BALA 43

DOLGELLAU 0

LAST season, a poor start to the season denied Bala the opportunity to stake a claim for the WRU League Division One (North) title.

From November onwards, the men from Maes Gwyniad were the team to beat and they were on a par with title chasing Llandudno and Pwllheli.

However, Bala have made a superb start to the current campaign.

Dolgellau’s return to the top-flight was a painful one as Bala emerged victorious by a thumping 43-0 margin on a sunny and warm late summer afternoon.

The home side dominated this derby match from start to finish, scoring seven unanswered tries.

Bala held the upper hand in the set pieces from the off and the pattern for the contest was set as early as the sixth minute.

The Bala forwards stole a Dolgellau lineout five metres out and the ensuing drive finished off with outside half Owain Aled squeezing over for the opening score, which he duly converted himself.

Bala were bolstered by the return of outstanding number eight Ilan Rowlands from RGC and he drove over for Bala’s second try after a quarter-of-an-hour.

Owain Aled converted to put the hosts 14-0 up.

Two tries in quick succession each side of the first quarter secured Bala a bonus point.

The first went to hooker Endaf Jones and the second came via a long and winding run from left wing Elgan Evans.

Owain Aled converted the second score to make it 26-0 at the interval.

Dolgellau tried in vain to get any sort of foothold in the match, but Bala remained on the front foot in the second period.

Full back Miall Roberts scored Bala’s fifth try after 49 minutes and again the visitors grappled gamely for everything without ever looking to threaten the home line.

Completing a fine afternoon, the hosts scored two late tries.

Flanker Iestyn Dylan was on hand to crossing with six minutes left, with this score being converted by Owain Aled.

It was left to Aled himself to complete the scoring via his second try of the game with less than a minute to play.