Roberts fires late penalty to win it for Bro

A PENALTY eight minutes into overtime from Bro Ffestiniog’s Ian Roberts ensured his side pipped Bethesda 18-17 in last Thursday’s Division One North encounter at Dol Dafydd.

It was the proverbial game of two halves - Bro easily dominating the first while Pesda took control of the second.

The first try came on five minutes, Bro driving forward through prop Dylan Jones and then spreading the ball out to the backs for Ian Roberts to dive over in the corner.

Bro were dominating possession and territory, but it took a further 25 minutes before the second try was scored.

Pesda were penalised for offside and Bro kicked for touch. The catch-and-drive culminated with hooker Tom James claiming the unconverted try.

The hosts’ best attack of the half came soon afterwards, No8 Arwyn Griffith stealing turnover ball on halfway and his powerful run took play into Bro’s 22. The hosts went through the phases but Ffestiniog’s defence kept them out.

Five minutes from the break a chip from Bro’s Matthew Hayden bounced awkwardly, and a mix-up between Bethesda’s backs was pounced on by Roberts who crossed over unopposed to make it 15-0 at half time.

Bethesda were a totally different side during the second period, reacting better to the worsening conditions.

Pesda were soon back in the match when fly-half Carwyn Williams put centre Rob Muldoon through the tightest of gaps to crash over under the posts, Williams adding the conversion.

Fifteen minutes into the second period Bro were penalised for holding on and Bethesda kicked for touch. Forwards and backs combined well, punching through the Quarrymen’s defence and powering down the touchline, hooker Paul Thomas claiming the unconverted try out wide.

The hosts took the lead with 10 minutes left, flanker Dylan Hughes crossing over in the corner to edge Pesda 17-15 ahead.

Bro captain Dewi James rallied his team, who made their way upfield. Bethesda’s defence stayed strong before being penalised in the 88th minute for not releasing.

Up stepped Roberts, who had missed all previous kicks at goal, but this time he calmly slotted over from 30 metres to win the match.