THE final scoreline may not have accurately reflected the game, but Pwllheli’s clinical finishing was the difference between two good sides as they launched their defence of the Division One North title with a 28-8 win against Bethesda.

Pwllheli had not had the best of preparations for the game, and the pre-season had not gone exactly to plan, whilst Bethesda had strengthened their squad and had notched an encouraging set of results in their matches leading up to the season.

They expected a tough challenge from the visitors, and this is what they got.

The hosts started well, with wing Osian Parry Jones giving them a three-point lead with a penalty after only two minutes.Bethesda responded well and had the greater share of territory and possession for the rest of the first quarter, to draw level with a penalty kick by Rhys Jones.

The match was stopped for five minutes due to an injury to a Bethesda player that thankfully was not as bad as first thought.

When play resumed, the visitors maintained their domination, and only stout and organised defending kept them out.

The Llyn side absorbed the pressure and showed glimpses of attacking prowess themselves, and on 25 minutes their mobile pack made ground and drove to within 30 metres of the Bethesda line.

From an ensuing ruck, flanker Tom Parry emerged with the ball and raced untouched to score near the posts, with Osian Parry Jones’ conversion a formality.

Back came Bethesda to threaten the Pwllheli line and on 34 minutes they got their just reward. After a series a forward drives on the blind side, Daniel Ogwen broke away to score a deserved try.

The wide angled conversion attempt was missed and half-time came with the score standing at Pwllheli 10 Bethesda 8.

The second period saw the home team gradually gain the ascendancy, particularly in the amount of possession that was made available to their back line.

With the scrum and the line-out functioning well, new scrum half Gwilym Parry had more time to consider his options and he began to relish his pivotal role.

With Nick Butterworth playing at 10, both half backs began to ask questions of the opposition. With both sides playing committed, aggressive rugby it took Pwllheli some time to get on the scoreboard.

Midway through the second half, following a period of pressure in the Bethesda twenty two, captain Butterworth crashed over to give Pwllheli breathing space.

Pwllheli made changes from the bench, whuch included a first-ever appearance for Carrog Roberts in the front row.

Wing Osian Parry Jones scored next with a penalty, and as the gaps began to appear, full back Danial Glyn finished off an excellent move from their own half to score Pwllheli’s third try of the afternoon.

Pwllheli continued to press, and it was a powerful burst by left wing Robin Hughes Jones which saw them notch their fourth and crucial bonus point try, before the final whistle went five minutes later.

The Man of the Match for Pwllheli was awarded to home flanker Tom Parry.

• Pwllheli Seconds notched a 48-0 win, having worked hard to break down some stubborn Flint defending, with their seven tries reflecting an excellent team effort.

Pwllheli Youths lost 10-36 in their fixture against Nant Conwy at Ysgol Glan y Mor.

All three Pwllheli sides have away fixtures this weekend as the first team have a tough match at Caernarfon and the seconds are away at Rhos. The Youths travel to Llandudno in their second League fixture. The matches all kick off at 2.30pm.