It is normally believed that a solid defence alone won't win you matches; however, when coupled with accurate goal kicking and a never say die attitude, it was enough to provide Cobra with a fifth win in six matches.

Cobra went into the match riding a wave of confidence following a recent upsurge in form which had seen them clamber up the Division 1 North league table.

A tough winter has taken its toll on the pitch at Cae Cobra and the match was never going to be a feast of running rugby. The swamp like conditions and strong wind would be a huge factor on the match with both sides knowing that they would have to make the most of the strong gale when it was at their backs.

Whenever 'Pesda come to town the Cobra players and coaches know that they are in for a tough battle. The uncompromising pack always offer a huge physical threat and with livewire kiwi scrum half Jared Mitchell barking the orders and pulling the strings, a huge performance was needed for Cobra to come away victorious.

Having suffered a 25-3 defeat in the corresponding fixture in October, Iwan Vaughan and his men would have to match the quarry men in every aspect of their game. Cobra had the wind at their backs in the first half and knew it was essential that they came in at half time having built a strong lead.

The first half was a closely fought contest with both packs battling for dominance. The visitors adopted a simple tactic of forwards picking and going at the base of the rucks; however, much credit must be given to the Cobra forwards who didn't give the 'Pesda pack an inch. Tackle after tackle were made with the Cae Cobra men meeting the opposition on the gain line.

Llew Williams used the wind to his advantage and pinned Bethesda back in their own 22 on several occasions. The possession and territory stats were in the home side's favour in the first 40 and fortunately for the home side, so was the scoreboard, with 3 penalties from the boot of kicking king Llew Williams giving the Cae Cobra men a 9-0 lead at half time.

The match was on a knife edge with the Cobra faithful knowing that a 9-0 lead may not be enough going into a second half against the wind. Much credit must be given to the Bethesda defence in the opening 40. They stood strong and blitzed the Cobra attack on every opportunity.

The majority of the second half was played in the Cobra half, with those supporters who had decided to watch the game from the clubhouse balcony wishing for a refund! Wave after wave of Bethesda attacks bombarded the Cobra line but the home side stood strong. The heart, commitment and determination shown in defence was unquestionable with 1-15 laying their bodies on the line, with captain fantastic, Iwan Vaughan leading from the front and playing like an extra back rower rather than a scrum half at times. Whenever Bethesda decided to play slightly wider the concrete midfield pairing of debutant Rhys Jones and Frazer Roberts smashed their opposite number backwards.

Whilst the back 3 of Sion Wyn Williams, Tom Wilde and Richard Jones spent much of the afternoon trying to avoid catching hyperthermia, when they were called upon they did their duties impeccably, catching high balls and running the ball back at the visitors at every opportunity.

The home side's lineout and scrum stood strong as always and made the 'Pesda 8 work for every ball. The men from Snowdonia continued to attack and kiwi 9 Jared Mitchell started to pick up the tempo by taking a quick tap after any infringement. On one occasion he scurried away when a penalty was awarded, only to be chopped down by a Cobra forward who had not retreated 10 metres. When the referee reached for his pocked and pulled out the yellow card, everyone looked in Lloyd Bright's direction, with the Berriew man already having received 3 yellows this season. But on this occasion it was his partner in crime in the second row, Rhodri 'Rooney' Evans who would have a 10 minute rest on the touchline.

Bethesda took full advantage when they were awarded a scrum 10 metres from the Cobra line. A blindside move allowed them to capitalise on the extra man with their winger diving over in the corner. A superb conversion followed, narrowing the Cobra lead to 2 points.

A good impact was made from the Cobra bench with the fresh legs of Iolo White, Richard Rees, Rhodri Jones and Aled 'Albi' Roberts a welcome sight to the battered 15 who had started the match. The latter, Albi Roberts, showed all his experience when he secured a crucial turnover in the middle of the park, much to the delight of the vocal Cobra fans who's contribution cannot be underestimated either.

The referees final whistle was greeted with a combination of relief and ecstasy. The Cobra players, fans and coaches were all clearly delighted with another win. The nail biting affair was over with the Cobra players covered in mud, blood and glory.

Cobra now turn their attentions to the North Wales plate when they travel to Division 2 high flyers Colwyn Bay in the quarter final before recommencing league duties away at Nant Conwy on the 20th February. All Cobra players, staff and fans can now sit down and enjoy a few weeks of six nations viewing, knowing that the heroics shown in the past few months have set Cobra well on their way to Division 1 safety.