DINBYCH 12

NANT CONWY 26

HIGH-FLYING Nant Conwy were forced to work hard in a keenly contested encounter for this bonus point victory at Dinbych.

Despite languishing third from the bottom of the table, Dinbych gave a spirited performance based on a strong scrummaging pack of forwards, a resolute defence and strong running by a back division with Tom Seddon, Gruff Roberts and Aidyn Jones in particular threatening whenever they had possession.

Dinbych could not have had a better start as they opened the scoring in the fifth minute.

They broke through in midfield following a lineout just inside the Nant half for centre Tom Seddon to go over for an unconverted try.

The hosts increased their lead five minutes later with a try by right wing Aidyn Jones, who went over in the corner after latching on to a pinpoint cross-kick by outside half Garin Roberts, who then converted with an excellent kick from the touchline.

Nant replied immediately when they charged down a relieving kick following the restart with scrum half Guto Dafydd winning the race to touch down for a try converted by centre Steffan Horan.

Nant now began to dominate by pressing deep into Dinbych's half, but they were thwarted by a strong Dinbych defensive effort, led by the back row of Tom Eden, Gavin Rizzi and number eight John Winning.

With half-time approaching, Dinbych were forced to concede a number of penalties close to their line and this eventually resulted in Gavin Rizzi being sent to the sin bin.

Nant took advantage of this from the last of a number of scrums near the Dinbych line.

Despite a tremendous scrummaging effort - led by the front row of Joe Davies, Dafydd Jones and Peter Shoosmith - Nant broke through for centre Jack Moriarty to cross for a try, with co-centre Steffan Horan adding the conversion.

The visitors had a narrow lead at the break, but Dinbych continued to threaten early in the second half with chances on both flanks.

However, a combination of taking the wrong option and excellent Nant defence denied Dinbych, especially on the left where Tom Seddon triggered two try-scoring opportunities via a couple of long breaks.

Nant again began to dominate thanks to their aggressive work at the breakdown and their excellent support play as they attacked at every opportunity.

As the half progressed, former youth players Lewys Eden and Andrew Deakin were introduced to make their league debuts, together with lock Max Sharples reappearing after a long absence.

It was not until the final quarter that Nant were able to extend their lead with a second try by Jack Moriarty.

They then secured their bonus point try - and at the same time denied Dinbych a deserved losing bonus point - in the closing minutes.

Prop Tom Oliver forced his was over for a try, converted by Steffan Horan.