Ruthin are still looking for a league win after a hard fought game against Bethesda at Cae Ddol on Saturday which Bethesda narrowly won. Both teams started strongly but without making much impression on good defence from both sides. The Blues were conceding more penalties than the opposition and after 15 minutes of play Bethesda were awarded one in front of Ruthin’s posts and Danny Pritchard slotted it over. The Blues withstood a period of pressure in their own half before clearing their lines and going on the attack. The visitors soaked up the attack and play retreated to the middle of the field but Ruthin went back on the attack and were awarded a penalty which wing Nathan Jones slotted over. The remaining 5 minutes to half time were played out with no further score and 3-3 pretty much reflected the evenly matched teams. Bethesda started the 2nd half with aggressive pick and run and although they didn’t make much headway the Blues were lucky not to go behind when after the Blues conceded a series of penalties, the visitors missed a penalty goal kick. Ruthin picked up their game and after some good phase play in the visitor’s 22 the ball was passed across field to wing Jack Higgins to go over for a try putting them ahead for the first time in the match. Immediately after the restart visitors worked their way into the Blues 22 with effective pick and run and were awarded a penalty which Pritchard slotted over. With 15 minutes to go and the Blues 3 points ahead there was all to play for. Again the Blues conceded a penalty in midfield which led to a lineout on their own 22 and this time they couldn’t keep the visitors out and Gethin Harper nipped over for a try which Pritchard converted. The Blues spent the last 10 minutes of the game in the visitor’s 22. Prop Tom Crawford got over the try line but couldn’t ground the ball, further attacks were blunted by Bethesda’s defence and the whistle blew with a frustrated Ruthin losing 13-8.
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