PWLLHELI made it a perfect 10 wins in Division One North, despite travelling to Bethesda with a much-changed side, with only three of the backs who had played against Nant Conwy available.

Conditions were unusually fine at Dol Dafydd, with the pitch not having been played on for some four weeks. It attracted a good crowd, with Pwllheli again having more supporters than the hosts.

From the outset, it was apparent that both teams would ask for no quarter and the tackles soon came in fast and furious.

The young Pwllheli side adjusted well, and although there were handling errors the Pwllheli XV played as a team, backing each other up and supporting effectively.

They were awarded an early penalty for their efforts, but the kick drifted wide.

Bethesda chose to move the ball, and almost stretched the Pwllheli cover on several occasions, but the visitors became adept at denying the hosts possession as they totally dominated the line-outs.

Their foraging back row secured a lot of 50-50 ball, but given the enforced changes it was not surprising that Pwllheli’s backs were not as fluent as they have been.

The first try came from an usual source for Pwllheli after 18 minutes when they took the ball into Bethesda’s twenty two.

Rather than opening up, they kept the ball tight and although some organised Bethesda defending kept them at bay, Pwllheli continued to recycle the ball.

On the 10th foray, they managed to pierce the cover for No 8 Tom Parry to claim the try. The conversion missed.

The score did not subdue the hosts and they kicked effectively to pin Pwllheli into their own twenty two. They launched attack after attack, but made no headway.

After being camped in the Pwllheli red zone for five minutes, patience deserted them and they opted for a drop goal to reduce the deficit to five points to three.

Pwllheli maintained their structure as they gradually forced Bethesda back, and on 27 minutes they were rewarded with a pushover try for flanker Harry Roberts.

Although both teams gave their all, half-time came with Pwllheli leading 10-3.

The second half in many ways mirrored the first, and it became an arm-wrestle with the players storming into each other.

The visiting supporters were delighted with the endeavour of their side and young and old did well for the team.

Prop Alwyn Trenholme had his best game for many a year, and new centre Gary Lloyd Williams could be proud of his efforts. Pwllheli now came to edge the scrums, and although Bethesda were dangerous on the counter, possession and territory gradually went Pwllheli’s way.

Twenty minutes in, Pwllheli scored their third try and in total contrast to recent matches this was another push-over try.

Scrum half Robin Hughes Jones capitalised on the work of his pack to touch down wide on the left, and although the conversion attempt was again missed, at least there was now a clear two score lead.

Bethesda were not done, however, and they attacked strongly on the flanks and their full back was always a real threat.

It was however an error in their three quarters that saw the ball go loose 40 metres out. Robin Hughes Jones latched on to the ball and raced through to score his team’s vital fourth and try bonus score.

The conversion attempt was again missed and the whistle went shortly after.

Pwllheli now need to regroup as they prepare for the tough Swalec Plate match away at Llanishen. Kick off is at 2pm.