias, a venue that RGC1404 shares with other stadium users. “We are keen that Parc Eirias should continue to be multi-user facility and are happy to work with other organisations to achieve this” commented a spokesperson. Like Parc Eirias, Bangor is easily accessible.

The Presidents XV will turn out in new shirts generously sponsored by Enterprise, a support services company that provides infrastructure maintenance services to the public sector, the utilities industry and other large organisations. “We hope that this will be the first of many games for the Presidents XV. We envisage that it will play invitation games in parallel to those of RGC1404” commented Stuart Waters, North Wales Rugby Council Treasurer and Enterprise representative.

The north Wales public is itching to see its new side and although not at our home ground this will be a preview of the side and an opportunity to support the side. There will be an opportunity to purchase replica shirts, to learn about the commercial opportunities with the team, to join the Cooperative Community Interest Company and to volunteer to assist.

GLAMORGAN WANDERERS 10 -25 RGC1404

2010-02-01T04:25:00.002Z

This was a game of three parts. In the first 20 minutes, RGC1404 used the width of a pitch, which needed a late inspection to pass it fit for play after a frost the previous evening. With good ball retention and quick hands from centre Jack Moorhouse, Ioan Davies ran in the first try on the left, leaving Stephen Woodward an easy conversion.
The middle 40 went to the Wanderers, some impressive scrummaging took the score to 10-7 with a pushover try. Down to 14 men after lock Luke Cudmore was yellow carded, RGC1404 absorbed considerable pressure. By maintaining their defensive shape and executing first up tackles, Clive Griffiths' charges kept the home team out. RGC 1404 drew level through a penalty and the game remained tied until flanker Chauncey O'Toole, one of an effective backrow trio with Joe Palmer and Jebb Sinclair, went over for a try to make the score 15-10.
The last 20 went to RGC1404. Late in the game, replacement 10 Mathew Parry score in the left corner after considerable pressure from the RGC pack. Five minutes later, in the dying moments of the game it was Parry again who opened up the defence with an excellent break which took him to within 5 metres of the line, With a last shimmy in front of the full back, he popped the ball to Moorhouse and with Ioan Davies in support the try was certain.
It was an encouraging win for RG1404 just 18 days into this project. It was also a good rugby game which entertained a small crowd on a bitterly cold Ely afternoon.

COMMERCIAL MANAGER JOINS THE TEAM

2010-01-24T19:46:00.002Z

Rygbi Gogledd Cymru aims to represent everything that is best about North Wales, through advertising and sponsorship associated with the team.

Recognizing the importance of this, as part of its business development, we have recently appointed Carol Beard as Commercial Manager.

"Carol has an excellent record of promoting the commercial activities of media and sporting organisations," commented Board Chair Kenton Morgan.

Carol can be contacted at RGCcommercial@aol.com

RGC SPEEDSTER SECURES WIN

2010-01-21T00:11:00.000Z

With minutes to go, the score at 17-14 and the Antiassassins pressing the RGC1404 line, supporters of this invitation charity side were hoping that they might steal a win. Then RGC1404 secured turnover ball. A kick to touch might have secured victory but seeing space out wide, Michael Raikes gave Jack Moorhouse the opportunity to break out of defence. Moorhouse, a scaffolder by trade, is no stranger to scaling heights and having made the necessary ground and drawn in defenders he send a perfectly timed pass to Ioan Davies. Davies was 65 metres out and in the sights of defensive cover. But with the confident finishing that has become his trade mark this tall powerful winger set off for line and kept his resolve. A desperate ankle tap send Davies hurtling to the ground but it was too late, he was over the line; final score 22-14
The Antiassissins fielded a strong side and for much of the first half there was no score, just before half time two tries put RGC 10 points ahead on this damp misty evening at Chester RFC. Soon after the break, Chauncey O'Toole made the score 15-0 with Stephen Woodward converting to make it 17-0.
The Antissassins are renowned for their strong bench and in the last 20 minutes began to claw back the points; two converted tries bringing it to 17-14. With time running out and play 10 metres from their line, RGC1404 secured a turnover - enter Raikes; Moorhouse and Davies.

LEICESTER 21-9 RGC1404

2010-01-18T16:58:00.002Z

A squad of fourteen North Walians, eight Canadians and two welsh regional players walked off one of the most important stadia in English rugby having put in a credible performance against a Leicester Tigers Academy side.

Welford Rd looked a little the worse for wear, after the Tigers 47-8 victory over Viadana the previous day and it is a mark of the support which Leicester were willing to give the development of the game in North Wales that this fixture was played there. There were about 1000 vociferous supporters in attendance.

Captained by Llangefni’s Will Bown, RGC1404 took first blood through a drop goal by Steve Woodward. Two more Woodward penalties added a further 6 points, matched by three successful penalty kicks by George Ford made the score 9 all at half time. RGC1404 had the best of the scrums in this first half with front row of Doug Wooldridge, Dave Blackwell and Tom Dolezel in the ascendancy. As expected from one of the best academy sides in the UK, Leicester were aggressive at the breakdown but this was more than matched by good performances from backrow, Jebb Sinclair, Will Bown and Chauncey O’Toole. Bown sustained a back injury half way through the second half and was replaced by Ruthin openside Joe Palmer with Sinclair moving to the No8 slot.

In the second half an early try by Welshman Gareth Clarke broke the deadlock giving Leicester a 5 point lead. At 14-9 a disallowed try by wing Ioan Davies could have given the North Wales Regional Team the confidence that it needed but this was not to be.

Excellent scramble defence by both sides prevented a number tries but it was Leicester’s Clarke who scored again after a lapse in concentration from a penalty in the red zone.

Scrum half Sean White returning for his first game and Stephen Woodward controlled the game well. For a side that had only been together for 126 hours, this was an encouraging performance. Full back Ciaran Hearn played an intelligent game at 15 and Jack Moorhouse was as ebullient as ever in the centre.

Team TEAM: 15.Ciaran Hearn; 14.Nathan Rees; 13.Jack Moorehouse; 12.Nick Blevins; 11.Ioan Davies; 10.Stephen Woodward; 9.Sean White (v/c); 8.Will Bown (C); 7.Chauncey O’Toole; 6.Jebb Sinclair; 5.Llion Trefor; 4.Dan Partridge; 3.Doug Wooldridge; 2.Dave Blackwell; 1.Tom Dolezel SUBS:16.Andrew Baston; 17.Tom Hughes; 18.Simon Griffiths; 18. Simon Griffiths; 19. Huw Jones; 20. Joe Palmer ; 21. Carwyn Williams; 22. Michael Raikes; 23. Barry Roberts Travelling Reserves: Richard Hopkins, Matt Parry

MEET THE CANADIAN PLAYERS

2010-01-13T00:36:00.001Z

These are the names and positions of the players who will join RGC1404 as announced on Rugby Canada's website
http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=13651&page=40651

Nick Blevins of Calgary - centre,
Tom Dolezel of London, Ont. & Ontario Blues - prop
Steve Woodward of Calgary - fly-half
Luke Cudmore of Squamish and B.C. Bears- second row
Sean White, Victoria and James Bay – scum half
Doug Wooldridge of Lindsay, Ont., Ontario Blues - prop
Ciaran Hearn of Conception Bay, N.L. and and Atlantic Rock – fullback/centre
Jebb Sinclair of Fredericton, N.B.- second row/back row
Chauncey O'Toole of Belle Isle, N.B. - flanker

RGC 1404

2010-01-07T01:30:00.005Z

Rugby rebels are raising the standard of the game in North Wales – and commemorating a glorious date in Welsh history at the same time.
The fledgling North Wales regional side has been re-christened RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) 1404 – 1404 is the year Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr was crowned Welsh Prince at Machynlleth
Glyndwr’s men went into battle under the golden dragon standard and the team will take to the field with that same golden Welsh dragon emblazoned on their chests.
These emotional and historic symbols have been revived to spearhead the RGC 1404 campaign to become a new and powerful force in the representative game.
The newly designed branding is launched today along with details of RGC 1404’s finalised fixture list which kicks off in mid-January 2010.
Ten fixtures have been confirmed for the team starting on Friday 15th January at 7.30pm when RGC 1404 take on a Leicester Tigers Development XV at their new home ground in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay. Other fixtures are still to be added to the schedule.
The team’s golden dragon standard will be raised above their new home base for the first fixture to be played by the relaunched side which is coached by former Wales dual code international and defence coach of the 2005 Wales Grand Slam side Clive Griffiths assisted by Jason Forster and Jon Aby.

RYDAL AND GOGLEDD HONOUR BLEDDYN

2009-12-28T23:46:00.003Z

"My Dad would have been really proud of this," commented Lynne Gamblin, as she presented the Bleddyn Williams Memorial Cup to winning captain Wil Bown after Gogledd Cymru's 29-5 victory over Rydal Vikings at Colwyn Bay RFC.

On a cold December day, in front of a crowd of over 300 people, Bleddyn Willliams, who died earlier this year, rekindled a proud North Wales rugby fixture and wrote it into the history of regional rugby.

It was the game against Rydal Vikings which provided North Wales with the stimulus and support to develop in the early days of rugby in the region. Examination of old programmes shows that when not battling it out against the regional side, some of the Vikings turned out for North Wales.

There were remnants of this yesterday with Gogledd players Gareth Holgate, Josh Leach and Jodie Prior in the Rydal squad. But this was to be a hard fought game, in cold slippery conditions, in which it looked for 60 minutes as if the Vikings would steal a 5-3 victory.

Watched by new head coach Clive Griffiths and under the hand of Jon Aby, the coach who has done so much to develop the regional side over the last 2 seasons, Gogledd Cymru looked rusty and had the demeanor of a side expecting a pushover. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Marshaled by scrum half Josh Leach and with a sizable forward pack which held their own in the tight, the Vikings proved worthy opposition. It was clear that in spite of the conditions, both teams aimed to play entertaining rugby with failures to execute effective "pass-catches" robbing both sides of points.

