Fixture

This eagerly awaited match was supported by the largest crowd seen at Bodegroes in  the last few years. This was despite the strong westerly wind and incessant cold rain. Over two hundred and fifty supporters of both teams braved the elements and were rewarded with gutsy performances from two closely matched sides.

Pwllheli fielded an unchanged side for the first time this season. The opening minutes were all Pwllheli. Despite the gusty wind winger Osian P.Jones slotted to wide out kicks in the first and fourth minutes. This stirred Nant and they charged upfield in a series of close quarter phases. It was an attritional confrontation but Nant's pack began edging the set pieces. After nine minutes Pwllheli were warned about dropping the scrum and two minutes later Gorseinon referee Mark Davies ran under the posts to award a penalty try. Centre Delwyn Jones added the easy two points. Pwllheli tried to run the ball rather than used the wind advantage but possession became scarcer as Nant Took the upper hand. Ther home side  remained a threat and a counter attack after twenty seven minutes saw Nant kill a ball in a ruck. Jones' penalty attempt shaved the outside of the post. Half time came with Nant retaining their slender seven points to six lead.

All expected Nant to use the wind as part of their armoury but they never came to terms with the constant change in wind velocity and direction. Pwllheli now began winning their own lineout ball and put pressure on the Nant scrum. Fifteen minutes in Pwllheli were awarded a penalty wide out on the right. Osian P.Jones' judged his kick to perfection and it sailed throughout the middle of the posts. The pressure was now on Nant but Pwllheli held until a flanker was yellow carded on nineteen minutes for entering a ruck from the side. The home side 's structure held and their defensive scrums were more than a match for Nant's eight men. It was on twenty five minutes that they yielded a penalty which Delwyn Jones slotted with accuracy.

Pwllheli now dug deep and had distinct territorial advantage in the dying minutes of the game. They were awarded a thirty eighth minute penalty thirty five metres out but close to the left hand touch. Jones' successful kick was a tribute as much to his nerve as it did for his technque. The Pwllheli section of the crowd were  rapturous in their appreciation. There was still time to go but when the whistle went after a forty five minute half Pwllheli players and supporters were equally drained.

This was an absorbing match with both teams showing high levels of skills and commitment. This was particularly impressive given the weather. The try line was not breached by either side which is a testament to the organisation and effectiveness of both defences. It was inevitable that the result would be tight but Osian P.Jones' fourth and final penalty wide out against the wind was a very worthy decider.

There is no competitive game at the club tomorrow but the big screen and cheaper beer are available for those who want to watch Wales v Australia on Saturday afternoon.

The seconds had a disappointing home result losing by two points in the last play of the match against visitors Nant Conwy.

Pwllheli Youths had an excellent 26 to 5  away try bonus win against Wrexham in the North Wales Youth League Division 1.

The following Saturday- November 15 -  we host neighbours Caernarfon at Bodegroes in the first round of the North Wales Cup. The early 11.30 kick off is to accommodate the request by the WRU that no matches are played at the same time as the Wales v Fiji match which kicks off at 2.30, Again the club will be open for those who wish to watch the match at the club. All welcome.