BETHESDA 18

RUTHIN 5

THE campaign has come to a halt on a losing note for the lads from Cae Ddol.

Ruthin and Bethesda battled out their last WRU League Division One (North) game of the season on a beautiful day in Gwynedd on Saturday.

Ruthin have been depleted by injuries to players in the last few games and they fielded a number of players making their debuts for the first team.

These included the Lloyd Jones brothers on permit from Llangollen and ex-youth player Cameron Miller, with the bench being bolstered by veteran Sam Higgitt.

The only score in the first half was a penalty goal by Bethesda full back Gethin Long after seven minutes had elapsed.

Defences were in the ascendancy and for Ruthin, the contest followed the pattern of their last few games.

They enjoyed good possession and plenty of time in the opposition 22, but there was an inability to convert this pressure into points.

While Bethesda’s backs always looked dangerous, they were contained by the Blues' defence in the first half.

The home side started the second half with some urgency and they were moving the ball about well.

After a few minutes of the second period, Long ran through the visiting defence for a try, which he converted himself.

Ruthin went back on the attack after this and Bethesda had to withstand some concerted pressure for some while before the ball was cleared, with the Blues once more having nothing to show for their effort.

Back in their own half, it was Ruthin’s turn to defend, but they would go further behind on the back of a drop goal from fly half Carwyn Williams.

Once again, the Blues went on the attack and after some good phase play, full back Josh Wilson put five points on the board via an unconverted try.

The reduced gap between the sides was not destined to last long, though, as Long again forced his way through the Blues' defence for an unconverted try shortly before the 80 minutes were up, sealing Bethesda's 18-5 success.