Led once again by their motivational leader Wil Bown, it proved a frustrating game until replacement Tom James went over for a try. This seemed to provide the impetus and confidence which Gogledd Cymru needed. Suddenly the tempo changed and in quick succession tries from centre Harri Morgan, wing Ioan Davies and No 8 Wil Bown followed. Two of these were converted by Rhodri Carlton-Jones adding to a first half penalty to make the score 29-5.

In his thank you address, Mike Silcock, President of Rydal Vikings commended the game as a potential annual event. The involvement of Rydal School with the WRU Rugby Academy will ensure that they produce the rugby stars of the future, thereby maintaining this North Wales rugby tradition.

THE PROCESS CONTINUES

2009-12-07T18:14:00.007Z

JON ABY -Current Gogledd Cymru Coach greets new head coach CLIVE GRIFFITHS
L-R William Bown (capt), Kenton Morgan, Jon Aby, Clive Griffiths, Peredur Jenkins, Joe Lydon, John Hardy

"To be the best region in Wales and the most player centred health conscious team in Europe" These first words on this blog - were as ambitious and to some ridiculous as the prospect that a 2005 Wales Grand Slam Coach would be appointed as head coach within 3 years.

Today, the process continued with the appointment of Clive Griffiths, Rudi Meir and Jon Aby as the coaching team and the announcement that 10 Canadians would join Gogledd Cymru in January to play at least 10 top quality fixtures.

Clive brings to the team experience, confidence, a public profile and a track record of achievment.

Rudi, Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University, New South Wales brings the application of scientific excellence and research. "To be the best, we cannot follow" commented Rygbi Gogledd Cymru Chair, Kenton Morgan. "Rudi has experience in not just doing the research that will make us leaders but in implementing it. We look forward to his arrival"

Jon Aby's team was complimented by Sale's Kinglsey Jones on Scrum V recently. It is his expertise and commitment that has brought Gogledd Cymru to its current position.

This development can be seen as just reward for the efforts of those players who have played an extra 20 games in the last 3 seasons, in addition to club commitments, for no more reward than a dream. "William Bown has been an inspirational captain. He is a great role model for every young player in North Wales." commented Morgan.

At the end of last season Gogledd Cymru recognised the need for a "step up" in performance and requested help from the WRU in achieveing this. Joe Lydon, Performance and Development manager responded to this by dovetailing the development needs of Rugby Canada with those of Gogledd Cymru. The arrival of 10 Canadians will elevate the performance and provide those players of that standard in North Wales with the framework to play in.

This will also allow the Cooperative Community Interest Company, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, to grow the business and will provide young players in North Wales with the opportunity denied to previous generations.

The unique partnership between Rygbi Gogledd Cymru CIC, Conwy County Borough Council and the WRU is bringing top quality rugby to North Wales. This is a process en route to a Premiership place.

Our challenge now is to sustained this. There can be no more false dawns. It is up to every person, business and club in the region to get behind this project. Rygbi Gogledd Cymru's aim is to represent everything that is best about North Wales

SALE JETS 33 GOGLEDD CYMRU 13

2009-11-03T01:35:00.007Z

Gogledd Cymru gave one of their best rugby displays to date, losing to Sale Jets 33-13 at Heywood Road last night.

For large parts of the game Gogledd Cymru more than held their own against a Jets side which included New Zealand Maori, Kristian Ormsby, returning from injury and fellow Sharks squad members David Tait, Will Cliff and James Jones.

Wil Bown, leader of Gogledd Cymru for the past three season, was joined in the backrow by COBRA's Alun Jones and the versatile Andrew Baston. This combination turned over ball and crossed the gain line on a number of occasions disrupting the Jets attack and challenging their defence

For thirty minutes the score was 5-3 to the Jets with an unconverted try by Sharks flanker James Jones and a penalty by the Gogs fullback Rhodri Carlton Jones. This was a critical part of the game in which Gogledd Cymru created two excellent try scoring opportunities. Charismatic centre Jack Moorhouse broke through under the posts and with the Nant finisher Ioan Davies outside him a try looked certain. Only last minute Sale defence kept them out. Strong running from Richard Hopkins cut through and it seemed that the Gogs pick up and drive, so effective against Waterloo, would produce a try but once again the Jets held firm.

Two tries from Sale in the last 10 minutes of the first half made the score a flattering 19-3 at half time. The first scored by Mike Walker-Fitton came from a driving maul following a lineout 5 metres out, the second was a well worked moved scored by Sharks' fullback Ed Styles 1 minute from the whistle.

Two minutes into the second half Carlton-Jones kicked a second penalty to make the score 19-6. Flanker Alun Jones was yellow carded shortly after and Sale scored another try from a driving maul.

Sale player Walker-Fitton joined Jones in the bin a few minutes later and from the resulting penalty and lineout the Gogs set up a driving maul 5 metres out with prop Simon Griffiths completing an impressive performance by claiming the try. Michael Raikes converted.

The final Sale try came from a kick and chase with Sale having used used all 10 substitutes against a Gogs side with only four on the bench. The try was converted to give a final score of 33-13.

"Gogledd Cymru produced their most competitive performance so far against the Sharks, never giving up and being prepared, .like their hosts, to run the ball" says the report on the Sharks website.

It was an evening of exciting and enterprising rugby on both sides. Coach Jon Aby is to be commended for his efforts in improving the basic skills and organisation of this team to a level which allows them to compete with sides of this calibre. Aby, an advocate of good execution over good luck congratulated his charges on their achievments.

UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL 15 - GOGLEDD CYMRU 29

2009-09-30T23:26:00.006+01:00

"Established 1875," exclaims the glass etching above the entrance to the New Brighton Football Club (Rugby Union), which generously hosted the game between the University of Liverpool and Gogledd Cymru last night.
17 -36 were the squad numbers. Gogledd Cymru were without 17 of their squad, owing to injury and work commitments and fielded a squad with only two substitutes. In contrast, the University was showing the benefit of its recent intake of freshers with 36 players in the warm up.
Starting with a core of experienced players, the University looked strong and it was some time before the Gogs began to gain the ascendency, with a try by Jack Moorhouse, converted by Rhodri Carlton-Jones. Jones was one of 7 regular players in a Gogledd Cymru side which showed individual and collective signs of the developments they have made in the last 2 years. At other times basic skills and decision making seemed lacking.
Overall it was a brave and committed performance by the Gogs with COBRA's open side flanker Alun Jones again ourstanding.
The University responded with a first half try. At the break the score was 15-5 from a penalty by Carlton-Jones and a try by Richard Hopkins.

In the second half the University took advantage of the wind and pinned the Gogs to their 22 for large parts of the game but the Gogs pack, ably led by Llion Trefor and strengthened by the late substitution of Dave Blackwell began to generate quick ball, allowing the backs to break out of defence. Penetrating runs by Alun Jones and Richard Hopkins supported by intelligent distribution from Ashley James resulted in tries for both Hopkins and Jones.
With five minutes to go and the Gogs suffering the wear and tear which goes with asking 17 players to compete against 36, the University scored two break away tries, one from a hack ahead and the other from a breakdown on the Gog's line.
"I didn't expect the best" commented coach Jon Aby "But I asked every player to give of their best and they did that." "Being able to field a side with so many people injured or unavailable through work demonstrates the depth of our squad."

LOUGHBOROUGH UNI. 12 GOGLEDD CYMRU 10: COACH ABY PRAISES PLAYER COMMITMENT

2009-09-17T08:28:00.013+01:00

When Loughborough collapsed the scrum on their own line for the fourth time in the closing stages of the game, Gogledd Cymru expected a penalty try, having already been awarded three sequential penalties. It was not to be and Loughborough emerged 12-10 winners, in their first visit to Parc Eirias last Wednesday night.
It was an exciting match. In the first half Gogledd Cymru controlled large parts of the game, the scrum was strong, the defence effective and for the first time the Gogs put pressure on the opposition line out. At the break the score was 10-5 in their favour. A break, by open side and man of the match Alun Jones, was finished by Rhodri Carlton-Jones. Carlton-Jones, playing at 15 for the first time looked solid in defence showing excellent decision making in timing his runs out of defence.

Substitutions in the second half made Loughborough a stronger side and a converted try took the score to 12-10. In contrast to Loughborough, the Gogs had a small bench. Injuries to Alun Jones and Huw Roberts resulted in centre Jodie Prior and wing Ioan Davies playing in the back row. Davies assumed his new role with gusto. Relishing the frequency with which he was able get his hands on the ball, his size, speed and penetrating runs caused the opposition considerable problems.

Simon Griffiths, returning from injury was also called in as a substitute and at this stage the Gogs had 3 props and 2 backs in the scrum. Inspirational captain Will Bown remained on the pitch despite carrying a thigh injury.

At the end of the game coach Jon Aby praised the commitment of the players. “I was impressed by the commitment of every player but was disappointed, as they were, with the result. It was a game that we could and should have won. We were camped in the red zone for the last quarter of the game and should have been awarded a penalty try in the closing stages.”

Loughborough coach and former Gogledd Cymru player Dave Morris enjoyed the game and in spite of the long journey has offered to replay the fixture again at a similar time next season.

