PWLLHELI convincingly beat third-placed hosts Caernarfon 37-0 in a match where they showed skill and patience to book their place in the semi-finals of this year’s Conwy Land Rover North Wales Cup.

Conditions for the match at Y Morfa were much better than predicted, as the worst of the rain held off, and this was a blessing to the good number of supporters from both Clubs who had turned out.

With Caernarfon’s confidence high after their excellent recent home win against leaders Nant Conwy, Pwllheli knew that they would have to be at their best.

The match was fiercely contested from the outset, with both teams fighting for pride as well as progression in the Cup.

The home side had two penalty attempts which drifted wide in the opening minutes, but Pwllheli then had a penalty shot after 15 minutes which hit the goal post.

From the rebound Pwllheli set up a driving maul and after two drives were thwarted hooker Kevin Morris squeezed over for the opening try. Osian Parry Jones was then true with his conversion.

Pwllheli thought they had scored on 18 minutes, but the ref disallowed the try.

Pugh did get on the score sheet after 21 minutes when wing Robin Hughes Jones broke the Caernarfon cover and put Pugh in the clear to score his team’s second try.

Pugh contentiously had another ‘try’ disallowed when he beat the cover for pace to touch down under the posts.

Caernarfon came back well, but the Llyn side’s defence was up to the task and following a Caernarfon error they broke away in almost the last play of the half.

Flanker Dafydd Anwyl made ground and put the supporting Tom Parry in the clear to touch down under the posts. The conversion then made it 19-0 at the break.

The visitors started the second period strongly and added to their lead after only four minutes when Osian Parry Jones slotted over a penalty to add to his tally.

Caernarfon again reacted well but their forays into home territory were invariably cut short by stout Pwllheli defending.

Pwllheli had a player yellow-carded on six minutes, but Caernarfon could take no advantage. In contrast, when Caernarfon had a player carded after 23 minutes Pwllheli made the most of their advantage.

Within two minutes a 30 metre rolling maul allowed Dafydd Anwyl to crash overr and Osian Parry Jones converted.

Pwllheli added a further three points on 30 minutes, and there was one further score at the end of the half when number eight Tom Parry completed his double.

Pwllheli were delighted that flanker Carron Jones was chosen Man of the Match.

He has done well since his return from New Zealand, and has boosted the pool of excellent back row forwards available.

Jones popped up everywhere on the pitch, and his dynamism and pace were testament to his fitness and commitment.

Pwllheli, however, were concerned that no fewer than three tries which they believed they had scored were disallowed.

One particular concern was that one try was initially awarded and then subsequently denied after protests were made.

The Llyn side now face a home semi-final against Abergele, and it is hoped that this match will be played at their home ground, Bodegroes on Saturday, 22 April.

On Saturday Pwllheli are away in a league match against bottom club Abergele. The Llyn side have never had an easy away fixture against Abergele and they know the opposition will play with their usual commitment and enthusiasm. Pwlheli will prepare diligently for the match.