Wrexham Rugby Football Club
Bryn Estyn Road, Wrexham, LL13 9TY (UK)
01978 261215

CLUB NEWS 03-04
from
Chris Kilfoyle

17/04/04 Preview

Wrexham face a must-win game at Llandudno tomorrow afternoon when they take on the Seahorses in a Division Four North contest, the outcome of which is crucial to the survival of both clubs in the top flight of rugby in North Wales (kick-off at 2.30pm).

Full-back Kerry Powell is set to make his 50th appearance for the club provided that he feels no ill effects from a back strain that he picked up in last week's victory over Ruthin. Powell is a former Youth Team captain and still has fond memories of scoring his First Team debut try against Llandudno at Maesdu Road last season. 

Lock Mike McLeod, unavailable last weekend, returns to strengthen the pack alongside Mike Jones who seems to be improving with every game and is now a proficient line-out jumper. The in-form hooker Gareth Perrin, who is starting to become a regular try scorer, has been selected to play in the front-row with Rob
Pierce and Geraint Davies.

In the backs, James Plant will retain the fly-half spot unless Richard Lloyd recovers from a shoulder injury and passes a late fitness test. Following impressive performances against Ruthin and then Mold on Tuesday evening, Chris Andrew looks set to partner skipper John Roberts in the centre while Simon Williams
returns on the wing. 

Wrexham were in a similar relegation battle last season when they travelled to Llandudno who were also situated in a lowly position in Division Four North. Although they faced a very difficult task away from home, Dave Cheesbrough's side produced some of their best rugby on that day and, although it was touch and go at
times, managed to win by  18-15.

In a sustained and classy opening display, they scored all of their points in the first 16 minutes and then had to weather a storm as Llandudno discovered their rhythm and struck back with the wind at their backs. Powell claimed the opening try and added a conversion and two penalties, and will be hoping for a similar score when he makes his landmark appearance tomorrow.

Wrexham won the corresponding encounter at Bryn Estyn Road by 23-6 last September, all of their points coming from their threequarters. This time, the forwards should feature more on the scoresheet, particularly after their superb performance against Dolgellau a fortnight ago when they claimed three strikes against the head in a turbulent second-half. 

Llandudno possess a strong and aggressive pack and, knowing that they must win to make any headway in their fight to escape from the relegation zone, will be fighting for their very existence. They still have three matches to play after tomorrow's game but face difficult encounters against top runners like Ruthin and
will struggle to earn points from most of them. 

Wrexham, who lie in fifth from bottom place but still need one more win to avoid the drop to Division Four, cannot afford to rely on possible victories against Nant Conwy, Newtown and Bala in their remaining league games and must put everything into pulling off a comprehensive win tomorrow. On recent performances
they can achieve this, but will have to battle all the way. 

Wrexham Seconds take on Whitchurch Seconds in a cross border friendly at Bryn Estyn Road. Kevin Davies's side defeated their opponents by 26-14 at Whitchurch two seasons ago and will be keen to repeat that success tomorrow. The Thirds and the Youth Team are looking for suitable friendly contests in the local fixture pool. 

The repair and reconstruction of the clubhouse at Bryn Estyn Road, following the horrendous wrecking of large areas of it by vandals, continued this week with the reopening of the damaged kitchen and downstairs bar. Members assisted the club with time, effort and some finance to make sure that the building was secure and
could welcome visiting clubs to play rugby.

Loss assessors worked with the club committee during this week to examine the damage suffered and replace items and stocks lost. It is reported that the police managed to recover vital evidence immediately following the break-in by vandals and are examining it in an effort to try to apprehend the intruders. 

10/04/04 Report

WREXHAM 17 RUTHIN 15

A late try by number eight Carl Turner, and a conversion under pressure by outside-half James Plant, gave Wrexham their first victory over Ruthin since 2000 in an Easter Saturday friendly fixture at Bryn Estyn Road.

The visitors claimed the lead in the 11th minute with a fine try by winger Lee Jones, but the resolute tackling of the home side prevented a further breakthrough and Wrexham outside-half James Plant dropped a superb goal to reduce the deficit before the break.

Ruthin, close to full strength for this Easter friendly, opened strongly in the second-half and soon created an overlap on the left for full-back Jim Salisbury to sweep in at the corner. Then Wrexham responded with a marvelous performance from their Second XV back-row trio of Carl Turner, Dave Morris and John Gill and
closed the gap when Rob Pierce scored a try under the posts. 

Plant added the simple conversion that tied the scores at 10-10 and the game erupted as both sides went in search of the winning score. Ruthin flanker Richard Jones crashed over for a late try that seemed to have beaten Wrexham at last but there was still time for Turner to brush off several tackles and plant the ball firmly
under the posts. Plant's conversion added the coup de grace.

Wrexham Seconds, much changed due to First XV calls, maintained their winning ways with a 46-28 demolition of Llangollen at Dinas Bran. Tries came from Tom Wright, Mike Andrew, Peter Dougan, Gareth Bostock, Darrell Hughes, Alex Crewe, Gareth Hughes and Jason Griffiths while Andrew landed two conversions and Darrell Hughes managed a further two points. 

The Thirds completed a successful afternoon for Wrexham Rugby Club with a 43-14 success at Denbigh Thirds. Wayne Roberts claimed a brace of tries while Stan Edwards, Nick Johnson, Andy Lee, Gerry Darbyshire and Sion Williams weighed in with a score apiece. Top points scorer Ross Roberts added three conversions and Dave Beckett added one more. 

Despite a brave performance from man of the match Sam Wright and inspired work by their skipper Glen Bellamy, Wrexham Under 16's were beaten 26-0 at Oswestry by a well drilled home side on Tuesday.

MOLD 18 WREXHAM 5

Mold completed a rare double over Wrexham on Tuesday evening to maintain their fourth place in Division Four North and leave their visitors still looking for one more win to rescue themselves from the threat of relegation.

Wrexham opened strongly with locks Mike Jones and Rhodri Evans helping the pack to secure a stream of possession from the set pieces and were unlucky when full-back Kerry Powell missed a 12th minute penalty in front of the posts. 

The home side contested well and soon fought back to take the lead with a penalty by scrum-half Jamie Griffiths. More pressure from the Mold forwards earned a second penalty for Griffiths before a tackling error at a line-out let in lock Emrys Roberts for a try which Griffiths easily improved. 

Wrexham found it difficult to reach the heights of their winning performance against Ruthin on Saturday and could not stamp their authority on the game, their defence letting them down at times. Mold were able to stretch their lead to 18-0 just before the break when number eight Joe Studley was driven over from a line-out. 

The visitors recovered after the break and reduced the deficit when number eight Gareth Noon broke loose in the 22 and crashed over wide-out. Despite breaks by winger Simon Williams and several promising charges up the middle of the field by Powell, however, Wrexham couldn't break through a stubborn defence again and the rest of the game became a stalemate in the advancing gloom of the late evening. 

This seasons old news

10/04/04 Preview

Wrexham Rugby Club members and officials have been working hard this week to recover from last Friday's frenzied attack by vandals which caused a trail of destruction throughout the clubhouse and left the club with an estimated £20,000 bill for the damage suffered. 

It would appear that vandals forced their way into the building late on Friday evening and proceeded to destroy bars on both levels of the two storey building. Very little was stolen but the intruders smashed stocks of beer and spirits, glasses, television sets, trophy cabinets, furniture, plates, doors and shutters as well as many of the large picture windows in the club.

Beer from open beer taps on the first floor of the building flooded the kitchen underneath, bringing down the ceiling and forcing the closure of the club's catering facilities. Miraculously, the gym and the office housing the North Wales branch of the Welsh Rugby Union were left undamaged. 

Chairman Stan Edwards masterminded the recovery operation which enabled the scheduled home league game against Dolgellau to go ahead. He said, "In the current period of rebuilding and restructuring the club, it came as an absolute shock to us that some people could commit this mindless vandalism that could deprive Wrexham people of rugby in their area".

"However, we shall rectify the damage and will not be put off our aim of securing the future of the rugby at the club for decades to come. Members and their families and friends have done a tremendous job in clearing up the damage throughout the club and are a tremendous credit to the community", he added.

The clear-up started on Saturday morning after initial police investigations had been concluded and a 'Dunkirk' spirit prevailed as one of the two bars was reopened with a limited range of refreshments. Although the kitchen was out of action, a buffet was provided by a member's wife to feed the visiting players and supporters from Dolgellau.

A limited service will be provided tomorrow afternoon when Ruthin visit Bryn Estyn Road for a friendly fixture which was arranged last weekend by Wrexham coach Dave Cheesbrough to fill a blank date and keep his players in match trim (kick-off at 2.30pm).

Ruthin are bringing a squad of 22 players and both sides intend to use their full complement of replacements with some Second XV players being given a chance to shine. Wrexham outside-half Gareth Smith suffered a broken thumb against Dolgellau last Saturday and will definitely miss tomorrow's encounter, probably giving Dylan Griffiths an opportunity to deputise.

Flanker Mike Ward is unavailable and prop Geraint Davies is doubtful for this game, but Nick Perrin is set to return to the front-row and a slimmed down Mike McLeod looks to be a strong contender for a place in the second-row. Ruthin should be close to full strength and will try to play the open style of rugby which earned them a 49-0 victory over Llandudno last week.

Following the withdrawal of Bala Seconds from a scheduled game against Wrexham Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road, the home side are hoping that the local fixture pool will find a replacement game for them. With a number of his players on First Team duty, skipper Kevin Davies may take this opportunity to bring in a couple of Youth Team players to assess their potential.

Wrexham Thirds, nearing 600 points scored this season, will visit Denbigh to take on a mixture of their Seconds and Thirds in a friendly Easter fixture. Sean Williams and his successful outfit will be out to make amends for a previous 20-22 defeat (k.o 2.30pm).

In Mini and Junior Rugby, all sides will enjoy an Easter break as their officials prepare for next week's Presentation Evening at the clubhouse. 

The Schools Mini World Cup Competition, run by local rugby development officer Marc Roberts, will be held at Bryn Estyn Road on Wednesday 28th April from 12.00pm to 3.30pm. Llanelli Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins and three of his top players will be in attendance. 

Wrexham and Mold have agreed to play their postponed Division Four North league game on Tuesday evening 13th April at Mold's Chester Road ground (k.o. 6.00pm)

03/04/04 Report

WREXHAM 20 DOLGELLAU 3

Despite turning up at their clubhouse on Saturday morning to find it had been trashed by vandals, Wrexham put it all behind them to gain a rare victory over Dolgellau and avenge a 34-6 away defeat earlier in the season. 

A stirring effort when facing a strengthening wind in the second-half made sure that Dolgellau were never able to overturn Wrexham's 12-0 first-half lead. The power of the home pack made a big difference with three strikes against the head and hooker Gareth Perrin not only scored but also delivered one of his most inspiring performances to date.

Early on in the game, Wrexham outside-half Gareth Smith used the wind to put pressure on the visitors defence with a series of high kicks. Dolgellau held out against a keen home pack for a lengthy period but pressure told in the 18th minute when Perrin was driven over in the corner by his forwards following a 15 metre surge by prop Rob Pierce.

Centre Kerry Powell was a little unlucky to miss the target with his difficult conversion attempt but flanker Mike Ward maintained the home side's momentum by robbing the Dolgellau forwards of their possession. Just when Wrexham looked capable of making another breakthrough, however, the forwards tired badly following three weeks of inactivity.

Wingers Simon Williams and Gavin Brace eventually restored the momentum towards the end of the first-half with a couple of good breaks wide-out. The forwards followed them and pounded away at Dolgellau, having two potential scores refused by the unsighted referee until lock Rhodri Evans touched down from a maul in the 38th minute and Powell landed the conversion. 

