Pugh pounces to Picture: Robert Parry Jones mould title push
PWLLHELI kept their push for a third successive Division One North title on the boil with a 60-18 home win over Mold.
The visitors started the game strongly. Their game was based on their heavyweight pack and effective use of the ball by their half-backs.
They dominated territory for the opening minutes and the astute kicking of their fly half Jack Martin kept the Lleyn side pinned in their own half.
Pwllheli held the early onslaught and six minutes in they pounced on a loose pass. The pace of the Pwllheli backs outstripped the Mold cover to put centre John Pugh in the clear. He sidestepped the wing and full back to reach the try line unscathed. Osian Parry Jones slotted the conversion.
Mold maintained their pattern of play and 10 minutes in they were awarded a penalty when Pwllheli were caught offside. Martin’s attempt at goal drifted wide and Pwllheli countered from deep. Eight phases later Pugh was once again put in the clear to score his brace. Parry Jones’ kick put his side 14-0 up.
Mold held on to the ball well from the restart and Pwllheli were penalised for collapsing a maul and Martin’s kick for touch put his side deep into the red zone.
Mold won clean ball at the line out and neatly transferred the ball to the blind side, where hooker Ryan Kirby crashed over to score wide out. The excellent conversion by Martin made it 14-7.
It was now Pwllheli’s turn to retain possession and gradually territory as well. They pressured the visitors into mistakes and Mold were penalised for an early tackle in the 22nd minute. Osian Parry Jones comfortably slotted the kick.
Mold were still doing well in the set pieces but were being beaten to loose ball by the pacy Pwllheli loose forwards.
In the 25th minute quickly recycled ruck ball put Pugh into space. His sheer pace and outrageous dummies saw him beat four would-be defenders before he crossed the whitewash.
Mold’s Martin landed a 27th minute penalty, but Pwllheli were not to be denied.
They pressed in the away 22 and eventually centre Gareth Lloyd Williams’ line of running saw hit slice through to score under the posts. This secured Pwllheli their try bonus point. Parry Jones’s conversion was successful and this took the half-time score to 29-10.
Mold did well in the opening minutes of the second period, Martin kicking another three points.
Pwllheli remained structured and pressed deep into the Mold half. For once it was a very effective driving maul from the home side which paid dividends. They made over 20 metres before prop Alwyn Trenholme touched down, Parry Jones adding the extras.
Pwllheli now began using their strong bench and soon flanker Tom Parry added to his impressive try haul this season.
Mold persevered and were rewarded with another lineout try by substitute Kenny Williams.
Pwllheli’s response was to add a further three tries via Parry Jones, captain Nick Butterworth and Tom Parry. Parry Jones added two conversions to complete the scoring.
This was a tough contest and exactly what Pwllheli needed as they prepare for a hard away tussle against Llandudno this Saturday.
Pwllheli’s second team lost 28-23 in a league match at Caernarfon. Pwllheli’s Youth team also lost narrowly at home in a league and cup double header against Ruthin by a 10-6 margin.