Tough opening day for Pool

It was a rude awakening for Welshpool as they launched their new Gogledd Cymru Division 2 campaign with a 78-0 defeat against an impressive Dinbych.

Welshpool showed glimpses of their potential, but were put to the sword in a 12-try display from the visitors who will be one of the league’s teams to beat this season.

After a strong Welshpool start, Dinbych opened the scoring after 10 minutes and went on to build a 28-0 half time lead.

A further eight tries were scored after the break but Welshpool toiled hard and tried, unsuccessfully, to get on the scoresheet.

Elsewhere in Division 2 North, Bangor made a strong statement of intent with a 21-17 victory over Newtown.

Next week, Welshpool face another side who will be looking for promotion, as they make the short journey to take on COBRA, while Newtown host Llanidloes in another Montgomeryshire derby.

Welshpool: Tom Manuel, Connor Thornton, Ryan Manuel, Tomos Holloway, Toby Hodgson, Lee Richards, Joe Stranks (C), Ally Evans, Euan Harris, Tom Williams, Paul Davies, Tom Davies, Remus Blower, Harry Davies, Matt Roberts

Replacements: Jamie Evans, Kieron Evans, Owain Watkins, Declan Price

Making up for Saturday’s disappointment, the club’s ladies put in a fine performance to beat Shotton Steel Women19-10 in the Game On North Wales League.

Welshpool battled both a dogged Shotton Steel side and the terrible weather to emerge winners in their opening league fixture of the season.

Centre Becca Humphreys broke the deadlock with Ellie Davies converting before scrum-half Rachael Ferguson, who had an outstanding game added another try. Davies then added her own try by beating several defenders to score Welshpool’s third try, and her conversion made the score 19-0 in Welshpool's favour at the break.

Shotton refused to give in, and scored twice in the second half to bring themselves back into the game at 19-10, but Welshpool never looked like giving the game away and ensured that they began their league campaign with a victory.

Elsewhere in the division, there was a win for COBRA over Llangollen. Next up for the Women is another home fixture, as they take on Llangollen on September 17.

Welshpool: Alexandra McReadie, Lottie Morris, Sharon Davies, Courtney Jones, Keli Williams, Chloe Davies, Gemma Pryce, Katie Elcock, Rachael Ferguson, Lauren Davies, Michelle Petryszyn, Disa Manuel, Becca Humphreys, Beki Roberts, Ellie Davies, Natalie Butler, Ellie Fielden, Jess Williams, Lucia Alexander, Sian Bailey, Terri-Ann Ratledge, Kate Williams, Rhiannon Jones.

This Weekend's Fixtures

Saturday

COBRA 1sts v Welshpool 1sts (League, 2.30pm)

Bridgnorth 3rds v Welshpool 2nds (Friendly, 3pm)