Gogledd Cymru 20 Waterloo 14

2009-08-27T01:31:00.002+01:00

The Gogs travelled to Waterloo on Wednesday 26th Aug, following an invitation from ex Gogledd Cymru and Wales second row Steve Moore for an evening kick off, preseason friendly. Steve is currently coach of Waterloo.
Jon Aby's team had considerable strength in the back line but the pack was depleted by holidays, work and injury. However, led by an inspirational performance by captain Will Bown(Llangefni), at 8; debutante openside Alun Jones (Cobra), centre Harri Morgan(Ruthin) playing out of position at 6 and late replacements Rhodri Owen (Llangefni) and Tom James (Bro Ffestiniog) moulded into the patterns of play of regulars Andrew Baston (Sale). Tom Hughes (Bala), Llion Trefor (Sale) and Dave Blackwell. The pack gained the ascendancy particulary in the latter stages of the game and were rewarded with tries by Owen and James.
Outside the scrum Gogledd Cymru had a strong hand. With the exception of 10, two players competed for each of the back positions. Christian Lille was scintillating in attack although in just failing to hold a well timed pass from centre Steffan Morgan(Ruthin) he missed and ambitious and well deserved try. His running out of defence always troubled Waterloo and on two occasions his darting runs were excellently finished by fellow wing Ioan Davies (Nant).
In the end it was four tries to one. Gogledd gifted three penalties and without a recognised goal kicker, failed at all the conversions.
This was a good start for the Gogs. Two years ago they were soundly beaten 37-0 by Waterloo.

GOGLEDD CYMRU

2009-05-22T23:38:00.000+01:00

Croeso i GOGLEDD CYMRU y tim Rygbi Rhanbarthol o Ogledd Cymru
Welcome to GOGLEDD CYMRU the North Wales Regional Rugby Team.

Mae GOGLEDD CYMRU yn anelu at fod y rhanbarth rygbi blaenaf yng Nghymru a'r tim sy'n canolbwyntio ar y chwaraewyr fwyaf, y tim sydd mwyaf ymwybodol o iechyd eu chwaraewyr yn Ewrop.
GOGLEDD CYMRU aims to be the foremost rugby region in Wales and the most player centred, health conscious team in Europe.

Mae'r tim yn cael eu ffurfio o 23 clwb yng Ngogledd Cymru trwy system tryloyw a democrataidd. Mae GOGLEDD CYMRU yn ymgeisio i cydbwyso y gofynion gwaith, bywyd a rygbi clwb gyda'r chwaraewyr sy'n cynrychioli'r rhabarth, mewn un o'r ardaloedd gyda un o'r dwysedd poblogaidd lleiaf yn Ewrop. Mae adnoddau T.G fel y blog yma yn rhan o'r system yma.
The team is drawn from 23 clubs in North Wales through a transparent and democratic method of selection. GOGLEDD CYMRU is attempting to balance the demands of work, life and club rugby with those of regional representation in one of the most sparcely populated areas of Europe. Novel IT solutions like this blog are part of this approach.

FRUSTRATED

2009-05-14T02:04:00.002+01:00

Was captain Wil Bown's response to coach Jon Aby's question "How do you feel?" after Gogledd Cymru's 56-23 win over the Welsh Fire Service.
This hypercritical retort, to a congratulatory question, is a measure of how far this Gogledd Cymru side have come in 2 years. They have played sides from the Russian Champions to the Sale and Worcester development teams. They know how good rugby can get and they want to be there.
"To be the best, you have to play against the best" This tautology from national coach Warren Gatland signifies the approach Gogledd Cymru have taken over the past two seasons. "Why don't you play sides you can beat?" say the critics. The answer is obvious.
Last night Gogledd Cymru played some scintillating rugby, providing the modest crowd with some of the best rugby seen in North Wales this season.
"Too many penalties and not enough structure!" cut in Bown. The discussion that ensued was a testament to coach Jon Aby. Players added their technical analysis of the game. It encapsulated the progress the team has made.
"Eight months ago, you couldn't have done what you did tonight" commented Aby. Heads nodded - but everyone knew there was more! They have played against it and they want it.
The success of the evening was not in the score it was in the dressing room discussion.
At half time the players were unanimous in their critical analysis of the game. Everyone knew what was going wrong, even with 30 points on the board, and they knew what was needed to correct it. It was a moment of empowerment which marked a change in this team.
"I have heard the coach shouting" commented video analyst Dave Cheesbrough "But it is the first time I have seen the team shouting corrective instructions to each other."
"Tonight! You are Worcester! You are Sale!" commented coach Jon Aby at half time, "You have to execute. Anything less than 50 points will be a failure."
In doing so, new potential emerged. The Gogledd front row were outstanding. Man of the match Simon Griffiths demonstrated that he has the potential to succeed as a top class prop. Pwllheli's Arron Owen, one of the successes of the game against Russia, added analysis to attitude, His half time appraisal of the game and physical commitment demonstrated why he is emerging as one of the best props in the region. English U18 international hooker Dave Blackwell laid down the gauntlet to injured hooker Baston with an outstanding performance.
Behind the scrum, Carwyn Williams demonstrated why he has already played at Premiership level. Mathew Parry showed a return to his old form choosing to distribute rather than kick. The penetration of Jack Moorehouse and the speed of Christian Lille finished a number of tries.
But Aby's, last words were for Bown. "Wil's comments demonstrated how much HE and the team have changed. He has always been an inspirational leader but over the past few months I have seen a huge change in his technical aspirations. He wants excellence. I want to give HIM the chance to play Premiership rugby, possibly even to lead the team into that."

PLAYERS REUNION DINNER

2009-04-20T18:59:00.003+01:00

It was over 50 years ago that Tom Lloyd Ellis, Jack Evans and Bev Thomas took the field wearing the gold and black colours of North Wales. On Friday, 17th April, at the Imperial Hotel, Llandudno, they were able to celebrate their achievements, for the first time, at a unique players reunion dinner.
Over the past 2 months Rygbi Gogledd Cymru CIC, the Cooperative established to take the regional team to the Premiership, has assembled a list of over 600 players who have represented North Wales. Three hundred and fifty of these have been traced and on Friday over 60 were present at the dinner.
The guest of honour was Robin McBryde but British Lions Geoff Evans and Mike Roberts were also there as were Internationals Tony Gray and Ian Buckett.
It promised to be a night to remember. There were clips of North Wales v Tonga and North Wales v Western Samoa, programmes, memorabilia and press clippings were shown, there were live links with Australia and Robin McBryde ended the evening with a forthright and challenging speech.
"Much has been achieved," commented McBryde "But it is commitment which will see this through. By commitment I mean the ability to keep doing the things that need to be done long after the enthusiasm has disappeared. North Wales has the opportunity to be innovative and to do something different and it needs to decided exactly what sort of region it will be"
Addressing the players, Kenton Morgan, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru CIC, Chair said, "It your effort and your achievements that have kept the torch of North Wales rugby burning. We are proud of you and we want to celebrate and reward your achievements."

U20 WOMENS INTERNATIONAL: WALES 8 - ENGLAND 26

2009-04-14T23:54:00.004+01:00

On a sunny warm April afternoon, Parc Eirias welcomed future stars of the women’s game. Wales U20 played their English counterparts in front of an enthusiastic and vociferous crowd of around 500.

From the kick off it was clear that this was going to be a hard fought game with crunching tackles from both sides. Wales took and early lead through a penalty by Elinor Snowsill but an infringement soon after allowed England to equalize; Claire Garner kicking the goal.

The first half remained a close encounter with both sides penalized repeatedly for infringements in the contact area. Gogledd Cymru centre, Ceri Redmund and partner Adi Taviner were impressive but their penetrating runs were thwarted by a defiant English defence. An unconverted try, out wide, by England second row Harriet Mills put the visitors 8-3 ahead at the half time break. It was clear that this was going to be no walk over for the English side.

During the break, the crowd were entertained to an U15 sevens match between Colwyn Bay Mermaids and Sandbach with both teams providing a great advertisement for the community game.

Wales remained in contention in the second half. Even with the score at 19-8 the end result was uncertain.

England extended their lead at the beginning of the second half through a try by Hunt followed by a penalty by fly half Garner. Wales kept up the pressure with input from Gogledd Cymru substitutes Sian Williams and Yasmin Leung and in the 53rd minute a try by centre Taviner put the home team back in the game.

The game as sealed by a last minute break which put Lizell Heather over for a try. Final score 26-8

Scorers:
Wales: Try – Taviner; Pen – Snowsill
England: Tries: Mills, Hunt, Heather; Con: Garner; Pens: Garner (3)

Wales Team
15 Kerin Lake, 14 Charlotte Murray, 13 Adi Taviner, 12 Ceri Redman+, 11 Paris Nicholas, 10 Elinor Snowsill (C), 9 Natalie Watkins, 1 Alex Stokes, 2 Amy Lawrence, 3 Lowri Harries, 4 Sian Williams, 5 Sioned Harries, 6 Kathryn Joseph, 8 Vicky Owens, 7 Carys Thomas. Replacements: 16 Cory Toule, 17 Sophie Mangano, 18 Sian Williams+, 19 Yasmin Leung+, 20 Bethan Preece, 21 Levi Hallett, 22 Rhianydd Morgan.+ Gogledd Cymru Player

Gogledd Cymru 21 VVA Monino 76

2009-04-11T02:43:00.002+01:00

A feast of rugby was enjoyed last night at Parc Erias when Gogledd Cymru hosted Russian club champions VVA Monino. The match was only confirmed onThursday 2nd April when Steve Diamond former Sale and Saracens coach asked his previous clubs and Worcester to suggest a fixture at short notice. Both had no reservations in recommending Gogledd Cymru. WRU permission was given on Monday and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru's management team and Conwy Council are to be congratulated on staging such a prestigious game at short notice. Monino are Russia’s premier Club boasting the majority of the Russian national team .Russia are ranked 16th in IRB ratings ahead of Japan and Rumania.

The bright spring evening commenced with the national anthems. The Russian visitors sang with passion bringing echoes of their famous anthem heard on the victory podium of past Olympic games.

