12.09.09 Bala v Bethesda
A league game between Bala and Bethesda hasn’t happened for many a year and this clash in the second week of the season. Games between the teams in the past have always been a dour affair and this one did not reach any heights but it was fiercely competitive and it was a good thing that the game had a strong referee and the game had one in Rob Mota from Taff’s Well. Bethesda took the honours they had more of the attacking options but Bala were excellent in the contact area and overturned possession regularly and were able to clear their defences with long clearance kicks. Both sides missed penalties before Gareth Wyn gave the visitors the lead of three points with a penalty. Highlight of the first half was Bethesda’s try an excellent forward effort with skipper Paul Thomos finishing the move off. Halftime and a slender lead of 3 points to Bethesda. Bala were best out of the blocks in the second half and continued to turn Bethesda over and put the ball out to their backs a bit more. From a clearance kick by Bethesda Bala counter attacked and miss tackles and confusion Bala were able to breach Bethesda’s defence to score an unconverted try followed by a penalty to level the score 8‐8 the game continued in the same pattern for most of the second half and a draw looked like the obvious conclusion. Bethesda put in one last effort and a pick up from Hooker Steven Roberts now operating from No8 due to injuries made excellent ground and the tactic in the breakdown that Bala were good at became their achilles heel when they handled the ball illegally in the ruck and Gareth Wyn secured a good away win for Bethesda. Next week Bethesda take on Scrum V new adopted club Bangor at Bethesda . Bethesda seconds secured a home win against Benllech 34‐29 on their first outing this season next week they entertain Bala seconds at home.
