Shell Island Restaurant
5ed Rhagfur 2009
5th December 2009

Starter
Home Made Soup
Melon fan served with Coulis

Main Course
Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Chipolata, Bread Sauce & Cranberry Sauce.
Roast Beef served with Yorkshire Pudding
Salmon Steak served with Hollandaise Sauce
Nut Roast served with vegiterian gravy
Cheese & Broccoli Bake
All served with: Roast Potato & Fresh Vegetables

Sweets
Christmas Pudding & Brandy Sauce
Sherry Trifle
Pavlova

Coffe & Mince Pies

Cost is £15 for playing members and £16.50 for all other members/guests. Can all who wish to attend please let me know their dinner choice no later than 25th of November. email david@deimai.co.uk

Forward cheques made out to Harlech Rugby Club or cash to me either at Smithy Garage or post to David Roberts, Nant y Coed, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, LL44 2EN.

Looking forward to another great night, thanks. David

Harlech 13 – Menai Bridge 10

This was the biggest match so far this season with a place at the final of the North Wales Junior Cup up for grabs.  Harlech had a couple of players missing up front but it didn’t seem to affect them too much as the battled up front and didn’t shy away from Menai Bridge’s physicality.  The lineout was very effective that day providing the backs with quality ball to use.

Many spectators who were present were questioning whether the ball was hot or had needles sticking out if it because for some reason none of the backs seemed to be able to throw or catch it.  Both teams exchanged penalties early on and then Harlech were able to pass the ball along the backline and Aeron scored a well worked move in the corner.  A moment of madness then followed by Ben Bailey, throwing a punch and apologising for doing so and claiming to the referee it was a reaction punch.  He received 10 minutes to cool down on the touchline.  Harlech led 8-3 at half time but should of probably had a bigger lead.

Harlech continued to pressure early in the second half but could not convert the pressure into points.  The error count was increasing and the ball was being dropped left right and centre (most notably in the centres!!!).  Menai Bridge absorbed the pressure and started to move upfield and scored and converted a try making the score 8-10.

Harlech had 20 minutes left to win the game but as the clocked ticked by this looked more and more unlikely.  It didn’t help when they were again reduced to 14 men when Gerallt received a yellow card for a late tackle but in his defence he got there as quick as he could.  The defensive effort was huge with Sion Rees in the middle of it all dragging players by their collars.

Full time was about to be called and over 80 minutes had been played and possibly the next time the ball went dead the whistle would be blown.  Bennett started on a casual jog beating a few players on his way and Harlech made way down the pitch and Andrew Stone got his hands on the ball and grounded the ball in the corner with his feet in touch.  The try was awarded because when he grounded his feet were in the air.

Menai Bridge were gutted and felt they had been robbed, Harlech were very relieved and felt they won a game they probably deserved to lose.

Preparations are being made for this year’s Demolition Derby.

It will take place on Wednesday the 29 of July at Las Ynys, Harlech. This is a major fund raiser for the club so please do what you can to help. Stewards will be needed on the day. If you haven’t helped before, please contact Iwan Garage for a list of jobs Tel. 07810543564 or email me on gwion@talk21.com.

www.youtube.com/gweledigaethday

For the last few Lions tours a group of rugby enthusiasts at the Ty Mawr in Llanbedr have debated and debated about who will be in the Lions test XV.

On the last Lions tour to New Zealand it was decided rather than people claiming ‘I knew he’d pick Jonny’ we decided that we’d all put our test team in a sealed envelope and then compare it to Sir Clive’s choice.

As it turned out John Ceri would have picked a better side to tour New Zealand in 2005 but here is your chance to pick your test team for the First Test in South Africa on June 20th 2009.

1^st Prize = £50

Entry fee = £5

You can e-mail your team to clwbrygbiharlech@hotmail.com

You can pay here

The winning team will be the closest matched team to the team that is named to face South Africa on June 20^th 2009.

