A downpour just before kick-off meant that the first encounter between Ruthin and Llandudno this season was played on a soft and slippery surface but this did not deter from an exciting and hard fought game. After withstanding early visitor pressure the Blues began to threaten in Dudno’s half but both sides were dangerous on the break and had to defend well in the first 20 minutes. First points went to Ruthin when centre Kyle Davies broke from defence and put wing Josh Wilson through to kick forward and beat the visitor’s defence for a fine try converted by fly half Phyl Roberts. The lead was short-lived however as Llandudno playing effective pick and run rugby immediately came back and after a lineout a few yards from the Ruthin try line pushed over for a try by Ed Weston which Tommy Hocknell converted. The visitors then went ahead with a penalty goal also from Hocknell. Within 10 minutes the Blues were back in the lead when centre Emyr Gwynedd went over the whitewash after some good attacking play with Roberts converting. With no further score the teams broke for half time with the Blues 14-10 ahead. After the break both teams tried to gain ascendancy and Ruthin had to defend well against concerted pressure in their own 22 and after conceding a scrum 5 yds out Dudno’s Ian Williams pushed over for their 2nd try. At 15-14 to Llandudno and 15 minutes to go and both sides tiring after defending hard in sticky conditions, the game was being fought out in the centre of the pitch. Eventually play moved into the visitors’ half as Ruthin tried to get ahead and after Dudno conceded a penalty in a kickable position Roberts slotted the ball over. Having regained the lead the Blues were determined not to relinquish the lead again and the whistle blew for a 17-15 win to Ruthin.
Processing