Facing into the wind after the break, the Wrexham pack drove hard into the rucks and mauls and earned a penalty which Powell kicked to increase his side's lead only three minutes after the restart. The score rattled Dolgellau and they counter attacked strongly to earn a couple of penalties, one of which outside-half Dewi Thomas kicked to reduce the arrears. 

Undeterred, Wrexham increased their forward effort and went close through good work by number eight Gareth Noon and Perrin before lock Mike McLeod entered the fray with flanker Dean Griffiths as 54th minute replacements. Moments later, a slimline McLeod switched to number eight and charged over to score from a set-scrum. 

The wind blew back Powell's attempted conversion but Wrexham were soon on the attack again in a hotly disputed final quarter. Smith was replaced by Chris Andrew when the outside-half broke a thumb, skipper John Roberts led the way with some storming runs before being sin-binned for obstructing an opponent at a maul, and fire was met with fire right up to the final whistle.

Wrexham remained in fifth from bottom place on a day when relegation threatened Pwllheli demolished Newtown by 45-8 and lowly Rhyl, Bala and Llandudno suffered defeats. A victory at Llandudno in a fortnight's time should guarantee Wrexham's safety in Division Four North for this season but they know that nothing can be left to chance.

Wrexham Thirds all but wrapped up the North East Wales Division Two Championship with a sparkling 40-22 victory over Ruthin Thirds at Cae Ddol. They still trail leaders Corwen, who have completed their programme, by one point but have a much superior points scoring difference and will be awarded that coveted point, win or lose, when they play their last game against Flint. 

Ross Roberts became the Division's top scorer when he grabbed three tries and landed four conversions. Nick Johnson, Andy Perrin and James Bellis claimed a try apiece before they rounded off the day by saying a fond farewell to flanker Pat Mitchell who has impressed in his two seasons with the team and is leaving to join the Royal Air Force. 03/04/04 Preview

Wrexham, needing at least two wins from their six remaining games in Division Four North to ease their relegation worries, need to make home advantage count tomorrow afternoon when they return to league action against Dolgellau (kick-off at 2.30pm). 

Richard Lloyd, still nursing an injured shoulder, is unavailable and the outside-half jersey will therefore be worn by Gareth Smith who has been impressing in recent games and may have a major influence on the outcome of tomorrow's encounter. Top try scorer James Plant retains his full-back berth and centre Kerry Powell has happily made a full recovery from a rib injury. 

In the pack, coach Dave Cheesbrough has concerns over the progress of number eight Gareth Noon and flanker Dean Griffiths who have both missed recent training sessions due to injuries. Prop Geraint Davies is fit to resume in the front-row after injury and flanker Mike Ward will make his long awaited 75th senior appearance in the back-row.

Ward, a product of the Wrexham Youth Development system, made his First Team debut as a lock-forward for the famed Wrexham Northern Counties side in a Division Two game at Waterton Cross against South Wales Police four years ago. Although he tasted defeat by 36-10 on that occasion, Ward impressed in the second-row and crossed for a 'try' that was disallowed. 

A consistent performer over the last three seasons, Ward has switched successfully to the back-row and is a fine ball winner and tackler. He will need to rely on all of his experience against Dolgellau tomorrow afternoon because they employ a high speed game using forwards and backs in concert to try to punch holes through the home defence.

Wrexham came unstuck in the encounter at Marian Mawr last October and succumbed by 34-6 to a side led by the veteran North Wales outside-half Ian Palterman. Dolgellau were also well served by their rampaging hooker Geraint Evans, who notched two tries, and the former Wrexham Northern Counties prop Dai Arthur Owen who plundered his customary score against his former team mates.

When the Gwynedd side last visited Wrexham a year ago, they quickly settled after their bus journey and established a 10-0 advantage before the home side had any chance to draw breath. A fightback ensued, but it took an injury time try by the former Ruthin and Wrexham winger Simon Sullivan to level the scores at 15-15 on the final whistle. 

A win for Wrexham tomorrow is crucial because, although they are currently fifth from bottom of Division Four North, they are locked in a relegation battle with Rhyl, Pwllheli and Llandudno with only three points separating the highest and lowest in the table. Newtown managed to escape from this desperate group with two well organised wins and Wrexham need to follow suit. 

Weighted heavily against Wrexham's chances of success tomorrow are the fact that they have not played any competitive rugby for three weeks due to the intervention of the Six Nations Championship, and they lack a proven try scorer since Hywel Raymond departed for Ireland at the beginning of March.

However, winger Simon Williams and centre John Roberts did manage to cause former champions Llangefni some anxiety in Wrexham's last league match and they can pose similar questions for the Dolgellau defenders tomorrow. Lock Rhodri Evans will enjoy playing against his old club and prop Geraint Davies knows his way to the try line and will be keen to score.

Wrexham Seconds are hoping to fill a blank date with a game from the local fixture pool while the Thirds will face a challenging task at Ruthin in a North East Wales Division Two league game. Second placed Wrexham can overtake Corwen and win the League Championship if they can defeat Ruthin tomorrow and then claim a home win against Flint in their last game of the season. 

Wrexham Youth Team visit Llanrwst for a North Wales Youth Division One Championship contest against league leaders Nant Conwy who are set to join the elite in the Premier Division next season and take on top clubs from South Wales. Wrexham are an improving side and should maintain their steady progress tomorrow afternoon (k.o.2.30pm). 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 9's to 11's will entertain their cross border rivals Whitchurch in a full programme of games at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday morning. The Under 13's and 14's travel to the Wirral to play Anselmians while the Under 15's will face a demanding contest at Wrexham against Market Harborough (k.o.10.30am). 

Friday 14th May has been reserved by club officials for the senior players Annual Dinner and Presentation of Awards Evening at the Bryn Estyn Road clubhouse (7.30pm). This ever popular event will set the seal on a challenging season and enable the captains and players to vote for the players in each team from First XV to Youth XV who have made the most outstanding contribution towards the success or improvement of that team. 

By that time, the main club officers should have negotiated a rescue package designed to guarantee the future survival of rugby football at Bryn Estyn Road. They are currently examining a number of proposals and will come to a decision by Friday 23rd April. 

Centre Iestyn Harris was named Man of the Match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff when Wales defeated Italy by 44-10 in their last Six Nations Championship game of the season. The creativity of Harris launched Wales towards a victory that avenged the embarrassment of defeat in Rome last season when the league convert struggled for control at outside-half. 

Wales finished in fourth place in the Championship behind World Champions England who were beaten 24-21 by new Grand Slam Champions France in Paris. Coach Steve Hansen was able to take a winning farewell salute as he departed for New Zealand to become the All Blacks assistant coach to former Welsh Coach Graham Henry.

Full-back Gareth Thomas broke the Welsh try scoring record of 33 tries, previously held by Ieuan Evans, with a touchdown from a powerful run. Wingers Shane and Rhys Williams claimed a brace of tries apiece and replacement centre Tom Shanklin sliced through for a sixth score against the tired Italians. Wales can now look forward with confidence to their summer tour of Argentina and South Africa. 

27/03/04 Preview

Wales will complete their 2004 Six Nations Championship campaign and will aim to finish on a high note when they take on an improved Italy side at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff tomorrow afternoon (kick-off at 2.00pm).

Having beaten Scotland convincingly in their opening game of the competition and then faltered badly when succumbing to Ireland in Dublin in their second contest, they recovered to push France and England to the limit before losing narrowly in their last two matches. 

Fielding what is acknowledged to be one of the best back lines in the World, Wales should be able to out maneuver the more pedestrian Italians and claim a victory that will earn them a respectable fourth place in this year's Championship. They have made great strides since last year's whitewash and can expect even better results next season under new coach Mike Ruddock.

Wrexham Firsts, showing another blank date on their fixture list, hope to arrange a floodlit match against a North Wales club this evening or secure an early kick off game against a local club tomorrow morning. Coach Dave Cheesbrough is keen to maintain the match fitness of his players in preparation for the resumption of the league programme next week, but is not very optimistic of his chances of finding a suitable game. 

Flanker Mike Ward is itching to make his 75th senior appearance for the club but may have to wait until next week when Dolgellau visit Bryn Estyn Road. Centre Kerry Powell has resumed training after recovering from rib injuries but outside-half Richard Lloyd is still nursing a tender shoulder injury and may be out for two more weeks.

With a strong contingent of players and supporters visiting Cardiff to cheer on Wales, none of the other Wrexham senior sides will be in action tomorrow. On Sunday, however, the mini rugby sides will train in the morning at the club site while the Under 15's and 16's will travel to Waterloo for games against the highly rated Merseyside club (k.o.10.30am).

At a packed Special General Meeting at Bryn Estyn Road on Tuesday evening, members received a briefing on the future prospects of the club and then formalised the election of new officers. Stan Edwards takes over as Chairman, Neil Sissons is Vice-Chairman, Nerys Jones is Treasurer and Gareth Lewis remains as Honorary Secretary.

The club, originally a sports club providing rugby, squash, cricket and hockey facilities but now saddled with a clubhouse that is far too big for its current rugby only membership, has been under pressure financially for some time and has been examining ways of reorganising to provide more appropriate facilities for members at a much lower cost.

The newly appointed Main Committee was given a solid vote of confidence by members to examine proposals from representatives of NEWI, property developers and other parties who are interested in assisting the club and possibly acquiring part or all of the 28.5 acre Bryn Estyn Road recreational site. 

The club officers have requested a month to examine all proposals before a decision is made. Whatever is finally decided, the committee's mandate is to ensure that rugby will continue to be played at the Bryn Estyn Road site. Chairman Stan Edwards said after Tuesday's meeting, "We are confident that the future of the club will be secured by the end of the season".

20/03/04 Report

A mounting injury list and the unavailability of players who were attending the England v. Wales 2004 Six Nations Championship game at Twickenham last Saturday, forced coach Dave Cheesbrough to declare a rest day for his First Team squad. Wrexham Seconds were let down by Caldy Veterans who called off their scheduled visit to Wrexham due to a fixture list mix-up. 

The Thirds also faced a Saturday afternoon without a rugby game when Chester Veterans, for the second time this season, were unable raise a side to play their arranged game at Bryn Estyn Road. Happily, Fixture Secretary Kevin Davies managed to organise a replacement game at the same venue against Afon Dee and the hard fought contest finished with a 0-0 scoreline. 

As the scoreline suggests, defences held firm for most of an enjoyable game and few scoring opportunities appeared. One did appear in the final quarter when Wrexham lock Alex Crewe surged over the Afon Dee line, but referee Matt Arnold became caught up in the forward surge and had to rule out the 'try' because he was unsighted when Crewe touched down.

Wrexham Youth Team suffered a 14-54 home defeat against North Wales Youth Division One Championship contenders Denbigh, but they gave a much improved performance and scored two sparkling tries. Luke Pemberton claimed the first score, Man of the Match Gareth Owen crowned a superb performance with a late try and skipper John Gormley slotted both conversions. 

Wrexham proved unstoppable as they powered their way to win the North Wales Mini Rugby Under 10's Competition at Rhyl on Sunday. The path to the final included a 3-1 victory over Flint, a 4-0 whitewash of Bro Ffestiniog, a 1-1 draw against Nant Conwy and a 3-1 conquest of local rivals Mold. 

They met Nant Conwy again in the final of the competition and defeated their opponents by 3-1 in a tense contest. Their success was fuelled by excellent performances from Meredith Francis, Llewelyn Edwards & Nia Williams and the fine rugby exhibitions from all teams offered the promise of good things to come in later seasons from these young club development sides.

