Celts beat Dragons in rain to make final

The match at Brookfield Drive between Conwy Celts and Deeside Dragons began in torrential rain. However, this didn't prevent the players displaying good running, passing and handling skills.

The Dragons opened the scoring with a well worked try from Barry Jones, scoring under the posts. His try was converted by Owain Aled giving the visitors an early lead.

Good ball handling and aggressive forward play by the Dragons resulted in Celts giving away a series of penalties, and they took full advantage of this situation, scoring a second try by Andrew Becker, which was again converted by Owain Aled. This put Dragons in the lead by 12 points to nil.

The Celts realised that they had to be more disciplined in their approach to the game, and the hosts began to put some good forward play together. This was rewarded by a try finished off by scrum half David Patterson, which he also converted.

Dee Valley Dragons were not content with having a try scored against them, and they very quickly came back with a third try by Elgan Evans. This was converted by Owain Aled.

At half time the score was 18 – 6 to Dragons, who looked as though they were going dominate proceedings for the remainder of the afternoon.

The second half began with Celts looking like a different team - obviously coach Ray Caldwell had a few words to say about discipline during the half time break.

After some good forward runs, with special mention of Mike Pearce, Conwy Celts got back on the score board with a try from Sam Brain, converted by David Patterson. And the Celts' renewed discipline prevented them giving away any more penalties, this resulting in them scoring a further try trough James Gregson, and the sure footed David Patterson goaled.

As the game was coming to a close and the match looked as though it was going to go to extra time, the magic boot of David Paterson kicked a magnificent drop goal, giving Celts the lead for the first time in the match.

The visitors worked hard to get back on terms with strong runs from their forwards and good support from their three quarters, noticeably centre Mike Daniels. However, no matter how valiant Dragons' efforts were, Celts scored a further try with two minutes to full time. It was also converted, and that took the Celts into the final with a 25-18 triumpth.