DESPITE Storm Boelo battering North Wales with driving rain and strong winds, there was still plenty of excitement in Penllyn as Llanuwchllyn welcomed local rivals Bala Town to Cae Llan.

This was the first competitive meeting between the clubs for several years, with both sides now competing in the Cymru North. Bala were relegated from the Cymru Premier last season, while Llanuwchllyn earned promotion from the third-tier Ardal North East League.

The derby more than lived up to expectations, producing six goals, a red card and a dramatic late equaliser in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Playing attractive football was always going to be difficult in the challenging conditions, but both teams served up an entertaining encounter packed with drama right until the final whistle.

Llanuwchllyn made the brighter start and took the lead early on. A ball over the top caught out the Bala defence, allowing James Davies to challenge for possession before being brought down by goalkeeper Rhys Williams. Referee awarded a penalty, and Dan Holland calmly converted from the spot.

The visitors responded well and gradually gained control, using the wind and rain to their advantage during the first half. They levelled after just eight minutes when Llanuwchllyn failed to clear their lines. The loose ball fell to John Owen, who fired through a crowded penalty area and beyond Rob Dascalu in goal.

Bala continued to look the stronger side for much of the opening period, moving the ball confidently and posing a constant threat on the counter-attack.

Their second goal arrived after another defensive lapse from the hosts. A long ball forward found John Owen, who cleverly sold a dummy before slipping the ball into the path of Tomas Jones. The forward made no mistake, finding the far corner with his first touch to put Bala 2-1 ahead at the break.

With the weather now against them in the second half, Llanuwchllyn faced a significant challenge. Managerial changes at half-time helped shift the momentum, with Wil Owen replacing Tom Evans and immediately making an impact.

The substitute played a key role in Llanuwchllyn’s equaliser. After winning possession inside the six-yard box, Owen showed great composure before cutting the ball back for Ilan ap Gareth, who finished clinically to make it 2-2.

The parity did not last long. Ten minutes later Bala regained the lead when substitute Charlie Fisher sent a cross in from the left. Caught by the fierce wind, the ball sailed over everyone, including Dascalu, and into the net to restore the visitors’ advantage.

As the relentless rain continued to cut up the surface, the match became increasingly physical. Tensions boiled over after 70 minutes when Bala’s Wil Bell was shown a red card, leaving his side to play the closing stages with ten men.

The dismissal sparked a strong finish from Llanuwchllyn. Owen proved a constant menace down the left flank and went agonisingly close to equalising five minutes from time, only for Williams to produce a superb save that tipped his effort onto the crossbar.

From the resulting corner, Bala were unable to clear the danger. Owen delivered another dangerous ball into the area, and it dropped kindly to Aled Parry 15 yards from goal. Deep into stoppage time, with home supporters holding their breath, Parry unleashed a superb strike into the top corner to send the crowd into celebration.