Lack of refs hits rugby too
Football chiefs are considering their options to overcome the shortage of referees who are quitting in growing numbers due to constant abuse from players, officials and fans.
And now rugby is facing a problem, with Welshpool 2nds having to cancel their home game with Bishop's Castle on Saturday as no referee was available.
No such problems at COBRA though who welcomed Montgomeryshire rivals Llanidloes for a WRU Bowl match.
In blustery conditions, the Meifod men ran out 30-18 winners in a tight game that was only secured through a Richard Jones try in the closing minutes.
Next up is a third round tie at home against Crymych 2nds on October 28.
The men's cancellation meant that only one adult game was played in Welshpool over the weekend, with the Women winning 29-12 at Pwllheli.
After lending their hosts three players to ensure they had a full side, Welshpool took the lead courtesy of a try for full-back Sally Humphreys, with her sister, team captain Becca Humphreys, following suit for their second try, which was converted by Ellie Davies to give them a 0-12 lead.
Pwllheli responded with a converted try of their own, but Becca scored her second with a long range effort, putting 'Pool back in the driver's seat at 7-17. A week on from scoring on her RGC debut, the skipper secured her third try of the day to put the game safely beyond Pwllheli, with her RGC team-mate Grace Johns adding the conversion to make it 7-24.
Pwllheli were rewarded for their efforts with a second score for their hooker, but were unable to close the gap any further, and Davies wrapped things up for Welshpool with a try of her own.
Elsewhere in the division, COBRA continued their unbeaten start with a 53-7 win over Holyhead, and Llangollen were 39-0 winners over Shotton Steel. Next up for Welshpool is a home game against Holyhead on October 22.
Welshpool: Natalie Butler, Lottie Morris, Sharon Davies, Courtney Jones, Keli Williams, Chloe Davies, Sian Bailey, Lucia Alexander, Grace Johns, Rachael Ferguson, Michelle Petryszyn, Disa Manuel, Becca Humphreys (C), Ellie Davies, Sally Humphreys, Lauren Davies, Terri-Ann Ratledge, Freya Needham, Natalie Higgins, Rhiannon Jones, Beki Roberts, Gemma Pryce
Tries: Becca Humphreys (3), Sally Humphreys, Ellie Davies
Conversions: Ellie Davies, Grace Johns
Under 9s and 11s Festival @ Welshpool
Welshpool's Under 11s were left with plenty of areas to work on after their first fixture of the season, when they took on Shrewsbury, Newtown and COBRA at Maesydre.
The scorers were 0-20 in the Shrewsbury game, 0-30 in the Newtown game and 0-25 in the COBRA game.
At the same time, Welshpool, Newtown and COBRA Under 9s came together for a fixture, which represented the first experience of contact rugby for many of the players involved.
All the players got plenty of game time, and it is hoped that this can be continued over the course of the season to offer these players as much game time as possible at their own age, which is always a tricky one to develop due to not being able to have Under 8s playing 'up' a year.
This Weekend's Welshpool fixtures
Saturday
Rhyl 1sts v Welshpool 1sts (League, 2.30pm)
Welshpool 2nds v TBC
Sunday
Welshpool Under 15s v Luctonians Under 15s (11am)
Glyn Ceiriog Under 13s v Welshpool Under 13s (11am)
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