PWLLHELI slipped to a narrow 22-23 defeat in an archetypal game of two halves in Division One North - having been dominant in the first period, before visitors Bala emerged as the far stronger team in the second half.

The match started off really well for Pwllheli, as they dominated both territory and possession, and it was no surprise when they took an early lead as veteran talisman Geraint Parry crashed over for a try. The conversion attempt drifted wide.

The home side exerted a consistent period of dominance at the end of the first quarter, and a try seemed inevitable, but Bala only conceded a penalty under the posts, which wing Alan Roberts slotted.

The game opened up, with Bala’s backs giving the ball some air, and Pwllheli responded on 29 minutes with a score that was typical of their play over the years.

They countered a loose kick ahead and inter-passed fully 50 metres, before putting in a delicate grubber kick. Left wing Arwel Thomas’ pace saw him speed past the cover to touch down for the try.

Although the conversion was missed, Pwllheli now had a healthy 15-0 lead.

Bala regrouped and gradually worked the ball down to Pwllheli’s left. They went through the phases, and Pwllheli yielded a penalty which gave Bala yardage. They won the ensuing line-out and three phases later crossed over wide out.

Bala realised the importance of the result and pressed hard. Out of nowhere they had the edge in the scrums, and their line-out remained secure throughout. After only four minutes they reduced the deficit by three points, with a penalty kick, which was goaled by Llion Jones.

The Llyn side brought on Osian Parry Jones in place of Alan Roberts , and Pwllheli did reasonably well in phases, but it was Bala who posed the greater threat.

The visitors cut their arrears with another penalty after 16 minutes by Jones, and with Pwllheli on the back foot it was no surprise to the dismayed home crowd as Bala took the lead for the first time.

Again making ground via a well struck penalty touch kick they retained possession and crossed for a deserved try, duly converted by Jones for an 18-15 lead.

Pwllheli tried to respond, but were unable to maintain sustained cohesive play. They never stopped trying and their labour was rewarded when centre and captain John Pugh charged down a would- be relieving kick by Bala. Pugh kept his composure and sped over the try line.

Osian Parry Jones added the conversion to give Pwllheli a narrow four point lead.

Pwllheli brought on two substitutes to try to turn the game, but it was Bala who upped several gears. Their pack played tighter and they took full advantage of a series of decisions against the home team.

With the clock ticking down, the home support waited for the final whistle, but to the visiting team’s credit they maintained their discipline and structure.

Following two penalties and three scrums with their own put in, within five metres of the Pwllheli line, they inevitably squeezed over for the winning try, with Arfon Rowland claiming the score.

The conversion attempt missed, but the whistle went immediately afterwards.

Losing the game in the last move in open play, in the sixth minute of injury time, perhaps epitomises Pwllheli’s season. It is over a decade since the Club has lost four consecutive League matches.