Rugby Union: Late drama as Ruthin snatch win

Feb 3 2010

RUTHIN 21 MOLD 20

WRU DIVISION ONE NORTH

WIL DAVIES’ crucial penalty two minutes from time clinched a tremendous victory for Ruthin over high-fliers Mold.

Given their relative positions in the table, one might have thought the Vale of Clwyd side would struggle against their on-form Flintshire visitors.

But with veteran Rhys Hughes returning at scrum-half, Davies moving to the wing and Gethin Hughes adding strength and experience in the centre, Ruthin put on one of their best displays of the season in this thrilling derby.

First points went to Ruthin with a penalty from fly-half Jamie Morris after about five minutes but Mold quickly reversed this with a great drive-over try for Liam Gill, which they converted putting them 7-3 ahead.

Ruthin responded with some aggression when Mold went down to 14 men after a yellow card.

After a Rhys Hughes try was judged to have been held up, full-back Jon Evans collected the ball from hooker Gary Teeson to put the hosts back in the lead with a fine try.

Mold now went on the attack but Ruthin’s defence held and they began to gain ascendancy, but despite a second try being adjudged to have been held up, went into the interval just a point up at 8-7.

After the break Mold got a quick penalty and after Ruthin conceded another penalty just outside their 22, the visitors drove over again for their second try courtesy of Tom Webb.

Despite being 15-8 down, Ruthin were gaining in confidence and after continual pressure No8 Marc Lloyd crossed and Davies converted, putting the scores level.

Davies put Ruthin back in the lead with another penalty, but Mold responded with yet another drive-over try.

At 18-20 down Ruthin were surging at the Mold line. Yet another pushover try was ruled to be held up but with about two minutes to go Mold conceded a penalty in front of the posts and Davies made sure the ball went over.

Ruthin endured what seemed like an age of injury time as Mold tried to get the advantage back.

It was their turn to have a try deemed not to be grounded and eventually Ruthin were awarded a penalty and booted the ball into touch for the end of the game.