1404 v LEEDS MET - 7.30 WED 15TH SEPT
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
L ot R Peredur Jenkins (WRU), Kevan Rudd (Enterprise), Lord Elis-Thomas, Kenton Morgan(RGC)
“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
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!
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.
PRESIDENTS XV 26 - 12 RGC 1404
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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.
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