Citizens take spoils in cup thriller
BANGOR edged a 24-22 victory at neighbours Menai Bridge in a thrilling North Wales Intermediate Cup tie last Saturday.
On a glorious November morning, both teams made the most of near perfect conditions to produce a thoroughly entertaining match.
Bangor were first on the scoresheet as they worked a neat overlap to put Calvin Williams over for a converted try.
Bridge replied with a Dion McGrath penalty soon followed by a great poacher’s try for Dave Williams, who intercepted a loose pass in the 22 and raced over. McGrath added the conversion to take the score to 10-7.
The Citizens then enjoyed their best period of the match and lively No8 Tom Yardley breached the home defence in midfield to score. This was followed by another Yardley try and the conversion from Tom Belt gave Bangor a 21-10 lead at half-time.
It was then Bridge’s turn to rally. With the home forwards winning their battles, player coach James Wynne claimed a close range try,improved by McGrath.
A high tackle gave Bangor a penalty, which Belt successfully slotted over for the visitors’ final score of the match.
Menai centre Jones quickly got on the end of a pass while Bangor were napping and scored wide out. With a couple of minutes left on the clock the conversion would have tied the scores, however McGrath’s fine attempt just grazed the bottom of the crossbar as it fell agonisingly short.
Bangor were able to negotiate the remaining minutes safely for a fine win.
The Rybrook Land Rover Conwy Man of the Match award went to Bridge No8 Chris Roberts for his outstanding contribution to the home cause.