logo
Second half of thrilling North Wales season gets underway

Second half of thrilling North Wales season gets underway

Leader Live4 hours ago

Just 15 points separate the top-six teams in the division and with 18 points being awarded for victories, plenty more twists and turns are anticipated over the coming months.
Northop are one of those sides in the mix for the top honour heading into tomorrow's trip to Gwersyllt Park.
However, Jamie Griffiths, skipper of seventh-placed Park, wants a third win on the bounce for his team to put them in the conversation.
Griffiths said: 'Every game is a challenge and we will never shy away from a challenge.
'Things are picking up. We all know what the jobs are we've got to do and people have got to take responsibilities.
'It's all about improving and we're still a long way from where we want to be, but we are making strides forward.
'It's a building process and this is a big game. If we can beat them, we are in the pack.'
Northop bolstered their own lofty aims with a thrilling 13-run triumph at defending champions Mochdre last time out, inspired by a sparkling century from Jordan Evans.
'Jordan batted brilliantly and he is a class player,' said Northop captain Bart Ryan-Beswick.
'It was a good win and the lads bowled really well.'
Northop will welcome Welsh international Romano Franco back into the side tomorrow and Ryan-Beswick is anticipating a tough test.
He added: 'They are in good nick and it's never an easy place to go and play.
'We are at full strength, so we will give it a good go.'
Brymbo have placed themselves in an excellent position after winning six of their matches so far.
Dan Parry's side are in fourth position and there's a big game in store tomorrow as they play host to third-placed Mochdre.
Parry said: 'This week it's a big game. All of them now are big games.
'There are nine games to go. It will be interesting to see where everybody is and what availability's like.
'We have got some wrongs to put right against Mochdre and so have they.
'We should have beaten them at their place at the start of the season.'
Brymbo are weighing up a few changes to their line-up ahead of the match.
In another tasty encounter, leaders Bangor pay a visit to fifth-placed Menai Bridge tomorrow, while second-placed St Asaph are at home to basement side Bethesda.
In further action, Conwy are at Denbigh.
A super Sunday is lined up in the Welsh Cup. Gwersyllt Park will be hoping to avoid a shock when they make the trip to Division One Mold.
Meanwhile, an intriguing match-up is in store as Northop Hall welcome Brymbo.
'It will be a challenging game,' admitted Hall skipper Ben Slater. 'They're obviously a very, very good side.'
The other tie sees Mochdre at home to Colwyn Bay. Northop were scheduled to be at St Asaph, but this tie has been rearranged for July 6.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cambridge sign former Swansea goalkeeper Hughes
Cambridge sign former Swansea goalkeeper Hughes

BBC News

time12 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Cambridge sign former Swansea goalkeeper Hughes

Cambridge United have signed Welsh goalkeeper Ben Hughes on a two-year 21-year-old joins the League Two U's after leaving Swansea City earlier this year, where he had played for the club's under-18 and under-21 has yet to make a senior appearance in the EFL and says his move to Cambridge is "a big moment in my career" and "the right step"."I just want to develop as much as I can, get that first-team exposure and help the group however I can," he added., externalThe transfer is subject to international clearance and Cambridge have not revealed the length of his is U's the club's second permanent signing of the summer window after former Manchester City forward Ben Knight agreed a one-year deal.

Tonight's rugby news as chief clear on Franco Smith future and Wales international saved from drop
Tonight's rugby news as chief clear on Franco Smith future and Wales international saved from drop

Wales Online

time2 hours ago

  • Wales Online

Tonight's rugby news as chief clear on Franco Smith future and Wales international saved from drop

