MOLD 32
DINBYCH 8
DESPITE a determined effort, Dinbych failed to prevent Mold gaining a SWALEC League Division One (North) double over them in a free flowing and entertaining encounter.
After being hit by two quickfire scores in the first 10 minutes, Dinbych recovered to compete effectively in all phases and Mold’s flattering final winning margin was the result of their ability to take their chances in the second half, whereas Dinbych failed to take a number of short-range scoring opportunities themselves.
Not surprisingly, a pack showing four changes from their midweek cup match against Ruthin had to work hard to gain possession in the set pieces, but the collective team effort in the loose play and contact area frustrated Mold throughout.
Outside-half Jamie Winning gave an assured all-round display continually probing for openings in attack and kicking well in defence.
Mold started strongly and soon launched a number of attacks with both forwards and backs combining well and within the first eight minutes had created overlaps for right wing Sam Webb to go over for two tries in the corner, the first being converted by centre Dan Edmunds.
After being rocked by these scores Dinbych settled down and although Mold continued to dominate possession and territory, they were unable to make much headway against an excellent collective defensive effort.
Dinbych opened their scoring in the 23rd minute when Jamie Winning kicked a penalty from 30 metres when the Mold backs were caught offside.
Play was fairly even for the remainder of the half until Mold went further ahead in the second minute of injury time as outside-half Ashley Jones kicked a drop goal from 20 metres.
There was still time for Mold to launch another attack near to the Dinbych line only for the visitors to counterattack and score the game’s outstanding try as a searing 80-metre break by Jamie Winning saw him beat defender after defender.
When halted close to the Mold line the ball was taken on by number eight Dan Burke and recycled for full back Dan O’Sullivan to plunge over in the corner for an excellent try.
Mold’s reaction to being pegged back to 15-8 at the interval was to raise their game at the start of the second half and they pressurised Dinbych into conceding possession at a number of set pieces near their line, which eventually led to flanker Rowan Whalley driving over for an unconverted try.
Again Dinbych settled to win more territory and possession with Jamie Winning bringing his backs into play at every opportunity.
A period of heavy pressure by Dinbych near the Mold line was only repulsed by resolute defence.
Eventually when a move broke down just inside the Mold half the home side counterattacked and good recycling allowed hooker Liam Gill to cross near the posts for their bonus point try, leaving an easy conversion for Edmunds.
Dinbych continued to attack and again had opportunities to score from a series of scrums and rucks near the Mold line, but were again thwarted by over eagerness and strong defence.
Mold in contrast showed how to take their chances in the 65th minute when prop Aran Jones went over for an unconverted try after a driving maul from a short-range lineout.
This failed to dampen Dinbych’s enthusiasm and they ended the match attacking the Mold line only to be denied a try in the corner again by desperate defence.