Inter Plate Final

We will being Welshpool on the 2nd May in the Inter Plate Final. Not  sure where. The fixture might be a double header with the Inter ‘Cup’ final,  Rhos vs Mach (or) Llangollen
Gareth

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.

Wales v England 14/02/09 – Grand Slam 2009…Part 2

Remember this?

Where will everyone be for this weekends second part of the 2009 Grand Slam?

Will the Cream Factory (aka The Ty Mawr) once again be the venue of choice to see the English crying into their pint of London Pride or will The Ship or The Ael-y-Bryn be the place were you watch Wales defeat the English.

Reply to this post to see if we can get the players / members together to watch part 2 of the Grand Slam 2009.

Wherever you end up watching the game be it in Cardiff or back in God’s country (no, not Rhyl) be sure to cheer the lads on with plenty of singing (“You can stick your effin chariot” is always a favourite), drinking (Brains of course) and if you can remember how you got home the following day you haven’t enjoyed yourself enough the previous day!!

Whatever happens, do not let Harlech Rugby Club down and end up like this:

oh dear!

Harlech 8 Llangefni 7

With Llangefni having won 8 from 8 this season is was always going to be a big ask for Harlech to come out on top.  Llangefni fielded there strongest possible side as they never fancy the trip down to Harlech .  Dylan Howie offered there coach a map to find Harlech as they are not frequent visitors to Ysgol Aruduwy fields.

Harlech also fielded a strong team with Ken Harvey adding some power to the front row and with 7 substitutes to choose from it was a strong squad.  Harlech had not played for over a month therefore we expected some rustiness.

The game kicked off and the game was very physical from the off.  Paul Hassall left the field with a big cut to his head that needed treatment at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.  Bron y Garth said they couldn’t deal with the size of it as they had not dealt with a head that big before!

The game continued to be physical and Harlech were awarded a penalty but Aeron unfortunately jabbed his penalty left of the post whilst the gale force wind was blowing the other way.  The conditions was always going to dictate the pace of the game as the wind made it hard to pass laterally and the ground temperature was barely above freezing.

The breakthrough try came from Arfon Pugh as he battled through a couple of tackles in the opposition 22 and crossed over the line with a Llangefni player trying to hang on to him.  Unfortunatley Aeron missed with the conversion but again the wind was not helping.

Harlech needed to build on this score as the wind would be with Llangefni for the second half and talk on the sideline thought Harlech would need a 10-15 point lead to hold on for the win.  Harlech’s backs threw away a couple of good try scoring opportunities and failed to gain any more points.  Llangefni then put a couple of good phases together and ended up crossing for a try and putting over the conversion. Half Time Harlech 5 Llangefni 7.

The second half started with good early pressure from Harlech and a ruck was setup under Llangefni’s posts but due to deliberatly slowing the ball down Harlech were awarded a penalty which Aeron converted. Harlech had a one point lead which they had to keep for about 35 minutes unless they could build on their score.

All Harlech’s players deserve praise for there efforts including the usual suspects such as Ken Harvey and Ed Bailey but the stand out player was Sion Rees (when he was onside!).  His tackle count was amognst the highest and carried the ball very well.  Arfon Pugh also played very well and if Bennett could kick the ball he would of avioded his twat of the match award.  Someone needs a quiet word with Ben to advise him a grubber kick is not the best kick when clearing the ball from your own 22!

Harlech now face Caernarfon home next week and with a great start to 2009 under their belts  they must continue in the same vain to start climbing up the league table.

Wrexham 24, Harlech 15

A long layoff following two heavy deafest meant Harlech lacked confidence going into yet another away game. We were certainly guilty of giving our opponents two much respect during the early exchanges allowing a strong and experienced Wrexham side (big old gits) to walk up the pitch and score two tries in the first ten minutes. Wrexam 14 Harlech 0. Another blow came when Asa, the rock in our front row, minced off the pitch with just fifteen minutes gone. Something about a dislocated shoulder and needing to go to Hospital.

But I thought we regrouped well. The forwards started to be much more aggressive and competitive at the breakdown. Owain, Asa’s replacement, together with Pasties and Foulkes battled hard at the scrum which, although not the finished article, was much improved. Our backs, looking dangerous as ever, eventually broke through in the second half. Daf Blew chipped the ball ahead before rounding his opposite number to touch down in the corner. Aeron slotted the conversion and kicked a penalty shortly after to put us within a score for the game. Wrexham 14 Harlech 10.

With about twenty minutes to go a strong forward drive from Alex following a quick penalty allowed Arfon Pugh to squeeze over in the corner. Conversion missed. Wrexham 14 Harlech 15.

Mark Stone and Shaun his new partner in the second row were solid in defense. Ed Baily was competing well at the lineout. He also kept up his bad boy image at work with a cut under his right eye. Wrexham were down to 14 men following a sin binning for repeated killing of the ball and Harlech looked good for the game. We failed to keep the ball in the opponents half however. Yet again Wrexam ground their way to within a meter of the line. An athletic dive over the ruck by one of the Wrexham forwards gave them a winning try with minutes to go. Harlech, chasing the game, and desperate for possession gave away a late penalty to make the final score Wrexham 24 Harlech 15.

