Rugby round-up: SWALEC Plate victory for Llandudno and Colwyn Bay move into fifth spot

The WRU National League Division One North leaders turned in another polished display on both sides of the ball to emerge victorious from their third-round clash, which was played on the new 4G surface at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay.

The visitors dominated the early exchanges and went ahead on five minutes through a well-struck penalty from Darren Pearce, but the Goats slowly began to impose themselves on proceedings thereafter and notched their first try of the contest on 19 when Dan O’Sullivan rounded off a fine team move to touch down. Arthur Lennon added the extras.

Adverse weather conditions made things difficult for both sides throughout the first period, but the away side did manage another score just before the break when Pearce despatched his second penalty of the tie.

After the interval saw the hosts completely dominate the clash and extended their advantage after 45 minutes with a Lennon penalty, with a scintillating attacking move from inside their own half giving an opening to Lloyd Evans, who burst through the visiting rearguard to cross the white wash with 68 gone. Lennon was successful with the conversion attempt.

With the home side now fully in command, they piled on the pressure and forced a series of penalties from their counterparts in the closing stages, and Lennon continued his excellent form with the boot to fire over two more free-kicks to round off the scoring.

Rachel Taylor’s Colwyn Bay extended their recent resurgence with a 26-5 bonus point home triumph over WRU National League Division Two strugglers Bangor.

The hosts made the most of the treacherous conditions to dominate the contest throughout, and their fourth success in ten league outings sees them move into fifth position.