Fixture

A game of many penalties, this top of the table clash never really got going until late in the second half. There were some exciting moments but flowing, handling moves were rare, not helped by the constant heavy rain.

Nant took the lead after 5 minutes through a penalty converted by Derwyn Jones. This was soon wiped out through a successful penalty by Llandudno. 

Much of the game was then spent between the two 22 metre lines with neither team producing any sustained pressure, usually due to the awarding of more penalties.

It was not until the 25th minute that the stalemate was broken with the awarding of a Nant penalty within range, duly converted by Jones. This was followed by some sustained pressure by Llandudno in the Nant 22. Yet more penalties allowed Llandudno to kick to the corner but solid defence at the mauls and rucks from the line-outs generally resulted in Nant being able to clear their lines, often through a penalty. This was the pattern for the remainder of the half leaving Nant 6 - 3 up.

Within five minutes of the restart, Llandudno drew level through another breakdown penalty. 

Following a break by Carwyn Ellis, much of the second half was dominated by Nant. They had the crowd on it's feet on a number of occasions and came close to a try at least twice only to be foiled by a knock-on each time. On 70 minutes one of the few sustained passing movements did produce a try for Nant, when slick handling all round enabled Elis Fôn to glide through for a try, converted by Jones, giving Nant a 13 - 6 lead.

This stirred Llandudno into action, the game becoming more lively. As at the end of the first half, Nant found themselves under pressure near their line following more penalty kicks for touch. It was from such a move that Llandudno produced their try but were unable to convert. Soon after the restart, Nant were awarded yet another penalty and Jones's kick pushed to score up tp 16 - 11.

With 5 minutes to go Llandudno kept to the tactic of kicking for touch and driving mauls. Solid defence and, of course, penalties preserved Nant's lead. The last action of the match saw yet another line out on Nant's 5 metre line. Throughout the match both teams had won all of their own set pieces and it was plain what the move would be. Amazingly, the one win against the throw saw Carwyn Roberts tap the ball back on the Nant side for it to be kicked dead.

A tense game which could have gone either way. Hopefully, conditions will be better when the sides meet again.