IT is still early days, but the indicators are very encouraging for Pwllheli after they made a convincing start to their new Division One North campaign with a 43-14 win over Caernarfon.

Despite the poor weather, a decent crowd turned out to watch this local derby, and the opening of the match was preceded by one minute’s silence as a mark of respect for Bill Parry, who died last month after a valiant fight against cancer.

Caernarfon’s confidence was high after their solid win the previous week against Llangefni, and they chose to play with the wind at their backs in the opening half.

They started well and used the elements to their full advantage, but although Pwllheli conceded a series of penalties, the visitors missed three kickable pots at goal.

Pwllheli began to look threatening with the ball in hand, and good counter-attacking from a loose kick saw the hosts make 40 yards and put centre Deio Brunelli in the clear to force his way over for a try.

The conversion attempt missed in the swirling wind, but Pwllheli then put together the best team move of the game.

Again they used quick hands to attack from their own half, and precise passing between six players put scrum half Gwilym Parry in the clear to touch down unopposed for another unconverted try.

Caernarfon maintained their tactic of kicking the ball deep, but Pwllheli were well prepared, with the wings and full back working well to alleviate the threat.

The Llyn side added their third try when loose flanker Caron Jones was on hand to use his pace and power to breach the visitors’ defence. Pwll’s number 10 Mathew Parry did well to convert the touchdown.

Although they were 17-0 down, with the game nearing half-time, Caernarfon did not give up and they deserved the try scored by their powerful Ilan Davies, with Aled Jones adding the extra two points.

Pwllheli’s riposte was not long in coming, and fittingly the scorer of the fourth bonus point try was captain Tom Parry, who powered over from short range following an aggressive scrum by the hosts.

Mathew Parry added a difficult angled conversion and the first half ended 24-7.

Pwllheli made changes at half-time, with William Owen coming on as flanker to replace Caron Jones, but the second period saw a series of penalties being given against the hosts by referee Dylan Davies.

The game witnessed a gradual ascendancy of the home side in both the set pieces and the loose, although they lost veteran second row Gareth Parry through injury, when replaced by the equally experienced Huw Williams in the second row.

The Llyn side extended their lead nine minutes into the second half with a virtuoso try by full back John Pugh, as his pace, power and balance saw him scythe through the would-be defence for a try from his own half. Parry added the extras.

Despite their increasing deficit, Caernarfon were still not done, and Ilan Davies again crashed over for his team’s second try, with Jones slotting the conversion.

Pwllheli took the opportunity to bring on fresh legs, with Elgan Davies replacing Tudur Griffths, Mathew Hardy replacing Gwilym Parry, and Osian Parry Jones coming on for Owain ap Myrddin, who had enjoyed a very positive home debut.

As the rain came down, the game dropped off somewhat, but Pwllheli added a further two tries, with an almost inevitable double for John Pugh to complete his hat-trick. Parry added one conversion.

There were some fine performances by Pwllheli, with Mathew Parry orchestrating the backs with guile and finesse, but it was their cohesiveness that stood out as Pwllheli amassed seven tries in total.

Pwllheli will be away on Saturday to Bethesda, who have had an impressive start to the season, with two victories.

Division Three North

MACHYNLLETH found Pwllheli Seconds a tough nut to crack as they were edged out 12-9 on home soil in their Division Three North encounter last weekend.

After starting their campaign with a 68-7 beating of Anglesey side Benllech, Mach had been in confident mood, but struggled to find a way through the well-drilled visitors in a rain-soaked affair.

With their strong pack, Pwllheli were soon on the attack, and good work by the forwards paved the way for early tries from Fin Calderwood and the experienced wing Berwyn Jones, with captain Alan Roberts adding one conversion.

Trailing 12-0, it looked as though Mach would be in for a long afternoon, but they clawed their way back with a couple of penalties from Kameron Simmons-Sandy to trail 12-6 at the half-time break.

Another penalty after the interval from Simmons-Sandy gave the home side real hope of retrieving the game, but despite having some pressure, they were unable to find a decisive score, although the margin of defeat meant that they at least picked up one point for their efforts.

Machynlleth have no game on Saturday, before returning to duty away to Denbigh Seconds the following week. Pwllheli Seconds have a bye on Saturday in the Bowl competition, so also have a free Saturday.

The scheduled Pwllheli Youth match last week was postponed by Llandudno, so their first match of the season is on Saturday, when they host Bangor RFC.