It was a tough day for our local rugby clubs who all suffered defeats, write Gary Williams from Oval Zone Rugby.
Welshpool were hoping to push for a top five place in Division Two North at Shotton Steel, but were overcome in a strong second half showing from the hosts who went on to edge it 31-24.
After a bright opening, Pool were left reeling as Shotton talisman, Dan Lynskey, scored a length of the field try to open the scoring which he also converted.
The visitors regained their composure and it wasn't long before Max Cadwallader, Pool's ever-improving young second row, broke through a number of defenders to score under the posts, allowing Tom Williams to convert and level the scores.
There were further tries for Pool with Huw Williams and Ryan Goodwin crossing for a 7-17 interval lead for the visitors in what was turning into a feisty affair.
The third quarter of this game will be one to forget for the Maesydre team as the Steelmen scored three tries (two more for Lynskey) and a penalty to take a commanding 31-17 lead. However, Pool dug in and with 15 minutes on the clock, the quick-thinking Joe Stranks outwitted the home defence as he took a quick penalty and wriggled over for Pool's fourth and bonus point try. The conversion from Tom Williams meant that a second bonus point for being within seven points of the opposition was also added.
Elsewhere in Division Two, both Llanidloes and Newtown were on the wrong end of some hefty scorelines. League leaders Rhyl scored 36 points to Newtown's 14 whilst unbeaten, and promotion favourites, Wrexham, amassed 38 points at Cae Hafren while Llanidloes responded with 10 of their own.
These defeats mean that Llanidloes and Newtown now occupy the bottom two places in the division, although Newtown have a couple of games in hand on Bangor who are one place above them.
In Division One, it was also a day to forget for COBRA as they found themselves on the end of a 70-0 hammering at current unbeaten leaders, and last season's champions, Llandudno.
Whilst the Meifod team, currently second from bottom, have a number of games in hand over the teams just above them, they know that they've got to start picking up points and that won't be easy as next up, after a fortnight's break for the Six Nations, is the visit of Bala, a game which is starting to look like it could be a must-win in the battle to avoid the drop.
Division Two North
Shotton Steel 31 v Welshpool 24
Newtown 14 v Rhyl 36
Llanidloes 10 v Wrexham 38
Division One North
Llandudno 70 v COBRA 0