A LAST-GASP penalty with the very last kick of the match, from the right boot of Dolgellau full-back Dion Jones, was enough to secure a 9-6 home victory over Bala - and it was the wafer thin difference between these two old rivals in another close and very tense derby.

There has only been five points difference in three previous league encounters between these two fully committed sides, and this encounter, in front of the biggest crowd of the season, was no different.

It had been first blood to Dolgellau with Dion Jones putting the home side in front with a penalty after 10 minutes of play.

Bala, however, were back on level terms after 25 minutes with a penalty by full back Huw Roberts, after Dolgellau had killed the ball trying to run from deep.

Dolgellau were being pinned back by Bala scrum half Dion Atherton’s high kicks, and only two minutes later they were ahead, courtesy a second successful penalty kick from full-back Roberts.

The game ebbed and flowed, and Dolgellau got themselves level after half an hour, with Dion Jones slotting over his second penalty, after a Bala infringement following a high up and under from Dolgellau skipper Gerwyn Thomas. It was all square at 6-6 at the break, with neither side able to maintain any real superiority.

The second half was turning into a stalemate, with neither side able to create a clear opening, despite each team being led admirably by Dolgellau No 8 Dewi Thomas and Bala flanker Ilan Rowlands.

It was looking as if both teams would settle for a draw, but the hosts made changes going into the last quarter that ultimately gave them the edge and finally the win.

Prop Huw Jones and second row, Rhys Roberts came on for Gwion Roberts and Carwyn Hughes, who had given their all, allowing hooker Geraint Evans to play in his accustomed role, and this steadied the Dolgellau scrum. It also gave replacement, scrum half, Owain Thomas more time and room to manoeuvre, and it was following an unlikely strike against the head that Dolgellau’s forwards managed to drive their way deep into Bala territory.

The Bala defence was standing firm, but following a missed penalty with just a minute remaining, full-back Jones slotted over the winning penalty at the death to give Dolgellau a most welcome victory.