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

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.