Battlers stunned by late try

Newtown continue to languish in the lower reaches of Welsh National League division four (north) after being pipped 5-3 at home by Dolgellau.

The hosts, with just one win to their names this rugby season, put in a battling display in the rain and the wind with the forwards particularly impressing.

They took the lead through a penalty from Rowan Meek, an advantage they held before being stunned late on when replacement forward Daniel Edwards powered over from a maul to earn Dolgellau the spoils.

Llanidloes, who are also fielding a youthful side this term, continue to find life tough after crashing 65-3 at Colwyn Bay. The Mid Wales side are still without a win this season.

Meanwhile, Machynlleth’s hopes of a place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Power North Wales Cup were dashed as they were edged out 7-6 at home to Pwllheli.

There was little to choose between the two Welsh National League division five (north) sides in windswept conditions.

Pwllheli, with the elements in their favour, went ahead through a converted breakaway try from Euros Thomas before Mach reduced hit back with a penalty from fly-half Huw Pughe.

Injuries then saw a reshuffle in the backs, with Pughe forced off so Aled Hamilton switched from full back to fly-half.

Hamilton reduced the arrears further with a second half penalty but the hosts could find no other way through despite their efforts.

Defeat leaves Mach to concentrate fully on their league form in the second half of the season, starting with a big clash at COBRA on Saturday.

l There was little regional cheer for the Midlands under-18 team who brought the curtain down on their divisional matches with a 22-16 defeat at Broadstreet, near Coventry.