RHYL and District’s unbeaten start to the Specsavers National League Division Two North came to a halt thanks to a 12-6 home defeat to Wrexham.

The Dragons’ were knocked off for the first time in the league this term despite fighting hard against a physical side expected to challenge them for promotion this term, with a large crowd braving the conditions at Tynewydd to witness the high-profile clash.

Difficult conditions forced a change in game plan for the home side, who were unable to implement their expansive style of play which forced them to reply primarily on the efforts of their formidable pack.

An early infringement allowed fly-half Richie Williams to put the home side in front early on, but the visitors managed to go into the break with a narrow advantage thanks to a converted score just before the half-time whistle.

The second period became a war of attrition for both sides as conditions worsened, with each squad displaying some outstanding defensive work to counteract the threat posed by a pair of exceptional attacking back-lines.

Jimmy Waring’s side reduced the deficit to one courtesy of a Williams penalty during the early exchanges of the half, but another surging drive from the Wrexham pack enabled them to go over from close range following a series of superb denials from the Dragons’ defence.

Rhyl and District now have a short break to regroup before their next scheduled encounter at home to Colwyn Bay on December 14.

There was better fortune for the Dragons’ youth side, who picked up their second straight success thanks to a resounding 46-5 win over Bala.

With two games left before the split in the north east and north west youth leagues, coach Angus Garbutt stated he was “impressed with the improvement and commitment of his young side” going into a crucial few weeks for the group.