Bethesda off mark at the eighth attempt
BETHESDA Rugby Club secured their first league win of the season at the eighth attempt as they overcame Caernarfon 14-10 at Dol Ddafydd.
The result was not a complete surprise as Pesda had been knocking at the victory door on a few occasions previously this term, but their luck had been out until the tables turned last Saturday. This Division One North encounter saw the home side control most of the territory and possession but the final score did not reflect this.
Caernarfon took the lead after three minutes play through an Aled Jones penalty but Bethesda drew level from a Gethin Long kick on 10.
Long looked dangerous throughout the match gaining good ground from his side-stepping play and quality kicks.
With the Bethesda forwards in charge and the home half-backs working well, wing Gwion Williams scored a try following a period of pressure.
Long’s conversion attempt narrowly failed.
Both sets of supporters were well entertained as their teams endeavoured Picture: RICHARD BIRCH to run the ball on most occasions and the half finished with another Long penalty giving the home side an 11-3 lead.
Bethesda’s dominance continued in the second period with Long slotting over another penalty kick after seven minutes.
The Caernarfon players hardly got out of their own half until a shock happened after 70 minutes’ play. With Bethesda pressing on the visitors try-line, the Cofis full back Jones intercepted what looked like a scoring pass.
He ran the length of the pitch to score a fine try in the corner before kicking the conversion, making the score 14-10 to set up an anxious last 10 minutes for the home supporters.
However, the home forwards managed to keep ball for the rest of the match to secure a narrow but deserved victory.
The win lifted Bethesda off the basement and on Saturday they will look to build on this result when they travel to Llandudno. Tudno have had mixed fortunes this season, lying seventh in the table. Last term they beat Pesda both home and away.
Llangefni’s scheduled Division One North tussle at Bala was called off. The Anglesey club are due to host Mold this Saturday. Nov 11: Caernarfon (h - lge) 14-10 Nov 4: Ruthin (a - lge) 22-33 Oct 21: Dolgellau (a - lge) postponed Oct 14: Nant Conwy (h - lge) 5-34 Oct 7: Llangefni (a - WRU Plate) 10-16 Sep 30: Mold (a - lge) 20-32 Sep 23: Bala (h - lge) 8-27 Sep 16: Bro Ffestiniog (a - lge) 0-16 Sep 9: Llangefni (h - lge) 17-24 Sep 2: Pwllheli (a - lge) 11-28