DOLGELLAU 20 – 19 CHESTER

Last season’s corresponding game finished 40-38 to Dolgellau.  With the Dolgellau hooker injured early on, the game was restricted to uncontested scrums which probably favoured Chester more than the hosts.  With an even first half developing the only score came following fluent passing by Chester involving a dozen passes before a score under the posts which was converted. 

The second half resumed with a change in Dolgellau tactics.  With a weakness in kicking perceived in Chester’s defence, Dolgellau successfully used their stand off and inside centre to kick behind the Chester first line defence and consistently gain territory.  From this strategy came Dolgellau’s first score with the forwards developing a powerful maul and an unconverted try resulting.  Chester fought back and a well planned back move saw them take the lead with an unconverted try.  However from the restart poor Chester defence ceded the ball and a clever chip and chase saw another unconverted try for Dolgellau. Dolgellau now had the bit between their teeth and soon scored again to lead 15-12.  More pressure from Dolgellau saw Chester’s lack of kicking exposed as Chester tried to run the ball out from 5 metres, conceded possession and were ruthlessly exploited with another try following for Dolgellau to lead 20-12.

With time running out Chester attacked again and scored a converted try but that was the last play of the game and Dolgellau were victorious 20-19.  This was a great advert for rugby with the result never a conclusion, played with the right attitude with a competitive but fair view taken by all and objectively refereed.

Match report submitted by Chester RFC