Odds stacking up against Pwll title defence Rugby Union

PWLLHELI Rugby Club closed the gap on Division One North leaders Nant Conwy to 11 points with two games in hand after completing a quick double over Bro Ffestiniog.

Having thrashed Bro 62-0 at Bodegroes on February 17, the champions triumphed 33-7 at Dolawel five days later.

The visitors ran in five tries, Kevin Lee Morris, Dafydd Anwyl Williams, John Pugh, Nick Butterworth and Owain Williams all going over, the latter adding one conversion. Osian Parry Jones also landed three conversions for Pwll.

Even if Pwllheli gained bonus point victories in their two matches in hand over Nant, they would still be a point behind the leaders.

So is this the season where the Conwy Valley men end Pwll’s run of three successive titles?

The picture may be clearer after Pwll travel to Pant Carw on March 24, seeking revenge for Nant’s 24-21 success at Bodegroes last November.

Here are the title run-ins for the respective rivals: NANT CONWY - Played 16 Points 71 March 24: Pwllheli (h) April 7: Llangefni (a) April 14: Ruthin (h) TBA: Llandudno (h); Llangefni (h); Colwyn Bay (a) PWLLHELI - Played 14 Points 60 March 10: Mold (h) March 24: Nant Conwy (a) April 7: Dolgellau (h) TBA: Bala (a); Llangefni (a); Llandudno (a); Dolgellau (a); Colwyn Bay (h).

Pwllheli certainly have the tougher end to the season, with trips to top five sides Nant, Bala, Llangefni and Llandudno all to come. The Llyn side will be expected to do the double over Dolgellau and win home tussles with Mold and Colwyn Bay, but those away tests will certainly test their mettle.

Meanwhile Nant, who host Maesteg Harlequins in the WRU Plate quarter-finals this Saturday, are home in four of their last six league fixtures.

Llangefni away could prove tricky for the Valley men as will, of course, their crunch clash with Pwllheli on March 24.

There is still plenty of rugby to play, but if Pwllheli end up with a fourth title in a row, it could represent their greatest achievement yet, given the odds against them at this time of the campaign.