LLANGEFNI 28
DINBYCH 3
THE final scoreline failed to reflect the tremendous defensive display which characterised Dinbych’s rearguard action.
This prevented Llangefni from capitalising on their superior possession and territorial advantage until late in the game, by which time the tackling exertion took its toll.
Llangefni gained the upper hand mainly through the pressure exerted in the scrums, where another changed Dinbych pack had to work hard to hold its own.
Whilst Llangefni obtained abundant good quality possession from this phase of play, they found it difficult to build up any momentum elsewhere due to the aggressive defence and competition for the ball by Dinbych.
Flanker Gavin Rizzi typified Dinbych’s resistance with a superb display of tackling and scavenging in the loose while he reigned supreme as Dinbych’s only lineout option.
Dinbych started poorly, giving away a needless penalty in the fourth minute which was duly converted by outside-half Arwel Roberts with a well judged kick.
Whilst the pack was already under pressure in the scrums, Dinbych competed well elsewhere and were showing their tackling ability throughout the team.
It was not until the 23rd minute that Llangefni added to their score through another Roberts penalty after strong defence by Dinbych had thwarted a series of short-range drives on their line by the Llangefni pack.
Throughout this time, full back Dan O’Sullivan had dealt soundly with high tactical kicks while outside-half Jamie Winning pinned Llangefni back with a number of good touch finders.
He was also unlucky to be recalled after crossing the Llangefni line after a touchline dash from halfway because of a lineout infringement.
Dinbych also went close when hard-working lock David Haydock was held up over the Llangefni line after driving over from a short-range lineout.
The visitors eventually got their reward in the 32nd minute when the Llangefni backs were caught offside, giving Jamie Winning the chance to kick a penalty from 25 metres.
Leading by only 6-3 at the interval, Llangefni increased their lead early in the second half through another Roberts penalty, but as the half progressed the home side continued to be frustrated by Dinbych’s excellent defence.
It wasn’t until the 60th minute that Llangefni managed to score a try and even then they did not cross the line as they were awarded a penalty try for a scrummaging offence by the Dinbych pack.
Arwel Roberts converted and added another conversion to the two late tries scored by wings Wil Owen and Rhodri Gray.
Whilst never being in a position to snatch a victory this was a fully committed performance full of character by a Dinbych team again disrupted by enforced changes, both before and during the game.
Several players were forced to play out of position, but they still gave 100 per cent.