Division Three West C

Betws 20 Penygroes 9

Betws looking to build on last week’s win over Llangadog by doing the double against a much-weakened Penygroes, who slipped to the second successive defeat on a bitterly cold day.

Penygroes struck first with a fine penalty from outside-half Chris Powell when the home side were caught offside wide out.

The visitors continued to press and were very unlucky not to add to their score before the hosts struck to claim the lead.

Despite playing up the slope and on a very heavy pitch, Betws showed their intent to run the ball when speedy winger Ashley Evans burst free and outstripped his opposite number to score in the corner. Dan Griffiths coolly added the extras to give the hosts a 7-3 advantage.

In an entertaining match, both sides enjoyed periods of dominance with Betws extending their lead with a well-struck penalty on 25 minutes.

The visitors hit back immediately and the excellent Powell struck his second penalty to reduce the arrears.

Penygroes continued to press but Betws struck with a smart counter and Dan Madge claimed his sixth try of the season after a powerful drive from the resultant line-out just before half time.

Penygroes hit back immediately as Powell landed a third penalty to reduce their arrears to 15-9 at the interval.

The hosts struck again early in the second half when Evans pace took him clear after a chip and chase to further extend the home lead.

Penygroes refused to buckle though and were unlucky not to score when a series of attacks were halted right on the Betws line.

The visitors kept up the pressure right to the end and only a series of handling errors inside the hosts’ 22 metre prevented a further score.

Betws meanwhile tried hard for the elusive bonus point but were kept at bay by a well drilled defence.