FLINT 5

RUTHIN 2NDS 17

THE Blues managed to come through a tough away day challenge over the weekend.

Ruthin 2nds maintained their unbeaten record in WRU League Division Three (North) on Saturday with a hard fought victory at Flint.

Playing into a strong wind, Ruthin’s front row set out their stall out with some dominant early scrummaging.

The opening score came when the ball was shipped out wide for Luke Lewis to score in the corner.

Flint’s sizeable pack caused Ruthin problems at the breakdown all afternoon, resulting in very little clean ball for scrum half Ifan Clwyd.

Ruthin’s second try came around the 20-minute mark when veteran centre Gethin Hughes crashed over from a short-range tap penalty.

This was converted by Steff Parry, to leave the scoreline 12-0.

Ruthin would have been hopeful of a bonus point after the quickfire start, but Flint came back into the game.

The second half was more of the same story, with Ruthin huffing and puffing but not really getting anywhere due to the commitment and physicality of Flint at the breakdown.

Ruthin lost Gethin Hughes to the sin bin and then Steff Parry to the bloodbin, but they somehow managed to score a third try during the process.

Fine play by centre Eti Fidow took Ruthin up to the 22, before a clever chip through saw Huw Parry collect and score in the corner.

Ruthin’s penalty count continued to grow, meaning captain Joe Mault was spending even more time than normal standing next to the referee.

Flint scored a try with 10 minutes to go reducing their deficit, but that was to be the game's final score.

Ruthin’s defence, led by man of the match Gruff Jones, held out for the time that was remaining and the players were able to celebrate the bus ride home!

The Blues' focus now turns to the local derby at home to Dinbych 2nds on December 28.