COBRA too strong for Pool

Welshpool's difficult start to the Division Two North season continued when they were swept aside 59-7 by a strong COBRA side in Meifod.

With their hosts looking to begin their season with a bang, this was always going to be an uphill battle for Welshpool, who were shorn of several regulars through injury, but it took until the 15^th minute of the game for COBRA to open the scoring, with a converted try giving them a 7-0 lead.

Welshpool levelled immediately with a try from Harry Davies, converted by Tom Williams but it was sparked an onslaught from the hosts.

Three tries in the last 10 minutes of the half gave COBRA a 24-7 lead at the break and they ran in five tries in the second half to give themselves a comfortable victory.

Llanidloes got their season off to a good start with a 29-22 win at Newtown.

Welshpool: Tom Manuel, Ally Evans, Ryan Manuel, Toby Hodgson, Harry Trow, Lee Richards, Huw Williams, Joe Stranks (C), Euan Harris, Tom Williams, Owain Watkins, Harry Davies, Tom Davies, Paul Davies, Matt Roberts

Replacements: Rhys Williams, CJay Ford, Glyn Davies, Jamie Richards

Try: Harry Davies

Conversion: Tom Williams

Welshpool's Second team played on the same day as their first team for the first time since April 2014, and enjoyed an entertaining trip to Bridgnorth 3rds, despite going down 46-29.

Debutant Michael Humphreys opened the scoring with a try to give the visitors an unexpected lead, before the home side struck back with two tries to make the score 10-5 in their favour. Welshpool responded with a try for Ryan Griffiths, before a further two tries for Bridgnorth gave them a 22-10 lead at the break.

Humphreys was on the score sheet again as he went over for his second try, which he also converted, putting the game in the balance at 22-17. Bridgnorth put matters beyond doubt though with a pair of tries extended their lead to 36-17.

Hooker Lawrence Davies brought Welshpool back into the game with a try, again converted by Humphreys, whilst Bridgnorth again extended their lead with a try. Griffiths went over from close range to score his second, but Bridgnorth were not finished, getting the last laugh with a final try of their own.

This Weekend's Fixtures

Saturday

Welshpool 1sts v Llanidloes (Swalec Bowl, 2.30pm)

Welshpool 2nds v TBC

Sunday

Welshpool Under 13s v Wrexham Under 13s (11am)

Welshpool Women v Llangollen Women (League, 2.30pm)