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Welcome to the Ruthin Under 13's 2010/ 2011 homepage.
2011 Tour - England
Score Mellish 14 Ruthin 76
Ruthin Relish Mauling Mellish
Ruthin U13’s were on the move again last weekend with a tour over the border to England. After a fun packed Saturday at Alton towers in glorious sunshine, and an eat all your want Chinese buffet, the squad got down to business on Sunday with a game against Nottinghamshire’s Mellish.
Despite a tournament being played the same day Ruthin had the honour of playing on the first team pitch for the tour trophy. A physically strong side, Mellish started the game brightly and the first 10 minutes was a close affair up front in the forwards. However as the game went on Ruthin showed spirit and resilience to put on what onlookers descried as a ‘master class’ of rugby. Fast rucking and clearing out together with intelligent 2nd and 3rd phase ball sucked the Mellish defence for Ruthin to unleash their unstoppable back line. To a man every member of the squad played their part with a particular mention going to Ieuan Roberts for his ‘Martin Williams’ display from the back row and what is likely to end up being the tackle of the season on the Mellish star number 8. Mellish were spirited in defence and did manage to nick a few consolation tries. Final score 76 14 with tries from Geraint Lawrence x 3, Nathan Davies x 2, Illiya Gavrylenko x 3, Nathan Jones, George Keefe, James Wynn, Ieuan Roberts, Camron Miller and Joseph Davies.
Glyn Ceiriog U 13/14 mix
Score Ruthin 10 Glyn Ceiriog 5
The boys made their debut on the 1st XV pitch with a very committed performance against a bigger & stronger team of largely U14 players from Glyn Ceiriog. A very close first half ended 0-0 with George Keefe going closest to a try after a very good back-row move – before losing control of the ball as he crossed the line. Iestyn Laing came on at half time & made an immediate impact in the scrums which started going forward for the first time & a pro-longed period of pressure saw first Tim Hedley & then Rees Darvill cross the whitewash to give Ruthin a well deserved & hard-fought victory. Charlie Butt stood out in the second half showing his pace and ball carrying on the wing as well as strength in the tackle on a number of occaisons. All 22 members of the squad made an important contribution to the result & showed the depth we are starting to develop. – as well as the benefits of Friday night’s training with Mikey Jones & Ian Davies. To give everyone plenty of game time we tacked on a 20 minute match after the final whistle which was again evenly fought and ended up 5-0, hence the aggregate score above… Well done Boys – a great start to your career on the Ruthin 1st XV pitch
Colwyn Bay U 13's
Score Colwyn Bay 5 Ruthin 51
Despite a slow start where missed tackles saw Ruthin concede the first try, the boys recovered to score 9 tries, with a George Keefe hatrick, a brace for Nathan Jones, with 1 for each for Iliya Gavreylenko, Rees Darvill, Nathan Davies & Joe Davies. Colwyn Bay were short of players & had to borrow 3 players from Ruthin. The 6 boys – Tomos Davies, Caleb Owen & Tim Hedley in the first half, Ben Godfrey, Ben Green & particularly Harris Waseem in the second – gave a really good account of themselves & did the club proud. It was good to see Geraint Lawrence back after breaking his leg. The boys will need to improve their tackling to beat better teams, but attacked well in both forwards & backs. Nathan Jones (2) & Adam House added the conversions.
Caldy Tournament - U13's
Plate Winners!
After a slow start & uncharacteristic lethargy in the group stages, which saw them drop out of the main competition, the boys woke up once they reached the plate semi-final, defeating Sandbach 17-7 with tries from Iliya Gavrylenko, Ieuan Roberts & George Keefe before saving their best performance of the day for the plate final, where they adopted their characteristic fast recycling & rucking game to beat Sheffield Tigers 24-0 with tries from Ieuan Roberts, Nathan Jones, George Keefe & Nathan Davies. Picture below. The boys are… Back row L-R: Caleb Owen, Nathan Davies, Ben Godfrey, Owain Jones, Harry Buntrock, Theo Woolford-Dyer, Iestyn Laing, Ben Green, Iliya Gavrylenko, Harris Waseem, James Wynne, Cai Dolben-Jones, Joseph Davies, Ieuan Roberts & George Keefe; Front row L-R: Huw Sadler, Adam House, Finn Nelson, Cameron Miller, Nathan Jones (captain), Rees Darvill & Tomos Davies.
