LLANGEFNI 2NDS 18

RUTHIN 2NDS 24

DESPITE the change of year, it's business as usual for Ruthin 2nds!

On a superb day on the Anglesey, the Blues strengthened their position at the top of the Division Three (North) standings by defeating Llangefni 24-18 in a tough and close encounter.

Llangefni were clearly in a confident mood prior to kick-off and they named a good side, including a number of young players who failed to make the trip to Cae Ddol in the last encounter between the two sides.

With their confidence high, the hosts started in dominant fashion and with strong running from their backline, they spent a decent amount of time in the Ruthin half.

It was the forwards who took advantage of this dominance as the Llangefni number eight picked up from a scrum 10 metres out and bulldozed his way to the try-line.

After the restart, Ruthin were relentless in their defence and they soon forced a turnover deep within the Llangefni half.

With the Blues being at their most dangerous attacking from turnovers, fly half Steff Parry whirled a huge pass out to his brother Huw, who then outpaced the scrambling defence to score in the corner.

Deian Williams again improved his stats by kicking a difficult conversion.

Llangefni kept in touch by kicking a penalty, but it was the Ruthin forwards who set up the next score from Joe Mault.

The pack marched a driving maul from 10 metres out over the line for the well organised score.

Another turnover boosted Ruthin further and Ynyr Roberts scored a well worked try in the corner.

The simple rugby was a pleasing sight for the travelling supporters, who broke out into spontaneous cheering, led by the second team mascot Russell Penrhyn Jones.

The visitors started to play some fabulous rugby, with reverse passes, crossfield kicks by second rows and back ball utilised in the lineout.

All of this eventually resulted in a good try for Huw Parry, converted by man of the match Jamie Jones.

The penalty count started to cause some issues for Ruthin and they conceded some in kickable positions, which Llangefni duly took advantage of and they also scored a try of their own.

This meant the last 10 minutes were nervy, but with a dominant defence, Ruthin held onto the lead until the final whistle.