LLANGEFNI HELD TO DRAW BY COBRA IN LAST-PLAY DRAMA

● Match report courtesy of Llangefni RFC.

COBRA found a way back from a 17-5 deficit to snatch a 17-17 draw at Llangefni with the last kick of the match.

COBRA found a way to negate Cefni’s overwhelming early dominance at maul time, and also recovered from a pounding at the first few scrums.

The scrum battle was fascinating for the purist as Cefni’s early control was followed by a period of COBRA dominance, which settled into a last quarter of stalemate.

Cefni hadn`t played for a month, and that became obvious in the last quarter as COBRA played all the rugby and the Moniars battled to hang onto a slender lead.

On 15 minutes the home fly half Andrew Mcminimee accelerated through a gap and put on the afterburners for a superb solo try.

COBRA got the next score via the boot of Will Worthington.

This sparked a response from the hosts , and Aled Jones in his first game back after a serious facial injury, pounced to score near the posts. Gethin Andrews’ kick made it 12-5 at the break.

COBRA started the 2nd half strongly, but were repelled by some huge punts by Mcminimee, allowing Cefni precious time in the COBRA half.

The Oliver brothers, first Dion and then Aron, bulldozed into the 22, and the ball was released quickly. Greg Horsman accelerated through a gap, stepped inside to wrong foot the cover defence for a text book try on the 50 minute mark. However, Cefni failed to threaten the COBRA line for the rest of the game.

COBRA kept the ball for long periods as they patiently probed the home defence.

They used their forwards intelligently out amongst the backs and Jack Jukes, the COBRA 8 , was popping up everywhere.

He made a clean line break near half way, then passed inside on the 22, one more pass and Ieuan Williams went over for a try.

Will Worthington added the extras for 17-10.

COBRA had all the momentum now but Cefni defended stoutly. They held out until the final minute, when Rhys Price went over near the flag.

Some may have thought the kick too difficult, but Will Worthington struck the ball cleanly to earn his side a well deserved share of the spoils.

Next Saturday, Cefni go to Blaenau Ffestiniog, knowing that they need to find another gear and for longer periods if they are to get the win.