Fixture

There were real weather concerns about this match beforehand but conditions at Meifod were surprisingly good. The pitch was in fine condition and although very cold the match was played under blue skies. There was a strong gusty wind running directly down the pitch. Once again the Pwllheli side were appreciative of the travelling support. 

Cobra decided to play with the wind in their favour in the first half but with few exceptions they kept the ball in hand. Their early forays were impressive as they used their robust pack to punch holes. After only four minutes however they spilt the ball on the half way line. Pwllheli's  Nick Butterworth latched on the the loose ball and hacked ahead. He got to the ball first but was tackled. Pwllheli secured quick ruck ball and passed to the prowling number eight Tom Parry who touched down in the corner. Osian P.Jones' successful strike against the wind was a superb effort. For much of the ensuing thirty minutes both packs fronted up as they battered each other.  On one of their infrequent forays into the Cobra half Pwllheli were awarded a penalty for offside and Osian P.Jones obliged wit the penalty to give them a ten point cushion. Pwllheli's backline defence seemed well organised and comfortable but on thirty six minutes a missed tackle created space for Cobra's left wing Harry Jukes to score wide out. The conversion missed as did a penalty attempt into injury time. Half time  COBRA five Pwllheli 10.

Pwllheli used the wind effectively whenever the opportunity arose and much of the play took place in the COBRA half.With set pieces for both sides being solid the only quick ball came from the ruck. Changing their tactics and on twelve minutes Pwllheli  set up a textbook driving maul and the Cobra twenty two and took it to within five metres of the home line. A try seemed certain but Cobra collapsed the maul and were were fortunate only to have a penalty awarded against them. Pwllheli took a quick tap but directly in front of their posts Cobra killed the ball. Common sense prevailed and Pwllheli took the three points from a Jones penalty. With the home team battling hard it took a classy inside pass from substitute fly half Danial Glyn on twenty nine minutes  to release centre John Pugh who scored under the posts. Osian P.Jones' conversion opened up a twenty to six lead for Pwllheli. Once again Cobra rallied and they worked the ball up to the Pwllheli twenty two. From a scrum ten metres from their own line Pwllheli lost concentration and the ball suirted out from the back row.Cobra's nippy nine gleefully picked up to score his side's second try. The conversion missed and full time was called.

Matches away at COBRA are invariably tough and today's fixture was no exception. Osian P.Jones' goal kicking was 100% on the day and given the strong wind this was a considerable achievement At two tries apiece this was essentially the difference between the sides on the day. The result sees Pwllheli maintain their second place in the league and at the half way point of this year's league competition Pwllheli know they will have to up a few gears to reel in the excellent Nant side.

A much weakened side travelled to Llangefni and lost heavily. The Club are very grateful to the thirteen players who made themselves available. Pwllheli's Youths also lost away going down by nineteen points to seven and in doing so lost more ground in their chase of high flying Nant Conwy Youths.

The team face a huge hurdle this Saturday when they are away to Skewen RFC in the last sixteen round of the Swalec Plate. With Skewen doing well in Division 1 Central the odds will be in their favour. Pwllheli will prepare well and give it their best shot. The team coach leaves the club at eight Saturday morning.