BETHESDA 20

RUTHIN 22

THERE was a real WRU League Division One (North) cliff hanger between two well-matched and well-drilled sides.

The result of Ruthin's trip to Bethesda was in doubt until the very last minute.

Ruthin started well and they were rewarded with a try after just five minutes.

This was scored by second row Cameron Lumsden after the pack pushed over the Bethesda whitewash.

The home side responded immediately and after five minutes of pressure on the Blues' defence, scrum half Carwyn Williams scored a try to level up the score.

Both sides were playing good rugby, but they were finding it difficult to get past two strong defences.

After 20 minutes of play, Blues' centre Nathan Jones kicked a penalty goal to nudge his side back into the lead.

However, within a further 10 minutes, Bethesda had evened up the score again with a penalty goal from fly half Gerwyn Thomas.

Just on half-time, home centre Steffan Owain got through the Ruthin defence to score his side's second try.

Thomas successfully converted it to put Bethesda 15-8 ahead at the interval.

The match continued in the same vein after the break, with Ruthin having to defend well against a concerted Bethesda attack for the first 10 minutes.

They did well to eventually clear their lines without going further behind.

Back in the home side’s half, the Blues were awarded a penalty, which they kicked into touch.

Ruthin would then drive over Bethesda’s line, with number eight Arwyn Davies getting the try.

Nathan Jones converted to make it 15-15.

Again Bethesda responded and a quarter-of-an-hour from full time, Ellis Ogwen put them back in the lead with an unconverted try.

In the closing minutes of the match, the visitors mounted a ferocious attack, repeatedly launching themselves at the Bethesda defence.

Eventually in the 80th minute, the ball was passed to full back Iestyn Davies, who crossed for a crucial try between the posts.

Nathan Jones kicked the conversion to make sure the Blues won 22-20.