Pool rampant in bonus point victory

Welshpool lightened the gloom at Maesydre as they put Llanidloes to the sword in a scintillating first half display in Division Two North, writes Gary Williams of Oval Zone Rugby.

Pool were in tremendous form, taking a 26-0 lead at the interval with tries from Ryan Goodwin, Joe Stranks, Tom Manuel and Alfie Pryce, who also converted three of the tries.

The visitors were left shell-shocked as Pool ran everything. Llani did, however, open their account in the second period when, on a rare visit to the Welshpool try line, they forced their way over for a good score.

But Pool immediately hit back with Stranks touching down for a his second try of the game to make it 33-5, which is how it stayed until the final whistle.

Newtown made the trip to Llanrwst to take on Nant Conwy 2nds (Teirw Nant). Despite a gritty defensive performance, it wasn’t enough to prevent the home side gaining a 27-5 win, gaining a four-try bonus point at the same time.

COBRA’s difficult start to the season continued after their long trip to Caernarfon who were just a place above COBRA at the start of play. The visitors battled hard but they couldn’t prevent another defeat which keeps them rooted to the bottom of the table. A small consolation for the men from Meifod is that they have a number of games in hand over all the clubs which will be important when it comes to the business end of the season.

COBRA’s Youth team played their part in a highly-entertaining 9-9 draw against Ruthin Youth in the North East Wales Youth league.

On Sunday, Welshpool Ladies (pictured) travelled to Rhyl Ladies for their first game of the season. Unfortunately, not being able to guarantee a team on a regular basis to enter the North Wales League, Pool have elected to play friendlies until their numbers increase. The team that travelled to Rhyl showed great promise and came home with a handsome 5-31 win.