Resolute Caernarfon dig deep to pull back for rare draw in tight Dolgellau clash

CAERNARFON Rugby Club’s trip to Dolgellau last week resulted in the first – and likely the only – draw of the season in Division One North.

The final score at the Marian was 15-15, but the home team were possibly unfortunate not to bag the full four points having led by 10 into the second half and shaded both territory and possession.

A ruck infringement allowed Gerwyn Thomas to slot over the first points for the hosts after 10 minutes. Then a wellworked try saw centre Dylan Evans receive an inside pass to touch down with 25 minutes played.

The hosts were reduced to 14 following an illegal clearing out attempt and, during this period, the Cofis began to issue a sterner challenge.

A lineout drive paid handsome dividends as they marched the home side back some 20 meters before Mike Downey squeezed in at the corner.

Caernarfon had the wind at their backs during the second half but Dolgellau came out all guns firing, with their forwards driving cohesively to gain valuable yardage.

Dolgellau camped on the Cofi line and were rewarded when Cellan Evans picked up and drove over. Thomas added the extras for 15-5.

A ball spread wide did not appear to be creating confusion until Iolo Hughes’s inclusion from full-back and timely chip through was well read by winger Dylan Gwyn and he beat the cover to ground in the corner.

The Cofis sensed the game could be salvaged and applied constant pressure from the restart. The pack found a second wind and, once again, following a series of forward-orientated drives, they found themselves close to the home try-line.

On this occasion, the final act was a pop pass to onrushing winger Dylan Gwyn, who touched down for his brace. Iolo Hughes narrowly missed the conversion.