Fixture

Benllech hosted Menai Bridge at their new Amlwch home ground, for the first time in this Division 2 North West fixture. Both teams played their part in an entertaining fixture of contrasting styles. Benllech used their powerful forwards at every opportunity, whilst Bridge were looking to get their backs into the game whenever possible. Bridge enjoyed the best of the first half, having won the toss and used the conditions to their advantage.

Despite territorial and possession advantage, Bridge were unable to break down the Benllech defence and it was a good twenty minutes into the game before the first score came, as centre Dave Williams split the home defence with a jinky run and dotted down under the posts.  McGrath hadn't set his radar and was dismayed by his failure to convert the try. It wasn't long before openside flanker James Jones accelerated through a tight gap in the close defence for an excellent try, which went unconverted. Bridge's next try was a little fortuitous as an overthrow on their own ball during an attacking lineout was pounced on by Ashley Gilligan. At 5 meters out Gilligan was unstoppable and scored. The try was converted by McGrath. In quick succession Bridge scored their bonus point try, as Dave Williams finished off a great period of passing and support going over in the corner. At the interval Bridge were 24 points to nil up.

Benllech rallied at half time and exploded out of the blocks in the second half. A series of close drives resulted in their prop scoring. With the bit between their teeth Benllech continued their driving attacks and a carbon copy try was scored. With the score narrowed to 12 points, Bridge were getting jittery and this was not helped when they were reduced to 14 men. However they weathered the storm and came back into the game. McGrath at fly half steered the team into the right areas of the pitch. He was on target with a penalty to steady the nerves. Sam Williams scored a try under the posts which was a deserved reward for an afternoon of hard graft. The final score was a try by winger Aled Thomas who pounced on McGrath's kick through and was too fast for the home defence, rounding the full back and wing to extend the lead to 39 points to 12. Both teams will be pleased with aspects of the game which entertained a vociferous crowd on a chilly January afternoon.

A selection of photos of the game are available on the club website at http://bit.ly/2kIKozD, with a wider range on Facebook at http://bit.ly/2jGOUkx