Nant Conwy RFC vs Newcastle Emlyn RFC - SWALEC Plate

Our Llanrwst office, Cyfraith JRL Law, are proud sponsors of Nant Conwy RFC and are delighted to support them throughout the season.

Saturday 11th January played host to a scintillating rugby match at the home of Nant Conwy RFC. The visitors were Newcastle Emlyn in the 3rd round of the SWALEC plate, and the match turned out to be one of drama and excitement.

Report courtesy of Nant Conwy RFC 

This was a traditional Cup match, full of thrills between equally matched sides in terms of talents. Everybody
present agreed that it had been a super match well refereed by Mr Richards from across the border. The pitch was again in good condition following another week of continuous rainfall. Nant edged ahead after 8 minutes play. The pack were pressing on the Newcastle Emlyn (N E) line on the left hand side with opponents being sucked in to tackle when the ball was released and passed suddenly along the line for
Gwion, the young winger to score his first try for the 1st Team right out on the right hand side. The conversion attempt failed. The lead was reduced after 12 minutes when Rhydian (fly Half) kicked a long range penalty.

The Nant pack was dominant but the N E backs were really dangerous whenever they received the ball.
Right at the end of the 1st half, the opponents scored a very similar try to Nant’s. This time, Alun (no. 13)
gathered the ball quickly when it was passed along the line and dived over for a try. Rhydian’s successful
conversion was the last play of the half. Seven minutes after the interval, Nant went ahead when Aeron was successful with another long range penalty. Three minutes later, N E took the lead again when Alun, a strong Centre, powered through to touch down with Rhydian converting.

A score of 11–17 with some home supporters beginning to think that the match had been lost. But no, the
team had other ideas. They decided to keep the ball amongst the forwards for the last 20 minutes or so of
the play and pressed constantly in the N E 22. The opponents showed superb defensive qualities and two of the extra 10 minutes played were up when finally, Carwyn managed to touch the ball down underneath a large group of bodies. The entire ground was totally silent as Aeron prepared to convert and a huge roar erupted as the ball just scraped over the bar and between the posts to make the score 18 – 17. Seven extra minutes had to be played and supporters’ nails were being chewed around the ground. But the forwards still kept the ball tight to ensure another famous victory in this competition!

For a full match report in English and Welsh with an extensive library of images please click here. 

The Nant Conwy players making their way to the pitch for kick off. 

Nant receiving some local support.

Nant Conwy line-out as they prepare for an attack. 

The Nant players catching their breath during a break in play.