Wrexham Under 16's were beaten 30-0 at Lymm by a fine local side who were making final preparations for their Cheshire Cup final against Wirral next week. Thomas Cheesbrough claimed the Man of the Match award for Wrexham while Andy Clutton gave a very competitive performance after switching from his regular centre position to full-back. 20/03/04 Preview

Wrexham, missing several key players through injury and others who are visiting London tomorrow to support Wales in their Six Nations Championship game against England at Twickenham, will enjoy a break from fixtures this weekend and then hope to secure a game from the local fixture pool to fill a blank date next weekend. 

Centre Kerry Powell had to leave the field against Llangefni last week with damaged ribs and will benefit from a short rest. Number eight Gareth Noon, who was rested for most of last Saturday's game before coming on as a replacement for Dean Griffiths, is recovering from an elbow injury and should be fit to start in the middle of the back-row next week. 

With Wales set to complete their 2004 campaign against Italy in Cardiff next week, Wrexham are not due to resume league action until Saturday 3rd April. They will take on Dolgellau at Bryn Estyn Road on that day and need to be at their best to secure a victory over the Gwynedd club that has struggled for form this season but normally comes out on top against Wrexham.

Dave Cheesbrough's side, with only two home games and four away games remaining, need to secure at least two victories from those contests to save them from the threat of relegation to Division Five North. Defeating Dolgellau at home is now essential and Cheesbrough will be working very hard over the next fortnight to make sure that he can field his strongest squad.

Wrexham Seconds will take on Caldy Veterans in an early kick-off game at Bryn Estyn Road while the Thirds will entertain Chester Veterans at the same venue. On an action packed afternoon, the Youth Team also have home advantage against Denbigh in the North Wales Youth League (k.o.2.00pm).

Following the completion of these games, players and supporters will gather in the Wrexham clubhouse to watch the England v. Wales Six Nations Championship game on television. North Wales star Robin McBryde has been restored to the Welsh front-row after recovering from injury and should bolster the scrum which struggled against the French a fortnight ago (k.o.4.00pm). 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the mini rugby sides will take on teams from Chester in a full programme of games at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday morning. The junior teams will visit Lymme in Cheshire for games at all levels from Under 13 to Under 16 (k.o.10.30am). 

13/03/04 Report

LLANGEFNI 30 WREXHAM 3

Having held Llangefni to a 6-3 half-time lead against a strong Anglesey wind, Wrexham had high hopes of producing a shock result against the former Division Four North champions. However, their titanic first-half efforts had taken a toll on the visiting forwards and Llangefni were then able to use their fast backs to win a thrilling game.

Defeat left Wrexham still immersed in a relegation battle with four other clubs to avoid the drop to Division Five but, although Rhyl managed to pick up points by defeating Bala by 12-11 and Pwllheli managed a draw at Nant Conwy, Wrexham are still fifth from bottom and better poised than the others to survive in the top flight of rugby in North Wales. 

Having had to make several late changes to their original line-up when five regular players withdrew due to injury or work commitments, coach Dave Cheesbrough was pleased with the performances of some seasoned campaigners like prop Nick Perrin, lock Jason Griffiths and flanker Llyr Williams who answered the late call in order to turn out a side. 

Electing to play against the wind in the first-half, the visiting pack settled quickly and dominated the set pieces with lock Mike Jones and flanker Mike Ward winning plenty of possession in the line-out and the front-row limiting Llangefni in the scrums. With Danny Munro excelling in the back-row, pressure earned them a penalty in the 12th minute and centre Kerry Powell kicked it to put his side in front.

From the restart, however, the home forwards forced their opponents into committing an offside error and winger Iwan Davies promptly levelled the scores with a simple penalty. Wrexham responded with breaks by skipper John Roberts, number eight Dean Griffiths and winger Simon Williams but all were stopped by desperate defence, much of it illegal and only mildly punished.

As the fast and furious pace continued, Powell failed with a difficult penalty attempt into the wind before Llangefni countered with some pressure play and eased into the lead when Iwan Davies was successful with his second penalty of the game. 

Even though the match referee declined to sin-bin home players for persistently 'killing the ball', Wrexham turned round with some confidence at the break with the prospect of the wind in their favour. Llangefni, knowing that they needed more points on the board, had no alternative but to run their possession back at the visitors and did so very effectively with their fast threequarters and back-row players in support. 

Their pressure told in the 51st minute when outside-half Arwel Roberts powered over for an unconverted try before coming back again for his second touchdown at the start of the final quarter. Iwan Davies kicked a conversion to put his side in the lead by 16-3 before Wrexham responded by moving John Roberts to scrum-half to create more continuity near the scrum. 

The home forwards continued to infringe illegally with only warnings being issued by the hard pressed referee and were lucky again in the 75th minute when their winger Ioan Davies scored a controversial try after impeding Wrexham full-back James Plant. Iwan Davies added the conversion and then helped to break up a smart counter attack by Wrexham winger Pete Smith.

Wrexham continued to battle on, despite the loss of centre Kerry Powell through injury, and sensed an opportunity when the referee finally used his yellow card to dismiss a home player for persistent obstruction. Despite this, however, Llangefni were able to unleash the flying Ioan Davies against a tiring defence and he duly scored with Iwan Davies adding the final points. 

Wrexham Seconds survived a major scare at Bryn Estyn Road before they defeated visitors Flint by 17-16 to round off their league season as unbeaten Champions of North East Wales Division One. Flint used the wind to their advantage and were ahead by 16-0 after only 20 minutes before the Champions started their fightback with a fine try by Scott Davies.

Dylan Griffiths added a conversion and then kicked a penalty to bring the score to 10-16 at the break before the home pack got to work with Andy Smith claiming a 51st minute pushover try converted by Griffiths. Flint could have won the game with a last minute penalty in front of the Wrexham posts but, somehow, their replacement kicker lost his concentration and his conversion attempt flew wide. 

Flint Seconds called off their Division Two home game against Wrexham Thirds only an hour before Wrexham were due to set off on their journey to Deeside. Wrexham Youth Team held their hosts Colwyn Bay to a 10-0 lead at half-time, but lost concentration when their best player Mark Gasson had to be taken to hospital with a
thigh injury and were whitewashed by 65-0. 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, Wrexham Under 16's were taught a lesson in fine passing by a well drilled Nant Conwy side which romped to a 54-0 success at Llanrwst. It was a different matter at Wrexham where the Under 11's took on a combined Under 11's /12's team from Nant Conwy and ran out deserved victors by 4 tries to 3. Ben Lee (3) and Jonathon Davies grabbed Wrexham's tries in a hard fought match. 13/03/04 Preview

Wrexham should be at full strength for their Division Four North game at Llangefni tomorrow afternoon but can expect a very challenging contest against the former champions who are unlikely to prevent leaders Ruthin from winning this season's Championship but hope to finish in a strong second place (kick-off at 2.30pm). 

With Richard Lloyd back in the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury, Wrexham coach Dave Cheesbrough will have to decide between Lloyd and Gareth Smith as to who starts in the crucial outside-half position. There has also been strong competition in training this week for the hooker berth between the freshly returned Danny Munro and Gareth Perrin. 

Mike Jones ,who was unavailable due to a wedding last week, is back in the squad and will share the second-row duties with Mike McLeod and Rhodri Evans during the course of the match. Flanker Mike Ward suffered a heavy impact and had to leave the field as a precautionary measure during last week's 'A' game against Whitchurch but should start in tomorrow's line-up.

Wrexham's 3-0 defeat of Rhyl in their last league game a fortnight ago gave skipper John Roberts and his side some breathing space in their battle to avoid relegation, but difficult games lie ahead and a victory at Llangefni tomorrow would be a marvelous confidence booster. 

However, Llangefni recently enjoyed a great run in the Welsh Cup Competition and matched Wrexham's famous record of being the only North Wales club to have reached the last 16 in the prestigious tournament. They were finally knocked out by 54-21 at Premier Division Caerphilly but won many admirers and will be very confident of success on home ground tomorrow. 

Wrexham Seconds, with their North East Wales Division One Championship already retained, can afford to relax a little against Flint Firsts in a league game at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon. This will not be the case for Wrexham Thirds who visit Flint Seconds and need to win to maintain pressure on leaders Corwen in the Division Two title race (k.o.2.30pm). 

Wrexham Youth Team have injury problems but hope to overcome them to visit Colwyn Bay in a North Wales Youth Division One game tomorrow afternoon.  In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 9's entertain Colwyn Bay on Sunday morning while the Under 10's to 12's have home advantage against teams from Nant Conwy. The Under 13's to 15's are looking for games in the local fixture pool while the fast improving Under 16's will be in action at Nant Conwy (k.o.10.30am). 

Wrexham Rugby Club officials continued to prepare this week for the important Special General Meeting to be held the clubhouse on Tuesday 23rd March when members will be asked to vote on proposals developed by an emergency steering committee in relation to the management and future development of facilities at the Bryn Estyn Road site (7.30pm). 

06/03/04 Report 

WHITCHURCH 'A' 24 WREXHAM 'A' 10

Both sides fielded a mixture of First and Second Team players in a hastily arranged game at Whitchurch, a game that filled a blank fixture date for both clubs and ensured that some key players maintained their match fitness. 

Wrexham started off in fine form and opened the scoring in the 9th minute with an excellent try by full-back James Plant who scythed through the home defence to touch down near the corner. Centre Kerry Powell missed the difficult conversion and suffered the same cruel luck minutes later when he attempted to covert a rampaging try from a line-out by hooker Gareth Perrin.

Whitchurch gradually recovered and struck back at the start of the second quarter with a well worked unconverted try by their full-back. Despite good work by Wrexham prop Geraint Davies and flanker Mike Ward, the home pack dominated the end of the first-half and claimed two converted pushover tries that stunned the visitors.

Wrexham pushed hard at the start of the second-half to make up the deficit and would have scored within minutes of the restart if a player hadn't knocked on within sight of the try line. Having been given a wake-up call, Whitchurch quickly responded with an unconverted try that seemed to have put the game beyond Wrexham's reach.

Frustration set in and Wrexham lost the services of their skipper John Roberts for 10 minutes when he was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle on an opponent. In a disappointing final quarter, the visitors lost their early momentum, Whitchurch were content to settle for their 14 point advantage and the game petered out as a contest. 

Wrexham Seconds, captained by Kevin Davies, retained the North East Wales Division One Championship for the second successive season with a hard fought 24-17 away victory over bottom club Abergele Firsts. They remain unbeaten in league rugby although Llangollen forced the best out of them in a 28-28 draw at Wrexham last November. 

The Champions trailed by 8-14 against the breeze at the break, but a stirring second-half display and two late drop goals from Dylan Griffiths wrapped up the Championship at this early stage of the season. Tries came from Jason Griffiths and Gavin Brace with two penalties and a conversion from Dylan Griffiths. 

In a top of the table Division Two contest between leaders Corwen and Wrexham Thirds at Bryn Estyn Road, the home side trounced the visitors by 48-0 and closed the gap between the clubs to only one point with Wrexham having a game in hand. Ross Roberts enjoyed a field day as he collected four tries and four conversions, Wayne Roberts joined in with a hat trick of touchdowns and James Bellis crossed for one score. 

Wrexham Youth Team suffered a heavy 3-84 defeat at the hands of visitors Llangefni after two players had to go to hospital for attention and no replacements were available. Skipper John Gormley secured their consolation points with a second-half penalty. 

In Junior Rugby, Wrexham Under 16's competed very well against a well drilled Newcastle under Lyme team in a new fixture at Bryn Estyn Road but, although they had enough chances to win the game themselves, they eventually lost by 0-17. Centre Tim Roberts claimed the Man of the Match award for his sound tackling while forwards Daniel Stokes, Chris Hughes and Adam Holmes showed up well when making their debut appearances

.06/03/04 Preview

Wrexham hope to fill tomorrow's blank date on their fixture list with a suitable 'A' Team game from the local fixture pool. For many players and supporters, the weekend will then be rounded off with a visit to Cardiff on Sunday to cheer on Wales in their Six Nations Championship game against France. 