Tonight's rugby news as chief clear on Franco Smith future and Wales international saved from drop The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Smith's future has been made clear by the Scottish Rugby CEO These are your evening rugby headlines on Friday, June 20. Chief clear on Smith's future Scottish Rugby chief executive Alex Williamson says he wants Franco Smith to stay on as Glasgow Warriors boss beyond his current tenure, after the South African was linked with succeeding Warren Gatland as Wales head coach. Smith - who is also viewed by many in Scotland as a natural successor to national team boss Gregor Townsend - emerged as an early candidate to take over from Gatland following the New Zealander's departure from the role during the Six Nations. ‌ While Townsend's assistant Steve Tandy remains the front runner for the top job in Wales, Smith still finds his name being linked to the vacant role, which is being filled in the interim by Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. ‌ Smith - whose contract with Glasgow runs until the end of next year - also left the door open to the move earlier this year, as he revealed in a television interview that he would like to coach international rugby again, teasing that "you never know" what he might do next. However, Williamson has made it clear where he sees Smith's future, as he outlined his vision for the immediate future of Scottish rugby in an interview with MailOnline. The former House of Fraser CEO is keen for Townsend - whose contract expires next spring - to stay on as Scotland's head coach despite a disappointing Six Nations campaign, and wants Smith and Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt to also remain in their posts going forward. Article continues below "We absolutely want continuity with the coaches and we really like the three guys we've got and we'd really like to keep them," said Williamson. "I think that those three men's coaches [Townsend, Smith and Everitt], I anticipate them being our coaching team. That's my preference, in the same roles as now. "I'm touring with Scotland and I'm going to have plenty of time with Gregor [to hold discussions]. His manager is in New Zealand as well so that's all helpful. And we're talking to Franco and Sean as well. "Because I haven't had the conversation with [Townsend] I really want to recognize there's a two-way flow here but we really like the idea of the continuity of the three guys here. ‌ It comes after Smith expressed frustration over the decision to not retain some of Glasgow's foreign players like Henco Venter in favour of focusing on Scottish-qualified talent. "When we're talking about Franco, we absolutely want him in," Williamson added. "In fact, I fully respect his emotional frustrations. "You kind of want your coaches to be loaded and charged and emotional and frustrated, particularly in moments like those, but I don't actually think there is a huge gap between what Franco wants and what we're talking about. ‌ "The challenge is probably that the structures aren't bedded in and as a consequence we've not really had the opportunity to test and stress test the thinking. "We all believe that there is a place for foreign players, they just have to be the right ones in the right moments." Wales international saved from drop French side Biarritz have been successful in their appeal against being relegated from Pro D2. ‌ The former Top 14 champions - who count former Wales international Tyler Morgan among their players - were demoted to the Nationale 1 at the end of last month due to financial irregularities. The club have been plagued by financial problems for the last five years, and having failed to provide guarantees of future investment that would help them to overcome those issues, they were automatically relegated to the third tier. However, they have now managed to have that decision overturned and will be back in the Pro D2 next season, albeit with a three-point penalty from the start of the campaign. ‌ In a statement, the club said that the decision "represents an important step for an institution that wishes to start anew on a healthier footing and build a more stable future. 'As part of this decision, the Federation also deducted three points from the standings for the 2025-2026 season," the statement continued. "The club accepts this decision and acknowledges the facts with which it is accused. "It is fully aware of the sporting challenge this sanction represents. It accepts, responsibly, to do everything possible to quickly overcome this handicap. The entire institution, from players to staff, including employees and volunteers, is mobilised to meet this challenge with determination and ambition. ‌ 'Initial structural changes have already been initiated. These will be followed by other strong measures necessary to ensure the club's long-term future.' As a result of the decision, Stade Nicois are the only team relegated from Pro D2 this season, with promoted Caracassonne replacing them in the next campaign as they move up from the Nationale 1. Shingler joins Scotland set-up Former Scarlets and Cardiff back Steve Shingler has been made an assistant coach of Scotland Women, two months ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup. ‌ He has been appointed to the coaching team alongside Ross Miller following the departure of former England winger Matt Banahan, who has left his role as an attack coach to move on to another coaching opportunity. Shingler - who played for Wales U20s and is the brother of former Wales senior international Aaron - joins the Scottish set-up on secondment from Premiership Women's Rugby side Trailfinders, where he has worked as an assistant coach for the past season. Head coach Bryan Easson admitted he was "disappointed" by Banahan's exit, but said he had been "really impressed" by Shingler, who also worked with Scotland during the recent Women's Six Nations. ‌ "This does now present an exciting opportunity to reset and refresh our coaching team," said Easson. "We welcomed Steve into camp during this year's Six Nations and we were really impressed by him then. "We have several players at Trailfinders, including some of our key attacking players, who have a fantastic relationship with him already and know what he's about which will give us a smooth transition. "Ross has bedded back in with us really well, we've had a brilliant few weeks as a group with him so far. We've worked together for a long time, and he did a great job with us at the last Rugby World Cup. ‌ "I think he's a brilliant addition to the group, he knows the players and the players know him which helps too." Freeman: Lions will be 'fun and dangerous' By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent Tommy Freeman insists the British and Irish Lions' heavyweight threequarters are ready to give the Australia tour lift off by leaving a lasting impression on Argentina in Dublin. ‌ Andy Farrell is fielding the biggest centres and wings he has available in his squad with England try machine Freeman joined by Duhan van der Merwe, Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu. All four weigh over 100kg and the muscular midfield partnership of Aki and Tuipulotu in particular is generating excitement ahead of Friday's curtain raiser to the expedition Down Under. Freeman is keen for them to make a statement by going for the jugular against a dangerous Pumas side that is ranked fifth in the world. ‌ 'Without giving away too much, hopefully there will be a lot of tries and instinctive playing. It's going to be a lot of fun – and dangerous,' Freeman said. 'We're not going to be there to set stuff up and go through phases for the sake of going through phases. We want to score off the back of anything we can. 'There are threats that players have to offer and we have ball players who can put us into space.' ‌ The first outing of a 10-fixture itinerary that culminates in a three-Test series against the Wallabies will provide an early indication of the Lions' tactical identity under Farrell. Richard Wigglesworth hinted at the creative prowess of half-backs Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith and full-back Marcus Smith when analysing the potential to trouble Argentina, but even the tourists' attack coach concedes it is the combination of Aki and Tuipulotu that really captures the imagination. 'We've got power, pace and no little skill in between. I'm excited to see the centre partnership as they can play through and around teams. They should create some space for those boys outside,' Wigglesworth said. ‌ 'They can definitely test the gain line, but they've also got really high-level skill with a short passing game and balls out the back.' Farrell has lit a fire under those players involved against Argentina by declaring the race for Test places is wide open. The challenge facing Freeman and his team-mates is to capture the eye of the Lions head coach with individual performances that will propel them into his thinking against Australia, while also serving the greater cause. Article continues below 'Andy has been really good talking about us impressing each other rather than anyone else outside the picture,' Freeman said. 'You want to obviously play well for yourself and get yourself selected for these Test matches and doing that on Friday night would help, but at the end of the day you have to play well and do your role for the team. 'This week will there will be pressure in the back of your mind and you can't ignore it, but every time you put that shirt on or training gear you want to put your best foot forward and do the best you can for the team and yourself.'

