PWLLHELI’s lack of match practice was apparent on occasion, but they dug deep to secure a hard earned 32-17 bonus point victory at Bodegroes, against Llangefni team that has what it takes to avoid relegation.

With the visitors involved in a fight to retain their league status, and Pwllheli needing a win to keep within reach of Division One North leaders Nant Conwy, both sides had everything to play for.

Despite torrential rain over the previous two days, the pitch stood up well, but Pwllheli were given no time to settle and the opening quarter was a stop start affair.

The visiting coaches had done their homework, and stifled the potentially potent Pwllheli back line for long periods.

The Pwllheli back row were prominent, and the tackle count of Dafydd Anwyl, Caron Jones and Tom Parry impressive.

The visitors took the lead with a 19th minute penalty by Rhys Hughes, but Pwllheli evened the score four minutes later with a penalty from Osian P Jones.

The scoreline remained even until the 37th minute when, exerting consistent pressure for the first time, Pwllheli went through the phases until they made space for captain and fly half Nick Butterworth to crash over. Jones also added the conversion for a 10-3 lead at the interval.

Pwllheli started the second period well and were rewarded with a sixth minute try from wing John Pugh, with the conversion by Jones giving a healthy lead.

Llangefni’s riposte, however, came after a sustained period of forward play down the left flank. They eventually breached the home defence and Jordan Scott crashed over, with Hughes converting.

The next 20 minutes saw Pwllheli take command, and they exerted some effective pressure through the driving maul.

They came close to scoring several times, but as the penalty count against Llangefni mounted, a yellow card was inevitable and the visitors were down to 14 men.

Within a minute, Pwllheli took advantage as Butterworth crashed over for their third try, and Jones added the conversion.

The Llyn side crossed the line again, but were adjudged not to have grounded the ball, and Llangefni were still not done.

Back to full strength, they created a gap again on the left and John Hughes crossed for a well earned try. Rhys Hughes inevitably added the extra two points.

The home team realised the importance of a bonus point and chased it with vigour and commitment. They left it late but finally scrum half Robin Hughes Jones crossed for the all-important fourth try.

Pwllheli’s Man of the Match award in this match went to left wing John Pugh.

On Saturday, 12 March, Pwllheli host Bala in a rearranged league match, following the postponement earlier this season. The match has an earlier kick-off time of 1pm, to enable players and supporters to watch the England versus Wales match.