Coach Dave Cheesbrough confirmed this week that Wrexham have lost the services of their top try scorer Hywel Raymond who has accepted a contract to work in Ireland with his current employers and has already taken up temporary accommodation in Dublin. He will be a difficult player to replace as he is the one player with genuine pace and experience in the side.

Replacing Raymond will not be easy and his loss has come at a time when Wrexham need to be scoring more tries and winning more matches in their bid to escape from a packed relegation zone. However, Cheesbrough has been heartened by the return of the fast winger Gareth Bostock from a hamstring injury and the pace that his son Ben Cheesbrough is showing on the wing. 

Lock Rhodri Evans suffered a slight recurrence of an ankle injury in the game against Rhyl last Saturday but he has shown that he is a fast healer and will probably be out for only one game. The vastly experienced Mike McLeod replaced him and displayed that he is match now fit and ready to take on opposition defences in the manner which made him a top try scorer in his prime.

Several top players will be unavailable tomorrow but Wrexham need to play a competitive game because they looked very rusty last week following a spell of four weeks without a game. They know that they will have to be at their best when they visit former league champions Llangefni for a Division Four North contest next week. 

Wrexham Seconds visit Abergele Firsts tomorrow to defend their North East Wales Division One Championship where they are unbeaten leaders. The Thirds have a top of the table game in Division Two against leaders Corwen at Bryn Estyn Road and must win this crucial game to return to overtake Corwen. Wrexham Youth Team have a home league game against Llangefni (k.o.2.30pm). 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 9's to 12's visit Sandbach on Sunday morning for a full programme of games at all levels. The Under 13's to 15's have home advantage for their games against Old Anselmians and the Under 16's have arranged a new fixture against Newcastle under Lyme at Bryn Estyn Road (k.o.10.30am). 

Wales kick-off their game against France at 3.00pm on Sunday afternoon at the Millennium Stadium. Local favourite Robin McBryde remains in the Welsh pack which was seriously outplayed by Ireland in Dublin a fortnight ago, but coach Steve Hansen has beefed up his scrum by recalling the 19 st. prop Ben Evans in place of the injured Adam Jones. Skipper Colin Charvis resumes in the back-row after recovering from
injury.

A steering committee, set up by Wrexham Rugby Club officials to examine the management and future development of facilities at its Bryn Estyn Road site, will report back and submit proposals to club members at a Special General Meeting to be held on Tuesday 23rd March (7.30pm). 

28/02/04 Report

WREXHAM 3 RHYL 0

A second-half penalty by centre Kerry Powell was enough to give Wrexham a deserved victory over fellow Division Four North strugglers Rhyl at Bryn Estyn Road, but they will have to work much harder this month to improve on what was a dour performance in good conditions.

They did score two perfectly good tries but the match referee, who perhaps felt under intense pressure whilst being scrutinised by a posse of assessors, disallowed both scores because he was unsighted and couldn't clearly see the ball being grounded. 

Wrexham played into the wind in the first-half and did most of the pressing with their pack on top in the set-scrums and flanker Mike Ward leading by example in the hotly contested loose exchanges. When outside-half Gareth Smith kicked towards the right corner in the 8th minute, winger Ben Cheesbrough won the race with his opposing winger to touch down in the corner. 

Disappointment followed when the 'try' was disallowed by the referee who did not have a clear line of vision. Then rustiness, following four weeks of inaction, led to a mountain of mistakes on both sides and no further clear scoring chances appeared until the end of the first-half. 

Rhyl won possession outside the home 22 in the 39th minute and suddenly released full-back Matt Anwyl through the Wrexham defence. A try under the posts looked inevitable until the indefatigable Powell managed to haul down the attacker only five metres out. Two minutes later Anwyl had the chance to make amends with a penalty but his effort sailed wide of the uprights.

Wrexham tried to construct several moves to achieve a breakthrough at the start of the second-half but they were too predictable and laboured in their approach with the result that the Rhyl defence had no trouble in blocking them. It didn't help when the ball was taken into mauls and possession stolen by the visiting forwards. 

By the 55th minute, however, Wrexham were using their forwards to batter away at the visitors line and Rhyl resorted to illegal methods in an effort to keep their line intact. In the 61st minute, the visiting forwards transgressed once too often and conceded a penalty in front of their posts which Powell kicked to put Wrexham into a deserved lead. 

Rhyl countered with a breakaway movement which was halted by a timely tackle from Gareth Smith. Then Wrexham resumed their offensive and the forwards drove Gareth Noon over the Rhyl line for the score that they thought had crowned his 100th senior appearance. Again, however, the referee was badly positioned and the 'try' was disallowed. 

With the game still very open, Rhyl broke out from their stranglehold and were awarded a kickable penalty with only minutes to go. Anwyl decided, however, to ignore a kick at the posts and aimed for a kick to touch which could produce a match winning try from the ensuing line-out.

They won the line-out but the Wrexham held firm before Smith kicked them out of trouble. The game ended with the Wrexham pack winning a scrum-against the head and nearly scoring that elusive try. A relieved coach Dave Cheesbrough conceded that "A win is a win".

Wrexham Seconds took on a pool fixture at Old Parkonians Firsts on the Wirral and looked poised to snatch a late victory before a last minute breakaway try settled the issue in favour of the home side by 29-19. John Darlington claimed a brace of tries for the visitors while Mark Lloyd crossed for one touchdown and Dylan Griffiths added two conversions. 

Wrexham Thirds maintained their good current form with a 26-5 victory over Afon Dee at Shotton. Gareth Gregory crossed for a brace of tries, Mark Mira and Stan Edwards added a try apiece and Ross Roberts kicked three conversions. The Youth Team game at Nant Conwy was called off due to a layer of six inches of snow lying on the recently flooded pitch. 

28/02/04 Preview

Back-row forward Gareth Noon will make his 100th senior appearance for Wrexham when they take on fellow strugglers Rhyl at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon in a Division Four North contest that the home side must win to keep their survival hopes alive (kick-off at 2.30pm). 

Wrexham, Newtown, Pwllheli, Rhyl, and Llandudno are currently stuck on 12 league points apiece in the Division's relegation zone and one of these five clubs will be relegated automatically with bottom club Bala at the end of the season. As Newtown and Rhyl have at least a game in hand, Wrexham must make progress tomorrow to distance themselves from the drop zone.

Following three weeks of inactivity due to a waterlogged pitch at Bala and the start of the 2004 Six Nations Championship, injuries have healed and the Wrexham team is now at full strength apart from the absence of the experienced outside-half Richard Lloyd who is still suffering from a niggling shoulder problem. 

Lloyd's successor is likely to be Gareth Smith who took over the fly-half role in his side's last game at Ruthin and performed well after a shaky start in atrocious conditions. As well as being a fine goal kicker, Smith has an eye for a quick break and has shown that he can crack the massed defences that are encountered in modern rugby. 

Gareth Noon has recovered from injuries to celebrate his centenary of appearances and is expected to take over from Dean Griffiths at number eight. Noon made his First Team debut nine years ago in a Division Five contest at Carmarthen Quins which Wrexham lost by 8-72. He went on to become a regular player in the flagship Wrexham Northern Counties side which represented North Wales with distinction at Division Two level in the late Nineties.

Wrexham lost this corresponding fixture by 22-28 last season but gained revenge when they triumphed at Rhyl by 21-20 thanks to an injury time try by winger Hywel Raymond. Earlier this season, Rhyl took the honours at The Waen by 11-6 after the visitors suffered the dismissal of prop Geraint Davies due to indiscipline and Raymond was forced off with a torn hamstring. 

Coach Dave Cheesbrough has seen his Wrexham side lose four of their five games since the start of the New Year but has been heartened by a marked improvement in their try scoring capabilities and a strengthening in a previously fragile defence. Kerry Powell tackles well in the centre and the return of Simon Williams and James Plant to the threequarters has bolstered the team.

Training went well this week as players tried hard to maintain their fitness and work off the excesses incurred during a skiing holiday and the party atmosphere of a long Dublin weekend spent supporting Wales against Ireland in the Six Nations Championship. Some rustiness will be in evidence tomorrow but Rhyl have not played for over a fortnight and will also have to adjust. 

With Mike McLeod and Mike Jones resuming their partnership in the second-row of the pack, Wrexham should be able to secure at least their share of the line-out possession and should also unsettle Rhyl in the loose exchanges. On a good surface at Bryn Estyn Road, the talented home threequarters have the ability to use the ball and claim a much needed victory. 

Wrexham Seconds take on lowly Afon Dee Firsts in a North East Wales Division One contest at Bryn Estyn Road and, having won by 55-3 on their last visit to Shotton, should have little difficulty in defending their position as Champions and current league leaders (k.o.2.30pm). 

Wrexham Thirds lead Division Two ahead of Corwen on points scored difference and will be tested when they meet Afon Dee Seconds on Deeside tomorrow afternoon. The Youth Team visit Llanrwst for a North Wales Youth League game against leaders Nant Conwy and should perform well following a long lay-off that has given injuries time to recover. 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Wrexham Under 9's to 12's taken on Denbigh in a full programme of games on Sunday morning. The Under 13's and 14's travel to Northwich while the Under 15's and 16's make a shorter journey to Whitchurch for more cross-border contests (k.o.10.30am).

A 40 strong contingent of Wrexham players, officials and friends arrived home from Dublin on Monday evening following a long weekend in Ireland which culminated in Sunday's Six Nations Championship game at Lansdowne Road between the hosts and a much improved Wales.

Clear favourites on the back of exciting World Cup performances against New Zealand and England, followed by a comprehensive 23-10 victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales disappointed their 30,000 travelling followers by conceding a flurry of points early on before crashing to a 36-15 defeat at the hands of the pumped up Irish. 

On this occasion, the level of expectancy perhaps assisted their downfall. They were simply outplayed by a highly motivated Ireland team determined to stop a run of three defeats and to ensure that the good work of the last two or three years did not go to waste. The return of skipper Brian O'Driscoll made a big difference to Ireland and early Welsh tackling was slack. 

Ireland led by 36-3 late in the final quarter but Wales kept plugging away and were rewarded with two quality tries by replacement centre Tom Shanklin to add to a first-half penalty by outside-half Stephen Jones who also kicked one conversion. Wales finished with their heads high, ready to take on the misfiring French in Cardiff on Sunday 7th March (k.o.3.00pm). 

Wrexham winger Mike Richmond, a product of their Youth Academy who returned from several years at college to play for the First Team at the end of last year, is on the move again. He has accepted a job in Leicester, leaving local rugby supporters with memories of the 60 metre jinking run that resulted in Richmond's match winning try against Bala last November.14/02/04 Preview

Wrexham players and supporters will join a multitude of rugby followers from North Wales traveling to Cardiff for tomorrow's opening game in the 2004 Six Nations Championship between Wales and Scotland at the Millennium Stadium (kick-off at 4.00pm). 

The Wrexham First XV squad players who have elected not to travel to Cardiff are looking for a suitable early kick-off game, preferably at Bryn Estyn Road, to maintain their match fitness in preparation for the resumption of the Division Four North league programme in a fortnight's time. 

A Wrexham Veterans side, drawn from the Second and Third XV's, will face a stiff challenge when they take on Chester Veterans in a pre-international contest at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon (k.o.2.00pm). The remnants of the Thirds are also hoping to secure a home game from the local fixture pool. 

