Fixture

On a brisk but sunny autumn day with a bit of an easterly strong breeze, but ideal conditions for a game of rugby, Flint welcomed a strong Mold 2nd team to Cae-y-Castell for their first encounter of the season in the SWALEC League Division 3 North.

Flint started strongly, making headway into the Mold midfield due mainly to the strong running of veteren utility back Dustyn Parry, this time playing at centre. To Molds credit they kept their defence intact and were able to keep the attacking home side at bay. Against the run of play Mold found themselves in Flint's half with ball in hand due to some well rehearsed pick and drives and in a moment of slack defending, Flint let Mold in for an easy first score of the game after 15 minutes with a converted try near the corner 0-7. This was the last time Mold were to get within 5 metres of Flint's try line as the home side stepped up their game after the initial shock of conceding the first try.

Flint soon got themselves on the scoreboard with Mold giving in to the pressure inflicted on them at the breakdown, giving away penalties until inevitably one came within kicking range. Up stepped fullback James Beresford to slot Flints first points of the game 3-7.

Soon after Flint caught Mold short at the backand and with a perfectly weighted kick, fly half Ben Mackriell kicked into the open space for powerful winger Jamie Elder to run onto, pick up and score in the corner, conversion missed 8-7. Next Flint were awarded another penalty in range which Beresford duly kicked 11-7. Before the half, Flint made a break down the touchline, where ever present captain Mitch Martin, who was having one of his inspired games, popped the ball up to young winger Harry Neild who out sprinted his opposition and dived in for a classic wingers try, unconverted 16-7.

At halftime Flint made one change, bringing on Damian Goss at fly half, this change seemed to alter preceedings as Flint ran in 5 unanswered scores. First was skipper Martin picking up from a ruck near the Mold try line who ran in for the first of his brace of tries, converted by Beresford 23-7. Openside flanker Owain Roberts, who constantly puts in a top performance every game, went over for his first try for Flint since moving over from Harlech some 5 years ago. Roberts, who now has become an integral part of the club, has proved what a wonderful player he is as when called upon has played Hooker, Scrum-Half and his natural position Openside Flanker, and has excelled in each position. Try converted by Beresford 30-7.

Flint were now in total control and scoring tries at will. Young Scrum-Half Jack Evans also capped a competent performance by scoring an unconverted try to take the score to 35-7. Martin then went over for his 2nd - 40-7. To finish the game off, Fly-Half Goss sealed a magical win against their local rivals with a well taken try , which was unconverted 45-7.

Flint turned the screw on their opponents in 2nd half by running in 5 tries, showing great skill level in open play and defence. One player who excelled in both these aspects was blindside flanker Loz Rogers, who deservedly was awarded man of the match.

TRIES
Mitch Martin    - 2
Jamie Elder      - 1
Harry Neild       - 1
Owain Roberts - 1
Jack Evans       - 1
Damian Goss   - 1
CONVERSIONS 
James Beresford  - 2
PENALTIES 
James Beresford  - 2
MOM - Loz Rogers 
TOM - David Fawkes