Ruthin hold on to end their losing run

BRO FFESTINIOG 12

THAT winning feeling has returned for the Blues.

Following a run of five consecutive losses in league and cup action, Ruthin got back to winning ways at Cae Ddol on Saturday in a hard-fought match against Bro Ffestiniog.

The result was in the balance right into injury time, but it was the hosts who came away with the main plaudits to climb back into the top-six in the Division One (North) standings.

On a heavy pitch after a night’s rain, the Blues started brightly with two tries from wing Josh Wilson in the first quarter-of-an-hour.

The visitors responded and after a period of dogged attacks forcing mistakes from Ruthin, fly half Huw James ran through the home defence for a try, which he converted himself.

There were now just three points between the teams and both sides were trying to gain the ascendancy, but with a slippery ball and the heavy conditions there was no further score and half-time arrived with Ruthin 10-7 to the good.

The second half started with a shower of rain, which made the conditions even more difficult.

Ruthin were camped on the visitors’ try-line for a period, but sterling defence from Bro kept them out and the play switched to the Blues' 22.

Ruthin had to similarly defend hard to prevent a score.

Eventually, play again swung to Bro Ffestiniog’s half and after a fracas near the 10-yard line, yellow cards resulted in both sides going down to 14 men.

With some 10 minutes left to play, Josh Wilson broke out of defence and raced upfield.

He offloaded to centre Emyr Gwynedd for a try between the posts, which was converted by fly half Nathan Jones.

The Blues' relief at having a 10-point advantage lasted only a few minutes, however, as the visitors returned to the attack.

After testing the Ruthin defence again, prop Dylan Jones went over for an unconverted try. The last few minutes were anxious ones for Ruthin's supporters, with Bro once again piling on the pressure.

Eventually, the ball returned to Ruthin’s hands and it was kicked into touch to confirm a 17-12 triumph.