Pwllheli edged by Bala after try controversy

PWLLHELI RFC 21 BALA RFC 22 CONDITIONS were surprisingly good at Bodgroes for the league match. The pitch was a little greasy and there was a slight breeze but the feared snow and ice thankfully kept away.

The match was watched by a decent crowd despite the enticement of the 6 Nations Rugby on television. The main match was preceded by a game between Pwllheli and Bala Under Eights. Both teams enjoyed themselves with Bala edging the result.

The visitors started the stronger. They varied play and were clearly intent on fast rugby. This paid dividends for them and their left winger scored on seven minutes. The conversion attempt missed.

Pwllheli almost made an immediate riposte. They created a clear opening only for a poor last pass to stop the attack. The home team gradually asserted themselves and scored a deserved try on 20 minutes with centre Ianto Parri crashing through would-be tacklers. Wing Osian Parry Jones confidently kicked the conversion. Three minutes later Bala had a player yellow carded for a high tackle.

Pwllheli took full advantage. They pressed Bala and earned territorial domination. On 29 minutes scrum half Nick Butterworth squeezed past Bala’s back row to score. Again Parry Jones added the two points. Two minutes later Pwllheli scored again. They won quick ruck ball and broke the cover to put captain Tom Parry in the clear. His try was converted by Parry Jones. To their credit Bala bounced back. They were now back up to 15 players and took the game to Pwllheli. Frantic home defence culminated in lock Williams rightly being carded for intercepting a dangerous pass one handed and knocking the ball forward. Pwllheli were now under the cosh and the pressure mounted when Pwllheli’s open side was yellow carded for supposedly being persistently offside. Again the Llŷn side’s defensive organisation held but in the last moments of the half Bala moved the ball quickly along their backline. The left winger crossed Pwllheli’s try line and the try was awarded. The crowd immediately adjacent to the “score” claimed the ball had been held up. Despite the approach of the Pwllheli captain the score stood and salt was rubbed into the wound when Bala slotted an excellent wide out conversion.

At half time the score stood at Pwllheli 21 - Bala 12.

The second half opened badly for Pwllheli. Within a minute they had a player yellow carded seemingly for a high tackle This left them with 12 players and no recognised second rows. Bala gleefully scored their third try almost immediately to cut the deficit to four points. Pwllheli’s team spirit brought them back into the game. They could have increased their lead on five minutes but the penalty shot drifted wide.

With their carded players gradually returning to the game Pwllheli gained the edge. They came close several times but Bala’s defence held. On 23 minutes a speculative Pwllheli pass was intercepted in their 22 and Bala went almost the length of the pitch before they were tackled and stopped. Pwllheli were disrupted yet again when Pwllheli’s talisman Butterworth and a Bala player were carded for coming to blows. The visitors changed their tactics and kept the ball tight. In the thirty second minute they squeezed a try in the far left corner to give themselves the lead of 22 points to 21. Pwllheli did their utmost to earn the win but Bala held to achieve a notable result.

It is a long time since Pwllheli lost two consecutive league matches and having lost to Penallta in the WRU Plate they have now lost three of their last four games. The esprit de corps is still there and this team and its coaches have a lot more to give. They know they have the talent and wherewithal to have a say in this season’s Division One North Championship. The next league match is away to Bro on February 16. The team will regroup knowing they have the undiminished support of all who Care for Clwb Rygbi Pwllheli.

The second team earned a bonus point win 26-12 over visitors Rhos RFC. The much-changed side’s tries were scored by Tudur Ellis, Gareth Roberts, Jac Jones and Rhys Jones. Ilan Jones slotted three conversions. Mention must be made of referee Carwyn Lewis who managed the game well.