PWLLHELI continued their charge for the Division One North title as they produced a performance that was full of endeavour and commitment, to secure a 27-10 win and the bonus point they required against Bala last weekend.

The defending champions have notched 20 league points and 20 tries in four consecutive away matches to secure a slender but deserved lead at the top.

They will travel to Llandudno on Saturday for their final match of the season, knowing another bonus point win would secure them a second successive title.

Pwllheli, however, know full well the threat Llandudno pose, across their back line in particular, and have no illusions as to the magnitude of the task before them.

Bala were always going to pose a tough challenge as they looked to cement third place, and finish their season on a high, and a bonus point win was a huge ask. Only two teams had won there previously this season, Abergele by five points and rivals Nant Conwy by four points.

Urged on by so many travelling supporters, the set-pieces were key for Pwllheli, and their line-out is stabilising with Tom Billington Parry’s organisational input. The scrum too was strong, so there was some bemusement as the penalty count in the set initially went the way of the hosts.

Pwllheli, however, struck first on10 minutes as centre Deio Brunelli crashed over and Osian Parry Jones then converted.

Bala came back strongly and wing John Emrys took his try well, with fly half Rhydian Jones converting from out wide. Ten minutes later Jones slotted over a penalty for a ruck offence to take the lead.

The Pwllheli’s forwards steadily increased the pressure on their opponents in the line and scrums, but Bala’s tenacity thwarted many attacking options until eventually second row veteran Geraint Parry forced his way to the try line to give his team a 12-10 advantage at half-time.

In the second half, both teams piled into the loose with tremendous effort, and after 10 minutes winger Robin Hughes Jones side-stepped his way over a try.

Their hopes were jolted two minutes later when talisman second rower Huw Williams was yellow-carded, but Bala failed to capitalise on their one-man advantage.

Pwllheli kept their cool and were becoming increasingly dominant in all aspects of play - and it was no surprise when number eight Tom Billington Parry picked up and darted towards the line to crucially ground the visitors’ fourth and bonus earning try between the posts.

Jones converted and three minutes later he sealed a committed win with his second penalty kick with 10 minutes to go.

Attention now turns to Pwllheli’s last game of the season, where they hope to secure the title at Llandudno on Saturday.