Bala battle back to end their losing run in the league

CAERNARFON 13

A SECOND half fightback did the trick to give Bala a welcome weekend win.

The men from Maes Gwyniad went into Saturday's Gwynedd clash at home to Caernarfon on a run of four consecutive WRU League Division One (North) defeats.

A fifth loss on the bounce appeared to be heading Bala's way when they trailed their visitors 10-0 close to half-time.

However, a penalty try right at the end of the first half paved the way for a Bala fightback.

"It was very tough and I think it was two sides struggling a bit with confidence," said Bala chairman Tony Parry.

"But we came out on top."

Two tries - after 11 and 33 minutes - had Caernarfon in the box seat, but Bala crucially hit back prior to the interval.

With half-time close, the home side claimed a penalty try, which cut the visitors' lead to just three points at the interval.

"They played better than us in the first half, but we got that try and that kicked us on," added Parry.

Bala made a rapid start to the second period and they levelled the score on the back of a successful penalty from the boot of Llion Jones.

Midway through the second half and Bala claimed the lead for the first time during the course of the contest.

Ilan Rowlands crossed the whitewash to make it 15-10 in favour of the hosts.

A second penalty from the boot of Llion Jones stretched the home side's advantage out to eight points, but there were some nervy moments for Bala to endure during the closing stages.

With five minutes remaining, a yellow card reduced Bala to 14 men and Caernarfon kicked a penalty to reduce the gap between the teams down to just five points.

Despite their numerical advantage, the visitors couldn't make this count in the last few minutes and Bala were able to see the game out.

"A fair result would probably have been a drawn game," added Parry.

"A couple of players came back from injury on Saturday and they were subbing.

"They made a bit of a difference when they came on, but we have still got a few players missing.

"Hopefully in the next few weeks they will come back."