BALA 17

RUTHIN 10

NOBODY will fancy facing Bala between now and the end of the season.

The men from Maes Gwyniad made it five wins on the bounce in WRU League Division One (North) courtesy of a 17-10 home success versus local rivals Ruthin.

This was the second weekend in a row that Bala had defeated a side in the top-three, following on from their impressive success at Nant Conwy seven days earlier.

Now up to fifth in the standings, Bala are now eyeing up a potential top-three finish following a tricky start to the campaign.

Ruthin and Bala battled out a scoreless first half in an enthralling match at Maes Gwyniad.

The visitors started well and they found themselves spending much of the first quarter in the home side’s 22.

However, Bala’s workmanlike defence frustrated any attempts by the visitors to get over the try line.

After withstanding the Blues' pressure, Bala themselves went on the attack and Ruthin had to similarly defend well to prevent a score.

Play returned to Bala’s half just before half-time, but again it was to no avail and the whistle blew for the interval with no score.

The situation changed immediately after the break, with wing Josh Wilson speeding over the Bala try line for the Blues' first try.

Within minutes, Bala responded with a try from Owain Puw.

Again, the Blues went on the attack and after some great play from the backs, Josh Wilson grabbed his second try to put Ruthin back into the lead.

Bala’s strong pack was beginning to assert its ascendancy and after Ruthin went down to 14 men with a yellow card, the home forwards drove over the line to secure a try from number eight Dochan Roberts.

This levelled the score once more and Owain Aled duly put Bala in front for the first time.

With about a quarter-of-an-hour left and the score 12-10 to Bala, the home side kept up the pressure and they drove over again.

This time, the move resulted in an unconverted try by prop Dave Yates.

For the last eight minutes, the Blues returned to Bala’s 22, but they were unable to capitalise on this territory and the whistle blew with no further score.