They took their passion onto the field of play and after weathering the home side's enthuastic start they came to the fore with sublime rugby skills and power. At the end of the first quarter they had scored three well worked tries which brought the appreciative crowd to their feet. The home side to their credit stuck to their task and against the run of play scored two breakaway tries through Rhodri Carlton Jones and wing Richie Hopkins both converted by Jones.

The Russian visitors then moved up a gear and scored further tries to make the halftime score 49-14 in their favour.

After the interval they carried on in the same vein with fast open rugby which provided great entertainment to the appreciative crowd. Their outstanding half backs orchestrated scintillating moves. At times the Gogledd Cymru boys were struggling to keep up the pace. Although outgunned, in their usual dogged fashion, they persevered and after going through good phases of play they scored a converted try through their impressive centre Jack Moorhouse.

In the last quarter the Russian visitors ran in further tries to make the final score 76-21.The match was excellently refereed by local official Kevin O’Mara who made himself understood despite the language barrier.

Kenton Morgan the GC manager said, “We are showing that we are capable of welcoming high quality teams to North Wales . Our results to date may seem disappointing but it is part of a process. Much of our efforts so far have been on improving skills and offering local players and supporters the opportunity to experience high quality rugby. Tonight was a good example of this”

MCBRYDE AND LIONS GET TOGETHER

2009-04-06T02:26:00.000+01:00

North Walian British Lions Mike Roberts and Geoff Evans will join fellow Welsh internationals Tony Gray, Steven Moore and guest of honour Robin McBryde for a unique North Wales players rugby reunion dinner in Llandudno on April 17th.

Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, the company set up to take the Regional team to the Premiership have attempted to trace everyone who has ever played for North Wales and to invite them to the dinner. 590 players have been identified and over 300 have been traced and invited.

Fifty years of rugby will be represented and players, who last took the field in the 1950’s will be photographed alongside those currently in the Gogledd Cymru team. A photographer will recapture the teams that played Tonga(1974), Samoa (1988) and Romania, along with those which won the Counties Cup on 3 occasions.

In an evening of celebration of North Wales rugby there will be a showing of highlights of the Tongan game, exhibits of memorabilia from the last 50 years and anecdotes from the past. It promises to be a night to remember.

Tickets are still available. Any players who have not been contacted but wish to attend should call or txt 07973247986 or email hybugogledd@gmail.com

GOGS COMPETE AT THE TOP OF DIVISION ONE

2009-03-22T14:02:00.007Z

After their performance against Newbridge on Saturday, the take home message for the Gogs is that although they are still 18months away from a Premiership place, they can compete at Division 1 level.
One of the advantages of their experience against sides like Sale Jets and Worcester Warriors A is that the Gogs, as individuals and as a team have learned how to play rugby at a high level. There are two clear messages at this level; every mistake, be it missed tackle or turnover, is a potential try and every try scoring opportunity has to be finished to put points on the board.
This was evident again on Saturday, when 16 Gogs, depleted by injury and bereavement, traveled down to Newbridge to face a team that has topped Division 1 for most of this season. After 60 minutes, with 2 tries under their belt the Gogs trailed 29-17. Four further try scoring opportunities went begging. Hooker Andrew Baston playing at 6 in place of the injured Richard Hughes, broke the line for a second time but narrowly failed to score his second try and two incisive breaks by Rhodri Carlton Jones should have given the Gogs a further 10 points. Wing Christian Lillie coming in as late replacment for Richie Hopkins also failed to gather a ball, metres short of the line.
The Gogs expected a tough physical contest and the front five of Tom Hughes, Dave Blackwell, Osian Williams, Steven Williams and Llion Trefor held a steady scrum for 80 minutes. Newbridge, with the advantage of numbers on the bench, were able to replace their front row before the end of the game. The Gogs were without their full compliment of props; Elgan Davies, James Jones and Steve Barnard were missing because of injury
Outside the hard fought forward battle, Newbridge were enterprising in attack. Their inside centre and strong running wing threatened throughout the game with most of their tries coming from these positions. In the last 10 minutes of the game the Gogs conceded two tries to make the final score a flattering 43-17 but this was an enormous confidence boost for Will Bown's men and Gogledd Cymru's development.

FIVE ALL IN THE SECOND HALF

2009-03-12T10:09:00.002Z

The final score was 48-8 to Sale, with 43 of these points scored in the first half. Sale entered this game at blistering speed. Although Gogledd showed good ball retention and the ability to win fast ball from rucks, the message, which has been recurrent in every game against sides of this quality, is that EVERY mistake means a try. So there were moments last night when after exerting consistent pressure on the opposition try line, lost possession or turnover ball resulted in a try to Sale. This was not helped by the absence of key personnel in the pack, a sin binning for captain Will Bown and the loss of playmaker Adam Robson with a shoulder injury.

The second half was very different. Peppered by new recruits Gogledd began to play at pace with accurate and appropriate distribution. The effect was that the whole team lifted its game. Elfyn Roberts crossed for a try for the Gogs and a knock on when over the line prevented another. Using the wind Gogledd Cymru played the game in the Sale half and when under pressure defended well.

WORCESTER WARRIORS CONQUER GOGLEDD CYMRU

2009-02-26T01:23:00.003Z

Phil Edwards, Mayor of Colwyn Bay is introduced to the Gogledd Cymru team

GOGLEDD CYMRU 3 WORCESTER WARRIORS A 72

On a chilly evening Gogledd Cymru succumbed to a heavy defeat at their Parc Eirias home last night (Wed 25th Feb) after both teams had a pre match welcome by Councilor Phil Edwards Mayor of Colwyn.

The home side started brightly exerting pressure on the visitors but could not capitalise on this pressure narrowly missing a long range penalty. It was however the Warriors who took a 6-0 lead with two penalties by fly half Will Runciman.

The English Premiership second string began to dominate proceedings and scored a well executed try following crisp handling by their backs, then shortly afterwards not to be outdone their forwards went over for a push over try. Both tries converted by Runciman to increase their lead to 20-0.

To their credit Gogledd Cymru re grouped with enterprising runs by winger Richie Hopkins and trademark breaks by hooker Andrew Baston which resulted in a successful penalty by Rhodri Carlton Jones making the score 20-3.

The Warriors came back strongly and broke the Gogs line to score a converted try to increase their lead to 27-3 at the break.

The second half started disastrously for the home side conceding three tries in the first 10 minutes all converted by Runciman giving the Warriors an unassailable lead of 48-3.

The visitors were now rampant and despite battling bravely Gogledd Cymru found it difficult to match the power and pace of the Warriors game which resulted in four more tries, three converted by Runciman to make the final score 72-3.

This match was always going be a learning experience for the Welsh boys against a team sprinkled with players with English Premiership experience but it was a salutary indication of the skill, fitness, speed of thought and cohesion needed to compete at this level.

CALLING ALL FORMER PLAYERS

2009-02-19T23:38:00.007Z

PLAYERS REUNION DINNER

THE IMPERIAL HOTEL,

LLANDUNO,

FRI 17TH APRIL

7.30PM

GUEST OF HONOUR - ROBIN MCBRYDE.

A LIST OF FORMER PLAYERS HAS BEEN ASSEMBLED. IT HAS OVER 450 NAMES ON IT AND IS GROWING DAILY.

IF YOU ARE A FORMER PLAYER AND WISH TO CHECK THAT YOU ARE ON THE LIST PLEASE EMAIL YOU NAME AND ADDRESS, POSITION AND APPROXIMATE YEAR IN WHICH YOU PLAYED TO hybugogledd@gmail.com

2009-02-11T00:37:00.001Z

RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU - A COMMUNITY INTEREST COOPERATIVE

2009-01-27T05:03:00.003Z

On the 9th January 2009 Golgedd Cymru took another important step forward in its march towards the Welsh Premiership. It was incorporated as a Cooperative Community Interest Company or CCIC.

Pictured here are members of the foundation board which will take the Company to its first AGM.

Community Interest Companies have an assets lock. In forming a CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru aims to protect the

organisation for the community of North Wales for perpetuity.

Foundation board Direct)ors will be Kenton Morgan (Chair), John Hardy (Facilities), Alun Pritchard (Corporate Communications), John Aby (Rugby), Nikki Davies (Health), Peredur Jenkins (WRU), Alwyn Jones (NWRC), Vince Ryan (Legal Affairs)

The CIC is a limited company with a cooperative structure. Membership is a nominal £5. This entitles members stand or propose members to the board, to vote at the AGM and to receive an electronic monthly newletter.

SPOON A-As 19 GOGLEDD CYMRU 3

2009-01-15T00:41:00.004Z

Playing against a Wooden Spoon Charity side made up mainly of National Division 2 players, Gogledd Cymru competed well and there was no score in this match for most of the first half. Adam Robson converted a penalty and the Anti-Assassins retorted with a converted try to make it 7-3 at the interval, Robson hitting the posts with a late penalty.
Hooker Andrew Baston was outstanding in a game played in wet muddy conditions. There was lack of cohesion in the Gogledd Cymru side, a reflection of a backline combination playing together for the first time and a forward back disrupted by injury and work commitments.
In the second half Gogledd Cymru started to improve their performance in the rucks but poor decision making and desperate individual try scoring efforts frustrated a number of try scoring opportunities.
As in the last game against Sale Jets, it was the ability of the opposition to punish Gogledd's mistakes that made the difference, even when these were made deep into their own territory.
A last minute try took the score to 19-3, in a game in which there were few positives for Gogledd Cymru; the addition of new players who, with time, will take this team to a higher level and the realisation that players have to be playing at this level, rather than at North Wales club rugby level in order to improve were two. Last season, Waterloo defeated Gogledd Cymru 37 -0 and this result indicated the improvement that the regional team has made over 2 seasons.