Newtown U13s
Score Newtown 7 Ruthin 12
Ruthin extended their unbeaten run against a strong Newtown side in a closely contested away match. Ruthin were on the score sheet early through some characteristic close forward play, a charge down by Ieuan Roberts with Joseph Davies crossing the line. Ruthin were camped down in the Newtown half for most of the first half of the game before a counter attack and some strong running saw Newtown score in the corner, coolly converted by their number 10. The second half saw a more even match, with Ruthins stand out performer, Ieuan Roberts, showing the way for Ruthins forwards in a superb display of rucking. With the game finely balanced, Nathan Jones had an opportunity from his own half, which he rounded off in typical style running through numerous tackles to cross the line and then convert for all the points. The final play of the game showed Newtown fierce in attack, with Ruthins defence tested to the extreme, with a final counter ruck and turn over marking the end of the game. A very close contest, played in great spirit. Ruthins thanks also go to the referee for one of the best refereeing displays seen so far this season.
Mold U13s
Score Ruthin 24 Mold 24
Having played twice already this season away, Ruthin welcomed Mold to Cae Ddol for a deciding encounter of the season. With a win apiece between them, the game was always going to be close and hard fought. The 24 all score line reflected two equally strong teams who have both thoroughly entertained the spectators in each of their three games.
Denbigh U13s
Score Denbigh 10 Ruthin 19
After a fantastic away win against Oswestry a week ago, Ruthin were again on their travels to local rivals Denbigh. After losing the toss & having the slope in the first half, Ruthin quickly capitalised with a try from man of the match Owain Jones, converted by Harris Waseem. The rest of the first half was harder going though & Denbigh pulled a try back before the break to make it 5-7. When Denbigh, with the advantage of the slope & playing the better rugby, took the lead in the 2nd half with a breakaway try the signs were ominous for Ruthin, however a fantastic final 15 minutes from the forwards in particular fantastic spoiling & tight work from Rees Darvill with some classic open-side play, some great forward runs Ieuan Roberts & Harry Buntrock. Great ball carrying from the props Owain & Joseph Davies (returning to Denbigh for the first time after transferring to Ruthin earlier in the season) was rewarded when George Keefe (who’d earlier been denied an 80 meter interception try after he was finally tackled on the 5 yard line) crowned a fantastic multi-phase move with a try under the posts, converted by Nathan Jones. Jones then rounded off another flowing move to add a try of his own & finished off a fantastic, spirited 2nd half performance. All of the team showed a great deal of character & will to win & James Wynn also made a fine contribution from full-back, the first time he’s played in that position.
Oswestry U13’s
Score Oswestry 12 Ruthin 36
Ruthin travelled to Oswestry to play the only single fixture against an English side this season. With rule variations and a small pitch the Ruthin pack enjoyed a close physical battle up front launching the Ruthin back line at pace on numerous occasions. A great win that Wales will hope to emulate against England on Feb 4th.
Rhyl U13's
Score Ruthin 39 Rhyl 12
After weeks of snow and no games, Ruthin welcomed a spirited Rhyl side to Cae Ddol for an entertaining game of rugby. Ruthin applied pressure right from the kick off scoring two tries in quick succession from the dependable Nathan Jones at fly half and a marauding charge by recent recruit Joseph Davies at loose head prop. The early pressure saw Rhyl up their defense with Ruthin camped down in their half of the pitch for the first 30 minutes of play. Rhyl were rewarded for their hard work with a try before the break. The second half was a much more even display with Rhyl showing real spirit and team work to score a further try. Ruthin forwards took advantage of some more open play with bursting runs from George Keefe, Ieuan Roberts and new comer Illiya Gavrylenko all getting on the score sheet. Conversions from Nathan Jones (three) and Adam ‘The Boot’ House (one) rounded off a good score if less than convincing Ruthin performance.
