Cefni started 2019 with a very convincing 8 tries to four win. Leading 26 -12 at the break, they cut loose in the last quarter when victory was assured. The work rate and support play was excellent and augurs well for the rest of the season.
Cefni`s pack quickly asserted themselves in every facet of play, and prop , Ynyr Jones showed his paces early doors with 2 very good line breaks. After Richard Foulkes had made an excellent break into the away 22, Gethin Andrews was stopped short , but quick ruck ball allowed no 9 Aled Jones to storm over for the 1st score. Rhys Hughes`extras made it 7-0. Dinbych responded with some excellent ball handling and Cefni were indebted to hooker Iwan Evans for a timely turn over in the home 22. However, the visitors were soon on the scoreboard, after a series of penalties gave them the chance to move the ball left to Kieran Bonar, who raced over at the corner. Owain Davies made it 7-7 with the boot.
Cefni reasserted themselves via the pack with Dion Oliver and Iwan Evans to the fore. Cefni were twice stopped on the line, but finally quick hands on the left allowed prop Bedwyr Williams to squeeze over at the flag: 12-7 . Then Cefni`s scrum, which was solid all game, allowed numbers 8 &9 , Aaron Jeffreys and Aled Jones to combine well downthe blind side. The pack took the ball into the 22 and sustained pressure led to Richard Foulkes slicing through for a try converted by R. Hughes , 19-7. Dinbych were a major threat on the flanks, and it took a superb last ditch tackle by Iwan Humphreys to stop K. Bonar metres short. However, he was not to be denied his brace: after Cefni lost the ball on half way , Bonar used the overlap to sprint over again, 19-12.
Cefni then scored the try of the half : Cefni retrieved a loose Dinbych kick near their 10 metre line, Dion Oliver made good ground and linked up with his forwards. The ball reached Geth Andrews who cut inside and linked up with his support before getting his scoring pass. Hughes made it 26-12 with the boot.
Dinbych dominated the early exchanges of the 2nd period, but the Cefni defence had tightened up to negate the threats out wide. It fell to the pivot ,Garin Roberts, to dink over the defence from the 22 m line and regather to score a try which Owain Davies improved for 26-19. Cefni were in no way rattled, and after a superb Dion Oliver break, the pack took the ball deep into the 22. Huw Jones latched onto Aaron Jeffreys and together they drove for the try. Hughes was again accurate with the boot, 33-19.
When Cefni attacked from their 10 metre line , Geth Andrews got on the outside of his man and got within 15 metres. Again the support was good and “ shadow “ , Carrog Roberts, was on hand to power over for his first Cefni try. With Hughes on song 40-19. Cefni were now rampant with fresh legs off the bench. A scrum against the head allowed the 8, 9, 10 axis to function smoothly and launch Gethin Jones on a long run which led to a try for winger Aled Thomas, 45-19. The confidence in the Cefni back line was now high, and Foulkes firstly launched Ioan Jones on a powerful diagonal cutback, and then further on in the attack he fed Gethin Jones on a scissors to the posts , 52-19.
From the last play Dinbych deservedly got their bonus point try from a scrum 10 metres out: A text book effort with a clean strike, quick no 8 pick up and overlap try for centre Owain Davies whose conversion was the last action of the match.
Cefni should be well pleased with their ability to break tackles and their support play. In addition, the return of Rhys Hughes to 15 meant that the exits from the 22 were generally effective .There were indeed signs of a burgeoning kicking strategy, which can be helpful in the heat of battle. Cefni should look forward to testing themselves next Saturday at Nant Conwy.