Flint bolster their ranks with the acquisition of Faux
Flint bolster their ranks with the acquisition of Faux

Leader Live

time2 hours ago

  • Leader Live

Flint bolster their ranks with the acquisition of Faux

Faux, who has also played locally for Cefn Druids and Connah's Quay Nomads, is team boss Lee Fowler's third signing of the summer and he spent last season at Caernarfon Town. The 28-year-old tricky wide player started out with Bolton Wanderers U23s and he first entered the Welsh system in the summer of 2019. Fowler told the club's website: 'Joe is a player I've chased for a couple of years, same as Jack Thorn really. 'He has been hampered with injury in the last couple of seasons and then finding others doing well in his role, so he has had a bit of a stop-start time of it, and has stagnated a bit. 'So, hopefully, this is a fresh start for him. When he's come up against us in the past, he has always been bright and lively, and given us problems. 'I'm not sure if it's because he has done really well or that our full backs have been awful, we'll soon find out!! 'Seriously, he will add quality on the pitch and also off it with his personality, and I'm sure he will be a real popular figure in and around the club.' Mold Alex opened their series of pre-season friendlies with a 1-0 triumph versus Prestatyn Town. A first half strike from Aidan Farren sealed the win for Barry Owen's side, who are back in action this evening at home to St Asaph City. In further friendly action this evening, FC Queens Park play host to Rhos Aelwyd, while Rhostyllen make the trip to Prestatyn Town. Llangollen Town are on tour to the Republic of Ireland as they begin their pre-season programme tomorrow. They are off to Bray to take on Boghall Rovers. Holywell Town will open their preparations for the new Cymru North season when they welcome Llangefni Town tomorrow. Tomorrow's other friendlies: Caersws v Penycae; Connah's Quay Tn v Broughton Utd; Rhuddlan Tn v Greenfield.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store