RUTHIN 24

DOLGELLAU 5

IT may not have been pretty, but Division One (North) frontrunners got the job done in their home clash with Dolgellau.

The game would be best described as scrappy, while conditions were cold and damp after overnight rain.

Meanwhile, several of the stars missing from the previous week's thrashing of Llangefni and Ruthin put in a performance that was adequate to gain a bonus point victory, but which left a lot of possible scores unclaimed.

In the first 20 minutes, Ruthin put Dolgellau under huge pressure, spending almost all of the time in the visitors' 22.

Due to a catalogue of errors in handling and decision-making, in addition to a stout defensive effort from their opponents, Ruthin were unable to get any points on the board.

Eventually, Mike Jones managed to finish off a move involving forwards and backs, and he crossed for a try wide out which was not converted by Dyfan Humphries.

Humphries would go on to convert two of Ruthin's three additional tries.

The half then continued as before, with Ruthin in command and flanker Owain Jones scored the second try, which was this time converted.

At last, Dolgellau did manage to threaten the Ruthin line, but the half-time whistle put an end to their resurgence.

The second half started in lively fashion with scrum half Cai Edwards scampering over for a try near the posts, which was again converted.

Ruthin's bonus point was in the bag when number eight Chris Davies crashed over for his side's fourth try and the conversion was missed as it just glanced off the upright.

Dolgellau refused to throw in the towel and they gained some reward for their efforts when flanker Peter Blake crossed for an unconverted try.

The rest of the game reverted to type, with Ruthin mostly dominant, but they didn't score again.

That wasn't for the want of trying, though, as Chris Davies was stopped on the line and a penalty was awarded to Ruthin.

They opted for a scrum five metres out, only to be penalised in the set-piece for Dolgellau to clear their lines to end the match.

The bonus point win keeps Ruthin three points clear of second-placed Pwllheli at the top of the table.

It was also a victorious weekend for Ruthin 2nds in Division Three (North) action.

The unbeaten Blues retained their position at the top of the standings on the back of their 19-8 home success versus Machynlleth.