Neyland 41 - Colwyn Bay 7

 
Neyland Youth entertained their counterparts from Colwyn Bay in the 2nd round of the WRU National Bowl Competition at the Athletic Ground and produced an excellent all-round performance to win by 41-7.
 
In perfect conditions the young All Blacks were clearly intent on making a good start, cheered on by a big crowd at The Athletic Ground.
 
The visitors went straight on the attack from the outset as their kick off was fumbled into touch, which allowed Colwyn Bay a foothold in the Neyland 22, but a great steal from Jasper Endean, the first of many over the 80 minutes, meant Neyland could attack from deep and clear their lines.



 

All Blacks take an early lead . . .

 
After 10 minutes of an even contest, a quick tap and run from Rhys Power, who offloaded to Harvey Myles-Nash, caused panic before quick ball and a snipe and stretch by Fletcher Picton resulted in a try for the home side, which he also converted from just inside the touchline.
 
Five minutes later an infringement by Colwyn Bay resulted in a penalty about 40 yards out and a terrific kick by Picton sailed through the sticks to give Neyland a deserved 10-point lead.
 
A penalty for a late tackle on Liam Rees after 26 minutes resulted in a yellow card for Colwyn Bay and with a quickly taken tap Neyland again went on the attack. Although the ball was lost in contact it was won back and a charge from Lloyd Stephen was followed up with Seb McIntosh crashing over for his first try of the day, but on this occasion Fletcher pushed the conversion past the post into a strong wind.
 

. . . And are 15 points ahead at the interval

 
A strong charge from Lewys Scourfield left him just short of the try line and Colwyn Bay were able to hack clear when their backs tried to move it wide.
 
After 36 minutes again Neyland were held up after a series of drives from forwards Asha Gledhill and Toby Rees which allowed a Colwyn Bay defender to get under the ball and escape with a goal line drop out which saw the half time whistle came from excellent referee Joseph Kiff with a scoreline of 15 nil to the young All Blacks.

 

More success as Reynolds strikes – but Colwyn Bay battle back via Turner

 
Early in the second half some good play from Neyland resulted in the ball going one way and coming back the other before Finley Picton, on debut, gave Fergus Reynolds a scoring pass to go over in the top right hand corner, again superbly converted by Fletcher Picton.
 
The scoreline could have deflated many a side but Colwyn Bay stuck to their task and got some rewards with 20 minutes left on the clock. As sustained pressure from their forwards led to charge after charge, eventually Neyland defended by holding up over the try line.
 
Colwyn Bay weren't to be stopped though, they ran the drop out back and got some rewards when scrum half Jack Turner sniped through a gap for a deserved try which he also converted to give his side a sniff of a fight back at 7-22.



 

Late scores as reward for All Blacks’ effort

 
The last 20 minutes saw Neyland turn the screw and drive home their superior aggression and a series of drives were thwarted with penalties and an indiscretion near the line saw another yellow card for Colwyn Bay. A quick tap and go released Fletcher Picton for his second try under the sticks which he converted for a 29-7 lead which put the tie to bed.
 
With 10 minutes to go a quick tap from a free kick by Rhys Power released Fletcher Picton into space to beat a flurry of defenders and run in from 60 yards, Neyland finished the game with a try in stoppage time when sustained pressure saw outstanding No. 8 Seb McIntosh cap a great game by burrowing over from close range, with the try being duly converted by Fletcher Picton.
 
The final score slightly favoured Neyland, who deserved the win, but Colwyn Bay might feel slightly hard done by in a game where a couple of dropped balls or missed passes may have resulted in a closer score.


Neyland Youth:  Aaron John: Lucas Jones; Liam Rees; Fletcher Picton; Nial Griffiths: Tyler Sutton; Rhys Power: Harvey Miles; Asha Gledhill; Lloyd Stephens: Toby Rees; Lewis Scourfield: Jasper Endean; Jack Rogers; Seb McIntosh.
Replacements:  Finley Picton; Fergus Reynolds; Dylan Evans; Zac Evans.