CARDIFF, SWANSEA AND EBBW VALE LAY DOWN THE BENCHMARK

2008-12-22T02:23:00.002Z

Using the opportunity provided by the SWALEC Cup, three North Wales sides played against Welsh Premiership sides this weekend.

The results, 55-17 for Cardiff against Bethesda, 104-4 for Swansea against Bala and 78-3 for Ebbw Vale against Llandudno serve to underline the difference between the Welsh Premiership and club rugby in North Wales.

Gogledd Cymru is bridging this gap but these results lay down a benchmark for the development needed to compete at Premiership level. The days when a scratch team of North Wales' best could compete against Romania and Tonga are a distant memory. A 2010 Premiership place needs the commitment and participation of all of the best players in North Wales NOW.

Performance is key to Gogledd Cymru achieving a Welsh Premiership place. Join the cause - call 01517947986 or email k.l.morgan@liv.ac.uk

NEW HQ FOR GOGLEDD CYMRU TEAM ANNOUNCED

2008-12-10T10:23:00.002Z

A major boost for plans to develop rugby in North Wales has been announced with the selection of a new base for the Gogledd Cymru team which is being tasked with taking the game to a new elite level in the region.

Gogledd Cymru will establish Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay as its main home ground with the support of Conwy County Borough Council.

A joint project board involving the local authority, members of the North Wales Rugby Council, the Welsh Rugby Union and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru has been set up to establish the structure and operational capacity of the Gogledd Cymru team and its headquarters.The project board will work alongside a WRU working party which has been set up to report on how the Gogledd Cymru team will be developed to provide meaningful competition and a clear pathway for elite players seeking to establish careers as rugby professionals.

WRU Board representative for North Wales, Peredur Jenkins, said: “The establishment of Parc Eirias as the headquarters for Gogledd Cymru is a significant step forward. It is a perfect location. The excellent road links will ensure supporters from all over north Wales will be able to get to the games.

WRU Chairman, David Pickering, said: “This is an extremely positive step forward which will help realise our ambitions for elite rugby in North Wales. Parc Eirias has massive potential as a rugby venue and I look forward to watching some great games here in the near future.

WRU President, Dennis Gethin added: “North Wales has a proud history of developing great players. You only have to consider people like Robin McBryde, the Moore brothers and the likes of Dewi Bebb to know that Welsh rugby needs a powerful and robust elite structure in the north. We all share a vision for what can be achieved and I know we have the right people working together to achieve our goals.”

Conwy Council’s Leader, Cllr Dilwyn Roberts said: “We are delighted to welcome the Gogledd Cymru team to Colwyn Bay and hope that this will be a great boost for rugby in north Wales. We’re particularly eager to see more young people participating in sport and we believe that bringing high profile games to the area will inspire and encourage youngsters. We’re planning to work closely with the other north Wales authorities to ensure that any regeneration and economic opportunities that arise from this scheme can benefit the whole region.”

WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis visited Parc Eirias in October of this year to meet with Conwy County Borough Council and said, “Developing rugby in North Wales is not only critical for all of Welsh rugby but also in supporting the economic ambitions of the region. I was deeply impressed by the commitment of Conwy County Borough Council to develop rugby in their area and moreover, took great heart from the impressive facilities they already have in place at Parc Eirias. The future looks very positive indeed.”

Gogledd Cymru team manager Kenton Morgan said: "These developments could not have been achieved without the commitment of the clubs, players and coaches in the north Wales Region. Parc Eirias is part of the process of providing rugby players, referees and supporters with the opportunity to experience top class rugby in the region. It is exciting to see the rugby dreams of north Wales becoming a reality.”

Vaughan Jones, Chairman North Wales Rugby Council (NWRC) said: "This project is a milestone in the history of the development of rugby in north Wales. It will be a stepping stone to a semi-pro team in our region and provide a pathway for our players to professional and national honours, which is every aspiring rugby player’s dream. Seven of our Gogledd Cymru under 16 team have this week been selected in the Wales national u16 training squad - this is directly due to the WRU decision this season to include a Gogledd Cymru team and thus give our youngsters exposure in the national age grade championship.”

“This project will boost our capacity to provide players for national selection. Wales is a small country and we in north Wales which covers 50% of the area and nearly a third (1m) in population are eager to play an increasing effective role in providing quality players to the Welsh cause. The positive spin-off opportunities on offer to players in our clubs and communities throughout the region are huge and I applaud the WRU for recognising the potential here, and Conwy Council for their vision and commitment to this project which will benefit the whole region."

GOGLEDD CYMRU 16 SALE 51

2008-11-27T01:11:00.005Z

It wasn't quite as it seemed. This was a competitive game. The Gogledd Cymru side stepped up to the pace of professional rugby. They showed improvement and there were flashes of the shape and flair which are an important part of their coaching ethos.

There is enormous benefit to the Gogledd Cymru side in games against opposition of this standard. It is only by seeing over the horizon that the length of the road ahead dawns.

One major difference was the clinical way in which Sale punished mistakes with points.

The crowd of 5-600 people provided an excellent atmosphere, supporting the home side every time they broke the opposition line. It was an entertaining evening in Gogledd Cymru's Premiership Venue at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay.

THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT

2008-11-21T00:56:00.005Z

Owain Glyndwr' s Lion gradually takes shape on the banks of Parc Eirias Stadium, Colwyn Bay, in preparation for the game between Gogledd Cymru and Sale Jets on Wednesday 26th Nov. Kick Off 7.30

NEW KIT ANNOUNCED

2008-10-07T20:47:00.008+01:00

AVAILABLE TO ORDER EXCLUSIVELY ON THIS SITE WITHIN NEXT 2 WEEKS: DESIGN SUBMITTED TO FACTORY: ADVISED BY CANTERBURY TO WAIT FOR FINAL VERSIONS BEFORE ACCEPTING ORDERS. APOLOGIES FOR ANY DELAY.

18 POINT RHODRI THWARTS STUDENTS PACK

2008-10-02T11:51:00.006+01:00

Gales, the calm and then a storm which might have sent Noah running for the ark, were the setting for Gogledd Cymru’s 28-8 first home victory last night.
Parc Eirias was a venue fitting of a prospective semi-professional side, as Billy Evans Mayor of Llandudno welcomed both teams.
Liverpool University fielded a strong side which included Ospreys academy's Geraint Whittaker and Mold’s Alex Green in their line up.
Playing with the wind, this was a game that the Gog’s had to win, but any suggestion that it was going to be a rout were dispelled when Whittaker scored a try out wide, after five minutes, to give the students a 5 nil lead.
With instructions this year to be particularly vigilant in preventing “killing of the ball” at the ruck, repeated infringements by the students, the keen eye of referee Mark Wilcox and the precision kicking of centre Rhodri Carlton-Jones meant that the Gogs were soon ahead by 9-5.
Carlton-Jones struck again half way through the first half, stepping outside his opposite number to touch down 10 metres in. He added an excellent conversion to make it 16-5.
The wind dropped and the University struck an excellent long range penalty bring the score to 16-8, before Gogs young centre Steffan Morgan slipped a pass to wing Iwan Edwards, who, running from deep scored in the corner. It was 21-8 at the break.
In the second half, conditions deteriorated, the University showed a physical presence and at times the Gog’s players showed what a toll playing club games on a Saturday and training 3 times a week, takes on their bodies. They looked tired. At times they were almost invisible as the rain hissed onto the covered stand at Parc Eirias.
The Gogs were now comfortably ahead but their performance continued to frustrate coach Jon Aby, who felt that there was insufficient aggression and skillful superiority in the contact area.
In the second half , a kick into space by 10, Kelvin Morris, chased by Edwyn Roberts, forced an attacking lineout on the students 5 metre line. From here second row Trystan Rowlands went over for the only try of the second half. Carlton-Jones converted to bring his own tally up to 18 points and the final score to 28-8.
After a year without a win, this is the third win for the Gogs this season. Winning games requires a different starting mentality; that of superiority, dominance and invincibility. The Gogs are new to this experience and at times this showed in the game last night. Bala’s tight head Tom Hughes excelled in the scrum and young Llion Trefor continued to impress in the second row. Team: M. Parry, I. Edwards, R. Carlton-Jones, S. Morgan (40: S. McDonagh), E. Roberts, K. Morris, C.Williams (sub60: R. Hughes), W. Bown (Capt), R. Edwards (sub60: J. Salt), E. Roberts (sub60: A. Williams), T. Rowlands, Ll. Trefor, T. Hughes (sub60: A. Jones), A Baston (sub 60: L. Gill), E. Davies.

GOGLEDD CYMRU WRITE THEIR OWN HISTORY

2008-09-11T00:56:00.004+01:00

This may prove to be one of the most significant weeks in the history of North Wales Rugby. The WRU has reaffirmed its commitment to semiprofessional rugby offered by the strategic plan and granted the region development status.

It was against this headline that team Gogledd Cymru, the commited group of North Wales players who, under the tutelage of Jon Aby, have acheived so much during the past 18 months, took to the field against a large West Park St Helens squad.

At the final whistle the score was 26-17 to the Gogs and another stepping stone had been placed in the region's march towards Premiership rugby. The result was both justified and fitting for a week which has seen the WRU establish a high level working group to chart the pathway of Gogledd Cymru into the semiprofessional game.

Twenty hours before kick-off scrum half Patchet picked up a training injury and with all five alternative squad scrum halves either injured or unavailable things looked bleak. Once again Gogledd Cymru's unique coach nomination system came to the rescue with Dinbych's coach Tegid Phillips and scrum half Rhun Jones responding to the emergency call.

It was this partnership between Jones and Caernarfon's Kelvin Morris which was to prove critical to the Gog's success. Morris ran in three tries and added the conversions.

