Menai Bridge earn bonus in fiesty victory

MENAI Bridge completed back-to-back home wins as they saw off Rhosllanerchrugog 27-7 in WRU Division Three North.

In atrocious conditions, Rhos enjoyed the early possession but, on their first foray in attack, Bridge managed to spread the ball wide and Tom Spence on the wing finished off a good attacking move with the opening try.

Rhos fought back and piled on the pressure through their forwards. They worked their way deep into the home 22 and eventually the referee tired of Bridge’s ill-discipline at the scrum and awarded a penalty try to the travellers.

Menai responded and flanker Chris Roberts crashed over from close quarters for a 10-7 lead at the half.

The islanders started the second half with great purpose and, after the forwards won quality possession, the home backs skilfully moved the ball at pace, opening up the Rhos defence for a try out wide.

Bridge then battled for their bonus point try, which came thanks to No8 Sam Williams. At a five-metre lineout, Rhos fumbled over their try-line and the ever-alert Williams pounced on the loose ball for the touchdown.

The final try for Bridge was scored by Lewis Harrison who shredded the Rhos defence with a thundering run, making 30 metres and fending off a number of defenders.

Holyhead lost 7-3 at Dinbych seconds in a match where the Holy Islanders came up against monumental defending.

In the first half, when the visitors played with the advantage of the slope, the home rearguard were especially awesome.

Despite their possession and territorial dominance Holyhead did not take the lead until the final minute of the half when stand-off Rhodri Parry kicked a penalty goal. Leading 3-0 Holyhead continued to dominate but came up against a brick wall as Dinbych defended for their lives. Midway through the half Dinbych pounced for their vital winning score when the forwards generated a driving maul taking play near to the Holyhead line. The ever-alert Llion Edwards, playing at inside centre, snatched possession at the back to go over for the try converted by skipper Tom Evans.