Rugby Union: Nant Conwy battle out at top of the table

Dec 22 2011

NANT CONWY remain locked with Caernarfon at the summit of WRU Division One North going into the new year.

The Trefriw outfit made it 11 wins from 12 starts on Saturday as they returned from Pwllheli 25-0 victors.

Despite the clarity of the victory, however, Nant did not pick up the four tries needed for a bonus point.

It was the same story for Caernarfon, who triumphed 18-5 at Ruthin but could only muster three tries.

This all sets up a monster showdown between the top two at Y Morfa on January 7.

Nant were in fine form on Saturday on a very good Parc Bodegroes pitch.

The visitors started with the winds at their backs but it was Pwllheli who looked the more promising in the opening exchanges.

As the game wore on Nant's streetwise team managed their own possession really well and were able to slow down any Pwllheli ball.

The travellers took a ninth minute lead through a Carwyn ap Myrddin penalty.

Soon after a very well-worked try in the backs ended with centre Emrys Evans finding a gap in the home defence to touch down beneath the posts.

Carwyn ap Myrddin was successful in adding the extra points.

Pwllheli then responded well and took the ball to under the Nant posts but with the offside in the rucks not being controlled, the visitors were able to steal possession to relieve the pressure.

Nant then had a period of dominance and unlike Pwllheli they capitalised on it scoring their second try in the 31st minute of play when prop James Jones powered over on the right hand side.

The conversion attempt was missed, but with four minutes of the half remaining, Carwyn ap Myrddin was successful with another penalty kick to earn the Conwy Valley outfit an 18-0 lead at the turnaround.

Despite the standings Pwllheli had some hope of reducing the arrears with the wind at their backs.

It was not to be, however, as quick ball was never allowed to materialise and possession fed to the backs was not well used.

Nant hammered the final nail in the coffin after 25 minutes of play when following a series of mauls by the home line, No8 Carwyn Ellis went over for a try that was converted by Carwyn ap Myrddin.

This made the final score 25-0 and a comfortable success for the Valleymen.

NANT Conwy have not one but two massive clashes to look forward to against arch rivals Caernarfon in the new year.

As well as their league encounter at Y Morfa on January 7, the sides will meet in round three of the Swalec Plate at Trefriw on January 28.

NANT Conwy seconds were narrow 5-0 winners over Bala seconds in the Gwynedd League.