Hat-trick hero Gwyn leads Cofis’ charge
CAERNARFON Rugby Club recorded their most emphatic win of the season with a 34-10 verdict over visitors Mold In Division One North last Saturday.
Their first try stemmed from a quick ball being collected by No8 Mac Jones, who drew the cover on the blindside before feeding winger Tomos Huw. He in turn found scrum-half Gareth Patchett, who dotted down for a very well-worked try in the corner.
The lead was extended when Mac Jones once again went on a charge from halfway, stand-off Carwyn Roberts maintained the momentum and having sold a few dummies found flanker Sion Roberts on his inside.
Roberts extended his stride and evaded the desperate efforts to halt his progress to score close to the posts. Aled Jones added the conversion.
Mold came back strongly for the final 15 minutes of the half. Prop Ethan Roberts got to the try-line but successful grounding was prevented and, soon afterwards, a determined charge by wing Tom Davies looked as if it had resulted in a score against the upright, but to no avail. Such tiny margins could have changed the complexion of the game entirely.
However, fortune favoured Mold at the beginning of the second period, with centre Jack Pearson backing himself after breaking clear from some 35 metres to score a fine individual try.
The Cofis should have responded immediately when an overlap was created but full-back Morgan Johnson intercepted the final pass.
Caernarfon began to dominate possession and had the slope and wind at their disposal. Another Mac Jones and Patchett link finally released wing Dylan Gwyn to score out wide. Although the conversion was missed, Aled Jones quickly made amends with a penalty to ensure a healthy lead of 20-5.
The Cofis struck again when excellent interplay including Roberts, Armando Morgan and Mike Downey concluded with Dylan Gwyn again RICHARD BIRCH scoring and Jones adding the extras.
With time running out, another Dylan Gwyn break nearly led to a try for replacement Derfel Thomas.
Nonetheless, they camped in the danger zone and, when Downey was held up short, crisp handling, including a through-the-legs pass by hooker Shaun Owen, gave Dylan Gwyn a free run in to the corner to record his hattrick. Jones again converted.
Although beaten, Mold persisted and were finally able to capitalise on a Cofi error to maintain pressure and get their just reward when Matt Liversage powered over in the corner.
Caernarfon are home again this Saturday to Bethesda (2.30pm).