Harlech 46 Y Fflint 23 (Or something like that)

After a heavy defeat away at Flint we were a bit nervous going into this game. And early indications were a bit ominous. The first 10 minutes saw a strong flint pack keep the ball for several phases before releasing the ball to their backs. Their fullback touching down under the posts unopposed. Flint then went on to score a second try. The backrow again surging powerfully from the base of a solid scrum.

A few harsh words were exchanged under the posts. We knew this could become a rout unless we stood up to the mark. Personally I was very proud of the boys when they did exactly that. Ken and Alex competed ferociously at the breakdown as they always do. Andy Stone, Shaun Rees and rich ‘Stumgwern tackled superbly and Ieu and Foulkes did well against much bigger opponents in the front row.

We started to get a bit more possession and turnover ball. Eventually we had a scrum in the opposition 22. Ed Baily picked up from the base. Gave a great offload to Iwan our number nine who shipped it on to Dyl Wyn on the wing. Dyl Wyn’s gym work finally payed off as he brushed off a would be flint tackler to score in the corner. Dyl Wyn went on to score a second try and was unlucky not to get a third.

It has to be said that the Harlech backs actually played quite well for a change. Ben Baily ran a great angle off Auron from 15 yards out to score a try. He and Auron looked less impressive later on however when they made a balls of a rehearsed move on the Flint 22. After an embarrassing pause in the middle of the park Auron punted the ball over to the wing where Daf Blew touched down for another try. Flint came back with a try of their own but gave away quite a few penalties in their attempts to gain possession of the ball which meant a clear Harlech lead was maintained.

Nominations for Twat of the Mach included Bennet for an embarrassing attempt at a quick drop out 22. Ken Harvey for executing a number of deft sidesteps completely against the front row union guide book. And Alex Evans for being smashed off the Flint line not once but twice when a try looked inevitable. But the eventual winner was Andy Stone for ignoring a couple of overlaps during open play. (Coaches decision not mine Andy.) The whole Fflint team played very well. No. 8, 1, 11 and 15 were all mentioned in the bar but we suggested that the Flint 12 was their best player on the day. Our Man of the Mach nominations included Ken, Alex and Dyl Wyn but eventually was given to Auron Griffiths. Fflint gave their MOM to Alex Evans.