Pool rue missed chances

Welshpool were left wondering how they didn't come away with a win at Rhyl, despite dominating much of the WRU North Wales Division Two fixture.

Welshpool went ahead in the second minute through scrum half Euan Harris, who has had an excellent start to the season, before fly-half Matt Roberts added a penalty.

But two two quick scores, one converted took the hosts ahead 12-8 before full-back Harry Davies put Welshpool back into a 13-12 lead at the break with a turnover try.

A second half Rhyl try, despite Welshpool’s dominance at the scrum, was the decisive score as the home side defended a 19-13 lead.

Welshpool battled hard for the win, but were unable to get their just rewards, and had to settle for a losing bonus point in a game they should have won.

Welshpool: Tom Manuel, Ally Evans, Ryan Manuel, Harry Trow, Tomos Holloway, Tom Davies, Huw Williams, Joe Stranks (C), Euan Harris, Matt Roberts, Rhys Williams, Jamie Owen, Drew Evans, Jack Morris, Harry Davies:

Replacements: Lee Richards, Ben Gutteridge, Rob Picken, Kieron Evans

Tries: Euan Harris, Harry Davies

Penalty: Matt Roberts

Full page of matches images: http://rhylanddistrict.rfc.wales/photo-albums/9fb29837-7b16-4393-97a6-6eeadcbea662/rhyl-1st-19-v-welshpool-1st-13-----14--10-2017#

Meanwhile, Cobra (pictured courtesy of Lynne Owen) missed out on a chance to close the gap on the top two by going down to a disappointing 33-3 defeat at Wrexham, who go fifth.

There were also vital wins for Llanidloes and Newtown to boost their league standings.

Llanidloes had a bonus point 54-20 win at Llangollen, and Newtown also earned a bonus point as they demolished Abergele 50-0.

Welshpool U15s 7, Luctonians U15s 35

Welshpool U15s 10, Wrexham U15s 40

Welshpool's Under 15s hosted Luctonians and Wrexham at Maesydre, and despite losing to both sides, they can take comfort in two creditable performances against two of the best sides around.

Glyn Ceiriog & Ruthin U13s 53, Welshpool U13s 58

Welshpool came out on top in this back and forth encounter at Glyn Ceiriog.

After taking an early lead, Welshpool found themselves trailing 26-10 at the 20-minute mark.

The middle third of the game went in favour of the visitors, and after 40 minutes the score was 43-36 in Glyn Ceiriog's favour.

Taking the lead in the final third, Welshpool edged themselves into a five-point lead with only minutes on the clock, a lead they held until the end of the game.

This Weekend's Fixtures

Saturday

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

Church Stretton 1sts v Welshpool 2nds (Friendly, 3pm)

Sunday

Welshpool Women v Holyhead Women (League, 2.30pm)

Oswestry Girls U18 v Montgomeryshire Rebels Girls U18 (1pm)

Oswestry Girls U15 v Montgomeryshire Rebels Girls U15 (1pm)

Glyn Ceiriog Under 15s v Welshpool Under 15s (11am)

Under 14s Festival @ Dolgellau (10.30am)

Under 8s and 10s Festival @ Bala (10.30am)