McGrath boot seals win for Menai Bridge

MENAI Bridge produced a stunning showing to hand Pwllheli seconds their first defeat of the season in Division 3 North.

Bridge claimed a 13-12 win at home over Pwll to remain top of the table ahead of Holyhead by virtue of points difference.

In a very tight match both teams struggled to score against solid defences. It wasn’t until the half hour that the first points came to Bridge, Dion McGrath converting a penalty. However they were soon pegged by as Pwll full-back Gethin Jones ghosted through the home defence for the touch down and Alan Jones converted for a half-time 7-3 lead in favour of the visitors.

Bridge started the second half with a purpose. A series of forward charges on the Pwllheli try line were rewarded with a try for Bridge captain Ollie O’Brien, who powered over the line, while McGrath converted.

Pwllheli responded with a similar forward try, capitalising on a close-range line-out followed by a number of forward phases. Pwllheli No8 Wil Piper crossed the line for his score, the conversion falling the wrong side of the post.

And that was to prove crucial as Bridge would go on to regain the lead and seal the win.

First a McGrath penalty from the halfway line fell just short, but the miss spurred the home side on and more attacking play was rewarded with a further penalty in the 22 for hands in the ruck – McGrath duly slotting the ball over for the victory.

Bridge are now looking forward to next week’s home game against Rhos.