Newtown 18

Nant Conwy 33

NEWTOWN represented their town and club with pride but fell short to Nant Conwy in the final of the North Wales U19s Cup.

Both sides probed for an opening early on with the visitors breaking the deadlock with a penalty from Morgan Kirkham.

Town played some attractive rugby and pressure yielded a penalty which yielded two penalties from the boot of outside-half Rhys Morris.

The home side continued to use the wind in their favour and some good play down the right led to the ball being played across the back line where full-back Isaac Davies darted over for a try.

Morris added the extras but Nant Conwy had the final say of the half with an unconverted try from Deian Roberts.

The second-half began brightly for the home side when wing Dylan Nutting danced his way over for a try with Morris unable to add the extras.

The North Wales side’s clever kicking game put the hosts under increased pressure which culminated in a second try from Deian Roberts.

Two penalties from Morgan put Nant Conwy ahead midway through the second-half.

However the match remained in the balance until a mistake in the home 22 gave Nant Conwy the platform to attack with Ynyr Roberts crossing under the posts.

Newtown gave their all in an effort to save the game but in the dying embers of the game Ifan Jones raced over for a try to ensure no way back for the home side.

Coach Stephen Rowlands praised his Newtown side.

Rowlands said: “It was another great advert for local rugby with both sides fielding 22 players.

“The final score didn’t reflect how close this game was. With 60 minutes on the clock, it could’ve gone either way.”