REFEREE Ed Brown’s decision to start Dolgellau’s match against Welshpool at 2.10pm proved to be inspired, as the match ended with one touchline and the west in-goal area flooding rapidly as the Wnion river waters rose menacingly.

Miraculously, the match itself was relatively rain free, and both sides should be given credit for a cracking contest, which saw the home side emerge as 24-21 winners.

Dolgellau took the lead after 10 minutes, with debutant No 8 Tim Jones paving the way and stand-off Eben Jones’ long pass seeing wing Jake Hinge in at left corner.

The visitors, however, were securing plenty of possession, albeit rather wasteful with it, but after 15 minutes they were rewarded as prop Brian Jenkins carved out an opening for hooker Ally Evans to score under the posts. Full back Tom Williams converted into the swirling wind .

That lead lasted less than four minutes as Dolgellau’s speedy three-quarters wrong-footed the visitors’ cover and wing Jake Hinge come off his left wing to break through for his second try. Centre Henri Roberts converted for a 12-7 lead.

With less than five minutes of the half remaining, a scrum five saw Dolgellau drive on and No 8 Iwan Pugh was halted on the line, but prop Dewi Puw was there to score and make it 17-7 at the interval.

The visitors fought back strongly at the start of the second half, and after 10 minutes centre Harry Davies’ run ended with flanker Tom Davies going over under the posts. Tom Williams added the extras to leave the match finely balanced at 17-14.

As the Dolgellau faithful became increasingly nervous, up stepped centre Henri Roberts. Dolgellau were pushing deep into Welshpool territory, but as scrum half Lewis Jones moved the ball wide, Roberts still had plenty to do to.

His strength took him through several tackles to slide into the flood beyond the line for the try, which he converted for a bonus point and breathing space at 24-14.

The visitors again responded, and with five minutes to go flanker Joe Stranks finished off a long Welshpool drive. The try was again converted by full-back Tom Williams to make it 24-21 and secure a losing bonus point, which was scant reward for the effort they had put in.