Gogledd Division Two
Newtown 18 Abergele 22
NEWTOWN became the latest victims of surprise package Abergele who closed on the pace-setters with a hard-fought win at the Recreation Ground.
The league newcomers broke the deadlock with No8 Hugh Lucock powering over for a try with Gareth Evans converting.
Despite replying with a try from inform outside centre Richard Andrews the home side continued to struggle against a hungry Abergele.
Abergele captain James Needham crossed for a try to restore Abergele’s cushion with Gareth Evans converting and also kicking a penalty.
Abergele lost second row Mark Davies to the sin bin midway through the second-half with Newtown capitalising with two penalties from flanker Mattie Jones.
Newtown pushed for the try to bring them back into the game – but instead were caught out as replacement Alun Pritchard gathered possession from a ruck to dive over.
To their credit Newtown continued to attack and a marauding run from prop Ashley Paget allowed full-back Joe Murray to cross for a try.
Jones steered over the conversion with the last kick of the game as Newtown’s promising winning run came to an end.
Coach Derek Murray said: “On the day Abergele were just that little more hungry and that was the difference in the end.
“We will not be too disappointed and have no time to dwell on defeat as we entertain our great rivals Llanidloes this weekend."
NEWTOWN : Paget, Land, Evans, Morgan, N Jones, B Lloyd, B Davies, Bucknall, J Harris, Meek, Andrews, S Harris, M Jones, N Lloyd, Murray. Reps - Richards, Heywood, M Jones, Price