Pride in defeat for Holyhead’s braves in WRU Shield quarter-final

WRU SHIELD QUARTER-FINAL REPORT

Crumlin 51

Clwb Rygbi Caergybi/Holyhead 15

While Holyhead’s trip to South Wales last Saturday ultimately ended in disappointment it is always important to remember where this club have come from.

It was not too many years ago that Caergybi were perennial strugglers in Division Three North, regularly suffering heavy defeats.

Yet all that has become firmly part of the past, with nowadays high league positions achieved and great runs in the national Shield.

Two years ago the Holy Islanders made the semi-finals only to be denied the chance to take on South Gower for a place in the showpiece due to Covid.

This season the pride of Bryn-y-Mor were paired with South Gower again and beat them 34-23 to reach the last eight of the Shield for a second time in a row.

Their next task was to overcome mighty Crumlin, who hail from the Caerphilly area.

Top of Admiral National League 3 East C with a 100 percent record of five straight wins. the South Walians also headed the WRU Shield – District A1 table, which qualified them for the quarters.

For the first 40 minutes of Saturday’s South v North battle, it was a close contest, Crumlin leading just 15-10 at half time.

In the second half the hosts got on top and added another 36 points without reply.

A deserved victory for Crumlin, but a great effort again from Holyhead who have continued to do North Wales rugby proud. The fact the hosts celebrated quite vigorously on social media after the game reflected the respect they held for Caergybi.

Max Peters, head coach Mei Parry and Tim Plevey crossed the try-line for Caergybi.

Crumlin’s try-getters were Tyler Lewis 3, Joel Whitcombe, Dylan Foxwell 2, Ethan Chess, Kyle Walton and Morgan Wilson. Scott Barnes added three conversions.

Ruthin lose narrowly in South Wales

In another quarter-final, Ruthin 2nd XV, from the same north division as Holyhead, put up a fine effort at Ferndale only to lose 14-10. Ferndale now meet Tonna in the semis, while Crumlin face Pontardawe.