Mold U13's
Score Ruthin 26 Mold 15
In a hard fought away match Ruthin moved through the gears to thwart Mold and win in impressive style. With Ruthin Forwards Coach Pat Keefes words still ringing in their ears ‘We win hard games’ 15 took the field ready to avenge their defeat to Mold earlier in the season. The determination showed and with strong forward and back play from the whistle Ruthin took an early lead through fly half Nathan Jones in the corner. Early attacks by Molds backs were met with fierce Ruthin defence notably tackles from Ben Green on the wing and Geraint Lawrence in the centre. Mold rallied with a return try before Ruthin went on to score again through Geraint Lawrence with a calm under pressure conversion from Adam House. At half time Ruthin were just edging what was a very close contest 12 points to 10. Directly after half time Mold turned the screw and scored a well worked try in the corner which they failed to convert. Ruthin are becoming known for their strong finishes to games and as Ruthin forwards piled on the pressure in the loose (Keefe, Roberts, Davil & co having a huge game) and with the backs rush defence Mold started to go backwards, even on their own possession. As Ruthin reached top gear they ran in two further tries through the ‘On fire’ Geraint Lawrence, both of which were coolly converted by full back Adam ‘The Boot’ House. A superb game, played in great spirit, from two very strong sides. Ruthin eagerly await their home encounter with Mold in the New Year by which time they hope to welcome back their Injured pack leader, Owain ‘The Mighty O’s’ Jones.
Colwyn Bay U13's
Score Ruthin 54 Colwyn Bay 5
Ruthin returned to winning ways in style on a beautiful Autumn day at Cae Ddol. A depleted visiting Colwyn Bay meant a game of 10 aside and plenty of opportunity for open running on a full sized pitch. Ruthin opened their account early with tries from backs Geraint Lawrence and Nathan Jones who both went on to score 2 tries each. Strong forward play, attacking and supportive rugby and a mazy solo run gave rise to a further try from Adam House for the backs. Not to be outdone the forwards stretched their legs with 2 ties and a wrong footing side step from prop George Keefe, a typical ‘Wildebeest on the Hoof’ charge from his own 22 from backrow forward Harry Buntrock and gritty power play close to line by Hooker Harris Waseem and Flanker Rees ‘The Marvel’ Darvill ensuring ‘The Marvel’ secured the points. Towards the end of the second half The Bay rallied well and scored a deserved consolation try. Conversions from Ruthin’s Adam House (4) and Nathan Jones (3) rounded off a good score before mixed teams went on to play a training match.
Mold U13's
Score Ruthin 15 Mold 34
On a wet and muddy pitch Ruthin went down to an impressive Mold side but showed spirit and determination to keep the score to a respectable points difference. Strong attacking runs from Ruthin forwards and backs couldn’t penetrate the Mold defence for most of the first half where as in reply, Ruthins defense was found lacking. Nathan Jones grabbed a try for Ruthin before the break but by then Mold had already asserted their dominance of the game. The second half saw Ruthin dig deep with winger Ben Green showing his pace to score around the outside. Strong play in the loose from Ben Godfrey and Caleb Owen set up scrum half Nathan Davies with a run from his own half to also cross the line. A disappointing score line but a great contest with a well drilled Mold side and important defensive lessons learnt to be worked on in training.
Denbigh U13's
Score Ruthin 20 Denbigh 10
In their first game of the new season Ruthin U13’s ground out a superb home win against local rivals Denbigh. With significant rule changes over the summer period such as contested scrummaging and lifting in the lineout, there could be no sterner test than a very good Denbigh side. The first half saw Ruthin dominate the forward play, camping out on the Denigh 22 for long periods of play. This pressure led to the forwards crossing the line on numerous occasions only to be held up by a determined Denbigh defence. Eventually the pressure gave with Nathan Jones crossing the line twice from fly half to give a half time lead of 10-0. The start of the second half saw Denbigh step up, gaining a try almost immediately from the kick off and a further try to bring the score back level.
