PWLLHELI made their long trek to Ynysddu worthwhile as their fitness, organisation and commitment shone through to reach the third round of the Swalec Plate with a 37-21 triumph.

The mobility of the Llyn side’s pack was epitomised by the fact the two long range tries were finished off by supporting second rows, and it was a satisfying win.

The visitors arrived in time to stretch their legs and they started strongest, with fly half Kalim Kelemete providing a platform to slot over a neat early drop goal.

Two minutes later Ynysddu were caught offside, and Osian Parry Jones added an excellent long-distance penalty kick. This stirred the hosts, who used their bulky pack to make ground, and Jamie Roberts slotted an 11th minute penalty. From the kick-off, Ynysddu kept possession, but Pwllheli absorbed the pressure and then scored a classic long distance try.

Latching on to loose ball deep into their own half, the forwards and backs inter-passed and cut through the cover for second row Geraint Parry to score from fully 80 metres out. Osian Parry Jones’ successful conversion put his side into a 13-3 lead.

The next quarter belonged to Ynysddu, who began using their backs effectively, and it was no surprise when pacy full back Ryan Evans was put in the clear wide out for an unconverted try on the right.

Ynysddu attacked once again and a well-worked overlap saw Ryan Evans touch down, with Jamie Roberts’ successful conversion earning the hosts a 15-13 lead.

It was the time for Pwllheli to show team spirit, and that was just what they did as they reclaimed the lead with a mammoth long range penalty by Osian Parry Jones.

With both teams at full throttle, big hits became the norm, but referee Tim Davies was confident in his officiating, and although the game increased in intensity it was never dirty. Half-time came with Pwllheli holding on to a one-point lead.

Just two minutes into the second period, Pwllheli won the ball just outside their own 22 and wing Robin Hughes Jones rounded his opposite number.He passed to flanker Tom Parry, whose pace took him 40 metres upfield. His timely pass to second row Ifan Roberts put Roberts in the clear to score in the left corner, to the delight of Pwllheli’s excited supporters.

The ebb and flow of the match continued unabated, and eight minutes in Jamie Roberts cut the deficit with a neat penalty.

After a 10 minute stalemate, Ynysddu drew level with another Roberts penalty.

Ynsyddu worked to keep their long-standing unbeaten home record intact, but the last quarter saw Pwllheli edging the scrums, and their line-out was secure.

With their back row getting to the loose ball faster than the opposition, the Llyn side were able to gain quality possession.

With Nick Butterworth’s effective use of the box kick, something had to give and as the hosts yielded a series of penalties, Osian Parry Jones slotted over three kicks.

A late breakaway try by Robin Hughes Jones was also converted to seal the win.

Pwllheli RFC wishes to acknowledge the warm welcome which greeted them before and after the fixture at Ynysddu. Their next league fixture will be against Abergele at Bodegroes on 12 November.