West Park opened the scoring with a break by their ever threatening South African scrum half to go 5 points up. Gogledd Cymru came close to scoring on a number of occasions but inexperience and hesitation, in end game decision making, denied them. The Gogs first score came from hooker Baston, who, showing both speed and self belief, beat four defenders to score just wide of the posts. Morris converted to put the Gogs in the lead 7-5 at the break.

In the second half, the forwards, led by hard working captain William Bown, began to dominate the scrum and with the deft use of the wind Morris pinned the opposition into their 22 for long periods. With the score at 19-5 the game seemed won but West Park showed that they were not beaten an individual converted try to make 19-12. Gogledd responded to make it 26-12 and in the dying minutes a second breakaway try brought the score to 26-17.

Players from 10 clubs were represented in this truly regional side. When semiprofessional rugby is a reality in North Wales, the real heros will be the players who clamber off midweek team buses at stops between St Asaph and Parc Menai 6 or seven hours after starting their journey for nothing more than the dream of a better future.

LLANDOVERY SHINE FOR YOGI

2008-08-17T16:28:00.007+01:00

“It is important to remember why we are here” said Llandovery chairman Handel Davies, in his post-match speech at the Plas Coch, Bala on Saturday after his team had delivered a reality check to the fledgling North Wales regional rugby team.

In front of a rain swept crowd, the Drovers ran in tries in abundance with a skilful display of open rugby which must have heartened new coach Rob Appleyard. The final score was 62-0. Gogledd Cymru had a chance to put points on the board with penalties in front of the posts but this would have been a meaningless gesture.

The purpose of the game was to support Bryan Yogi Davies and Llandovery showed great generosity in offering a fixture which supported Yogi and the development of the regional side.

Gogledd Cymru relied on 3 last minute replacements to field a side, with 12 back-line players unavailable for selection, but this was not a day for excuses. On Saturday, Llandovery demonstrated the gap between Division 1 (North) rugby and the Premiership with some wonderful running rugby and tries that demonstrated a combination of individual flair and practiced moves. At its simplest, players were faster, fitter and stronger but at team level the superior core skills, shape and tactical awareness that come from training together four times a week were evident. For Gogledd Cymru, there can be no illusion as to the task ahead.

Developing a Premiership rugby team was always going to be a process and yesterday was a rallying call to everyone associated with rugby in North Wales.

2008-08-08T02:40:00.006+01:00

IT'S CALLED WINNING
It was a measure of how far Gogledd Cymru have come that there was no celebration last night as they recorded their first win since they began their march towards the Premiership.
They beat Liverpool St Helens 10-5, in a four quartered, rolling subsitute, friendly. It could have been 30-5 . Gogledd Cymru created try scoring chances in abundance but a series of dropped or mis-timed passes frustrated both players and spectators.
Will Bown was inspirational as captain and Sean McDonagh and Harri Morgan ran in excellent tries. Llion Trefor continued to impress and the raw talents of young Dewi James and Andrew Williams in the backrow provide a platform for development. Mathew Parry and Rhodri Carlton-Jones were wizard like in attack but too many times the Gogs squandered possession and failed to preserve space.
At 10pm on a warm August evening, when the team boarded the bus in St Helens for far flung destinations in Caernarfon and Anglesey, there was no doubt in any of the players minds of the mission ahead. In defeat, the phrase "it is not about winning" seemed an excuse. Success reiterated this. It is about performance, skill, decision making and flair. Triumph and Disaster are mere imposters in the progress of this team towards rugby excellence.

2008-06-03T00:06:00.006+01:00

TEAM OF THE YEAR 2008
Rugby World magazine

FAIRYTALE ENDING DENIED

2008-05-10T01:23:00.009+01:00

It could have been a fairytale ending for the committed band of North Walean players who have done so much to put Gogledd Cymru on the map this season. Twelve all and five minutes to go, they were awarded a penalty which would have given them the win they so richly deserved. It was not to be. The Combined Army Corps took the three points from a penalty in the dying minutes to win 15-12.

Playing with flair and pace Gogledd Cymru took the lead within minutes of the start with a try by promising young lock Llion Trefor, converted by Rhodri Carlton. This was followed by a second unconverted try by Gary Teeson. The Combined Corps pulled back the score with two tries. At half time it was 12 -12.

Second half, the Corps came out with all guns firing and it was only dogged defence and rigorous maintenance of shape that prevented another try. Eventually Mathew Parry cleared the ball and the Gogs began to put pressure on the Combined Corps.

No 8 Will Bown, returning from a 3 month, injury enforced, break was inspirational. Assisted by backrow pair Ynyr Edwards and Richard (TinTin) Hughes they repeated blunted the Corps midfield Fijian attack and turned over the ball.

Edwyn Roberts played a solid defensive game from 15. His control of the back three was an example of the way in which this young team has developed during the year. Development was still the focus in this game and replacements Tom James and Tom Watkin were given their chance to contribute to the Gogledd Cymru effort.

Concentraton and effort were the order of the day. Rhodri Carlton used his step to tremendous effect and was always supported. Sean McDonagh, playing out of position in the centre, impressed with his clever running angles and intelligent, accurate passing.

The scrum held up well, with newcomers Elgan Davies and James Jones adding depth to the regular squad members Osian Williams and Gareth Pawson. Williams, named Dinbych's player of the year and most committed player of the year, demonstrated why he had won this award with strong scrummaging and support play.

Five minutes from the end of the game Gogledd Cymru were awarded a penalty; step up Rhodri Carlton - but it was not to be. The next chance fell to the Combined Corps and from a long way out the ball sailed between the uprights to give them the lead for the first time in the game.

The contest between Rhys Hughes and Army 1st XV scrum half Slade-Jones continued to the end with both players harassing and pressurising. In the dying minutes Mathew Parry sent a kick deep into the Corps 22 to give Gogledd Cymru one last chance. The Corps won the lineout and cleared the ball to touch to end the game.

It was not a fairlytale ending but it was a game which gave the Gogs a home. Eirias Park looked fantastic in the evening sun and spectators in the stand and on the terraces were treated to a feast of rugby. At half time Ruthin played Colwyn Bay in an under 8s version of the North Wales cup only to win 4-1. The choir sang, the U16, U18, women internationals and regional star Eifion Roberts were presented to the crowd. Gogledd Cymru looks forward to the next season but before then has some exciting news which will be revealed at the end of the month.

SALE JETS 57 GOGLEDD CYMRU 19

2008-04-26T11:12:00.006+01:00

Mathew Parry kicks the conversion for one of Gogledd Cymru's three tries against Sale Jets.

This was always going to be a tough call for Gogledd Cymru, a rearranged fixture at the end of the season with work, injury, local cup games and rearranged club fixtures making 20 of the squad unavailable for selection. At the Sunday training session before the game it was clear that Gogledd Cymru would have a stripped down squad with only one substitute. The sudden withdrawal of Ynyr Edwards, six hours before kick off, in favour of a game for Rhyl and the failure of Iestyn Dafydd (Llangefni) to turn up left 14 players in the dressing room at Heywood Road wondering whether there was really a future for regional rugby in North Wales.

The team took the field with two players, both North Walians, "borrowed" from the Sale side.
Watched by Phillipe Saint Andre and Kingsley Jones, the side played with passion and flair scoring 3 excellent tries in a 57-19 defeat. This excellent performance changed the attitude of the players, who came off the field feeling positive about the future of rugby in the region. Coach Jon Aby was also pleased with the shape and character of the side and Andre and Jones were impressed by the attitude and tenacity of a side that was clearly playing for the future of rugby in the region.

There were excellent debut performances from James Salt (Llandudno) and Elgan Davies, James Jones and Grant Jones (Nant Conwy). There were fine touches from Rhodri Carlton-Jones (Llandudno) and Mathew Parry (Llangefni) controlled the game well from 10. Osian Edwards (Denbigh) stepped up to the mark, moving to hooker as Andrew Baston covered the gap in the back row. Llion Trefor the young Bethesda second row continues to show that he is a force for the future and Rhys Hughes (Ruthin) now in his 10th season playing for the regional team provided the motivation and inspiration to lift the players from their pre-match blues.

Being short of players happens even to Grand Slam teams. In the 1987 World Cup Wales also found themselves a player short. They called up a 19 year old Dai Young who happened to be in Australia and lost to New Zealand 49-6.

Establishing Gogledd Cymru was always going to be a non-linear process. The process continues.

7th MAY - A CELEBRATION OF NORTH WALES RUGBY

2008-04-11T00:18:00.009+01:00

WEDNESDAY 7TH MAY

EIRIAS PARK

COLWYN BAY

GOGLEDD CYMRU

COMBINED ARMY CORPS

K.O. 7.30

AND

AN END OF SEASON CELEBRATION OF NORTH WALES RUGBY

7.00PM - COR GOGLEDD CYMRU

7-15 PM - APPEARANCES

REGIONAL AND PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS

WOMENS, U16 AND U18 INTERNATIONALS

THE SUCCESSFUL U16 REEBOK TEAM

WINNERS OF THE NORTH WALES JUNIOR CUPS

+ HALF TIME MINI RUGBY GAME

GOGLEDD CYMRU TO ENTER PREMIERSHIP?

