PWLLHELI’s match against Ruthin was in doubt until shortly before kick-off after heavy incessant rain, but the pitch held up remarkably well and the home side came through for a convincing 43-7 win.

The elements favoured Pwllheli in the first half, and after only two minutes full back John Pugh seared through for a try, converted by wing Osian Parry Jones.

Ruthin used their bulky pack to make ground and release their strong running backs, but Pwllheli’s defence held firm and their scrum once again had the edge.

With Osian Jones and scrum half Nic Butterworth kicking well, they gradually forced Ruthin onto the back foot and varied the play through forwards and backs. A concerted forward attack on the left saw skipper Tom Parry crash over for a second try, again majored by Parry Jones.

Although the backs were threatening whenever they got the ball, it was their forwards who next broke the deadlock. The bulk and power lock Huw Williams scored Pwllheli’s third try on 24 minutes, and again Parry Jones added the extras.

Ruthin then put in their best period of the match as they pinned Pwllheli back and camped themselves in the home 22. Their initial surges were thwarted, but prop Tom Crawford crashed over for a try that centre Nathan Jones converted.

There was a period of parity, but Pwllheli were more efficient in retaining possession and after a series of forward drives Tom Parry beat the despairing cover to score an unconverted wide out.

Half-time came with Pwllheli leading by 26-7, with the bonus point in the bag.

The Llyn side started the second period well on top, and soon fly half Danial Williams jinked his way past three would-be tacklers to score, and Osian P Jones added an excellent wide angled conversion.

Pwllheli made changes as Williams’ was replaced by Gwilym Parry, and Harri Roberts, Mathew Hardy and Tomos Hughes then came on for Ellis Griffith, Osian P Jones and Huw Williams.

Pwllheli continued to vary their game and they were rewarded when prominent veteran prop Elgan Davies capped an excellent display with a try wide out.

Ruthin never stopped trying, but Pwllheli had the final say when Gwilym Parry crossed for their seventh try of the game.

• Pwllheli Seconds notched a 37-13 bonus try win at Llangefni to take them to second place in Division Three North.

Ilan V Jones, centre Harri Moncrieffe and Arwel Thomas scored two tries each, with a seventh by Berwyn Jones. Captain Alan Roberts added a solitary conversion.

Pwllheli’s Youths also played at Llangefni and they won by 37-5. Their tries were scored by Bedwyr Jones, Rhys Jones, with a brace, Now Williams and Tomos Davies. Considering the conditions, Now Williams did well to add five conversions.