LLANGEFNI 9

RUTHIN 21

THE lads from Cae Ddol are back up into the top-three.

With Nant Conwy losing to title-chasing Pwllheli, Ruthin took full advantage by reclaiming third spot in the WRU League Division One (North) standings courtesy of their 21-9 success at Llangefni.

The two sides fought out a tough encounter at Cae Smyrna on Saturday, with the winner in doubt until the final minutes.

Despite their lowly position, the home side put Ruthin under pressure from kick-off and only strong defence - a feature throughout the match - kept them at bay.

After clearing their lines, the Blues went on the attack and after some excellent scrummaging in the home 22, second row Deian Lloyd Williams nipped over the line for a try.

This was converted by full back Dyfan Humphreys.

Llangefni returned to the attack immediately and they reduced the arrears with a penalty from Rhys Hughes.

They continued to test the visitors’ defence, offloading and moving the ball about the park with accuracy and after half-an-hour they were awarded another kickable penalty.

Hughes obliged to cut the gap between the sides to a single point.

From the restart, Ruthin made the most of a lineout just in the opposition half and centre Mike Jones forced his way through the defence before releasing Humphreys to run over the whitewash for a try.

Humphreys' conversion turned this into a seven-pointer.

Immediately after the break, Llangefni returned to the attack and Hughes reduced the arrears again with his third penalty.

Ruthin tried to widen the gap again, but Cefni’s defence held and the middle of the second half was a defensive tussle, with the hosts having much of the possession and territory.

Towards the end of the last quarter, the Blues began to mount a more concerted attack and, after some great scrummaging in the 22, scrum half Cai Edwards nipped over for a try, which was converted by Humphreys.

The last few minutes were spent in midfield as Llangefni tried to launch another attack, but it was to no avail.