BALA 18

LLANDUDNO 7

IF only the season was starting now for Bala.

While Llandudno and Pwllheli are the two clubs vying for the WRU League Division One (North) crown this season, it is Bala who are North Wales' form team.

While they have already ended Pwllheli's unbeaten league run this season, the men from Maes Gwyniad did the same to league leaders Llandudno over the weekend.

Llandudno boasted a record of 13 wins from 13 matches ahead of the kick-off, but Bala were celebrating at the final whistle after they managed to confirm their 11th win on the bounce.

Bala recalled their narrow loss at Llandudno earlier this season ahead of the kick-off and club chairman Tony Parry said: "The lads wanted it.

"We controlled the first half."

In front of a large crowd for the Division One (North) match of the day, Bala made a bright start and they took the leads after 10 minutes.

Ilan Rowlands' unconverted try had the home side in the box seat and Bala would not let their advantage slip for the remainder of the match.

The home side cemented their lead with a couple of penalties from the boot of Javier Peyera.

This ensured that Bala had an 11-point advantage at the interval.

Llandudno would have been keen to preserve their undefeated record when the second half got underway, but they slipped even further behind just moments after the restart.

A kick from the visitors was charges down and Owain Puw hacked the ball on before touching down for a key score.

Javier Peyera turned it into a seven-pointer courtesy of a fine kick from out wide.

After this, the league leaders began to keep the ball in hand, using their forwards to take play into the Bala half of the pitch.

However, they were met by a strong home defence.

The match now became a physical battle, with Bala feeling that the visiting players overstepped the mark.

However, players from both sides were issued with yellow cards.

The league frontrunners were eventually rewarded in the 65th minute when Aled Meredith finished off a forward drive.

Arthur Lennon's conversion was slotted between the uprights.

Strong tackling from the respective defences ensured there was no further score.

With two minutes to go, a player from each side was red-carded, while scuffles continued after the final whistle was sounded.

All of this failed to detract from what was a superb Bala success.

The big games will keep on coming for Bala, whose next contest will be a North Wales Cup semi-final at Nant Conwy.

In further weekend action, Llandudno 2nds defeated Bala 2nds 37-18.