THE 24-0 scoreline suggested a relatively routine passage for Nant Conwy, but Dolgellau could take credit for dominating for long periods in what was a pretty even contest.

Nant took their chances with clinical accuracy, whilst Dolgellau will look back on missed opportunities that cost them dear.

Dolgellau started brightly and had Nant under pressure, but from a turnover on halfway, Nant spread the ball wide quickly and full-back Sion Pringle went over for the opening score after 10 minutes.

After half an hour a long Dolgellau clearance was gathered by Nant No 8 Carwyn Ellis and play spread down the blind side for hooker Ifan Hughes to score in the same left corner. Stand-off Arthur Lennon converted from a difficult angle.

Dolgellau enjoyed plenty of possession, but also had to defend heroically to repel the threatening Nant counter attacks. As the half drew to a close a deft chip by Lennon saw Nant right wing Carwyn Davies slide in at the corner to make it 17-0.

Dolgellau pinned Nant back in their own 22 for most of the opening 30 minutes of the second half. Stand-off Gerwyn Thomas’ half break almost put in centre, Gareth Hughes and prop Dewi Puw thought he had scored from a forwards drive, but referee Craig Roberts was unsighted.

Youngsters Dafydd George, coming on for Leon Brooks, for his first senior appearance, and full-back Dafydd Roberts, in his full first game, came close to scoring as did winger Rhys Lewis, but Nant withstood all Dolgellau threw at them.

Nant lost No 8 Ellis to a yellow card, and Dolgellau should have touched down from a five metre scrum push over that went astray, with the try line begging.

Dolgellau brought on another youngster, Lewis Jones, also for his first team outing at scrum half, and all three debutants did very well, but the visitors held on and went looking for bonus point, which came with eight minutes to go.

Stand-off Sion Pringle squeezed through the narrowest of gaps in the visitors’ defence for try that he duly converted.

The scoreline which flattered the home side and looked cruel for the hard working visitors.

Dolgellau now have another away fixture on the weekend, with a Swalec Plate match away at Colwyn Bay.