PWLLHELI warmed up for their big Swalec Plate last 16 showdown at home to Penallta this Saturday by making it 10 wins from 10 matches in Division One North - with a 24-3 home success over Bethesda.

In front of a crowd of over 200, the game was evenly balanced in terms of territory and possession, but the home side had the edge both in attack and defence as they looked to secure the crucial bonus points.

Pwllheli had opened the scoring on 23 minutes when captain Tom Parry ran clear - but the conversion was missed as the ball fell off the tee at the time of the kick.

Bethesda gained two kickable penalties, but the first missed, before fly half Gerwyn Thomas slotted the second, and the first half ended with Pwllheli leading 5-3.

The second half saw Pwllheli take the ball to the visitors, and with the Pwllheli scrum now having a distinct edge they soon took advantage on their nudge.

With the scrum being wheeled, Pwllheli’s No 8 picked up and powered through several would-be tacklers to crash over under the posts, and the conversion was duly slotted over by hooker Alan Roberts.

Bethesda were nowhere near done, and attacked at every opportunity, entering Pwllheli’s 22 with increasing frequency, as only desperate defence kept them at bay.

When Pwllheli were penalised for killing the ball, their left winger was yellow-carded, and Osian Parry Jones was brought on immediately to bulk up the backline.

They extended their lead when a long kick was fumbled by the Bethesda defender - the ball went loose and centre Ianto Parri hacked on and won the race to score.

Bethesda still had territory and a good share of the possession, but it was Pwllheli who scored next as they made best use of dropped ball for centre Deio Brunelli to score under the posts for the bonus point, and Osian P Jones added the extras.

Pwllheli used their substitutes, including Caron Jones, following a long term injury, but although a big effort was made by both teams there was no further scoring.

It gets no easier for Pwllheli as they face Penallta on Saturday in the fourth round of the WRU Plate (ko 2pm). Pwllheli are hopeful of a good crowd, so supporters are requested to get to Bodegroes early.

Pwllheli Seconds registered a solid 39-0 away win at Benlech last weekend, whilst the Youths out-scored hosts COBRA by two tries to one but drew 10-10. Pwllheli Youths are away at Dolgellau on Saturday.