Pwllheli keep winning

CAERNARFON maintained their unbeaten start to the new season with a convincing win over Bethesda, and will turn their attention to fellow unbeaten Gwynedd rivals Pwllheli for Saturday’s Plate first-round clash.

An incisive second-half display at Y Morfa saw Caernarfon stay hot on the heels of Division One North leaders Pwll as they ran out 40-14 winners over Bethesda.

Bethesda opened brightly and nearly broke the deadlock as a break from Llion Lloyd almost brought just reward, however as the Cofis pack began to gain dominance it was the home side who registered the first points with a penalty from Guto Pierce, who added two further efforts shortly afterwards.

The visitors were looking dangerous and were soon back on level terms as Daniel Pritchard slotted over three penalties himself before the interval. But there was still time for Caernarfon to regain their lead as a Iolo Hughes hand-off saw him in space to touch down in the corner.

Caernarfon started the second half with a little more urgency and forced Bethesda to defend.

A tackle without the use of arms resulted in Iolo Hughes taking a quick tap penalty to force his way over for his second try, with Pierce adding the conversion, before Mac Jones added a further score as he picked up from the base of a scrum and ran though for a fine individual effort – Pierce again converted to establish a commanding lead.

Bethesda hit back with a try from Llion Lloyd after Aron Roberts broke from a scrum and linked up well with Dylan Hughes to find space for the try-scorer.

But it was little respite as Caernarfon extended their advantage, Bryn Granville feeding Carwyn Roberts, and the fly-half showed his pace and power to charge over from 15 yards, Dafydd Lloyd Hughes adding the conversion.

And the home side were not finished there as the two props combined – Rhobat John releasing Armando Morgan to scythe through and score.