| Around 40 Ruthin supporters travelled to Bala for this crucial match for both teams Ruthin chasing the title and Bala trying to avoid the relegation play-off. Ruthin started with some urgency and after 5 minutes were an unconverted try up after wing Huw Parry went over the line. Almost immediately Bala responded swinging the ball across field out wide to Ruthins thinly defended left wing for a fine try which they converted putting Bala 8-5 ahead. Ruthin responded with good phase play and incisive runs by Parry and full back Kyle Davies and were rewarded by a penalty on Balas 22 which scrum half Will Davies put over to give Ruthin a one point lead. Bala fought back but Ruthins strong defence kept them away from the line. Centre Gethin Hughes, No 8 Lee Pope and flanker Dwayne Speakman began running hard at Balas defensive line in the centre of the field and play moved into Balas half of the field, but despite the Ruthin pressure the score remained at 8-7 to Ruthin at half time. In the second half Ruthin continued where they had left off at the end of the first period and their pressure and patience paid off after a period of sustained phase play second row Chris Davies went over for a good try which Will Davies converted. Bala responded but again Ruthins excellent defence held. After a series of 6 scrums 5 yards from the Bala line with the ball being judged to have been held up three times the ball was fed across field to wing Jim Lyle who went over for Ruthins third try. Ruthin were on the hunt for their bonus point try but despite consistent pressure and with a number of stoppages the minutes were ticking away with no further score. 2 minutes from full time Kyle Davies picked up the ball from a scrum on Ruthins 22 and ran the full length of the field avoiding a couple of tackles and skipping over an ankle tap to score a brilliant try accompanied by a great roar from Ruthin players and supporters alike. The try was not converted and the whistle blew for full time and Ruthin winning 25-7. With the league title still Ruthins to win all eyes are on the match at Mold on Tuesday 28th March KO 18:45. |