There is a very positive feeling amongst supporters that Wales will do well in this season's compressed Championship, particularly after their exciting performances against New Zealand and England in the World Cup Competition last November. 

Players like flanker Jonathan Thomas, who gave a spectacular display against New Zealand, and wing Shane Williams, who mesmerized defences with his angled breaks, are set to carry on the example set by Wales only a few months ago. Winger Gareth Thomas has reinvented himself at full-back and is set to break the Welsh try scoring record of Ieuan Evans who notched 33.

Scotland, on the other hand, are currently the weakest side in Europe and have few players of talent emerging. New coach Matt Williams has brought a premature end to the international careers of some famous names including Gregor Townsend in his quest to bring in new players and rekindle the spirit in the side.

Although Wales coach Steve Hansen suffered the horror of a whitewash in his last Six Nations campaign, he is set to make sufficient improvements this season to enable him to finish on a high note when he hands over to his successor in May.

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Wrexham Under 9's to 13's will visit Widnes for a full programme of games on Sunday morning. The Under 13's travel to Crewe and Nantwich while the Under 14's to 16's are looking for games from the local fixture pool (k.o.10.30am). 

Wrexham First Team's visit to Bala for a Division Four North contest was called off on Friday evening when torrential rain led to the already heavy pitch becoming waterlogged. The deluge was perhaps fortuitous as five of the Wrexham regulars were unavailable because they were enjoying a skiing holiday together and hooker Danny Munro was absent due to business commitments. 

Happily also, all of Wrexham's main contenders in their fight to avoid relegation to Division Five North at the end of the season were beaten in league games that survived the storms and floods. If they can defeat Rhyl at Bryn Estyn Road when the league programme resumes on 28th February and follow that up that up with success in the rearranged game at Bala on the following Saturday, they may be able to distance themselves from a very tight relegation battle. 

Wrexham Seconds maintained their unbeaten progress as champions of North East Wales Division One but had to work very hard for their 15-7 victory over Ruthin Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road after the visitors bounced back in the second-half and threatened to take over. 

The home forwards soon dominated the opening exchanges and won a good position in the Ruthin 22 from which outside-half Dylan Griffiths was able to plunge over the line for the opening try in the 7th minute. Griffiths added the conversion and then kicked astutely to keep his side in the driving seat. 

Wrexham constructed some promising movements with winger Scott Davies and centre Ben Cheesbrough going close to crossing the visitors line but, a resilient Ruthin defence coupled with the home side's inability to string more than four passes together, prevented any further score until after the break. 

With the wind in their favour in the second-half, Wrexham continued to do most of the pressing with lock Mike McLeod showing the sort of form which had earned him five tries against Mold Seconds in the previous week's league game. His second-row partner Keith Jones produced a steady stream of possession from the line-outs and it looked to be only a matter of time before another score appeared. 

That score duly arrived, but to Wrexham's horror it was Ruthin who scored and the try was touched down between the posts. It all came from a promising home attack that went wrong when a forward used an overhead lob to miss out his centre and Ruthin winger Lee Jones intercepted the pass before running over half the length of the pitch to touch down.

Outside-half James Stokes added the simple conversion to tie the scores and Ruthin suddenly became energised as they relished the prospect of claiming the unbeaten league record of their old adversaries. Wrexham were forced to increase the tempo of their game and hooker Dave Green played an important role as he tackled furiously to prevent a further breakthrough. 

Gradually, the home side began to exert pressure through their forwards again and the visiting pack conceded a penalty for an offside offence in the 71st minute. Dylan Griffiths kicked very well to convert from 35 metres and Wrexham sensed that they were back in business. 

More pressure, with the back-row stalwart Carl Turner securing a loose ball on the ground, led to a stirring pushover attempt by the home pack and number eight Dean Griffiths managed to touch down for the 76th minute try that finally broke a courageous Ruthin resistance. Realistically, only Flint Seconds can now halt Wrexham's drive for a third successive Championship.

Wrexham Thirds' 64-14 conquest of Ruthin Thirds at Bryn Estyn Road enabled them to take over from Corwen, who didn't play, at the top of Division Two. Scrum-half Ross Roberts claimed a personal tally of 24 points with a brace of tries and 7 conversions while other home tries came from Wayne Roberts (2), James Evans (2), James Bellis, Andy Lee, Sion Williams and Ian Sanger.

Gareth Gregory, newly converted from centre to outside-half, gave an impressive performance in what was an excellent team display. Ruthin managed tries from Clive Rule and Les Shutt, Rule adding two conversions. 

In Junior Rugby, the Under 16's were forced to field an understrength side due to injuries and lost to a strong Oswestry team by 7-48 at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday. Winger Robert Mossam kept Wrexham in touch in the first-half with a 45 metre run that produced an outstanding try and outside-half Martin Jones added a fine conversion into the wind. 07/02/04 Preview

Wrexham visit bottom club Bala for a Division Four North league game that they dare not lose in their battle with four other clubs to avoid relegation to the basement of North Wales Rugby (kick-off at 2.30pm). 

Mike McLeod, fresh from scoring five tries for the Second XV last week following a four week period of suspension, returns to bolster the second-row of the pack. Dave Green, unavailable to travel to Ruthin last week due to family commitments, is expected to reclaim the hooker berth in the front-row with Gareth Perrin taking a seat on the substitutes bench. 

Pete Smith, who scored one of the best tries of the season in November's 17-12 defeat of Bala at Bryn Estyn Road, played well last Saturday following his return from injury and retains his place on the right wing. Gareth Smith may drop back to full-back in place of the unavailable James Plant with Simon Williams starting in the centre for the first time this season. 

Bala have failed to win a game in 13 outings since they were promoted to Division Four North at the end of last season. They shook Wrexham with some raw aggressive rugby when they visited Wrexham last November, however, and led twice before Mike McLeod inspired a fightback and the home side took over in the second-half. 

The five point winning margin was, however, too close for comfort and John Roberts and his struggling side will have to produce a much better performance if they are to emerge as victors tomorrow. Ruthin travelled to Bala and triumphed by 64-14 a fortnight ago and Wrexham, scoring freely until last week's whitewash at Ruthin, need to aim for a similar score. 

Wrexham, Newtown, Pwllheli, Rhyl, and Llandudno are currently stuck on 12 league points apiece in the Division's relegation zone and one of these five clubs will be relegated automatically with Bala at the end of the season. As Newtown and Rhyl have at least two games in hand, Wrexham must make progress tomorrow to distance themselves from the drop zone.

Wrexham Seconds continue the defence of their North East Wales Division One Championship with a home game against Ruthin Seconds who are third in the table with a good defensive record. The Thirds visit Cae Ddol for a Division Two contest against bottom team Ruthin Thirds. The Youth Team visit Llandudno for a North Wales Youth Premier Division game (k.o. 2.30pm).

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Wrexham Under 9's to 12's visit Ruthin for a full schedule of games on Sunday morning, the Under 13's and 15's will train at Bryn Estyn Road, the Under 14's visit Chester and the Under 16's entertain Oswestry (k.o.10.30am).

31/01/04 Report 

RUTHIN 17 WREXHAM 0

Division Four North leaders Ruthin completed a remarkable double whitewash over their traditional North Wales rivals Wrexham when they scored three tries and a conversion without reply in atrocious muddy conditions at Cae Ddol to add to their 20-0 success at Wrexham last November.

The visitors battled all the way but were well beaten in the forward battle where Ruthin lock Dafydd Llewelyn totally dominated the line-out and flankers Alex Airlie and Joe Palmer made sure that Wrexham were always under pressure behind the scrum. The visiting back-row of Dean Griffiths, Danny Munro and Mike Ward tackled feverishly but were firmly shackled in attack.

Wrexham survived an early penalty scare and slogged through the mire to make some impression at the start of the second quarter. Lock Mike Jones featured in a solid forward drive before outside-half Gareth Smith panicked Ruthin with a chip into their 22, but former Wrexham full-back Jim Salisbury read the danger and sent the visitors back into their half with a long kick to touch. 

Ruthin could easily have lost a couple of players to the sin bin for a clear late tackle and persistent offside infringements, but Bridgend referee Jeff Lake was in a lenient mood and issued only penalties from which Wrexham were unable to profit. The home side soon countered with heavy forward pressure which eventually produced the game's first try in the 29th minute. 

Wrexham won a scrum 5 metres from their line but, as Daniel Cheesbrough attempted to scramble the ball away to Gareth Smith for a relieving kick, it was knocked from his grasp and the former Wrexham Northern Counties and New Brighton scrum-half Rhys Hughes pounced on the loose ball to score wide-out. 

Outside-half Jon Tudor failed with the conversion attempt and Wrexham managed to reach half-time only 0-5 in arrears but facing a strengthening wind. Despite some excellent tackles by Danny Munro and his comrades, the home side camped in the visitors 22 soon after the restart and went further ahead in the 51st minute when prop Wayne Williams crashed over. 

Inspired by the fine skills of Rhys Hughes, the home side continued to press and made the game safe seven minutes later when former Wrexham prop Iwan Roberts forced his way over near the posts. This time, Jon Tudor was able to add the conversion and Ruthin sensed further scores after notching over 60 points in each of their two previous contests.

Wrexham coaches Norman Stalker and Wayne Pugh had other ideas, however, and piled on replacements with skipper John Roberts moving to scrum-half to take on the home back-row. Wrexham finished strongly and should have scored the pushover try that their efforts deserved in the 72nd minute. The ball refused to emerge, however, in a confusion of muddied players and Ruthin were awarded the resultant put-in at the scrum to keep their defensive record intact.

Wrexham Seconds remain unbeaten as Champions of North East Wales Division One following their 43-17 demolition of Mold Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road on Saturday. Mike McLeod returned from suspension to claim an impressive tally of tries, Alex Crewe and Scott Davies managed one apiece and Darrell Hughes landed four conversions. 

In Division Two, the Thirds kept up the pressure on leaders Corwen by overturning a 3-5 half-time deficit to defeat Flint Seconds by 25-5 at Wrexham. Ross Roberts claimed 15 of those points through a try, two conversions and two penalties while Andy Lee and Stan Edwards added a try apiece. The Youth Team game at Nant Conwy was postponed. 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 14's, missing 8 of their regulars due to District representative calls, used the remainder of their squad to challenge Widnes at Bryn Estyn Road but eventually went down by 0-88. Kieran Morris, Daniel Sissons, Shaun Strudwick, Phil Davies, Danny Roberts & Ashley Dawson  played for the North Wales Under 13 team that defeated a hitherto unbeaten Bridgend side by 24-5 and 6 other Wrexham players helped North Wales to defeat Bridgend by 19-12 at Under 14 level. 

31/01/04 Preview

Wrexham take on Division Four North Championship leaders Ruthin at Cae Ddol tomorrow afternoon with every intention of improving on the rich vein of form that has helped them to score an average of nearly four tries in each of their last six games (kick-off at 2.30pm).

Lock Mike McLeod returns from suspension to make his 150th appearance for the club, allowing coach Dave Cheesbrough to pick a strong pack to face the Championship favourites. Dave Green is likely to continue at hooker if he recovers from a recent knock and Mike Richmond is set to test the home defenders down the right wing. 

Cheesbrough will miss lock Rhodri Evans who suffered an ankle injury at Mold last Saturday and will have to await the results of late fitness tests on outside-half Richard Lloyd (shoulder) and lock Mike Jones (cut eye), but has able replacements to promote from the Second XV if needed.

Ruthin emerged victorious by 20-0 in the November fixture at Bryn Estyn Road and managed to win by 30-17 when the two sides last met at Cae Ddol a year ago. Wrexham matched Ruthin in most departments in the recent game, but lacked ambition, while they were a little unlucky in the previous encounter to concede a very dubious penalty try at a crucial stage of the game. 

