BALA battled hard, but they were unable to close the gap on Nant Conwy at the top of Division One North as they slipped to a 12-8 home defeat in an exciting encounter in the cold, damp and windy weather.

Nant won the toss and decided to play into the elements, and despite the problems this caused in the difficult conditions they were well on top in the first half.

The first opportunity for a score arrived when Nant’s full back Sion Pringle and right winger Carwyn ap Myrddin played football with the ball from their own half, but the final kick saw the ball bouncing over the dead ball line, before it could be touched down by a visiting player.

The first try did come, however, through the hands of Cai Jones 12 minutes into the opening half, following a very powerful attacking move by the Nant forwards.

Then on half an hour Nant went over for another try, scored by flanker Ifan Pyrs, again following excellent forward play.

With Arthur Lennon converting successfully, Nant were 12-0 ahead at half-time.

With the visitors having the better of the first half, and looking very comfortable, it looked as if they were on track to register an easy victory - but it was not to be.

With Bala playing into the wind, which had abated somewhat, and the ground breaking up and making it difficult to gain any traction, it was the men from Meirionnydd who were able to capitalise and adapt to the conditions to their advantage.

The first and only Bala try came within 12 minutes of the re-start, when Garen Davies ploughed his way over the try line, to touch down out on the left wing.

Despite an unsuccessful conversion, this spurred Bala on to greater efforts, which resulted in wave after wave of attacks in the Nant 22, all of which were thwarted by an organised and disciplined defence.

Around the hour, a yellow card was shown to Nant for being offside, and this gave Bala a penalty in front of the posts, which Owen Aled slotted over easily.

With Bala one try away from winning the game, the attacks continued - but despite being one man down they were repelled and Nant held on for a crucial win.