FORGESIDE 7

DINBYCH 2NDS 11

WHAT a weekend it turned out to be for Dinbych 2nds!

The lads from Caeau Les Phillips made the long trip to South Wales to meet Forgeside RFC at Blaenavon, Gwent, in the second round of the WRU Shield.

Heavy rain in the preceding days had led to slippery conditions underfoot and on a narrow pitch, unbiased observers might have fancied an advantage for the home side, who fielded a heavyweight pack.

Dinbych started the tie well and a good opening quarter-of-an-hour saw them claim the edge in territory and possession.

This prolonged pressure led to a string of penalties against the home side and the able boot of Robyn Cartwright gave Dinbych a six-point lead.

Fortunes changed a little thereafter with a reversal of the flow of penalty decisions giving Forgeside a chance to attack and try and force their way back into the game.

Despite this, Dinbych’s defence stood firm, albeit at the cost of a yellow card and they ended the first half with a narrow six-point lead.

Forgeside continued to exert prolonged pressure at the start of the second half and having made some substitutions, fresh legs meant Denbigh’s 14 men had to work extra hard to protect their lead.

Having been restored to full strength, Dinbych’s players started to exert a bit more dominance and the back row competed hard for the ball in loose play.

Dinbych number eight Dave Roberts was able to capitalise on a loose ball on several occasions, and he got his reward by scoring the only try of the game.

In addition, he was also nominated as the man of the match by the opposing team.

The closing minutes of the tie were tense as the home side scored a try, which was converted.

However, excellent defensive work by Dinbych’s men meant that victory was theirs and progression to the next round of the shield was secured.

The victory was hard earned due to the physical challenge offered by Forgeside’s big ball carriers, especially as Dinbych were made to work hard as yellow cards led to them playing with 14 men for twenty minutes of the game.

It’s back lo league business on Saturday for Dinbych 2nds as they travel to take on Mold 2nds.