Big wins for local clubs

There were vital league wins for both Welshpool and Cobra rugby clubs over the weekend to ensure they head into the Christmas break in fine festive mood.

Cobra needed points to ease their relegation worries and managed a tremendous bonus point 31-13 win over Colwyn Bay in Division One North.

It didn’t start well for Colwyn Bay, who arrived without their socks and shorts, but Cobra came to the rescue to ensure the game went ahead.

Cobra eventually ran out worthy winners with tries from Richard Jones, Sion Wyn Williams, Bryn Edwards and hooker Steve Isaac. Youngster Will Worthington added points with the boot.

Cobra are next up on December 27 against Welshpool veterans for the annual Nick Whiffen Cup.

Speaking of Welshpool, they finished the year with a brilliant 23-0 win at Rhosllanerchrugog to cement fifth spot in the division as both Llanidloes and Newtown dropped points.

The two sides were evenly matched in the early going, with a large Rhos pack keeping Welshpool at bay. The scoring was opened on the 17th minute through a Tom Williams penalty, and the lead was doubled in the 32nd minute when Williams slotted his second penalty of the half.

Welshpool were rewarded for their hard work before the end of the half when flanker Lee Richards crossed in the corner to give Welshpool a comfortable 0-11 lead at the break.

With Rhos continuing to battle hard, Welshpool found points hard to come by, but gradually wore their opponents down. Captain Joe Stranks crossed for a score on 70 minutes, before Ryan Goodwin completed the scoring on 72 minutes, with Williams adding one conversion.

Welshpool: Jamie Evans, Ally Evans, Tom Manuel, Ryan Manuel, Dan Stanley, Lee Richards, Tom Davies, Ryan Goodwin, Joe Stranks, Dylan Walton, Gareth Jones, Tom Worthy, Paul Davies, Joey Haycock, Tom Williams

Replacements: Rhys Williams, Tomos Holloway, Cyrus Johns, Declan Price

Tries: Lee Richards, Joe Stranks, Ryan Goodwin

Conversions: Tom Williams

Penalties: Tom Williams (2)

Welshpool's Youth team were unlucky not to come away from a home fixture with Bethesda with any points to show for their efforts, after battling hard throughout the game.

The two sides were closely matched throughout the first half, with the visitors narrowly leading 7-10 at the interval.

The second half was a hugely physical affair, with both sides putting in huge hits and more than a little bit of 'off the ball' work. As the half wore on, Bethesda extended their lead with a further two scores to give them a 7-22 win.

PICTURE: Courtesy of Cobra Rugby Club