PWLLHELI notched their most comprehensive win over neighbours Caernarfon in recent years by 45-5 to deservedly book a place in the Swalec Plate second round, with a performance that was based on efficient game management and good team-work.

Matches between these two local clubs are always tense and competitive, with both teams requiring no motivation at all.

In regular drizzle, with the occasional downpour, Pwllheli elected to play with the slope, and took the game to the hosts.

With captain Nick Butterworth reverting to scrum half, Caernarfon were soon bombarded with a series of high kicks to the corners. Generally, they coped well with the aerial blitz, but Pwllheli ensured that Caernarfon were kept in their own half.

Pwllheli had the greatest possession and territory, but the Caernarfon defence was very well organised and committed.

The Llyn side took the lead with an early penalty by winger Osian Parry Jones, although Caernarfon had an opportunity to equalise, but the kick at goal drifted wide.

Pwllheli’s pack was quicker to the loose ball and the scrum and line outs went well.

Heavy tackles were the norm, and the Caernarfon line held until the 24th minute, when Pwllheli’s number eight Huw Williams finally breached the defence. Parry Jones’ conversion gave them a 10-0 lead.

The visitors kept the ball tight and the plan paid dividends when Butterworth crashed over for the try, and Parry Jones neatly slotted the wide-angled conversion.

Caernarfon had a player yellow-carded on 46 minutes for killing the ball as Pwllheli drove towards the line. It took the visitors one minute to take advantage as Butterworth again used his pace and power to cross the whitewash for a converted try.

With the first half being punctuated by a series of injuries to Caernarfon players, some 48 minutes were played, before half time came, with Pwllheli leading by 24-0.

The second period saw Caernarfon under severe pressure from the restart as Pwllheli had the edge in all departments.

After just three minutes Butterworth took advantage of a quick penalty to outwit the defence for his hat-trick of tries, and again Parry Jones added the extras.

Six minutes later captain Butterworth again beat the cover at short range to touch down for another converted score.

Pwllheli managed to keep their focus and they worked hard to keep the game flowing as the weather deteriorated, but both defences were generally on top.

It was not until the 21st minute of the second half that Pwllheli broke from deep, and the ball was passed between the forwards and backs for Butterworth to once again inflict the coup de grace. Parry Jones’ conversion took the score to 38-0.

With Pwllheli well on top, it was centre Gareth Lloyd Williams who scored Pwllheli’s sixth try as he scythed through for a sharp individualist try. Parry Jones kept up his immaculate conversion record.

Caernarfon raised their efforts one last time, and they were rewarded with a try by hooker Darren Jones out in the corner.

Pwllheli, however, came back strongly in an attempt to reach the half century.

They crossed the whitewash two times, but were twice called back by referee Mike Jolley of Shotton, who had a good game.

Pwllheli have a home fixture on Saturday (2.30pm) against Llangefni at Bodegroes. The sponsor is Harlech Food Services.

• Pwllheli Seconds fought hard away to Shotton in the WRU Bowl second round but eventually succumbed 17-15. They are away to Menai Bridge this Saturday.

Pwllheli Youths won 27-5 in a friendly against Bethesda, and they are at Bodegroes on Saturday against Llangefni.