BRO FFESTINIOG 12

RUTHIN 25

SEVEN years of bad luck has come to an end for the battling Blues!

In-form Ruthin took a much changed team to Bro Ffestiniog over the weekend, with injury and unavailability affecting their build-up.

The lads from Cae Ddol were expecting a tough Division One (North) game at Bro Ffestiniog, with Ruthin not managing to secure a victory at the ground in the last seven seasons.

Many regulars were missing and some figures had to play in unfamiliar positions.

Fortunately, despite recent heavy rain, the pitch was in good condition thanks to recent drainage work carried out. This helped Ruthin’s lively back division, who were able to score three tries on the day.

After a short period of Bro dominance, Ruthin were awarded a penalty in the 22 for a deliberate knock-on.

Following a quick tap, Jordan Jones burst over the line, however he was denied a score as the ball was held up and not grounded.

All was not lost, though, and following a long penalty kick to the 22 and a quick passing move, Jordan Jones touched down near the posts.

Dyfan Humphreys was successful with the ensuing conversion attempt.

Following high tackles, both sides had players yellow carded.

As Ruthin were the more effective in the loose, the extra space gave them the edge and on the back of a long penalty advantage, Bryn Shepperd touched down for an unconverted try.

Yet another high tackle gave Ruthin a penalty that was kicked by Dyfan Humphreys to end a first half that Ruthin had won decisively.

The second half started in much the same way, with Dyfan Humphreys scoring a try, which he then converted himself.

Bro Ffestiniog came back and they applied long periods of pressure as the sin-binned players returned.

This pressure eventually resulted in their first try from skipper Tom James, which was duly converted by Danny McCormack.

As the pressure continued, Ruthin were glad to have a penalty opportunity from a scrum and this was successfully kicked by Dyfan Humphreys to increase his side's lead.

Bro Ffestiniog were able to score another try after this via Ewart Williams, however this time it was not converted.

Despite pressing for another try to secure a bonus point, Ruthin were unable to add to their tally, but four points were in the bag courtesy if their 25-12 victory margin.