NANT CONWY 28

RUTHIN 17

MISTAKES and an inability to capitalise on set pieces.

These were big features for Ruthin during the first half of their Specsavers Plate first round tie at Nant Conwy on Saturday.

After a rather scrappy 20 minutes, it was Nant who got points on the board first with a try.

However, the Blues responded virtually immediately when full back Nathan Jones burst over the try line.

Again, the home side came back and the Blues were unable to defend from a Nant lineout five yards out, with the home side scoring their second try.

This was converted by fly half Jac Ellis.

Ruthin then went back on the attack and after an infringement in their 22 preventing an almost certain score, the visitors were awarded a penalty try.

Nant were moving the ball around the park well and after being awarded a penalty in the visitors' 22, Ellis slotted the ball over the crossbar.

Ruthin were still struggling in the set pieces and after losing the ball on their own lineout, Nant passed the ball out to the wing and scored.

The whistle blew for half-time with Nant Conwy 22-12 ahead.

The second half was rather a different affair as the Blues tried to reduce the arrears and they went on the attack.

Set pieces were much improved, while much of the third quarter was spent in Nant’s half of the field.

However, Ruthin’s ability to score was restricted by them frequently conceding penalties and allowing Nant to clear their lines.

Eventually, after 65 minutes of play, centre Emyr Gwynedd crossed the home side’s whitewash to put the Blues within one score of Nant.

Nant Conwy went back on the attack, but the game was stopped after an injury to a home player.

After the restart, Nant Conwy grabbed an additional three points with a penalty goal from Ellis and this made sure that the final score was 28-17 in favour of the home team.

Full back Elgan Roberts crossed for two of Nant Conwy's tries, while number eight Carwyn Ellis also scored.