Last week's cup defeat at Mold emphasised the importance of successful goal kicking in rugby because the visitors scored more tries than their hosts but lost because they failed to convert any of their scores. Wrexham's conversion success rate has rarely fallen below 50% over the last two decades but this season has slumped to 41% and an urgent improvement is therefore required. 

Tomorrow's game at Ruthin promises to be very evenly contested in the forward exchanges and the outcome is likely to depend on which side defends best and which side kicks the points when offered. Wrexham, still lying only one place away from the relegation zone, will certainly test the Championship leaders in every department and should maintain the improvement which will eventually see them climb into a safe position in the league table. 

Wrexham Seconds continue the defence of their North East Wales Division One Championship against Mold Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road where they will be joined by the Third XV who entertain Flint Seconds in a top of the table Second Division contest (kick-off at 2.30pm). 

Wrexham Youth Team visit Llanrwst to take on Nant Conwy in a North Wales Youth Premier Division game. In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 9's to 12's take on teams from Crewe and Nantwich at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday morning while the Under 13's to 16's will also have home advantage for their games against Widnes (k.o.10.30am, weather permitting). 

First Team prop Rob Pierce celebrated the birth of a baby daughter last week. Greystones, the Irish rugby club which regularly visited Wrexham in the Seventies and Eighties, will travel across the Irish Sea with a strong contingent of mini and junior rubgy players to compete in games at Bryn Estyn Road in April. 

24/01/04 Report

MOLD 21 WREXHAM 20

Having led by 20-0 early on in the second-half of their titanic North Wales Cup struggle against Mold at Chester Road, Wrexham lost momentum through injuries and indiscipline and were overtaken in the last minute when scrum-half Jamie Griffiths converted his own try. 

Kicking failures also contributed to Wrexham's downfall, centre Kerry Powell missing the target with four difficult conversion attempts while Jamie Griffiths made no mistake with his with three easier shots. There was no opportunity for a winning drop goal from outside-half Richard Lloyd who is usually so adept at kicking goals on these big occasions. 

Coach Dave Cheesbrough was not too disappointed with the result saying, "We continued the good form of last week and took lots of positive things from this game. It would have been nice to have won it, but our main aim is still to concentrate on doing well in our league campaign". 

Winger Hywel Raymond put Wrexham in front in the 11th minute when he collected a loose ball, joined a maul and was driven towards the home line before plunging over for a deserved touchdown. Centre Kerry Powell failed with his ambitious kick from wide-out. 

Nine minutes later, flanker Dean Griffiths increased his side's advantage when he broke from a 5 metre scrum and crashed over near the corner. Wrexham then came under pressure from the Mold pack and had to defend well to maintain their advantage with Daniel Cheesbrough having a good game as he took the pressure away from his half-back partner Lloyd with some accurate kicking. 

Danny Munro was rushed on as a replacement when lock Rhodri Evans suffered a nasty looking ankle injury that required lengthy treatment. After Wrexham had reshuffled their pack, they continued to press in the home 22 and props Geraint Davies and Rob Pierce combined to send Munro over for a third unconverted try in the 39th minute. 

The visiting forwards continued to dominate exchanges immediately after the break and set up a marvellous opportunity for outside-half Richard Lloyd to release Powell for Wrexham's fourth try in the corner. With the wind at their backs, however, Mold started to press and were handed an unexpected advantage when Dean Griffiths was sent to the sin-bin for offside infringements. 

Lock Andy Roberts quickly found a way through to score under the posts in the 50th minute and scrum-half Jamie Griffiths added the simple conversion. Then winger Ritchie Hopkins finished off a swift attacking movement by grabbing a smart try and Griffiths converted again.

Deep in the final quarter, Wrexham were forced to reshuffle their pack again due to injuries to replacement prop Gareth Hughes and lock Mike Jones. After Rob Pierce was sin-binned for allegedly kicking away the ball, Mold seized their opportunity and camped on the Wrexham line until a gap appeared and Griffiths squeezed through for the match winning goal. 

Wrexham Seconds remained unbeaten as Champions of North East Wales Division One after a 39-0 demolition of Rhyl Seconds at Rhyl. Jason Griffiths, Llyr Williams, Carl Turner, Peter Dougan, James Wrathall and skipper Kevin Davies were the try scorers while Darrell Hughes landed three conversions and a penalty.

The Thirds closed the gap on Division Two leaders Corwen with a convincing 24-7 victory over Afon Dee Seconds at Wrexham, James Bellis bagging a brace of tries with Wayne Jones and Gerry Darbyshire adding a touchdown apiece. Rhodri Davies and the over Fifties prop Steve Jarvis shared the conversions.

Wrexham Youth Team proved to be no match for a mobile Colwyn Bay side in their North Wales Youth Cup first round contest at Bryn Estyn Road and crashed to a 0-61 whitewash. Gareth Owen was voted as Wrexham's Man of the Match for his determined tackling skills on his 18th birthday. 24/01/04 Preview

Wrexham visit their local rivals Mold at Chester Road tomorrow afternoon for one of the day's most attractive games in the first round of the North Wales Cup competition, The match will kick-off at the early time of 2.00pm in case extra time needs to be played.

Hooker Danny Munro returns to the Wrexham side after a short business break while winger Mike Richmond, flanker Carl Turner and centre Simon Williams rejoin the squad and will all be in contention for places in the starting line-up.

Dave Green, the regular Second XV hooker who received an unexpected recall to the senior side last week and delivered a very impressive performance against Caernarfon, has been placed on standby. However, flanker Dean Griffiths and brothers Ben and Daniel Cheesbrough are set to miss the action due to injury and their loss will pose problems for the Wrexham selectors. 

Skipper John Roberts is expected to fill Daniel Cheesbrough's scrum-half position. Roberts, usually a centre, has played with authority at scrum-half when called on to do so over the last few seasons and obviously reveled in the physical contact when he replaced Cheesbrough during last week's game. 

The return of Munro will be welcomed, particularly as he was the only player to score a try in the last game at Chester Road between Mold and Wrexham, the home side edging to victory by 6-5. When the sides met again at Bryn Estyn Road three weeks ago, Mold ran out more convincing 29-14 winners, strengthened by their high degree of success in league competition this season.

Boosted by last week's victory over high flying Caernarfon, Wrexham should acquit themselves much better tomorrow afternoon. The return from long term injury of Simon Williams, who has also scored at Chester Road in the past, will encourage John Roberts and his side in this cup competition, although their main aim is to build some momentum for their league campaign. 

Wrexham Seconds, champions and current leaders of North East Wales Division One, visit Rhyl Seconds who are in fifth place in the league table. The Thirds take on Afon Dee Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road in a contest that was originally scheduled as a Division Two league game but is now deemed to be a 'friendly' because Clwb Afon Dee have withdrawn from all league competition.

Wrexham Youth Team entertain Colwyn Bay in the first round of the North Wales Youth Cup competition and have a good chance of making further progress by securing their first win of the season (k.o.2.30pm). 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 9's to 12's will train at their Bryn Estyn Road headquarters on Sunday morning while the Under 13's travel to Dolgellau, the Under 14's and 16's visit Colwyn Bay and the Under 15's have a home game against Oswestry (k.o.10.30am).

Steve Cook, the House and Grounds Manager at Wrexham Rugby Club, has revealed that a small number of tickets may still be available for Wales' home games in the 2004 Six Nations Championship. They will play Scotland, France and Italy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Mr. Cook can be contacted on 07968 582231 for further information. 

17/01/04 Report

WREXHAM 29 CAERNARFON 12

Two tries by prop Geraint Davies helped Wrexham to secure a desperately needed home victory in Division Four North at the expense of Caernarfon whose promotion hopes were severely dented.

They started shakily and received a setback in the 9th minute when Caernarfon flanker Paul Rowlands profited from a chargedown of outside-half Richard Lloyd's tactical kick and scored in the corner. However, they quickly recovered, dominated the set-scrum and finished with style and confidence. 

A good line-out catch by lock Mike Jones and a smart break by centre Kerry Powell led to Wrexham's equalising try with flanker Mike Ward applying the finishing touches. Powell's conversion attempt failed but sure tackling by him prevented Caernarfon's dangerous centre Arwel Roberts from breaking through while Lloyd's assured kicking held the defensive line. 

With veteran Dave Green taking two strikes against the held on his recall to the senior side, Wrexham pressed hard towards the end of the first-half and took a deserved lead in the 35th minute when top try scorer Hywel Raymond scythed through the Caernarfon defence on a 30 metre angled run and touched down under the posts. Powell slotted the simple conversion. 

Caernarfon caused a scare with a breakaway move but good tackling rescued the home side before they resumed their offensive and claimed a crucial try before half-time. Full back James Plant joined the threequarter line and was stopped inches short of the visitors posts before prop Geraint Davies picked up and scored with Powell adding the extra points for a 19-5 lead. 

Skipper John Roberts had to move from centre to scrum-half to cover an injury to Daniel Cheesbrough immediately after the break, while Simon Williams made a welcome return in the centre following his lengthy recovery from injuries received in a serious car accident. The changes didn't upset the home side and they proceeded to bottle-up Caernarfon in their own half. 

The plan worked well until the 65th minute when Caernarfon stole the ball from the back of a Wrexham ruck and moved the ball to the left wing where prop Merfyn Jones took a final pass and stormed over in the corner. Outside-half Kelvin Morris added the conversion to reduce the arrears even further. 

Wrexham were not prepared to crumble, however, and took control of the game through their dominant pack which was well led by number eight Gareth Noon. Prop Rob Pierce spotted a hole in Caernarfon's defensive line and dived through to score in the 72nd minute and Geraint Davies added gloss to Wrexham's magnificent victory with a final try from a Mike Jones line-out catch. 

Rhos Seconds, promoted to North East Wales Division One last season, have decided to withdraw from the league due to insufficient player numbers and therefore cancelled their scheduled visit to Wrexham Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road last Saturday. Instead, Wrexham managed to secure a friendly fixture against Birkenhead Park Seconds and won by 26-12. 

In an excellent performance against strong opponents, Scott Davies, Llyr Williams, Dave Morris and Nick Stott notched a try apiece while Darrell Hughes (2) and Mike Andrew shared the conversions. The Thirds fell at Corwen by 6-10 in their top of the table Division Two clash, Carl Pugh landing two penalties which looked to be enough until Corwen scored late on. 

Wrexham Youth Team played well against North Wales Youth Premier Division leaders Ruthin at Cae Ddol, despite the loss through a knee injury of lock Phil Williams, but still lost by 0-71. 17/01/04 Preview

Wrexham take on Caernarfon, last week's conquerors of previously unbeaten Ruthin, in a Division Four North contest at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon, knowing that a home victory is essential for them to make any headway in the battle to avoid relegation
(kick-off at 2.30pm).

James Plant came through last week's game at Pwllheli with flying colours following a welcome return to the side after injury and will provide the last line of defence at full-back. Mike Jones, who has taken over from the suspended Mike McLeod in the second-row, will be the main line-out jumper with number eight Gareth Noon lending his support from the back. 

The home side will miss hooker Danny Munro who is unavailable for tomorrow's game while prop Duncan Campbell has returned to New Zealand leaving coach Dave Cheesbrough to find a suitable front-row replacement from the Second XV. Skipper John Roberts, prop Rob Pierce and winger Mike Richmond face late fitness tests.

Wrexham have been on the receiving end of some hefty poundings by Caernarfon over the last few years but ran away with last season's contest at Bryn Estyn Road to win by a handsome 57-8 margin. November's game at Caernarfon ended in a 20-9 victory for the Gwynedd men, but Wrexham had to play most of the game without McLeod who was red carded for retaliation. 

