The first game between UWIC and Pontyclun saw UWIC with much of the possession in the first half taking a 33-0 lead at half-time. Pontyclun, undeterred, made a number of changes and played the second half with renewed vigour taking the second half by 12 points to nil.
Final score: UWIC 32 Pontyclun 12.
In an evenly contested second semi-final between Dolgellau and Cardiff Quins, the match was decided by the pace of Quins’ No.13 Hayley Baxter, who scored 4 long range tries.
Played in poor conditions of wind and rain, both sides to their credit tried to play attacking rugby with Quins particularly looking to move the ball at every opportunity to the flying Baxter.
Dolgellau looked dangerous early on with their forward drives taking them behind the Quins defence, but were unable to put points on the board. Slightly against the run of play Quins scored two tries in quick succession but were unable to add the conversions, one of which had to be delayed due to the landing of an air ambulance in the middle of the pitch. After a 10 minute stoppage due to this unusual break in play, Dolgellau replied with two tries of their own to take the half time score to 12-10.
Conditions didn’t improve in the second half but both sides continued to move the ball wide creating an exciting game of rugby with the ball moving through several phases at a time. This provided the opportunity for the referee’s player of the match, Baxter, to run in 3 tries to seal the game.
Final score: Dolgellau 12 Cardiff Quins 25.
Credit must go to both teams for the attractive and entertaining game of rugby they provided in difficult conditions. Quins now go forward to meet UWIC in the National Cup Final on Sunday 27th April, venue TBC.
