LLANDUDNO 23

RUTHIN 3

THE season has come to an end with a rarity for Ruthin... a defeat!

The Blues were beaten for only the fifth time in the league this season, with Llandudno taking another giant stride towards winning the WRU League Division One (North) crown.

In a hard fought match at Llandudno, the home side managed to contain Ruthin’s attack effectively for much of the match and they came away 23-3 winners.

Looking to guarantee a top-three finish in the division this season, the visitors started strongly.

They charge-down two attempted Llandudno clearances from their own 22 within the first five minutes, but they were unable to convert early pressure into points.

After 20 minutes of play, Llandudno were beginning to make forays into Ruthin’s half and the first points of the game were scored by flanker Bob Davies.

His try was converted by fly half Arthur Lennon.

Within five minutes, the Blues had points on the board themselves via a successful penalty goal from full back Nathan Jones.

Then, Lennon kicked a penalty for Llandudno to widen the gap between the teams again.

Towards the end of the first half, Ruthin played some of their best rugby of the match, but they were unable to get past a Llandudno defence that was quick at the breakdown and rucked well.

The half closed with the home side 10-3 ahead.

After the break, Llandudno tested the Blues defence and after five minutes they went further ahead with a drop goal and a second penalty goal from Lennon.

Again, the Blues tried to get some points on the board, but the home defence held and the play moved upfield into Ruthin’s half.

Wing Oscar Lennon jigged past a couple of Blues defenders for a try and Arthur Lennon converted.

With 20 minutes or so to go, play oscillated from end-to-end with defences in the ascendancy and as the game progressed, things became more disjointed with both sides conceding unnecessary penalties. The final whistle blew with no further score and the win edged Llandudno closer to the title.