The twat of the match award was as hotly contested as ever. Aeron was nominated for allegedly kicking away too much of our limited possession. This view isn’t necessarily shared by the author, an ageing forward who likes the rest. (Although he did get charged down twice).

Arfon Pugh’s name was mentioned for his punchup with the Wrexham prop. But if you put a criminal on the field what can you expect. Bennet was nominated because he always gets nominated I think. Ben Baily, for over running Bennet when they had a 3 on 1 overlap. But the unanimous winner was Iwan Garage. Who, despite continuously barracking his forwards for giving away stupid penalties, tripped his opposite number when taking a quick penalty. Cynical!

The Lord of the Dyffryn

Thought you might like a sneak preview of this winter’s big new blockbuster.

Trainning

Mae clwb Rygbi harlech yn edrych am fwy o chwarewyr i ymuno ar clwb. Croeso cynnes i pawb rhwng 16 a 60 oed.

Harlech RUFC are looking for more players to join the club. A warm welcome to to everyone between the ages of 16 and 60

Ymarfer / Trainning
Nos Fawrth / Tuesday
7:30pm

Give us a ring on Tel. 01341 247 200 (or)
Club Captain: Andy. Tel. 07920 440 026
Youths coach: Gogs. Tel. 01766 780 613

Hen Lynia / Some Old Pictures

Welsh Brewers Cup – 4th Round 1987/88

Vetrans Team

Gwynedd Cup Final 1977

Some old pictures courtesey of Dic Plas. Perhaps we could get hold of that jumper of Gwynfor’s for our twat of the match award.

Christmas for Bryan ‘Yogi’ Davies

LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GOOD THIS CHRISTMAS

I’m sure the purse strings will be even tighter this year with the
problems in the financial market, but if you’re looking for a gift
for a loved one – look no further!

By purchasing the "You’ve got to get your first tackle in early even
if it’s late" T shirt, you will be directly contributing to the
Bryan Davies Appeal Fund.

Bryan’s courage and love of the game is truly inspirational – a
family man who has dedicated most of his life to rugby – can you
help?

Please, now FORWARD this not onto your friends, family or
members of your rugby club.

http://www.bryandavies.org.uk/index.aspx?pg=events

Please don’t click off, please, just
read a little more.

Initially a robust and very hard tackling centre, Bryan volunteered to
play loose head prop when the First XV found themselves short ‘up front’
mid way through the 1987 – 1988 Season. During the following 19 seasons
he alternated between loose head and hooker and developed into a fierce
and respected competitor.

At the grand old age of 49 years, ‘Yogi’ announced in the dressing room
prior to the First XVs final game of the 2006 – 2007 Season that he was
wearing the red and blue hooped jersey for the last time. He was
promptly and rightly made Captain for the day, and with his usual pride
led his charges out to battle.

Very early in the game fate struck, the first scrummage ended up as an
untidy affair with ‘Yogi’ (he was playing hooker) prostrate on the
ground. Those few seconds changed his life and that of his family
forever, Bryan sustained injuries that have left him permanently
paralyzed from the neck.

This game we love has been very good to ‘Yogi’ for the best part of a
quarter of a century, but such was his attitude as an individual that
whatever he got out of the game he has repaid with interest. He ran the
mini section of the Club, almost single handed – the 8,9 and 10 year
olds worshiped him. He cut the grass, painted the posts and Clubhouse,
marked the pitch, coached the forwards and the ladies team, refereed
junior games, found sponsors, encouraged parents and never missed a
training session.

I instantly related to this story and I’m sure throughout the rugby
playing world there are many similar characters to ‘Yogi’ – without whom
there would be no rugby clubs.  

Living with these horrific injuries will make simple day-to-day tasks,
that all of us take for granted, become far more complex. Bryan still
remains in hospital as building of a purpose built house for him and his
family continues.

The local community have been fantastic, but Bala is only a small club
and there remains much still to do to ensure Bryan and his family, Wife,
Sue and kids, Ilan and Teleri enjoy a comfortable life.

The more we sell the larger the contribution to the fund.
Visit -

www.ellisrugby.com to purchase

CLICK HERE.

 

Yours sincerely,

Kevin Ellis
Ellis Rugby

Christmas Dinner, Ael Y Bryn, 13th December

Ael Y Bryn Christmas Menu

Cream of Vegetable Soup Served With Crusty Bread
Smoked Mackerel Fillet salad
Chicken Liver Parfait Scented with Brandy Served with Red Onion Marmalade

Roasted Welsh Black Topside of Beef Served with Red Wine Gravy
Traditional Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing and Light Cranberry Gravy
Baked Salmon Fillet with a Creamy White Wine Sauce
Broccoli & Cheese Bake

All of the above are served with roast potatoes, parsnips, new potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Chocolate Fudge Cake
Apple & Blackberry Crumble
Blackcurrant Cheesecake
Christmas Pudding Served with Brandy Sauce

Price – £16.00 per person

email me with your selection ASAP
gwion@talk21.com