Fixture

A fiercely contested derby encounter under lights at the Terry Bryer pitch ended with honours evenly shared. With both teams competing strongly in all phases territorial dominance was important but neither side was able to sustain this for any length of time and with try scoring opportunities at a premium.

Ruthin had the territorial advantage early in the first half and opened the scoring with an unconverted try  from a driving maul from  a close range  line out. Dinbych replied with an attack down the right where the Ruthin backs were caught off side for full back Dafydd Pierce-Evans to reduce the deficit with a penalty from 35 metres.

Dinbych’s pack scrummaged well with the front five of props Pete Shoosmith and Ashley Liversidge and hooker Tom Jones providing a good platform for hard working locks Dan Edwards and Ryan Pinfold whilst the back row of Will Owen, Dave Roberts and Gwen Pierce foraging well in open play.

Dinbych began to get the better in terms of territory but Ruthin extended their lead late in the half when Dinbych lost possession at a line out near half way for Ruthin to launch an attack  down the left. Dinbych’s scrambling defence managed to hold out initially only for the visitors to recycle and switch the attack towards the right hand corner to score a second unconverted try. 

Trailing by 10 points to 3 at the interval Dinbych continued to edge the territorial battle and drew level  with an excellent try started with a long break from inside his own half by centre Aidyn Jones who beat several defenders in a typical elusive run. No.8 Dave Roberts was up in support to carry on the move with flanker Gwern Pierce at hand to go over near the posts with Dafydd Pierce-Evans adding the conversion points.

Dinbych used their bench to good effect in the second half with hooker Ioan Jones making an encouraging debut at senior level showing up well especially with his energetic play in the loose whilst full back John Clouston gave an assured performance in both defence and attack.

Ruthin came back strongly and again went ahead with a penalty when Dinbych offended at a breakdown 30 metres out. With time running out Dinbych responded well and it was their turn to force an error from the visitors as Ruthin conceded a penalty in similar circumstances for Dafydd Pierce-Evans to convert it successfully and give Dinbych a well earned draw.