Any proceeds will go to the Clwb Rygbi Harlech 40 Years Celebration Fund

Front Row:

Jerry Flannery (Ire)

Lee Mears (Eng)

Matthew Rees (Wal)

Gethin Jenkins (Wal)

Adam Jones (Wal)

Andrew Sheridan (Eng)

Phil Vickery(Eng)

Euan Murray (Sco)

Second Row:

Alun Wyn Jones (Wal)

Paul O’Connell (Ire)

D O’Callaghan (Ire)

Simon Shaw (Eng)

Nathan Hines (Sco)

Back Row:

Jamie Heaslip (Ire)

Andy Powell (Wal)

David Wallace (Ire)

Stephen Ferris (Ire)

Alan Quinlan (Ire)

Joe Worsley

Martyn Williams (Wal)

Half-Backs:

Mike Phillips (Wal)

Harry Ellis (Eng)

Mike Blair (Sco)

Ronan O’Gara (Ire)

Stephen Jones (Wal)

Backs:

Lee Byrne (Wal)

Rob Kearney (Ire)

Shane Williams (Wal)

Leigh Halfpenny (Wal)

Ugo Monye (Eng)

Luke Fitzgerald (Ire)

Tommy Bowe (Ire)

Jamie Roberts (Wal)

Brian O’ Driscoll (Ire)

Keith Earls (Ire)

Riki Flutey (Eng)

Entries must be in by midday on May 30^th and handed in to the Ty Mawr Hotel, Llanbedr or submitted online with payment.

The final of the North Wales Intermediate Plate was held at Llanfaircaereinion home of COBRA Rfc on a fabulous spring day in May. Harlech were missing a few individuals but had no reason to fear Welshpool as selection of Harlech’s side had been quite consistent all season.

Welshpool had a big advantage in the first half as they had the wind at their backs and the wind was breezy enough to provide Welshpool with good territory. They capitalised on Harlech’s ill-discipline by scoring 4 penalties from distance with the aid of the wind. They even tried to convert a penalty from 10 yards in their own half but even Paul Thorburn would have struggled with that kick. It was all Welshpool in the first half, they scored two relatively soft tries as Harlech dropped off tackles but only converted one. The score at half time was 24-0.

Harlech had the wind second half and had to pull something out of the bag. Lord Bailey converted an early penalty to prevent the dreaded ‘nil’. Harlech’s second half performance was much inproved with their defence much more aggressive and with little errors. Iwan Toyota took a quick tap penalty and as his little legs were tiring Eilir Crafnant was on hand to finish off an excellent try. Lord Bailey slotted the conversion with Ben Blair like accuracy from the touchline.

Harlech continued to keep up the pressure and the Lord at outside half kicking for field position with great accuracy. Harlech were awarded a penalty on half way and the Lord believed after his earlier success that this straight kick would be simple. Unfortunatley this kick was more of a Tom James like kick and did not convert into points. Harlech kept up the pressure but were unable to convert the pressure into points.

Welshpool collected another couple of penalties to seal off the win and collect the silverware. The Harlech players did not leave empty handed, they all collected what can only be described as circular strengthened tin foil engraved in the dark. On to the next cup competition it is then!!

Harlech notched up another home win, their fourth in succession when they dispatched a skilful and persistent Mold side 18-14 in their North Wales Division 4 match.
It was an error strewn and somewhat fractious affair with both sides receiving cards and a lecture for various bits of mayhem. Harlech were soon behind to a Steve Quentin penalty and missing a number of key players it took them a good ten minutes to settle themselves. Once they did however they looked the more dangerous with winger Dylan Evans and centre Andrew Stone causing the Mold defence no end of trouble. Both got themselves on the score sheet with the winger the first to touch down after 20 minutes and Stone following suit a few minutes later both scores coming from good work at rucks by the forwards. Ben Bailey added a penalty and the home side appeared in total control.
Just before half time it got even better for Harlech. Centre Stone robbed a defender and almost made it to the line himself before giving winger Ashley Arron the simplest of scoring chances.
After the interval Harlech should have made the game completely safe, but they didn’t. They made too many mistakes and conceded a string of silly penalties allowing Mold to reduce the deficit. Sensing an opportunity to snatch an unexpected win Mold attacked relentlessly and they were rewarded with a fine try by lock Ethan Bishop. For Harlech supporters it all made for a nervy finish.
Robin Boston, Club Secretary

The rugby club are holding an anniversary dinner on October 10th 2009 in the Golf Club Harlech. The numbers are restricted to 148 people. The price is £35.00 per person. If you are member of the club you are entitled to come along. You must book as soon as possible and payment is required at the time of booking. The guest speaker is Clive Rowlands. There will be drinks on arrival, 5 course set dinner, wine on the tables, speech and then music. More details regarding the menu will be available shortly. Contact Graham Perch, Gwynfor, Elfyn A or any of the committee for more details or payment. Cheques should be made payable to Clwb Rygbi Harlech

FRIDAY 10TH JULY 2009

THE RUGBY CLUB ARE HOLDING A GOLF DAY TO CELEBRATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CLWB RYGBI HARLECH. THE GOLF DAY IS OPEN TO ALL VICE PRESIDENTS WHETHER GOLFERS OR NOT AND RUGBY CLUB MEMBERS. THE DAY WILL INCLUDE A VICE PRESIDENTS AND MEMBERS DINNER IN THE EVENING. GUESTS OF VICE PRESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND AND THERE WILL BE AN AUCTION/RAFFLE IN THE EVENING. A PUTTING COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE FOR ALL PLAYERS AND NON PLAYERS.

