RUTHIN 10

PWLLHELI 3

THE brilliant Blues have done something that no other club in North Wales has achieved this season.

On Saturday, Ruthin were in superb form to end Pwllheli's 100 per cent winning record in Division One (North).

With a saturating and steady rain starting just before the match and continuing for the full 80 minutes, Ruthin and Pwllheli played out an exciting game in gradually worsening conditions at Cae Ddol.

The home side started with considerable energy.

Twice in the first few minutes the Blues got over the try line, only to have the score disallowed.

Then, after 12 minutes, fly half Phyl Roberts kicked the ball over the whitewash, ran forward and touched down just before the dead ball line.

Full back Dyfan Humphreys converted and the hosts were 7-0 up.

The game was being played at a furious pace as Ruthin continued to attack, with the visitors defending and trying to break out of defence.

Again, the Blues got over the try line, but the ball was adjudged to have been held up.

Play continued almost completely in the visitors’ half of the field and just before half-time, Humphreys kicked a penalty goal. Pwllheli responded to mount an attack and they were awarded a kickable penalty, which Osian Parry Jones slotted over.

The whistle blew for half-time with the score 10-3 in Ruthin's favour.

There was no further score in the second half, but the lack of score belied an enthralling display by both sides in what was now a mud bath.

Pwllheli came out fighting and only sterling defence kept them from scoring.

Both sides went down to 14 men when players were red carded after a minor fracas.

A yellow card then saw Ruthin going down to 13 men.

Pwllheli got over the try line, but like the Blues in the first half they had a try disallowed.

The Blues returned to the attack, with their improved fitness and organisation showing as they tried to widen the gap.

However, Pwllheli’s defence held and after a final midfield play, the final whistle confirmed a fantastic Ruthin win.