Defiant Newtown roar back
Newtown staged a stirring fightback to open their Welsh National League division four (north) campaign with a 20-15 victory over Denbigh.
The Mid Wales hosts had trailed 15-3 with 20 minutes remaining, but turned the game around with flanker Paul Morgan and No 8 Eddie Maguire both crossing for tries converted by Rowan Meek who also supplied two penalties.
New boys Wrexham suffered a 25-13 home reverse against Ruthin, with flanker Kerry Powell and wing Scott Davies crossing for the hosts.
Rhayader's season started on a disappointing note as they slumped 47-10 at Machynlleth in division five (north).
Centre Gerwyn Coleman led Mach's charge with a hat-trick of tries while flanker Rhun Ifans went over twice.
Two other touchdowns came from winger Wyn Blockley and scrum half Dyffrig Coleman while fly half Ioan Tomos landed five conversions and his replacement, Iwan Jones, another kick.
Rhayader responded through Gareth Gower's try which was converted by Mark Williams who also supplied a penalty.
Elsewhere, it was a good day for Mid Wales sides, with Welshpool sinking Rhyl 34-13 in which centre Dave Jones scored a brace of touchdowns. Other tries came from Alan Williams and Daly Jones, who also supplied the kicks.
Llanidloes also made an encouraging start as they overcame Dolgellau 30-8 in which Ed Pugh grabbed one try while also landing two penalties and two conversions in a 15-point haul.
Other touchdowns came from Ryan Smith, Nick Howells and Dan Hughes.
Builth Wells went down 19-3 to Merthyr in their opening outing in the Division One (west).
l Trefyclawdd sounded an early warning after sweeping aside Llanidloes Seconds 47-3 in their opening Mid Wales League encounter.
The Knighton side had promised a lot last term, but their season faltered in a disappointing finish.
But, with a new coaching team now at the helm, they were soon out of the blocks this time despite the wind and rain making life difficult for both camps.
Prop Gavin Duggan led the way with a hat-trick of touchdowns while Jeremy Stokes and Gary Lewis also went over along with wingmen Dave Morris and Steve Hardwick.
Rhodri Lewis supplied three conversions and two penalties while Llani gained a consolation penalty through Huw Owen.
Llandrindod Wells, meanwhile, overcame Hereford Seconds 26-19 in a friendly, having trailed 19-7 at half time. Centre and captain Tom Bradley grabbed a hat-trick of tries, full back Kevin Percy also went over while Danny Davies kicked three conversions.
By John Bridgwater
