DOLGELLAU allowed their lead to slip as visiting Abergele came back from from 15-6 down to claimed a 25-15 win in Division North North last weekend.

Both sides, however, should be given due credit for an enthralling contest in dreadful weather conditions - as should the Marian ground staff for the preparation and excellent condition of the pitch.

Abergele kicked off into the strong wind and they managed to steal a penalty after only three minutes play, which was successfully converted by centre Ben Jones.

Dolgellau hit back immediately, and following a line out five metres out their forwards surged over with stalwart flanker Berwyn Hughes claiming his second try of the season to give his team a 5-3 lead.

Abergele were then thwarted by some tremendous defending by the home team, and after 15 minutes of play it was now Dolgellau’s turn to force the pressure.

The homesters deservedly extended their lead with hooker Geraint Evans scoring in typical fashion, with a push over effort for his fourth try of the season.

This time skipper Gerwyn Thomas converted magnificently from wide out to make the scoreline read 12-3 to the hosts.

Dolgellau’s indicipline, however, cost them dearly, and Abergele responded with a penalty which was converted by Jones, following an alledged high tackle.

On the half-hour Thomas restored Dolgellau’s advantage with a penalty, when the visitors were caught offside at a ruck.

Dolgellau’s Rhys Roberts and skipper Gerwyn Thomas came close to breaching the visiting defence, but on the stroke of half time Abergele scored, with the inspirational hooker, Josh Woods, carving an opening for stand-off Chris Edwards to go over, and make it 15-11 at the interval.

One might have sensed that Dolgellau’s narrow advantage would not be enough aganist the elements in the second period.

Having two yellow cards did not help their cause, and 10 minues in Abergele went ahead for the first time in the match.

From a five metre scrum, full-back, Jack Hughes burst through the narrowest of gaps in the home cover to score the try.

Ben Jones then added the conversion to put the visiting team into a 15-18 lead.

The home support urged their side on, and despite centre Dylan Evans setting up brother and hooker Geraint, he was held up on the try line by some desperate and resilient defending by the visitors.

This was the turning point, and Gele commanded the latter stages - and on 25 minutes Dolgellau were dealt a cruel blow as stand-off Chris Edwards intercepted a Dolgellau move out of defence, to sprint home down the left touchline.

Jones added the conversion from an acute angle to make the score 15-25.

Gele’s defence then strangled all Dolgellau attacks in and around the middle of the park from there on in to claim a memorable and deserved victory.