| Ruthin needed to win this match with a bonus point to make their chances of winning the league easier. Mold however were determined to beat their old rivals and went 3-0 up from a penalty within about 5 minutes of the start. Play was fast and furious and although Ruthin had most of the territory it was Mold that went further ahead with a converted try after a great run down the left wing by one of their backs. Being 10-0 down after 15 minutes was not what Ruthin had intended and they spent the rest of the first half attacking Molds line, most of the time from about 5yds out. Molds defence was immense and although they had a second row player sin-binned and conceded many penalties, Ruthin going through phase after phase were unable to break through. Half time came with no further score. After the break Ruthin continued to batter the Mold line, if anything with even more ferocity. Twice the ball was over the line but was judged to be held up. Eventually the pressure told and replacement second row Mike Stubbs went over for Ruthins first try. Molds No 4 infringed again and was given a red card and Ruthin went into a purple patch of attack with outside half Adam Robson dictating play. Adam went over for Ruthins second try between the posts this time converted by scrum half Will Davies and putting Ruthin ahead 12-10. Within 5 minutes hooker John Meldrum charged over Molds line for a further try which Davies again converted. 10 minutes before full time Ruthins No 8 Lee Pope was yellow carded bringing both teams to 14 men. Mold rallied but could not make the most of their territory and for the remaining part of the match Ruthin continued to try to get the all important bonus point but again Molds strong defence held and the game ended with the score 19-10 to Ruthin. This was a great game of rugby and the players got deserved applause from the crowd of 200 or so more or less equally divided between Ruthin and Mold supporters. Ruthin can still win the league by scoring 13 tries against Pwllheli on Saturday. Do-able? In the words of captain Joe Palmer of course it is especially if we play like we did in tonights match. |
