A LOFTY Division One North clash ended up going in favour of the Blues.

Top-five rivals Ruthin and Llandudno met at Cae Ddol on what was the home club's annual sponsors' day.

There were good conditions for running rugby and a big crowd was present, although the opening exchanges where cagey with both teams jostling for supremacy.

Ruthin lost prop Jack Wilson to a yellow card after 10 minutes and the first quarter ended with the teams tied at 3-3, with winger Gwion Richards kicking the Blues' points.

On 22 minutes, Wilson received a second yellow card for another infringement, leaving Ruthin with the tough task of playing the remainder of the game with 14 men.

Despite being down a man down, Ruthin's forwards continued their powerful and abrasive work.

A converted try from number eight Arwyn Davies ensured Ruthin went into the break 10-3 ahead.

Llandudno, including four of their RGC players, looked to up the pace and take advantage of their numerical advantage in the second half.

They did cut the gap between the two sides to just two points when Delwyn Jones crossed in the corner for a try.

A further try from the visitors then saw them in the lead at 15-10.

Entering the last quarter, Ruthin gathered themselves for one big, final push.

Fresh legs were introduced off the bench and with the Blues starting to throw the ball around, centre Bryn Sheppard finishing off a fine team move for a try in the corner.

With a quarter-of-an-hour to go, and with the Ruthin supporters’ balcony now in fine fettle, the Blues edged into the lead through incisive running from man of the match Sheppard, who stepped his way past the visiting full back to score his second in the corner.

Replacement wing Nathan Jones sealed a 23-15 victory with a late penalty.