The champions led 19-12 at the break and bagged their bonus point try just after the interval, after some serious indecision in the Cefni ranks had led to a turnover. The home fans expected a rout, but it did not materialise as Cefni did most of the 2nd half attacking. Pwll denied the visitors a further score , due to some excellent last ditch and scramble defence. In addition, Cefni were guilty of relying too heavily on physical confrontation in the red zone.

Cefni found it hard to exit their 22 early doors, due in large measure to a creaking scrum and Pwll`s impressive defensive line speed. Some indifferent clearance kicks allowed Pwll to either counter attack or kick long back to the 22. Once settled in the Cefni 22 Pwll went through the phases and Cefni were undone by a short pass in midfield which enabled Deio Brunelli to cross near the posts, Osian Parry-Jones added the extras for 7-0. Cefni responded quickly when prop Gareth Pawson made a fine break, which led to another break by Sior Grieves. 2 passes later Greg Horsman was sprinting over on the left flank. No extras but Cefni had shown their hand. Then after another poor clearance kick, Pwll again kicked deep into the 22, and once again Pwll went patiently through the phases and Cefni were rather easily outflanked on ttheir right wing as Robin Jones was allowed to speed in at the corner. No extras this time as Pwll went 12-5 up.

Pwll were then guilty of conceding 30 metres when they kicked out on the full. Cefni`s lineout on the 22 was won cleanly by Huw Jones who set up the maul which rolled up to the 5 metre line. After a few forward carries, Mark Gray dummied his way over from close range. Rhys Hughes added the 2 points and it was 12-12. Once again Pwll kicked long into the 22 , and won that vital scrum to pressurise the Cefni defence. Aaron Jeffreys was once again forced to pick up from a retreating scrum. A penalty allowed PWLL to launch their lineout maul, which finally led to a Nick Butterworth try near the posts, leaving a simple kick for Osian P-Jones, 19-12. Cefni came back with a multi phase attack in the home 22, but a lack of composure led to the ball being kicked away: so 19-12 at the break.

After Pwll had gone out to 26-12 when John Pugh capitalised on a quick turnover near the Cefn 10 metre line, Cefni moved up a gear making a large number of clear line breaks: First of all Mark Gray broke from half way up to the 22. However after a series of rucks Cefni were penalised under the posts. Next it was Sior Grieves who scythed through but after the ball was taken on by Horsman and Foulkes the ball was lost in contact. The most telling break was made by Rich Foulkes who carried over the 22, he found Declan Griffiths on his inside but the latter was well tackled. Aron Evans made plentiful metres on his right flank in the 2nd half , however Cefni ended up using him too often as a battering ram rather than engineering the space he needs to show his paces.

In the 2nd period Pwll became more reticent to use their back line from deep and resorted to the driving maul and kicking game to relieve the pressure. This fine contest was marred with about 8 minutes to play when Cefni`s Will Bown was red carded for retaliation, provoked by an episode of unsavoury foul play. Cefni worked hard to keep posession but eventually Pwll`s speedy 10 John Pugh took advantage of the missing defender to make a break and sprint in at the corner for that final31-12 scoreline.

Pwll were given a good test, but ultimately in attack and defence they showed again why they have been champions for the last 3 seasons!

Next week Cefni welcome Ruthin to Cae Smyrna in a League encounter.
Cefni`s 2nd xv showed their strength by thumping Rhyl 43- 7.