Saturday 22nd September 2007

Llanidloes 10 CAERNARFON 31

JUBILANT Caernarfon maintained their 100% record at the weekend when they were comfortable winners at Welsh Rugby Union League Division Four North newcomers Llanidloes.

The Cofis once again secured a bonus point thanks to their five tries scored and now level on points at the top of the league with leaders Ruthin.

It quickly became clear on Saturday that Caernarfon – boosted by a number of fresh young faces in their side – were the better team as they made a series of strong drives, second row Allen Mark and no 8 Rhys Evans looking particularly impressive.

The Cofis just missed out on an early try when quick ball saw wing Llion Williams cross the Llanidloes line only to be held up by a home tackler.

However, the first touchdown was not long in coming, a series of good off-loads eventually allowing Rhys Evans in at the corner. Kelvin Morris missed with the conversion.

The visitors’ second try came just five minutes later when Evans drove over the gain line, allowing the ball to be moved out quickly to centre Rhydian Jones who drew out the Llanidloes defence before off-loading to wing Llion Williams who burst over from 10 metres. Morris converted.

Caernarfon were rampant by now and last season’s top try-scorer Dewi Williams picked up the third try after an excellent break into the hosts’ 22, Morris adding the extras from an acute angle.

There was still time before the interval for the Cofis to make it four and they did when wing Llion Williams crossed. Morris was again accurate with the conversion.

Llanidloes looked to up their game in the second half and scored deserved consolation try early on but Caernarfon – even after the sin-binning of Dewi Williams – remained the more potent team.

They continued to dominate and bagged their fifth try when evergreen prop Myfyr Jones drove over from five yards out.

Caernarfon probably should have added to their score but the yellow card awarded to Lawrence Smith didn’t help their cause and they had to settle for a still convincing 31-10 score-line.