Holyhead’s rugby stars target big success today in national Shield quarter-final in South Wales

Holyhead (red) take on South Gower in the last round. The islanders won 34-23. Picture: WYNNE EVANS

Clwb Rygbi Caergybi/Holyhead Rugby Club are in South Wales today for another attempt to reach the WRU Shield semi-finals.

The original quarter-final tie at Crumlin, scheduled for a fortnight ago, was called off due to inclement weather, so this afternoon the teams try again.

Back in 2019-20, the Holy Islanders made it to the Shield last four only to be denied the chance to lock horns with South Gower for a place in the final due to Covid curtailing the season early.

After the 2020-21 campaign was wiped out by coronavirus, Holyhead entered the Shield again this season and in an ironic twist landed a tie with South Gower at the opening round stage.

On a memorable afternoon at Bryn-y Mor in January, the Division Three North outfit celebrated a magnificent 34-23 victory over their visitors from Division Three West Central.

This set up a quarter-final with Caerphilly-area side Crumlin, who are top of Admiral National League 3 East C with a 100 percent record of five straight wins. They also headed the WRU Shield – District A1 table, which qualified them for the last eight.

Second in Division Three North – just one loss in six games – Holyhead also won their WRU Shield – District J1 group competing against Menai Bridge and Llangefni 2nd XV.

So a difficult test for the islanders at Kendon Road today, but one they are capable of winning.

Holyhead have chosen their starting XV, which is:

1 Liam Price
2 Owain Tudur Owen (c)
3 Steve Owen
4 Greg Palmer
5 Tommy Evans
6 Max Peters
7 Meirion Evans
8 Raymond Lear
9 Ben Pritchard
10 Rhodri Parry
11 Iwan Roberts
12 Mei Parry
13 Aron Parry
14 Aron Evans
15 Owain Thomas
SUBSTITUTES
16 Jay Kieran
17 Jonathon Jones
18 Eifion Rowlands
19 Aiden Williams
20 Endaf Jones
21 Tim Plevey
22 Dafydd Jones
23 Paddy Maguire
24 Marc Hughes

Team Manager: James Hart
Head Coach: Mei Parry

Another North Wales side are in Shield quarter-final action today.
Ruthin 2nd XI, from the same domestic division as Holyhead, travel to Ferndale.