photo by Rhyl Rugby

Rhyl fought out a hard earned draw against a Catalan academy team on tour of England and Wales.

Fielding four Welsh internationals in Dale Blackmore, Ethan Woodfine, Jake Brown and Kriss Wilkes, Rhyl tore into the visitors from the first whistle with Wilkes scoring wide out and Blackmore adding the conversion to take a early six point lead.

Catalan hit back finishing the first half the stronger scoring three tries one converted to go in at the break 6-14 in front.

When the French scored first in the second half it looked like they were out of

sight leading 6-18. Rhyl then started to take control of the game with Blackmore making the hard yards and getting in the face of the opposition.  This unsettled the Catalan forcing a number of errors and penalties.

Rhyl totally dominated the last quarter with Ynynr Edwards, Brown and Woodfine all going over to level the game.

The home team were now driving forward at every opportunity but great Catalan defence stood firm with them holding on for the draw.

article by Rhyl Rugby
17 April 2007