In a final rally Ruthin took advantage of a quick penalty on the Denbigh 22 for Nathan Jones to score and in a late passage of play a well worked back move led to number 12, Geraint Lawrence grounding the ball to make the game safe.
U12 2009/2010 Season Results
Wrexham Anglo Welsh Tournament
Runners Up
Ruthin U 12’s marked the end of a fantastic season by coming runners up in the Anglo Welsh Tournament on April 25th. Rising to the occasion the team played cohesive attacking rugby to win every one of their group games against Wrexham, Colwyn Bay, Nant Conway and Harrogate. Top of their group meant a tough semi final fixture against Bethesda which kept supporters on the edge of their seats until Huw Sadler crossed the line making the game safe. Ruthin’s efforts in reaching the final seem to then be their undoing. An extremely impressive York side exposed Ruthins fatigued players and ran in a final score of 28 – 0, Ruthin’s first defeat after a run of 16 wins. After the game Ruthins supporters voted Nathan Jones as man of the Tournament for his superb attacking play from fly half and ‘laser guided’ accuracy with the boot.
The final event of the season will be the end of season awards and BBQ at Cae Ddol on May 16th. Boys will also have a chance to avenge their Dublin loss to the Dads team in a game of tag…..
Denbigh U12's
Score Ruthin 17 Denbigh 10
On a hot day, and a hard pitch, at Cae Ddol Ruthin ground out a superb win against local rivals Denbigh. Going behind to an uncoverted try in the first half, good forward pressure led to a classic opportunist try from George Keefe before the break. The second half saw Ruthin dig deep in a physical battle upfront. However they went behind to another well worked try by Denbighs backs after a pause to the game through an eye watering injury to Ruthin Number 8, Harry Buntrock. Ruthin struck back through a drive for the line by the forwards with pack leader Owain Jones crossing the whitewash. Not to be outdone, Ruthins backs started hitting the ball at pace with Nathan Jones going close but Geraint Lawrence crossing the line for the winning try, converted by Nathan Jones. A great result and perfect warm up for the upcoming Wrexham Anglo Welsh Tournament on the 25th April.
Llandudno U12's
Score Ruthin 38 Llandudno 12
Ruthin extended their unbeaten run to 10 games with a hard fought win over Llandudno at Cae Ddol. Llandudno proved tough competitors, scoring early with Ruthin battling back to 12 - 12 at half time. Some classic flanker darting runs by Rees Darvil producing 2 tries and a lung busting run from the halfway line by Second Row Harry Buntrock marked a gritty second half performance from the Ruthin forwards. The forwards dominance also meant more possession for the backs with tries from Nathan Jones, Geraint Lawrence and 'prop turned winger' George Keefe. 4 conversions from Nathan Jones rounded off a superb team performance.
TEAM TOUR 2010 - Dublin
Score Ruthin 59 Barnhall 5
Ruthin extended their unbeaten run to 9 games with a free-flowing brand of support rugby that the Irish side couldn’t cope with. Tries from Geraint Lawrence (2), twins Ifan & Iestyn Davies (2 each), George Keefe, Kieran Smith &
Nathan Jones (who also kicked 7 conversions) capped off a fantastic weekend for the boys who all performed fantastically well & had been great ambassadors for Wales & Ruthin with their conduct over the weekend.
Having narrowly lost a tense warm-up game of touch rugby against their Dads on Saturday night (before being chased
from St Stephen’s Green by the Park-keeper), the boys produced their best performance of the season & were
too physical for their hosts – who are due to come to Ruthin for a return fixture on April 10th.
Overall a fantastic experience for the boys & a result that it would be great for Wales to repeat next weekend
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