North Wales rugby round-up

NEWTOWN strengthened their position at the top of division three east with an emphatic 57-6 thrashing of Flint.

The Mid Wales side currently top the third tier though the division has been plagued by cancellations which have dragged out the league campaign.

Newtown spokesman Alan Owen said: “I am sure the situation will be reviewed at the end of the season as far too many games have been cancelled. It is unavoidable sometimes but is is frustrating.

“From our point of view we want to honour the fixture list and end as high as possible in case the format of the league structure changes in the summer.”

A bonus point victory was secured as Newtown ran home nine tries.

Two tries each from Huw Spears, Richard Andrews and Twm Jones set the tone while Danny Evans, Gaz Williams and Nathan Owen also crossed.

Williams and Evans shared six conversions to complete the rout.

Meanwhile Llanidloes handed second division leaders Llangefni a fright at Cae Hafren before falling to a 22-19 defeat.

The islanders showed no fatigue from their long journey and raced ahead with two tries and one conversion to establish a 12 point lead inside the opening quarter.

Llanidloes were galvanised into action and responded as tries from Dave Pugh and Tom Jarman, one of which was converted by Carwyn Williams, levelled matters at the break.

The second-half continued in a similar vein with Llangefni edging ahead for a try only for the hosts to hit back to lead with a second try from Jarman and conversion from Williams.

However Llangefni regained the lead with a converted try in the dying stages and held out to claim victory with Llanidloes left with the  consolation of a losing bonus point.