RUTHIN 26

COBRA 8

WHAT a start to the season it has been for the lads from Cae Ddol.

Ruthin entertained newly promoted COBRA on a lovely afternoon on Saturday in what was a typical first match of the season.

There were occasional flashes of brilliance, plus mistakes from both sides, but Ruthin came through in fine fashion to record an opening day triumph.

For the first quarter, both sides were probing each other and although it was Ruthin who probably had most of the territory, they were unable to score against a competent visiting defence.

The Blues then began to up their game and after 20 minutes, the first score went on the board.

This came via a fine try from wing Gwion Richards.

After this, Ruthin continued to probe COBRA’s defence, effectively containing attempts by the visitors to mount an attack, but they weren’t scoring.

Towards the end of the first half, COBRA began to test Ruthin’s try-line and they were eventually awarded a penalty, which was kicked over the crossbar by their fly half.

There was no further score in the first half and the players went in at the break with Ruthin 5-3 ahead.

Straight after the break, the Blues were awarded a penalty in midfield and this was kicked for touch on COBRA’s 22.

From the resulting lineout, Ruthin’s pack drove over for a try by scrum half Cai Edwards, with full back Nathan Jones kicking the conversion.

Within two minutes and the home side scored again.

After some typical flowing Ruthin play, Nathan Jones was released to go over COBRA’s whitewash and he converted his own try.

The Blues were now looking for their bonus point try, but the game descended into rather a scrappy affair, with three yellow cards being brandished and the referee having to take the captains aside on a number of occasions.

Although the game was scrappy, COBRA were looking more effective in Ruthin’s 22 and they were only stopped by good defence.

At the other end, Ruthin’s backs were continuing to make forays towards COBRA’s try line.

Virtually on 80 minutes, the Blues' break came when Gwion Richards sped over the whitewash for the bonus point try, with Nathan Jones converting.

With just a few minutes of injury time to go, COBRA’s replacement winger ran through the home defence and scored a consolation try.