Fixture

Abergele 8 – 13 Bethesda 

Math report kindly written by Neil Jones Davies.

The heavy rain on the morning of the match was likely to play a big part in this mid table clash, and so it proved. Abergele started the day 4 points clear of the Quarry men and were very keen to keep the one position advantage in Division 1. Gele played with the wind behind their backs in the first half and for the most part used the wind to their advantage with the ‘Dan Biggar’ like kicking of no. 10 Chris Edwards keeping the Bethesda backs deep in their own 22. As you would expect the forward battle was fierce with Anthony Tilley and Josh Woods keeping the visiting defence entertained and Jordan Grimshaw playing out of his skin at openside. Considering the conditions the line outs went well for both sides with Gareth Beach again dominating his own ball giving plenty of good clean possession to Ian Marshall to get the backs involved. 

The first score of the game came from a rare fumble by Bethesda in their own 22, Josh Woods pounced, broke and outsprinted the defence to score, the only other score of the half coming from the boot of Ben Jones who slotted a penalty. 

The second half continued with the same forward battle, but as the wind picked up and the rain got heavier the visitors used the conditions to their advantage not looking to make the hard yards but preferring to pepper the Gele back 3 with the high ball and from the territory gained won themselves a penalty and drop goal to come back to within 2 points. The home defence were resilient but after a period of sustained pressure Bethesda crossed for what proved to be the match winning try close to touch. The conversion was succesful and although Gele threw everything at Bethesda the elements and strong defence left the score line 8-13. Gele took the losing bonus point which keeps them just ahead of Bethesda in the league, but with the difference in points reduced. 

Next Saturday Gele make the trip to Pwllheli whilst the 2nd XV entertain Mold at Pentre Mawr. 

Abergele would like to thank Gary and Lyndsey Dyson from Mixamate for sponsoring today’s match (Below, Gary Dyson presenting 1st XV Captain Joe Lavin with the Match Ball and Josh Woods with the Man Of Match Pint