2008-04-10T10:42:00.001+01:00

"2010 - 2011
A North Wales semi-professional team playing in the Premiership. This is a realistic goal and work towards setting up the organisation, administration, coaches, finances and facilities should start in 2006/2007. "
So reads Section 12.2 of the "North Wales Rugby Union Strategic Plan". Initiated by Gerald Davies in 2006 and approved by the WRU Exective, this public document lays out the future for rugby in North Wales. It is available in Welsh at http://www.geocities.com/districtjrugby/wplan.doc and English at http://www.geocities.com/districtjrugby/eplan.doc
In the past year Gogledd Cymru has demonsrated that it is rising to the challenge which this opportunity offers the fledgling regional side. This is what we have achieved.
1. We have established a product - Gogledd Cymru - with clear aims and objectives.
2. We have a training facility and pitch at Eirias Park Colwyn Bay which meets Premiership standard. It is also in the right geographical area to serve North Wales. This will be our home ground in 2008-9.
3. We have established a process of team development with players drawn from the clubs of North Wales.
4. We have fulfilled all the fixtures on a fixture list which exposes players to a higher level of rugby than Division 4.
5. We have engaged the local business community in financial support.
6. We have a management, coaching and medical team and a business plan which will take us to the Premiership.
7. We have reversed the negativity and cynicism about North Wales Senior Rugby

Gogledd Cymru aims to be the best team in Wales and most health conscious, player centric team in Europe. The team recognises that this a process which will not happen overnight. It has already demonstrated the organisational capability and ambition to function at the highest level.

Gogledd Cymru - Live the dream

STAFFORDSHIRE 34 GOGLEDD CYMRU 17

2008-04-03T00:50:00.004+01:00

Anglesey seemed a long way away as the bus pulled into Burntwood RFC at 7.00pm on 2nd April, three and a half hours after leaving Bangor. Gogledd Cymru seemed even further from home at half time with a score of 27-0. Second half, the situation was reversed with Gogledd Cymru scoring 17 to Staffordshire's 7. It was the manner in which thes tries were scored that left a depleted team feeling positive about the evening's work.
Four players stepped into the Gogledd Cymru side at short notice to cover the injuries to wing Huw Parry, centres Robson and Carlton-Jones, backrow forwards Richard (Tin Tin) Hughes and Huw Jones and second row Rowlands, Haydock and Roberts.
It took a while for the new players to bed into the side but when Gogledd Cymru started to spread the ball wide in the second half they began to score. In all there were three tries, with Edwin Roberts and Andrew Baston scoring one each. Possession remained a major issue for Gogledd Cymru. The young pack with Llion Trefor(Bethesda), again outstanding, and Dewi James (Nant Conwy), playing his first game for the Gogs, had their work cut out. They missed the stablising influence of injured captain Will Bown.
Mathew Parry showed that he is returning to full fitness with good control of the game and Rhys Hughes was a pugnacious as ever around the scrum.
The Gogs pressurized the Staffordshire line in the second half and but for errors in decision making and handling would have scored more points. Gogledd Cymru were given an excellent welcome by the Staffordshire officials and look forward to this becoming a regular fixture.

U20s JUNIOR RUGBY WORLD CUP FIXTURES

2008-03-18T10:01:00.003Z

MATCH DAY 1 6 JUNE 2008
1. 17.00 A New Zealand v Tonga Cardiff RFC
2. 19.00 A Argentina v Ireland Cardiff RFC
3. 17.00 B South Africa v USA Wrexham AFC
4. 19.00 B Samoa v Scotland Wrexham AFC
5. 17.00 C Australia v Canada Rodney Parade, Newport
6. 19.00 C England v Fiji Rodney Parade, Newport
7. 17.00 D France v Japan Liberty Stadium, Swansea
8. 19.00 D Wales v Italy Liberty Stadium, Swansea
MATCH DAY 2 10 JUNE 2008
9. 17.00 A Argentina v Tonga Cardiff RFC
10. 19.00 A New Zealand v Ireland Cardiff RFC
11. 17.00 B Samoa v USA Wrexham AFC
12. 19.00 B South Africa v Scotland Wrexham AFC
13. 17.00 C England v Canada Rodney Parade, Newport
14. 19.00 C Australia v Fiji Rodney Parade, Newport
15. 17.00 D France v Italy Liberty Stadium, Swansea
16. 19.00 D Wales v Japan Liberty Stadium, Swansea
MATCH DAY 3 14 JUNE 2008
17. 15.00 A Ireland v Tonga Cardiff RFC
18. 17.00 A New Zealand v Argentina Cardiff RFC
19. 15.00 B Scotland v USA Wrexham AFC
20. 17.00 B South Africa v Samoa Wrexham AFC
21. 15.00 C Fiji v Canada Rodney Parade, Newport
22. 17.00 C Australia v England Rodney Parade, Newport
23. 15.00 D Japan v Italy Liberty Stadium, Swansea
24. 17.00 D Wales v France Liberty Stadium, Swansea
MATCH DAY 4 18 JUNE 2008
25. 17.00 4th Group A v 4th Group D Wrexham AFC
26. 19.00 4th Group B v 4th Group C Wrexham AFC
27. 17.00 3rd Group A v 3rd Group D Cardiff RFC
28. 17.00 3rd Group B v 3rd Group C Rodney Parade, Newport
29. 17.00 2nd Group A v 2nd Group D Liberty Stadium, Swansea
30. 19.00 2nd Group B v 2nd Group C Liberty Stadium, Swansea
31. 19.00 1st Group A v 1st Group D Rodney Parade, Newport
32. 19.00 1st Group C v 1st Group B Cardiff RFC
FINAL DAY – NORTH WALES 21 JUNE 2008
33. 18.00 Winner Match 25 v Winner Match 26 Wrexham AFC
34. 20.00 Loser Match 25 v Loser Match 26 Wrexham AFC
FINAL DAY – SOUTH WALES 22 JUNE 2008
35. 13.00 Loser Match 27 v Loser Match 28 Cardiff RFC
36. 15.00 Winner Match 29 v Winner Match 30 Cardiff RFC
37. 13.00 Winner Match 27 v Winner Match 28 Rodney Parade, Newport
38. 15.00 Loser Match 29 v Loser Match 30 Rodney Parade, Newport
39. 17.00 Loser Match 31 v Loser Match 32 Liberty Stadium, Swansea
40. 19.00 CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Winner Match 31 v Winner 32 Liberty Stadium, Swansea

NEW EXPERIENCES AND NEW FRIENDS

2008-03-17T10:51:00.010Z

GOGLEDD CYMRU TAKE THE MILLENIUM STADIUM BY STORM

WALES DEAF 22 GOGLEDD CYMRU 8
This was Gogledd Cymru’s most competitive performance to date. In terrible conditions, which resulted in the venue being switched from Rumney RFC to the neighbouring University playing grounds, the two teams took to the field in torrential rain.
Wales Deaf, the current Deaf Rugby World Champions, fresh from a recent 66-7 win against their English counterparts, took the lead with a try by number eight Adam Brake who drove over from 5 metres. Converted by outside half Richard Lewis, Wales looked to build on their lead. However astute positional kicking by Gogledd Cymru outside half Mathew Parry ensured they were pinned in their own half for long periods.
On 34 minutes, Wales Deaf centre Gareth John took advantage of forward pressure inside the North Wales 22 to slot a well taken drop goal and extend the lead to 10 – 0. Two minutes before the break, indiscretion at a ruck by Wales Deaf allowed Gogledd Cymru to register points on the board with Parry kicking the penalty.
After the break, Gogledd Cymru started brightly; probing close to the Wales Deaf try line. With the hosts on the back foot and the Gogs threatening to break through, great anticipation by Wales Deaf centre John saw him race away for an opportunist interception try. Outside half Richard Lewis converted from in front of the posts. Down 17 – 3 after 46 minutes Gogledd Cymru continued to pressurise when young second row Llion Trefor gathered a poor defensive kick and crashed over for a try.
Encouraged by the 17-8 score line, Gogledd Cymru continued to press with outside half Rhodri Carlton controlling matters at 10. Despite some strong running and good interplay from the Gogs, with Rhys Hughes, and Llion Trefor outstanding, the host’s defence held up. With 5 minutes left on the clock, outside half Lewis sealed the victory with a blind side break to slide over in the corner.
Geraint John, team manager for Wales Deaf said: “At times, the conditions proved difficult for both sides and Gogledd Cymru provided us with a stern test. They came back strongly and enjoyed long periods in our half thanks to some good tactical kicking and a sound lineout. We look forward to a return fixture in North Wales next season. This fixture will give us the momentum to further help the development of deaf rugby in Wales.”
The Wales Deaf rugby team are the present Deaf Rugby World Champions having defeated New Zealand at the inaugural 2002 World Cup in Eden Park, Auckland. Players representing the team have an average hearing loss of 25dB across both ears.
Wales Deaf
Tries (3), Adam Brake (Rumney RFC), Gareth John (Tonna RFC) and Richard Lewis (Tonna RFC)
Conversion (2), Richard Lewis (Dunvant)
Drop Goal (1), Gareth John (Tonna RFC)
North Wales
Tries (1), Llion Trefor (Bethesda RFC)
Penalty (1), Mathew Parry (Llangefni RFC)

GREENTHUMB FOR NORTH WALES RUGBY

2008-02-07T19:05:00.000Z

The North Wales company GreenThumb, the biggest lawn treatment service in the UK, has become Gogledd Cymru's latest partner Twenty years ago it was a single handed business, run from the back of a Ford Sierra. Gogledd Cymru aims to emulate this success on the rugby field and takes succor from the achievements of GreenThumb.
The company incorporates the very latest advancements in lawn care technology from around the world. Growing at the rate of one lawn per minute, it currently services 300,000 lawns every ten weeks and has become a major franchising business over 180 operations throughout the UK.
GreenThumb lawn care involves 4 treatments, at specific times throughout the year, tailored to the lawn’s exact requirements, to give maximum benefit from each treatment. The treatment costs less than DIY lawn care. With less and less free time these days, GreenThumb offers Gogledd Cymru rugby supporters an attractive green lawn so that they can spend less of their precious time buying and applying "weed and feed" and more time watching rugby.

