PWLLHELI stepped up their push for the Division One North title with a hard-earned 18-13 win over long-time leaders Nant Conwy at Bodegroes - and with five league fixtures left, all away from home, the destiny of the title is now in their own hands.

Nant, with an away bonus point win in their final game at Bethesda, could reach a total of 92 points, whilst Pwllheli, with five bonus point wins could amass 93.

It’s a tall order for the Llyn side, who themselves travel to face Bethesda on Saturday, but their relatively small senior squad is fully committed to the cause.

Over 350 supporters turned up at Bodegroes to back their respective teams last weekend, and the game was played in near perfect weather, but with a breeze.The visitors knew they would clinch the league title with a win at Bodegroes, but Pwllheli were determined to keep their hopes alive - and heavy tackles meant the first aiders were kept busy throughout.

Pwllheli’s eight had the edge in the scrums, but they were frustrated that the opposition were allowed to wheel the set-piece when they were under pressure.

The home line-outs missed the organising skills of their usual number eight, who was out through injury, and this was a concern for the hosts through the contest.

It was Pwllheli, playing against the wind, who scored first on 13 minutes when a series of drives on the blind finally gave lock Huw Williams the chance to use his power to crash over from close in.

The conversion attempt drifted wide.

Nant responded strongly, and after some penetrating drives they were awarded a penalty when Pwllheli were adjudged to be offside. Centre Delwyn Jones put the three points on the board for the visitors.

Then, five minutes later, Nant took the lead with a drop goal by Arthur Lennon, and the fly half orchestrated the visitors’ back line well throughout the game.

The commitment of both sides took its toll as Pwllheli flanker Eifion Roberts had to leave the pitch with a gash to the head.

Both sides continued to attempt to open up each other’s defence, but half time came with Nant holding a 6-5 advantage.

Pwllheli’s supporters had only a minute to wait in the second half before the move of the game saw full back Danial Glyn cross over for a try after Nant tried to clear their lines with a long kick downfield.

Pwllheli countered from 60 metres out and some slick inter-passing saw Nant’s line was comprehensively breached, and Osian Parry Jones added the conversion.

Nant’s pack dominated possession for the next 10 minutes, but Pwllheli dug deep and took the game to the visitors.

They were then camped in the Nant twenty two but an organised visiting defence meant all they had to show for their efforts was an Osian Parry Jones penalty.

Nant, however, fought back and influential fly half Arthur Lennon brought them back into contention. Receiving the ball 30 metres out, Lennon caught Pwllheli’s cover napping to score and excellent try.

Centre Delwyn Jones’ conversion narrowed Pwllheli’s lead to only two points.

The last quarter of the game was a fiercely contested dogfight as Nant threw the kitchen sink at Pwllheli, but the home defence held firm, and the last few minutes they achieved territorial domination.

A 44th minute penalty from Osian Parry Jones completed the afternoon’s scoring.

• Meanwhile in the Eryri Cup finals, Pwllheli’s Under 14s and the Under 16s both triumphed against Nant Conwy.