Author: Mr Jeff Jenkins

Both sides made good use of the ideal playing conditions to provide a feast of attacking rugby with each having periods of dominance and the result in doubt until the final whistle. This was another encouraging performance by Dinbych’s youthful side against bulkier and more experienced opponents who are likely to finish at or near the top of the table at the end of the season.

Shotton started strongly dominating both possession and territory as they confined Dinbych deep in their 22 in the opening quarter. Dinbych’s young team however thwarted all Shotton’s efforts to score with an excellent defensive display.

Dinbych gradually came more into the game and opened the scoring in the 36th minute when outside half Oli Owen kicked a penalty. This roused Shotton into action immediately and the hosts took the lead when hooker Dan Hayes went over for a converted try from short range following a long multi phase attack. There was still time left before half time for Dinbych to regain the lead when scrum half Evan Hurlow broke through for an unconverted try at the interval.

Leading by 8 points to 7 Dinbych extended their lead nine minutes into the second half when full back Aidyn Jones cut through the Shotton defence for a try converted by centre Isaac Jones. Five minutes later Aidyn Jones again sliced the Shotton defence apart for his second but unconverted try for Dinbych to lead by 20 points to 7.

Shotton replied midway through the second half with a try by centre Steve Ellson which he converted himself and then quickly added a second try two minutes later which he again converted which took the hosts ahead by 21 points to 20. Shotton nudged further ahead with a penalty by full back Carwyn Williams followed by an unconverted try from short range by prop Carl Jones.
Despite these set backs Dinbych continued to compete in all phases of play with forwards Dafydd Jones, Liam Allsup and Jamie Williams leading the way.

The visitors closed the gap to just two points when Liam Allsup went over for a try converted by wing Findlay Jenkins. Shotton made the game safe in the closing minutes when Carwyn Williams kicked a penalty giving the hosts a narrow victory. At least Dinbych were left with the consolation of two losing bonus points to show for their efforts in a match which was a fine advert for rugby in Division 3.