After a long coach journey a somewhat depleted Ruthin team kicked off an hour after arriving in the Rhondda against the top side in Division 1 East Central.
Still suffering from bus-lag Ruthin conceded an early try when Ystrad worked a quick overlap in the Ruthin 22. This was soon followed by a penalty try awarded against Ruthin for a high tackle close to their line. After a brief respite Ystrad scored their third try and at 19-0 Ruthin looked to be on the ropes. Ruthin however gathered themselves and after a period of pressure inside the Ystrad 22 following a penalty and line out 5 yards out, Nathan Jones nipped through to score under the posts, a try that he converted and he kicked a penalty not long after. Ystrad were to score another try in the half in a clever blindside move following a lineout close to the Ruthin line to leave the score at the break 24 – 10.
The second half started much as the first with another try to Ystrad followed by a second penalty try from a 5 yard scrum. Despite Ystrad being twice yellow-carded and down to 14 men for 20 minutes in the half Ruthin were unable to score again and their opponents scored another 4 tries to finish the game 60 -10.
Throughout the match Ruthin fought hard and were always competing. Although now out of the Plate competition the team deserve full credit not only for their availability but also for a gutsy performance against a good team, well coached and playing at the top of their game.
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