The league situation today is that bottom club Bala look doomed for the drop while Wrexham, Pwllheli and Newtown are level pegging on three wins apiece above Bala and one of these clubs looks certain to be consigned to the second automatic relegation berth at the end of the season.

Wrexham should have been secure by now but lost form over Christmas and failed to complete an expected home victory over Mold and a double over Pwllheli. They have ten games left, six of them away, and need to win five of those games to avoid relegation. It is highly unlikely that they will defeat Championship leaders Ruthin, current champions Nant Conwy and Llangefni.

Although Caernarfon unexpectedly defeated Ruthin last week to remain in third place in the table, they struggled at bottom of the pile Bala on the previous Saturday to secure a 15-15 draw and were demolished by 60-8 at Ruthin only five weeks ago. If Mike Jones and Gareth Noon can secure a steady stream of possession from the line-out, Wrexham have match winners in winger Hywel Raymond and centre Kerry Powell and can claim their fourth victory of the season. 

Wrexham Seconds, champions and current leaders of North East Wales Division One, take on Rhos Seconds at Bryn Estyn Road.The Thirds are in action at Corwen in a top of the table Division Two contest while the Youth Team will visit Ruthin for a North Wales Youth Premier Division One game (k.o.2.30pm). 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, the Under 9's to 12's will take on opponents from Warrington in a full programme of games at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday morning. The junior sides are looking for suitable games from the local fixture pool but will train at Wrexham if no matches are forthcoming (k.o.10.30am).

It has been agreed that Wrexham will visit Mold next Saturday 24th January for a first round game in the North Wales Cup competition. Although Wrexham have a proud record of success in cup contests, having won the North Wales Cup on no less than 18 occasions, they have enjoyed little success since 1999 and will face an uphill task at Chester Road (k.o.2.30pm). 

10/01/04 Report

PWLLHELI 20 WREXHAM 12

Wrexham showed a vast improvement on their previous performance when they were well beaten at home to Mold, but ran out of steam near the end of their Division Four North game at Pwllheli and fell to another damaging defeat.

The inclusion of Mike Jones in the second-row strengthened the pack and enabled Wrexham to secure possession form the line-out. Dean Griffiths had an outstanding game in the back row and the visitors profited in defence from the partnership of Kerry Powell and skipper John Roberts in the centre, assisted by a rugged performance from flanker Mike Ward.

Wrexham were early masters of the wet and blustery conditions and piled on bags of pressure. They took a deserved lead in the 9th minute when Mike Jones won a line-out on the Pwllheli 22 and top try scorer Hywel Raymond came in from his wing to slice through and score near the posts. Powell added the simple conversion but was just off target with a penalty soon afterwards.

The home side used the wind to counter with several promising attacks and drew level at the start of the second quarter when they replicated Wrexham's try scoring move and released winger Ian Gwyn on an angled run that enabled him to score under the posts. Outside-half Dylan Llyr added the extra points with his straightforward conversion.

Undaunted, Wrexham pressed hard against the elements again and regained the lead in the 31st minute when they won a line-out in the home 22 and lock Rhodri Evans was driven over the line assisted by former Pwllheli prop Geraint Davies. Powell was off target with the difficult conversion and the visitors were then forced to withstand a barrage until half-time arrived. 

With the wind at their backs, Wrexham quickly turned the screw in the second-half and stretched the home side in all departments. Full-back James Plant, making a successful return from injury, was held up when he seemed certain to score, Mike Ward dived over a badly marked line that turned out to be 5 metres short of the try line and outside-half Richard Lloyd missed a drop goal.

With no points to show for 15 minutes of sustained pressure and prop Rob Pierce struggling after suffering a heavy knock, Wrexham relaxed a little and soon paid the price after the home pack resumed their offensive. A pushover try by lock Mark Saynor was followed by another unconverted try by prop Euros Hughes in the final quarter. 

Wrexham still had a chance to level the scores but Pwllheli dug deep into their reserves and were awarded an injury time penalty that Dylan Llyr kicked to help his side complete an against the odds double over Wrexham and ease their hefty relegation worries. 

Wrexham Seconds returned to winning ways with a 48-0 demolition of Denbigh Seconds in North East Wales Division One. Jason Griffiths returned to the side from First Team duty to grab a superb hat-trick of tries while others came from Dave Morris (2), Alex Crewe, Chris Phillips and Dave Green. Darrell Hughes (3) and Dylan Griffiths shared the conversions. 

The Thirds matched their Second Team colleagues by claiming a 48-0 victory in their no league contest at Mold. Skipper Sean Williams and James Bellis notched a smart brace of tries apiece while single scores came from Dai Griffith, Pat Mitchell, Andy Lee and Gareth Gregory. Rhodri Davies kicked 3 conversions and Carl Pugh added one more. 

Wrexham Youth Team took an early lead in their non league home game against Bala and had high hopes of winning their first game of the season until the visitors conjured up two match winning tries to win by 12-5. Anthony Medcalf claimed Wrexham's try, his first for the Youth Team. 

10/01/04 Preview

Danny Munro makes his 100th First team appearance for Wrexham tomorrow in a crucial Division Four North contest at Pwllheli that the East Walians need to win to make some progress in their battle to avoid dropping into the relegation zone (kick-off at 2.30pm). 

Munro, a product of the Wrexham youth development system, had to travel to South Wales to make his senior debut against Seven Sisters in a Heineken Division Five game in 1995. A versatile player, he has impressed as a flanker and centre threequarter as well as his current role as hooker in the front-row of the pack. 

Coach Dave Cheesbrough was disappointed with his team's lack lustre performance against Mold last week on top of their previous defeat at home to Pwllheli in December. He is also having to cope with losses from the squad due to centre Gareth Smith's shoulder dislocation last week and winger Gareth Bostock's hamstring injury. 

Prop Rob Pierce's wife is expecting a baby, so the ever present young forward may have to take a short break. The good news for Cheesbrough, however, is that his utility threequarter James Plant has rejoined the squad after recovering from injury and winger Mike Richmond's torn hamstring has responded to treatment.

Duncan Campbell, the young prop from Otago in New Zealand, who has family connections in the Wrexham area and asked via e-mail to play for Wrexham on permit during a six week visit to Wales, may make his full debut if Rob Pierce is unavailable. He came on as a final quarter replacement for Geraint Davies last week and managed to make a praiseworthy impact.

Although Wrexham's defensive lapses enabled second from bottom Pwllheli to defeat them at Bryn Estyn Road in December, Wrexham played some attractive rugby and produced three sparkling tries. However, they gave away too many points in the early stages and were left with too high a mountain to climb at the end. 

The East Walians emerged victorious by 24-5 at Pwllheli when the two sides last met there in September 2002 and they can do so again if they have faith in their rugby and are truly committed in the tackle. Danny Munro is certainly a person who is not afraid of the tackle and he will not disappoint on his special landmark day.

Wrexham Seconds lost their season long unbeaten record in last week's friendly against Chester Seconds but they are still unbeaten in league competition. They take on Denbigh Seconds in a North East Wales Division One contest at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon and should return to winning ways, having beaten Denbigh by 32-16 at their ground last September. 

The Thirds will have to work hard in their friendly game at Chester Road against Mold Thirds while Wrexham Youth Team are hoping that home advantage will help them to record their first win of the season when they take on Bala in a friendly game (k.o.2.30pm). 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, there should be a real local derby flavour at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday morning when the Under 9's to 12's take on teams from Mold. The Under 14's visit Oswestry on the same morning while the other junior rugby teams will train at Wrexham (k.o. 10.30am). 

03/01/04 Report

WREXHAM 14 MOLD 29

The level of confidence was the factor that made all the difference in the latest local derby encounter between Wrexham and Mold at Bryn Estyn Road on Saturday. On the back of six league wins this season, Mold oozed confidence throughout while relegation threatened Wrexham looked so rudderless and disjointed that they failed to make headway and duly foundered.

The performance of number eight Gareth Noon was the one bright spot in a poor display by the home pack and the tackling of full-back Kerry Powell prevented his side from suffering a bigger defeat. Wrexham never gave up, even when trailing by 0-22 with 5 minutes of normal time remaining, and gained some consolation when they were awarded two late penalty tries. 

Under pressure for the whole of the first quarter and having to reshuffle their back line when centre Gareth Smith suffered a dislocated shoulder, Wrexham then worked their way into the visitors half with a long distance kick by outside-half Richard Lloyd. The couldn't create a score, however, and then went behind when Mold's scrum-half Jamie Griffiths kicked a penalty. 

The visitors raised the level of their game again and went further ahead in the 34th minute when the ball was moved swiftly from a ruck and lock Andy Roberts steamed up amongst his threequarters to crash over in the corner. Gareth Noon tried to inspire a home fight back with a couple of aggressive runs but support was slow to arrive and attacks petered out. 

Mold soon got into their stride in the second-half and former Wrexham centre Jon Aby put the visitors into a commanding lead when he suddenly attacked outside the home 22 and flatfooted several flailing defenders to score virtually untouched near the posts. Griffiths added the extra points and then converted a 61st minute try by centre Ritchie Cochrane. 

Facing a humbling whitewash, Wrexham introduced Otago prop Duncan Campbell and pounded away at the Mold line until they were awarded a 75th minute penalty try for persistent blocking infringements by the visiting pack. Powell added the simple conversion but was unable to prevent Dan Edmunds from countering with a classic winger's try two minutes later.

Deep into injury time, Wrexham continued to press upfield and went close to scoring again when centre Hywel Raymond made an excellent break up to the Mold line. Although Raymond was tackled, a try by the support players looked inevitable until a Mold hand illegally stole the ball and the referee had no option but to award a second penalty try which Powell again converted.

On a day when all of the Wrexham sides suffered defeats, the Seconds lost their 8 month unbeaten record to a fine Chester Seconds outfit. James Plant, returning from long term injury, scored Wrexham's only try in their 5-15 reverse. The Thirds did most of the pressing at Whitchurch against the local third string but failed to score and eventually went down by 0-10. 

03/01/04 Preview

Wrexham prop Geraint Davies returns from a long term suspension to bolster the home front row for what is expected to be a keenly contested local derby league game against Mold at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon ( kick-off at 2.30pm). 

Skipper John Roberts, who has been struggling to overcome a niggling leg injury since the end of November, has benefited from a long rest over the Christmas and New Year period and is ready to lead Wrexham's fight against relegation from his regular place in the centre. He will partner Gareth Smith who has been performing well as the main goal kicker in recent games. 

Gareth Noon's troublesome shoulder has also shown some improvement after the long festive break and he will steady the scrum at number eight with Mike Ward and Dean Griffiths on the flanks. Absent, however, will be Wrexham's experienced lock Mike McLeod who has started a four match suspension after being involved in a fracas at Caernarfon. 

McLeod's place will probably be filled by Jason Griffiths with Mike Jones packing down on the other side of the scrum. Apart from his injured full-back James Plant, Coach Dave Cheesbrough has a full back line to choose from and will welcome the return of winger Mike Richmond who has the pace needed to penetrate Mold's trusty defensive line. 

Mold defeated Wrexham by 6-5 when the two sides met at Chester Road last season but Wrexham bounced back with an 18-15 success at Bryn Estyn Road in April that secured their continuing existence in Division Four North of the National Leagues. 

The scores were tied at 15-15 after 80 minutes in that dramatic game before Richard Lloyd performed a 'Jonny Wilkinson' and dropped a marvellous goal to win the contest. Similar fare is expected to be served up tomorrow with a dramatic final quarter and only a few points deciding the issue at the end of the match.

