Holyhead and Dinbych 2nds fly flag for North Wales in national rugby union competitions

Holyhead and Dinbych seconds will fly the flag for North Wales in the next round of national rugby union competitions.

Unusually, there will be no northern representation in the WRU National Cup, Plate or Bowl for the rest of the season.

However, Holyhead and Dinbych seconds from Division Three North remain in the WRU National Shield – and both have landed home draws.

Dinbych seconds will host Pontardawe, while Holyhead entertain Llanrumney in round three (last 13 – three byes into quarter-finals) of the Shield on December 7.

Holyhead made history last weekend when they celebrated their first-ever victory over South Wales opposition in a competitive fixture, beating WRU National League East Central 3C club Brackla 15-5 at Bryn-y-Mor.

The Holyhead set piece was fantastic both in attack and defence, the work in training clearly paying dividends – big credit to coach Mei Parry for his influence here.

Aron Evans scored both tries for the hosts, with Rhodri Parry adding a penalty and conversion.

Dinbych’s second team also did marvellously well to emerge 11-7 victors after making the long trip to South Wales to meet Forgeside RFC of Division 3D at Blaenavon, Gwent.

The home side who fielded a heavyweight pack, but Dinbych started the game well and a good 15 opening minutes saw them claim the edge in territory and possession. The prolonged pressure led to a string of penalties against the home side and the able boot of Robyn Cartwright gave Dinbych a 6-0 lead they held to the break.

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 a full complement of players Dinbych’s players started to exert a bit more dominance.

Dave Roberts, Dinbych’s No8, was able to capitalise on some loose ball on several occasions, and he got his reward scoring the only try of the game as well as being nominated as man of the match by the opposing team.

The closing minutes of the game were tense as the home side scored a try which was converted, but excellent defensive work by Dinbych’s men meant that victory was theirs.