Bridge beaten to cup title
MENAI Bridge were beaten 25-10 in last Saturday’s entertaining Gwynedd Districts Cup Final, played on the Anglesey club’s own ground, against Nant Conwy seconds.
A large crowd saw both teams look to play a hightempo game through forward drives and strong running backs.
There was no great contrast in style, however, Nant took their opportunities and managed the game, leading from five minutes and never going behind.
Iwan Jones scored the first try, powering over from close range after smashing a tackle. Gwion Ellis Jones converted.
Bridge then enjoyed a good period of possession and territory and were rewarded with a Dion McGrath penalty.
The tale of the half was Bridge possession and stubborn Nant defence. The Conwy Valley men were awarded a penalty and Ellis Jones slotted it over to extend the lead.
Menai pressed hard until the final stages of the half, but it was Nant who scored in the crucial final minutes through an unconverted Derwyn Williams try. The half closed at 15-3 to the visitors.
The second half continued in a similar vein to the first. Bridge enjoyed possession and territory, but failed to trouble the scorers. Nant were ruthless when opportunities were presented and a further Ellis Jones penalty was followed by a scintillating running try, scored from out wide by the pacy Carwyn Owen.
The conversion by Caron Evans took the score to 25-3.
Bridge dug deep and were finally rewarded for their efforts when Adam Goodwin scored a touchdown from the edge of a try-line ruck. McGrath added the bonus but, despite the Anglesey outfit’s best efforts, they could not close the gap any further.
A very enjoyable match was Pic: Richard Birch a credit to both teams. Gwynedd Districts presented a new cup to Teirw Nant, worthy winners of a double having already secured the Division Three North title.