Home full back Pierce had opened the scoring with a fifth minute penalty and when livewire flanker Dafydd Thirsk ran in the first of his two tries there seemed every likelihood of Caernarfon extending their proud unbeaten league record at home to nine games.
But Pwllheli, who knocked out Nant Conwy in the semi-finals of the North Wales Cup, battled their way back into things and cut the deficit to a single point with their first try in the 13th minute. Lewis Adcock then crossed for the second home try on the stroke of half time and Pierce’s conversion made it 15-7 at the break.
A second try from Thirsk then extended the home lead to 13 points, but that was as good as it got. Back came the visitors and when man of the match Ieuan Williams crossed for a try than Dan Williams converted in the 65th minute, they were ahead by a point.
In Division 1 East Central, league leaders Rumney went on a try rampage at Barry in their 62-7 win. They now lead the table by 15 points from Treorchy, who received a walk-over in their clash at Dinas Powys where the home team once again failed to raise a side.
Treorchy had put a dent in the promotion hopes of third-placed Rhydyfelin with a 39-22 bonus-point win over them last week and Mountain Ash did the same with a 13-11 triumph, where Dai Gratton’s late try gave the visitors some hope, but the conversion was missed.
In Division 1 East, three wins in eight days by Penallta, including a 24-21 success at Blaenavon at the weekend, have moved them ahead of Brecon into the third promotion slot. Brecon were gifted a 20-0 bonus-point win when Dowlais failed to raise a side to meet them and have games in hand in fourth.
Bonymaen came out on top in their top-of the table clash at Kenfig Hill to extend their lead over the Mules to 13 points. Their 20-12 triumph contained three tries and means they will be promoted by to the Championship next season.
In Division 1 West, Crymych’s 12-11 win at Llanelli Wanderers confirmed their promotion and they now lead the table by three points from Llangennech, who have played a game less.
Wing Tobi Wood gave the Wanderers the lead and full back Lewis Jones added two penalties. Crymych hit-back with a try from wing Ned Bennett before a second touchdown by hooker Carwyn Rees allowed full back Adam Philips to seal the win with a nerveless conversion.
