LLANGOLLEN 0

RUTHIN 2NDS 31

THERE was a largely experimental team sent by Ruthin 2nds to face Llangollen in Glyn Ceiriog on Saturday afternoon.

The heavy rain had meant Llangollen’s pitch was unplayable for the friendly, but the green pastures of the Ceiriog Valley were a different story and the game was played in the village on a near perfect playing surface.

The match started at a frantic pace, with Llan dominant in possession. Having weathered the early storm, Ruthin began to take control through their experienced half backs Huw Parry and Kyle Davies.

Ruthin’s first score came from youth team hooker Ollie Jackson who, with his usual enthusiasm, collected the ball off Davies before weaving his way under the posts.

The second try was created and scored by Davies as he stepped inside his opposite number and accelerated over the line.

Both tries were converted to leave the scoreline 14-0 to the Blues at half-time.

The second half saw Ruthin gain full dominance of the comment.

Captain Huw Parry was in excellent form and broke from his own 22 before outpacing the entire Llangollen team to score a brilliant individual score.

The fourth try came from some excellent forwards phase play.

The ball was recycled a number of times before Gruff Jones barged his way over to make the score 24-0.

Captain Parry finished off the scoring with the fifth and final try, which was converted by Dave Thomas.

Credit must go to Llangollen, who put up a great fight until the very end and their numbers showed what a great appetite there is for rugby in the area.

Ruthin included four of the current youth team, all of whom had an impressive impact on the game, not least Sam Godfrey, who was voted man of the match on his senior debut.

The Blues move back to league action this weekend with a tough looking home fixture against Menai Bridge.