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19 February 2007
Ynysddu 12 Bettws 13
The Dee's revival ended dramatically with a home defeat to Bettws 12 - 13 but more worryingly they lost their outstanding centre Carl Uren with a badly dislocated elbow. Carl has been one of the main reasons why Ynysddu has been showing such good form of late. This very talented and popular player is held in great esteem by everyone at the club and his absence from the playing field will be felt by his fellow players, the committee and supporters alike. Everyone at Ynysddu RFC wishes him a speedy recovery.
Early on in the game the home side could have been two tries up after sniping runs by scrum half Craig Huis had opened up the visitors defence. Only frantic covering prevented him touch down. Further pressure saw the Dee's again cross the line only to be adjudged held up. Eventually Chris Olliver got a touch down, thanks to a superb break by Martin Gleadall and some fine interplay between backs and forwards.
From the opening exchanges the home side new an open fast game could see them take the spoils as the big Bettws pack tired. But unfortunately the visitors had also worked out that with the ball safely at the back of rolling maul and 6 players in front of the carrier fending off would be tacklers frustration would lead to rewards. And so it turned out, referee Ian Davies had no option but to penalise and then eventually yellow card Ynysddu as they desperately tried to counter this boring, unenjoyable facet of the modern game. William Webb Ellis would surely turn in his grave if he could see how the powers to be are ruining his concept of the beautiful game. Running with the ball seems to become second choice as more emphasis is being placed on tucking it safely in amongst the pack and walking methodically towards to opposition line.
With two min's of injury time played and now both props sidelined with yellow cards Ynysddu's slender 12 - 8 lead looked very vulnerable and from the ensuing penalty Bettws made them pay. They elected for a scrum and duly walked the depleted Dee's pack over their line to go 13 - 12 up. Ironically more drama was to follow, as from the restart the visitors gave away a penalty in front of their posts affording Ynysddu the chance to snatch back the lead.
Unbelievably as Dee's fly half John Richards connected he lost his footing and the ball sailed passed the upright. Ynysddu's supporters then began to think that Bettws must feel sorry for them as from the drop out they were again penalised in comfortable kicking distance. This time for some unexplainable reason before Richards could claim the ball a quick tap penalty was taken, Bettws gratefully turn the ball over and kicked it off the park to and the game.
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