League defeats for Newtown, Pool

It was a disappointing day for the local rugby clubs on their return to league action, writes Gary Williams from Oval Zone Rugby.

Welshpool lost their Division Two North home encounter against Shotton Steel. However, it was looking good at the interval as the Maesydre men held a 14-12 advantage. Unfortunately, visitors Shotton scored 26 unanswered points in a blistering second half display.

Coach, Dave Roberts, praised the visitors on their clinical display in the second period but felt frustrated knowing that his team can do so much better.

“We've got another stiff test next weekend at Nant Conwy and this is followed by the home derby against Newtown,” he said. “Two games in which we need to get some league points from.”

Newtown also found themselves pointless after a 38-15 defeat away to high-flying, unbeaten Rhyl. Despite battling hard, Newtown couldn't get a foothold in the game and the home side, roared on by a large crowd, made the most of their chances to earn another bonus point win.

Llanidloes, really struggling at the moment for players, had to unfortunately postpone their game away to Wrexham, because they couldn't raise a side on the day. The game will be played at a later date and there is every likelihood that Llani will be deducted points. Hopefully better times around the corner.

Division One North side, COBRA, also found themselves without a fixture as their scheduled opponents, North Wales champions Llandudno, had to play a postponed WRU Plate at Glynneath which took priority over the league game in Meifod.

A high-profile youth game took place at Newtown when COBRA were the visitors. This Mid Wales derby had been highlighted by the WRU for their #YouthRugbyRising campaign, which resulted in a large crowd descending on the Rec to witness the visitors race in to a 0-14 lead, a lead which they never relinquished. Despite the efforts of the home side, they couldn't prevent the Meifod boys claiming the bragging rights.

On Sunday, COBRA Ladies kept up their impressive winning run, with a 0-40 triumph at Abergele, another side with high hopes of finishing near the top of the North Wales Womens' league. This just leaves COBRA and Caernarfon unbeaten in this Division and all eyes will be looking out for when these two do battle.

Division One North

COBRA v Llandudno - postponed

Division Two North

Welshpool 14 v Shotton Steel 38

Rhyl 38 v Newtown 15

Wrexham v Llanidloes - postponed

North Wales Youth League

Newtown 0 v COBRA 14

North Wales Womens' League

Abergele 0 v COBRA 40