News

This was a crucial match for two teams fighting to climb away from the Division 1 North relegation zone.

The home side has endured a troubled season with a number of injuries, retirement of experienced players and needless lack of discipline.

The visitors came well prepared with a full squad and Bethesda knew that they faced a difficult match.

The home side took an early lead through a Gethin Long penalty goal but the visitors struck back when Launder crossed for a try following powerful pressure from the COBRA forwards. Worthington converted to give the visitors a 7 points to 3 lead.

Inexplicably, Long missed two attempts at goal and tension increased as the half wore on.

After 30 minutes play, the dependable Paul Thomas scored a try following a break by Long and slick handling by Thomas, Danial Ogwen and Dylan Hughes, who gave the scoring pass to secure a 1 point lead.

A period of forward pressure from Bethesda ended with scrum half, Carwyn Williams crossing for a try. None of the tries were converted but Bethesda ended the half with a 13 points to 7 lead.

Within 2 minutes of the re-start the visitors regained the lead following wing Jukes’ try in the right corner and Worthington’s excellent conversion.

Bethesda grew in strength as the half wore on but COBRA’s defence proved to be well drilled.

In the final quarter, following a series of rucks in COBRA’s half, Long sliced through the defence and although he was tackled short of the try-line he managed to offload to Elis Ogwen Jones. The winger crossed for a try which was converted by Long.

Long kicked a penalty in the final minutes to seal the victory and to deny the visitors a losing bonus point.