RUTHIN 29

DINBYCH 10

DERBY honours went the way of the Blues.

A good crowd turned out at Cae Ddol to see the first Ruthin v Dinbych league derby for three seasons.

Despite wet conditions, spectators were treated to an exciting display of rugby from both sides.

The Blues started the strongest of the two teams and they were two converted tries up after just six minutes.

Prop Zack Roberts grabbed the first when the pack drove over the whitewash from a lineout.

The second try was the result of an inspired bit of play combining backs and forwards, with hooker Liam Davies claiming the score.

Centre Nathan Jones converted both of the tries.

Ruthin kept up the pressure after this and wing Josh Wilson claimed his side's third try after 20 minutes.

With the hosts 19-0 up, it looked as though it would be only a matter of time before the bonus point try came along.

However, the visitors showed considerable grit and determination for the remainder of the half and there was no further score.

Dinbych came out fighting in the second half and within five minutes of the restart, full back Gruff Roberts ran from midfield through the Blues' defence to score.

Within another five minutes, a driving maul by the forwards from a short range lineout resulted in replacement lock Rory Tolley claiming a touch down.

The Blues resisted further Dinbych forays and after going down to 14 men with a sin binning, they gradually regained control.

The visitors still looked dangerous, but with five minutes to go and after a period of pressure, Josh Wilson went over for Ruthin's bonus point try.

Nathan Jones converted and he then kicked a penalty goal for good measure a few minutes later to complete a successful day for Ruthin.

For the away side, second half replacement Andrew Deakin gave an assured in an unaccustomed position at scrum half, having played as a flanker in the previous match.