IT turned out to be a year of what-ifs for Bala Rugby Club.

Although they have been close to silverware, the outcomes in the big matches always seem to go against the lads from Maes Gwyniad.

Bala made it through to the final of last season's Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup.

However, 12 months after losing out to Nant Conwy in the final, Bala were the runners-up once more as they were beaten 32-10 by league champions Pwllheli.

The never-say-die Bala outfit didn't allow their heads to drop and they claimed two late tries.

Replacement Endaf Jones touched down for his side after a concerted attack by Bala's pack.

Three minutes before the final whistle, Bala sceured their second try from Rhydian Jones to round off the scoring.

Bala were targeting a top-three finish in Division One (North) last season and they just required a win in their last match against Caernarfon to achieve this.

However, a try in the 79th minute made sure it was Caernarfon who finished up in third position, while Bala had to be content with fourth.

Bala were well set for third spot when they held a 28-25 advantage heading into the dying minutes, but a charge down try saw Caernarfon turn things around to gather a slender 32-28 victory.

Turning to the current campaign and Bala were agonisingly close to claiming victory at Nant Conwy in early September.

With less than 10 minutes remaining, Bala looked to be home and dry as they held a 12-point advantage.

However, Nant Conwy came storming back in amazing fashion with two converted tries, sealing an unlikely triumph in added-on time.

Elgan Evans and captain Ilan Rowlands crossed for Bala's tries, while Owain Aled kicked two penalties and two conversions in a 22-20 loss.

Bala embarked on an impressive winning run before they headed to defending champions Pwllheli in early November.

Once more, there was agony for the visitors, who were edged out 20-19.

Bala appeared to be on course for victory, only for a late penalty to deny them.

Owain Pugh and Garin Davies bagged first half tries as Bala raced into a 16-0 lead.

Pwllheli responded to score 17 unanswered points to take the lead, only for Owain Aled to slot over a penalty and put Bala back in the box seat.

Pwllheli had to reply and the did so with two minutes remaining when Osian Parry Jones broke Bala hearts with a penalty from all of 45 metres.

To conclude the year, Bala entertained Division One (North) leaders Nant Conwy last weekend and it was the visitors who just about came out on top 12-8.