GUARDS SNATCH VICTORY IN LAST PLAY OF GAME

2008-02-03T17:57:00.000Z

The venue, Old Deer Park, the opposition the Welsh Guards in a pre-international game which both sides hope will become a regular fixture at the London Welsh home ground.
A brave and enthusiastic Gogledd Cymru team, depleted through injury and led by experienced back row forward Richard (Tin-tin) Jones set out for London on Friday night for this 12.00pm fixture.
Gogledd Cymru opened the score with a try by Sean McDonagh, the first Colwyn Bay player to turn out for the team. This was quickly followed by an equaliser from the Welsh Guards to take the score to 5 all. The Gogledd pack, containing newcomer Tom James, performed well, with the Llangefni front row pairing of Andrew Baston and Rhodri Owen outstanding. It was Baston who score the Gog's second try. At this stage Gogledd Cymru were in control and it looked as if they would win this game comfortably.
By half time the Welsh Guards had equalised and with the score at 10 all, everything was set for an exiting second half.
Light footed Rhodri Carlton Jones, playing at 10 for the first time, made a number of searing breaks and apart from final passes not going to hand Gogledd Cymru would have scored 2 or 3 more tries.
In the end it was the Guards who took the lead and with 10 minutes to go it looked as if they would win the game. Then, Sean MacDonagh took advantage of a Guards' knock on to hack the ball through. In the chase Macdonagh had the pace and composure to score.
Carlton-Joned added the conversion to take the score to 17-15. A Gogledd Cymru victory seemed certain when in the last of the game, the ball shot out sideways from a scrum infront of the posts. The Guardsmen's scrum half pounced on it and the easy conversion made the final score 22-17. It was a bitter blow for the Gogledd Cymru but with clear improvements in both decision making and skill, the development process continues.

2008-01-24T20:03:00.000Z

There was a buzz of excitment at Wrexham's Bryn Estyn Road when Gogledd Cymru took on a strong Worcester Academy side. The cheers were audible to Tesco shoppers when Mathew Parry and Adam Robson opened up the defence to put Jon Meldrum in under the posts for 7 points after the visitors had taken an early lead. These proved to be Gogledd Cymru's only points in the game. The final score was 71-7 but this game was never about winning. No-one would have expected our fledgling amateur regional side to have beaten a professional outfit under the stewardship of Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths. The purpose of the game was to publicise the regional side, to benchmark the standard of rugby in North Wales, to raise aspirations for young players of the future and to put into practice some of the individual, unit and tactical skills practiced in training. The game achieved these goals and also the respect of the Worcester team.

MYTI MUSSELS BUILD TEAM STRENGTH

2008-01-18T14:56:00.000Z

“Moules mariniere” are becoming increasingly popular on Welsh menus. Whilst everyone may be familiar with French for mussels, few realise that over half the mussels produced in the UK come from North Wales.
The Menai Strait, one of the fastest tidal flows in Britain provides renewable supplies of water rich in the microscopic plants or phytoplankton on which mussels feed. It is here that the award winning Bangor company, Myti Mussels produces over 8000 tonnes of mussels annually.
Aquaculture, or farming of aquatic animals is the fastest growing sector of food production in the world and Myti Mussels is one of the UK leaders in shellfish production. Cultivation of mussels, in North Wales, dates back to the 1950s but was in decline by 1982, when Myti Mussels started production. Over the past 25 years, this successful company has gained a reputation for innovation, productivity and ecological sustainability. Myti mussels works closely with scientists at Bangor University’s School of Ocean Science and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology to develop culture techniques which help maintain the natural environment and bird populations in the Strait.

North Wales produces more mussels than are eaten each year in Britain (6,500t). So most are exported to Holland and France. From small beginnings, Myti Mussels has become the largest producer of seabed grown mussels in Britain. Gogledd Cymru aims to emulate this success on the rugby field and is proud to welcome Myti Mussels as a partner in regional representation

2008-01-04T13:41:00.000Z

RUGBY ENTERPRISE AND REGIONAL IDENTITY

ANGLESEY AIRPORT GIVES GOGLEDD CYMRU A FLYING START

2007-11-08T22:11:00.000Z

Gogledd Cymru welcomes Anglesey Airport aboard as a partner in the team's plan to become Wales' number one rugby region. www.angleseyairport.com. Twice daily flights to Cardiff from Anglesey offer the regional team a potential mechanism for travelling to South Wales for midweek games. Conveniently reached by rail and road, the airport operates from purpose built facilties at RAF Valley. The hour long flights leave daily at 0855 returning at 1615 (1515 on Friday) or at 1740 returning at 0730 the following morning. Competitively priced, fares start at less than £20 for a single journey and may be booked online at http://www.highlandairways.co.uk. This three year partnership deal will take Golgedd Cymru to 2010, the date set by the Welsh Rugby Union for the team's entry into the Welsh Premiership. Gogledd Cymru look forward to working with Maes Awyr Mon to promote the North Wales region.

PORTMEIRION: THE NORTH WALES ICON JOINS THE TEAM

2007-10-23T00:51:00.000+01:00

Portmeirion, the iconic regional attraction has added its support to Gogledd Cymru, the most exciting rugby development in Wales. http://www.portmeirion-village.com/. It is appropriate that the new Gogledd Cymru kit will carry the Protmeirion logo. With an architect bold enough to create an innovation that has become world famous it defines the aim of Gogledd Cymru.
In the words of Clough Williams-Ellis "we can, if we are clever...have both beautiful new developments along with the old, and the natural beauty as well" Gogledd Cymru aims to take regional rugby down a proud, democratic and transparent, path to being the foremost region in Wales - Join us! email k.l.morgan@liv.ac.uk for details of our partnerhsip schemes.

MILK – the sports drink.

2007-10-05T14:26:00.000+01:00

Gogledd Cymru has become the first rugby team in Britain to promote milk as a sports drink. In the first of a series of planned promotion partnerships, South Caernarfon Creameries http://www.sccwales.co.uk/ have agreed to sponsor Golgedd Cymru over the next two seasons. This fits well with the team’s aim to promote regional businesses and to improve milk consumption in Wales. There are 2,600 dairy farms in Wales, approximately one per 1000 head of population. This is 4 times that in England where the ratio is one per 4,000 people. Dairy farming is particularly important in North Wales. Numerically, eighteen percent of Welsh dairy cattle holdings are in North East Wales. Of equal importance are the small family farms of North West Wales. Here the average herd size is 48 compared with a national average of 75.
Llaeth (milk) is a regular feature on the Gogledd Cymru training ground and changing room. No other sports drink strengthens bones. Llaeth is also isotonic, restores body pH.........and it’s Welsh.
Other local companies with an interest in sponsoring this exciting rugby development by having their logo on the team shirt should contact Kenton Morgan k.l.morgan@liv.ac.uk 0151-794-7986

RUGBY PHYSIOS

2007-10-03T10:06:00.000+01:00

As part of Gogledd Cymru's (The North Wales Regional Rugby Team) commitment to player health, senior team physiotherapist Nikki Davies and academy physio Dafydd Llewelyn are setting up a network of rugby physios in the North Wales region.
The exciting development will bring together qualified physios attached to the 23 clubs in North Wales in an unprecedented player health network.
The overarching aim of this network is to prevent player injury, to speed up player rehabilitation and increase player longevity.
Any qualified physio with an interest in rugby injuries is welcome to join the network. Full details are at www.rugbyphysios.blogspot.com

SALE JETS - MATCH REPORT

2007-09-20T02:15:00.000+01:00

This was always going to be a hard match. Gogledd Cymru surprised their supportive Northern neighbours last season with a 17 -17 draw and it was time for a young but well drilled development team from Sale to put the record straight. It was good to welcome James Wade and his team back to North Wales.
The ball retention of the visitors was impressive. They played expansive rugby with their inside centre Parrot making a number of half breaks. It was only dogged defence by Gogledd Cymru that prevented a much higher score in the first half.
With the gale force wind behind them in the second half Gogledd Cymru had a fairer share of the territorial advantage. When they scored an early try it looked as if they might close the scores. However this was not to be and with a further 3 tries in the second half Sale Jets ended up worthy winners.
Gogledd Cymru thank Sale for their contribution to rugby development in North Wales. With 3 North Walians in their side the Jets are beginning to offer talented players from the region the opportunity to play professional rugby.

WATERLOO SHOW THE WAY FORWARD

2007-08-20T13:59:00.000+01:00

There can be no doubt in the minds of the Gogledd Cymru team about the challenge ahead. Size prevailed on Saturday when in giving, a "stone a man" to the Waterloo pack, Gogledd Cymru conceded 6 tries and 37 points.
This ends a series of two preseason friendly matches which have been useful in introducing new players to the system and in outlining the task for the future.
Playing a level above club rugby will demand greater fitness and skill levels from individual players. Having new levels to aspire to presents exciting targets for these players. Coaches and management have recognised this as a process. It will not happen overnight or over the season - but it will happen.
There is a buzz in the camp. No-one can have any doubt about the commitment of the players, coach, physio, manager and technicians. The only disappointment on Saturday was the support.
The next game is against Sale Jets on the 19th Sept in Bangor k.o. 19-30. The Jets will be looking to avenge the 17 all draw last season.

GOGLEDD CYMRU (gold) AND LLANDOVERY (green) PLAY FOR YOGI

2007-08-16T01:42:00.000+01:00

GOGLEDD CYMRU were proud to play a part in an event which raised £23,000 for the Bryan Davies Appeal on Saturday 11th August http://www.bryandavies.org.uk/ In losing to Llandovery 35-14 GOGLEDD CYMRU provided an entertaining game of rugby with a number of new players getting the chance to be members of the squad. Resilient in defence, it took almost 60 minutes before GOGLEDD CYMRU began to show the shape that they generated towards the end of last season. The team looks forward to Llandovery's offer of making this an annual event.