Pwllheli’s inexperienced side produced a very encouraging performance as they earned a 12-5 win at Caernarfon.

There were yet more changes from the previous match, but the team worked as a unit and their commitment could not be faulted as they battled to a spirited win.

From the outset it was evident that this was going to be a typical derby match, with both sides showing commitment as they tried to play expansive rugby, with the opening exchanges were pretty even.

The new Pwllheli front row coped well with their heavier opponents, and the set-piece remained steady - although the elements impacted on both sides’ line-outs.

In the loose, the visitors were quicker, and this was a source of quality possession in both halves, as an even younger back-line for Pwllheli was able to display their skills, pace and tactical nous.

As the half progressed, Pwllheli built on their possession and territory, but the Caernarfon defence was well-organised. Pwllheli had an opportunity to take the lead with a long range penalty, but the attempt drifted wide, although two well-balanced sides had their chances to score.

On 39 minutes Caernarfon followed up a low trajectory kick by their fly half, and for once the Pwllheli cover were not able to clear their lines. Caernarfon pressed and were awarded a five metre penalty. From the ensuing put in their No 8 squeezed in through the despairing defence to score, but the conversion missed.

Pwllheli brought on prop veteran Alwyn Trenholme and flanker Tom Hughes to freshen up the team in the second half, and it was Pwllheli’s number eight who finished off some concerted pressure to touch down for an unconverted try.

With the win still available to both sides, the match became even more tense, but the visitors maintained their shape and brought on Peryf ab Owain and Ifab Roberts in the back-line as Pwllheli sustained and increased their grip on the game.

Pwllheli were awarded a series of penalties which took them deep into the Caernarfon 22, and they won a line-out and drove towards the line.

Caernarfon repelled the initial attacks, but the visitors persisted and Tomos Hughes crossed over to score the try. The determined hosts were not done, however, and they threw the kitchen sink at their opponents, working their way forward and into the Pwllheli twenty two

In the closing minutes, Caernarfon forced Pwllheli to concede penalty, and the visitors lost a forward to a yellow card. They kicked to touch, and with their throw to the line-out five metres from the Pwllheli line, matters looked ominous.

Pwllheli kept focus, however, and won the lineout and cleared their lines, before the final whistle went moments later.

Huw Williams had led from the front in the pack and was greatly assisted by ifion Roberts. It was also good to see captain John Pugh back on the pitch, and he had a clear influence in the backline play.

Pwllheli Seconds lost 29-13 in Llangefni, with Ilan Jones scoring both tries, and Dafydd Rhun Jones added a penalty. Pwllheli firsts are away to Cobra on Saturday in round one of the WRU Plate.

Cobra 20 Dolgellau 15

LOCAL bragging rights were at stake in the derby between Cobra and Dolgellau, which resulted in a finely balanced match from the start, that could have ended either way.

Opening exchanges were pretty even, with Dolgellau stand-off Gwion Jones scoring his first points for the senior side with a penalty after five minutes, that clipped the crossbar on it’s way over.

Cobra stand-off Will Worthington equalised five minutes later with his first penalty, and then edged the home side ahead after 17 minutes.

Straight from the kick-off, however, the home side were penalised at the breakdown, giving Gwion Jones the chance to level the scores at 6-6, this time with the ball going over via the left post.

Clear-cut chances were rare, but Dolgellau hooker Eon Williams and centre Jac Roberts carved an opening for outside centre Geraint Owen, who seemed to have the pace to make it to the corner, but he chipped ahead and the chance went begging.

Cobra looked dangerous around the fringes, and following a forward drive, home No 8 Jack Jukes powered his way over for the try. Worthington successfully converted to give the hosts a 13-6 lead on the half hour.

Gwion Jones brought the visitors right back into contention with his third penalty, however, with two minutes of the half remaining.

Dolgellau were beginning to make inroads at the start of the second half, but had to rely on the boot of Gwion Jones to make it 13-12 after nine minutes, and put them ahead with his fifth penalty after a quarter of an hour.

Cobra responded well, and following a flurry of penalties that the home side decided to put into the corners, their reward finally came.

No 8 Jack Jukes made headway, before Worthington’s loop pass over the Dolgellau cover saw left wing Richard Jones dart over for what turned out to be the match winner with 15 minutes left.

Worthington added the conversion to make it 20-15.

Dolgellau responded, and a frantic ending saw them pressing hard, but Cobra held out for the win and four precious points. Dolgellau could take positives from their second half showing.