Due to the expected numbers it is important that Vice Presidents and Members who wish to attend complete and return the form below. The cost of the golf and dinner is expected to be £37.50 – £45.00 per person depending on the number of Vice Presidents who are members of Royal St David’s Golf Club. The cost of the golf will be shared by all playing Vice Presidents, Rugby Club Members and their guest, regardless of whether a Vice President or Rugby Club Member is a member of Royal St David’s Golf Club.

FIRST TEE 12.28
FORMAT TO BE CONFIRMED
PRIZES

IF YOU HAVE GUESTS WHO ARE TRAVELLING TO ATTEND AND REQUIRE ONE OF THE LATER TEE SLOTS PLEASE ENSURE YOU INFORM GRAHAM PERCH WELL IN ADVANCE.

THE VICE PRESIDENTS & MEMBERS DINNER WILL BE 7.30pm FOR 8pm
DRESS WILL BE COLLAR AND TIE
The cost of the dinner only is expected to be £15.00 – £17.00 per person
MENU DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Graham Perch
67 Cae Gwastad, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2GY
graham.perch@tiscali.co.uk
01766 781154
07866 599860

Booking Form..>>

Darryl, not having seen the Karate Kid film, was unaware of the danger as Ben adopted the 'crane position'.

The planes of Harlech were shrouded in a heavy mist. The local people gathered together under its protective blanket. They whispered of a marauding hoard that was heading their way. Gigantic men, strong in arm and wide in girth. The invaders like the Romans and Sacsons before them came from the east. A strange foreign land called Wrecks Ham. The castle stood testimony to previous victories but could the proud villages subdue yet another aggressor…

Sorry, can’t keep this up. And I bet you don’t appreciate good writing anyway.

Harlech started very strongly against a Wrexham team weekend by last minute drop outs. We all know the feeling.

Despite the poor weather conditions Harlech spun the ball wide from the start where eventually Dyl Wyn chipped the ball masterfully over the Wrexham deffence. Bennet scorching through to tap the ball down for an early try. Shortly after, a golden opportunity was squandered however. Ed Baily gave a forward pass to his cousin, Ben. A more accurate pass would have surely seen the mercurial winger race over for a second try. When Harlech eventually regained the ball, Dyl Wyn again showed the way by touching down for a second try on the right wing.

A third try for Harlech came from the forwards. Some strong rucking saw Cedri barge over under the posts. Ieu Pastie driving on well from behind. Converted by Auron Griffiths.

The Harlech pack have improved dramatically as the season has progressed and thanks to this newly found determination and some accurate kicking by Auron Griffiths at outside half, Harlech continued to dominate territory and possession in the second half. Dyl Wyn went on to score his second try and the in form winger went over for his hatrick shortly after.

Wrexham, now desperate for some possession had a man sent off for some ‘over enthusiastic’ rucking. This seemed to galvanize the Wrexham forwards however as they charged mercilessly for the Harlech line. But our defense held firm. Wrexham unwilling or unable to probe further out.

With 15 minutes of the game remaining, scrum half Iwan Garage took a quick penalty. Iwan darting under the arms of would bee tacklers shipped the ball on to Auron who subsequently but Eilir into the gap. Eilir going over for his first ever try for Harlech seniors. (Despite being the incumbent centre for the last two seasons!)

Harlech scored one last try. Hooker, Richard Foulkes, peeling off the back of the lineout to score a text book try right off the training ground. It’s a shame that on the one and only time that this move has worked, the brains and creator of this move was leaning on crutches on the touchline.

Pre season training on Harlech beach

Man of the match:
Dyl (Gym Monkey) Wyn
Just cos he’s brill at the moment
Twat of the match:
Ben (The Lord of Dyffryn) Baily
For allowing a slightly chunky looking Wrexham player, Darryl, to sidestep past him. See picture above.