RHYL and District suffered their second consecutive defeat at their impressive new facility with a narrow 16-15 reverse to Welshpool.

The Dragons were uncharacteristically short of quality against their WRU National League Division Two North rivals, a side they comfortably beat 41-0 in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.

The visitors made a strong start and got their noses in front early on through a superb long-distance penalty from 55 metres out, and they followed this up with a converted try under the posts after a prolonged spell of phases.

This was followed by another free-kick which took their cushion to 11, but the home side started to see more of the ball soon after and got themselves back into the game when in-form back Reeve Wright evaded a number of tackles to cross the white wash.

The Dragons were fighting incredibly hard against the wind and another outstanding attacking move just before the break saw full-back Tom Jones go over to bring them to within one.

After the interval saw the home side mount considerable pressure on the visiting rearguard with the elements in their favour, and they gained the upper hand for the first time when Jones powered his way to the corner for his second score of the contest.

Jones went from hero to villain midway through the half when his defensive kick was charged down which resulted in the crucial Welshpool score that ultimately decided the contest by the slimmest of margins.

Seb Vidal’s side now have a fortnight to put things right due to the international breaks before taking on struggling Bangor.

The second ream entertained a strong Wrexham team and were beaten 55-7.

A new project for Rhyl and District starts on Monday with the first training session of a women’s team for some years.

Training starts at 7pm and any new players are welcome.