BALA 17
COBRA 0
THE battle of Maes Gwyniad went Bala’s way as they countered COBRA’s venom to strengthen their promotion hopes.
Saturday marked the opening of the new SWALEC League Division Two (North) campaign and Bala were always in the box seat against COBRA, although it turned into a bruising affair in the second period.
“It was a comfortable win in the end, but not without its scares,” said Bala chairman Tony Parry.
While Bala crossed for three tries on the day, the main talking points weren’t connected with the rugby.
Bala were incensed with what they perceived as a couple of dangerous high tackles from the visitors which denied further try-scoring opportunities, while one COBRA player was laid low by an alleged elbow blow to the mouth.
Despite the over-physical aspect of the game, Parry was pleased with the overall showing and he added: “We have just got to have the right attitude for every game.
“If we play like that then the wins will come.”
Bala felt that they had the better of the opening 40 minutes, but they could only take a seven-point lead into the interval.
The Maes Gwyniad side broke the deadlock courtesy of Geraint Rowlands’ try, with the boot of Gareth Owen successfully adding the extras.
Further opportunities went Bala’s way and when Rhydian Jones chipped the ball over the opposition defence, he looked certain to score.
But Jones fumbled his attempt to gather the ball and the chance was lost.
Bala were under the cosh for the first quarter-of-an-hour of the second half as COBRA spent a large chunk of time camped on the home side’s line.
Fine Bala defence kept them out, although the cost was a couple of sin binnings.
The Gwynedd side weathered this storm and in the final 10 minutes they found themselves on the quest for a winning bonus point.
Rhydian Jones crossed for Bala’s second try of the afternoon and straight from the restart skipper Ifan Hughes embarked on a brilliant run that saw him evade four potential tacklers.
Hughes offloaded to winger Ilan Rowlands who crossed for his first senior club try.
Gareth Owen added the conversion points, but despite going close on a few more occasions, Bala couldn’t quite manage to score that fourth try to wrap up a bonus point.