Cobra 31-13 Colwyn Bay

Cobra went into their last game before the festive period knowing that a win was essential in order to climb out of the Division 1 North relegation zone.

Before a few weeks off to feast on turkey and all the trimmings, the Cae Cobra men first had to get their teeth stuck into the visitors from Colwyn Bay.

After a narrow away victory in the cup last year and with the seasiders doing well in their first season back in the big time, Rhodri Jones and James Watkin knew that their team would have to be on top form in order to give the coaching pair the perfect Christmas gift.

Colwyn Bay arrived at Cae Cobra early but their preparations were hampered by the fact that the kit man had forgot to pack the teams socks and shorts. Not fancying facing the home side and the December weather in there boxer shorts, the Colwyn Bay coach made a plea for assistance. Showing good Christmas spirit the home side rallied around and were able to provide the visitors with a vast selection of socks and shorts.

Indiscipline cost Cobra in the opening stages. High tackles by both Hywel Jones and Jack Jukes on their opposite numbers provided the Colwyn Bay fly half with the perfect opportunity to open his account in the game. He didn't hesitate as he slotted over two early penalties to give Bay a 6-0 lead.

The home side finally settled into the match and began to show the hard work that they had put into training in recent weeks. Rhodri Jones had emphasised the need to try and support the ball carrier and look for the offload in attack. The West Walian will have been delighted with the opening score. Some strong carries by Jack Jukes and Owain Morris provided snappy scrum half Bryn Davies with some quick ball. The ball was worked wide and Richard Jones and Sion Wyn Williams combined well down the right hand side with the former running clear to score under the posts. Youngster Will Worthington added the extras to give Cobra a 7-6 lead.

The lead was extended shortly thereafter by a Will Worthington penalty. On the half hour mark Colwyn Bay attacked down the middle of the pitch, heroic centre Frazer Roberts put his body on the line as he smashed a Bay player to the ground. The loose ball was spread wide and Sion Wyn Williams galloped down the wing like a reindeer heading home to Lapland. The Cardiff bound winger didn't look back as he raced away from the covering defenders to score under the sticks. Worthington again added the conversion to make it 17-6 to the Cae Cobra boys. The home players' and fans' jubilation was short lived as great concern surrounded the wellbeing of Roberts. The painter and decorator from Trewern lay motionless on the floor following the collision which lead to the try. Fortunately for the home side Roberts soon regained consciousness and was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.

The loss of Roberts to a nasty looking head injury clearly played on the minds of the home players, with Colwyn Bay taking full advantage. After a series of scrums on the 5 metre line, the pressure eventually told as the visiting captain picked up from the base to burrow his way over the line. The conversion was added, making the half time score 17 13 to Cobra.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half was a closely fought contest with neither side willing to take a backward step. Both teams clearly knew the importance of finishing 2016 on a positive note.

Coach Jones freshened his side with the introduction of Nico Williams, Bryn Roberts and Lee Hughes to the field. The substitutions paid off with the home side gaining a second wind for the last 20 minutes of the match.

The whole squads effort must be congratulated as each player gave everything in the last quarter. Strong carries by forwards such as Nico Williams, Jack Jukes, Bryn Edwards and Hywel Jones created inroads in attack. This provided the new centre pairing of Iwan Vaughan and Angus Twigg with the opportunity to get the backs moves flowing out wide.

It was two of the men up front who managed to bring home the bonus point. Firstly, a set move from a lineout sent number 8 Jukes hurtling down the 5 metre channel but unfortunately a slip brought the youngster to ground just short of the line. The ball was recycled well and second row enforcer Rhodri Evans popped the ball to his partner in the boiler house, Bryn Edwards, who crashed his way over the line.

The fourth and vital try came from hooker Steve Isaac. The hard man from Cefn Coch had already been deprived of a try due to the referee not being able to see whether the ball had been grounded. A penalty was kicked to the corner and the forwards knew it was their time to shine again. The ball was plucked out of the darkening sky by Rhodri 'Rooney' Evans and as his feet hit the ground the remaining pack formed around him. The maul slowly inched its way forward with the cry of 'one two one two' matching the volume of the encouraging crowd. Eventually Isaac saw his chance as he dived over the line. The smile on his face was like a child on Christmas morning as he knew that his third try of the season was by far the most important so far.

The game was eventually brought to and end with the sharp blast of the referees whistle, Cobra deservedly running out 31-13 winners.

The importance of the 5 points cannot be underestimated. Cobra players, coaches and fans all know that the opening half of the season has been a challenging one for all involved. Three big wins against Abergele, Llandudno and Colwyn Bay have given the Cae Cobra outfit the belief that they can remain a Divsion 1 side when the season comes to an end. The players and coaches are equally determined on kicking on and focusing on the teams just above them in the league and securing a mid table finish.

Cobra now turn their attentions to the annual Nick Whiffen Cup on the 27th December before recommencing league duties at home to Bala on the 7th January. Please come on down on the 27th to see the veterans in action against Welshpool and again on the 7th Jan to cheer the first team on in what will be a feisty local derby!