Dozen tries at Y Morfa
CAERNARFON travel to Pwllheli this Saturday aiming to damage the Llyn side’s hopes of a third successive Division One North title.
A good result for the Cofis at Parc Bodegroes would also do current leaders Nant Conwy a big favour, although the Valley outfit face a very tough test themselves at Bala.
However, Caernarfon will also be well aware they have been beaten twice already by Pwllheli this season and a huge performance is needed to avoid a third straight loss to the champions.
The Cofis were in good form last weekend as they rattled up a 67-7 win at home to Bro Ffestiniog.
The opening quarter at Y Morfa was not indicative of the 12-try home scorefest that was to follow.
Home scrum-half Bryn Granville opened the scoring and Aled Jones landed a fine conversion.
But Bro struck back when wing Gethin Jones outfoxed the defence, freed himself from numerous tackles and scored close to the corner flag.
Fly-half Mathew Hayden converted from wide out to level the scores.
This riposte stirred the Cofis to life, led admirably by stand-off Carwyn Roberts, who soon showed that the Bro rearguard could be breached.
One of his many breaks found Mike Downey in support and the quick feed freed wing Ellis Roberts to score.
Next to cross was ever improving prop Armando Morgan whose sup- port play granted him a fully deserved touchdown.
The game ended as a contest when Caernarfon were able to add another two tries prior to the half time whistle.
Derfel Thomas set up Griff Ifor, who disregarded the awaiting overlap to charge over, then strong running Mac Jones was tackled just short of the line, but had the presence of mind to offload to supporting livewire Granville, for the scrum-half to run in unhindered.
Jones added the extras to make it 29-7 at the break.
The second half followed the same pattern despite the best efforts of the Bro faithful. Dewi James carried well from the base of scrums and Stephen Lay charged with purpose but ball was too often coughed up, so no sustained period of pressure could be maintained.
Caernarfon’s Dylan Gwyn produced the opening try of the half.
There followed probably the try of the match as a clearance kick was fielded by replacement and stalwart Rhys Evans, who having seen the ball move via Rhobat John and Granville was yet again at hand to collect and score.
Carwyn Roberts, Mike Downey (2) and Gareth Pritchard added further tries for the home team.
Aled Jones missed the final conversion effort but had been successful with four out of five previously during the half.
With the top four all in opposition this Saturday, it could be a pivotal weekend in the title race.