Having narrowly escaped relegation themselves last season, Mold have improved dramatically this season and are riding high in fourth place in Division Four North with the possibility of finishing in second place behind unbeaten Ruthin by the end of April. Wrexham's home defeat by Pwllheli in their last game has left them in a precarious fourth from bottom place and they need to make some progress by securing a win tomorrow afternoon. 

Wrexham's slack defence let them down against Pwllheli last month and has so far led to them 'leaking' 25 tries in league 10 games. Mold, on the other hand have a more efficient system and have conceded only 12 tries in winning 6 of the 9 games that they have played in their championship campaign. 

Dave Cheesbrough's side did have a poor try scoring record but there has been a remarkable improvement in recent games due to a change in attacking strategy combined with the return from injury of threequarters Hywel Raymond and Gareth Smith and the introduction of pace down the wings from Mike Richmond and Pete Smith.

Wrexham have scored nine tries in their last two games and look set to build on that impressive record during January against Mold, Pwllheli and Caernarfon. A tantalising game is therefore in prospect tomorrow afternoon with championship and relegation issues at stake and honour to be satisfied in a local derby. 

The Second and Third Teams have a blank fixture date but are keen to arrange games and are hoping to secure suitable matches from the local fixture pool. The Youth Team will not be in action this weekend but will resume fixtures after a long Christmas break with a home game against Bala next week. 

In Mini and Junior Rugby, all of the mini rugby teams, including the very good unbeaten Under 9's squad, will be involved in games against Shrewsbury at Bryn Estyn Road on Sunday morning (10.30am). The junior sides will train at the same venue in preparation for games against Oswestry next week. 

Several Wrexham members will be attending a Referees Course at Ruthin Rugby Club on Sunday morning, starting at 9.00am. As possession of a refereeing qualification is now compulsory before a person can referee a rugby game in Wales at any level, there has been a great demand for courses since September.

Any late applicants should contact Austin Thomas, the North Wales Welsh Rugby Union Director of Rugby, on 01978 311553 or e-mail him on wrudistrict@ukonline.co.uk. 

Although little senior rugby was played over the Christmas and New Year period, the Firsts and Seconds combined to send a team to Ruthin last Saturday for a low key friendly game against a Ruthin Select XV. The objective was to keep players from both clubs in condition and the game was played in a friendly spirit with no result being declared and no injuries reported.

However, Wrexham players Mike Richmond and Gareth Bostock were involved in an accident at the infamous Nant-Y-Garth Pass on the way to the game and ended up in a river in their upturned car. Happily, they both escaped uninjured and managed to hitch a lift to Ruthin Rugby Club where they played a full part for their side in their festive workout. 

Wrexham Thirds returned to the top of Division Two of the North East Wales Championship with a 38-10 victory over Ruthin Thirds at Cae Ddol last Saturday. A brace of tries by scrum-half Rhodri Davies put them in the driving seat in the first-half before Ruthinbounced back with a converted try to narrow the margin to 10-7 at the break.

The visiting forwards took control in the second-half once they had worked off an excess of Christmas pudding in their systems and they produced plenty of ammunition for the threequarters to put the issue beyond doubt with some free running rugby. 

Davies added three more tries to his impressive tally and converted all of them as well as a touchdown from centre Gareth Gregory who made a very promising debut. There was also an excellent debut performance from winger Sion Williams who grew stronger as the game progressed to its exciting conclusion.

20/12/03 Preview

The eagerly awaited pre Christmas local derby game between Mold and Wrexham at Chester Road tomorrow afternoon has been postponed by mutual agreement due to Wrexham's chronic injury situation and the unavailability of key players. 

The Welsh Rugby Union agreed to the request on Monday evening and confirmed that the match will be played at a later date - probably in February - and that no points will be deducted from Wrexham who requested the postponement. The only Wrexham game to be played tomorrow will be the Youth Team's North Wales Youth Division One contest at Denbigh (kick-off at 2.00pm). 

Wrexham Firsts' next scheduled fixture - the Division Four North game against Mold at Bryn Estyn Road on Saturday 3rd January2004 - will go ahead as planned unless there are some late unforeseen developments.  The only game to take place over the Christmas period will be the North East Wales Division Two league contest between Wrexham Thirds and Ruthin Thirds at Cae Ddol on Saturday 27th December.

Wrexham Firsts' home defeat by Pwllheli has left them in a precarious fourth from bottom place in Division Four North at this halfway stage of the competition. It is not as bad as the two previous seasons, when they had only two victories to their credit instead of the current three wins, but it does look as though they will have to scrap hard to avoid relegation from now on. 

The bottom two in the division will be relegated automatically to Division Five North at the end of the season and will play new fixtures against clubs like Rhos, Machylleth, Llanidloes and Bangor University. Clubs like Colwyn Bay, Bethesda and Welshpool, which were relegated from the higher division in previous seasons, are all poised to return in a furious promotion battle.

The difference in standard between the existing clubs in Division Four North is very small as Wrexham discovered in their home game against Championship leaders Ruthin who have won all of their ten league games. Wrexham matched Ruthin in most departments on that November day but lost because they lacked the skills to take advantage of the chances that they created.

Since then, there has been a definite improvement in Wrexham's striking capability as demonstrated by their scoring of nine tries in their last two games compared to their previous best of six scores from eight league games. The back line has been strengthened by the inclusion of elusive wingers like Mike Richmond and Pete Smith plus the return from injury of top try scorer Hywel Raymond. 

The forwards are still failing to make a scoring impression near their opponents try line because they lack penetrative ball carriers who attack with pace at low angles, but they will improve with the return of prop Geraint Davies from suspension on 3rd January and the expected full recovery of number eight Gareth Noon from a niggling shoulder injury. 

They are unlikely to make any impression against top clubs Ruthin, Llangefni and Nant Conwy in the second half of the season but could account for Caernarfon, Mold and Pwllheli in January. Wrexham are starting to excite supporters again with their try scoring abilities and, if they can improve their poor disciplinary record and work harder in defence, relegation can be avoided.

The Wrexham Mini and Junior Rugby Section will complete the first part of their packed season on Sunday morning with training and fun games followed by a Christmas Dinner for young players, parents and club members at their Bryn Estyn Road headquarters (from 12.00 pm). The dinner will be followed by a party and disco on the same day in the club's upstairs function room (7.00pm).

13/12/03 Report

WREXHAM 21 PWLLHELI 32

Wrexham threw away a golden opportunity to climb into a safe mid table position in Division Four North when they performed well in patches against second from bottom Pwllheli at Bryn Estyn Road but failed to measure up defensively and suffered a shock defeat. 

With skipper John Roberts restored to the centre following injury and prop Rob Pierce celebrating his 100th appearance for the First Team, Wrexham confidently elected to play up the slope into the wind and eased into a 7th minute lead through a penalty by centre Gareth Smith. 

The visitors soon replied with a penalty by outside-half Ian Gwyn that levelled the scores and then used their abrasive pack to pummel Wrexham until they conceded a try to lock Mark Saynor. Gwyn slotted the conversion and then added the extra points following a 22nd minute touchdown by centre Sion Williams.

The home defence was in tatters at that stage but Wrexham reorganised and, led by some spirited counter attacking by winger ywel Raymond, went on the offensive in the second quarter. Set up by a pass from Raymond, flanker Mike Ward was hauled down inches short of the Pwllheli line and then the big lock Mike McLeod was held up after a strong charge.

In injury time, it was left to centre Gareth Smith to conjure up a move which resulted in full-back Kerry Powell joining the line at pace and diving over in the corner to score a superb try. Smith failed with the difficult conversion into the wind but there were high hopes that the home side could make up the nine point deficit in the second-half. 

Slick handling by the home backs and powerful driving by their pack led to a break upfield by Gareth Smith in the 45th minute that resulted in a try for winger Chris Andrew who sprinted in at the right corner. The angle of the conversion kick was still too acute for Smith to add the extra points but Wrexham consoled themselves with having hauled themselves back into the game. 

Pwllheli increased their level of effort as a result and bounced back only two minutes later with a penalty by Ian Gwyn. The battle continued with the home forwards camping in the Pwllheli 22 and battering away at their opponents defences only for Andrew to be bundled into touch and McLeod and flanker Dean Griffiths denied just short of the line.

A penalty was finally conceded at the start of the final quarter and Smith duly obliged with a successful kick to put his side within reach again. Against the run of play, however, Pwllheli kicked high into the Wrexham half and winger David Lloyd-Williams swept through flailing defenders to score near the posts with Ian Gwyn adding the conversion into the gale. 

There was still time to save the game and Wrexham resumed their attack with winger Gareth Bostock making a debut appearance before slick handling in the backs enabled top try scorer Hywel Raymond to add to his tally with a try in the left corner. Once again the difficult conversion flew wide and Wrexham were left trailing by six points with seven minutes to go. 

Needing a converted try to win the game, the home side threw caution to the wind and paid the price when Pwllheli's Maori hooker Duran Ngakuru intercepted an attacking move in the last minute of the game and tore through to score an opportunist try. Defeat was hard to take for Wrexham who had played the more attractive rugby, but Pwllheli had given their all and deserved their rare win.

Like the First Team, Wrexham Seconds elected to play into the wind in the first-half of their top of the table North East Wales Division One game at Flint and ended up trailing by 3-12 at the break. Unlike the senior side, however, they shackled their opponents in the second-half and stormed to a convincing 24-12 victory to increase their lead at the top of the table.

Ben Cheesbrough and Jason Griffiths grabbed their first two tries after the break and then Llyr Williams and Andy Smith dived on the ball to share the third score, there being no television judge to decide which individual should be credited with the try. Dylan Griffiths converted all three tries and performed well to kick a penalty into the gale in the first-half. 

The arranged referee failed to appear for Wrexham Thirds' home game in Division Two against Flint Seconds and the match was therefore changed into a 'friendly' contest with the league match to be played at a future date. Wrexham won by 27-10 thanks to tries by Andy Perrin, Paul Parbury, Jason Parry, Nick Clare and Nick Johnson. Jamie Jennings added one conversion. 

13/12/03 Preview

Wrexham prop Rob Pierce will celebrate his 100th appearance for the club when he runs out with his front row colleagues to take on Pwllheli in what promises to be keenly contested Division Four North contest at Bryn Estyn Road tomorrow afternoon (kick-off at 2.30pm).

A former Youth Team player, Pierce made his First Team debut against the representative North Wales side at Wrexham five years ago. Although his team lost by 15-18, Pierce gave an impressive performance and was good enough to be included as a regular squad member in the Wrexham Northern Counties flagship side in the following year. 

Now considered as an ever present in the current Wrexham team, Pierce will be keen to mark his centenary appearance with a winning performance against Pwllheli. Tomorrow's visitors currently occupy the second from bottom place in the table with only one win to their credit and will be trying very hard to halt their run of bad luck and escape from the relegation zone. 

Wrexham's three victories this season in Division Four North have enabled them to stay just above the drop zone but a handsome victory over Pwllheli could lift them into the mid table and relieve much of the pressure which has been fraying nerves in recent weeks. 

Skipper John Roberts, who has been resting from active duty after rupturing a blood vessel in his side's magnificent victory over Newtown a fortnight ago, is still doubtful for tomorrow's game, but flankers Dean Griffiths and Mike Ward will return to boost the back-row after injury.

Number eight Gareth Noon is suffering from a sore shoulder and will have to pass a late fitness test before he can take his place in the squad. Lock Mike McLeod will probably have to start his suspension for an alleged punching offence tomorrow and it is likely therefore that Jason Griffiths will start alongside Mike Jones in the second-row.

Wrexham completed a double of victories over Pwllheli last season but they had to fight their way back from being a try down in their home game last April to eventually triumph by 13-8. The Gwynedd club, former North Wales Champions an