RHYL and District returned to action following the international break with a 24-3 loss at Llanidloes.

The Dragons suffered a blow to their fading hopes of a top three finish in WRU National League Division Two North, and their depleted squad missed a number of key components throughout the clash.

Despite the eventual result it was the visitors who drew first blood when Richie Williams successfully despatched a penalty early on, but this joy proved to be fleeting as the home side ran in three tries during the first half, one of which was converted.

After the break saw the hosts put even more pressure on the Rhyl rearguard, but they managed to restrict them to just one converted score in the second period to ensure the score line did not get out of hand for the young side.

The defeat leaves the Dragons three points ahead of Llan having played a game more than their rivals.

One positive for the visitors was the contribution made by Oliver Rowan, who came off the bench to make his senior debut and becomes the latest former youth player to feature for the senior side.

Rhyl’s second unit also tasted defeat in their 64-10 home reverse to Llandudno Seconds, with many of the squad called-up to first team duties due to player unavailability.