Newtown 22

Welshpool 20

NEWTOWN ended on top in a thrilling North Wales Intermediate Plate quarter-final clash with local rivals Welshpool on Thursday night.

A large and vocal following made the short south down the A483 to cheer on Pool against their oldest rivals having already met in North Wales League Two action this season.espite leading through Gareth Williams’ early penalty the visitors hit back with a tries from Ryan Goodwin and Joe Stranks with Tom Williams adding one conversion for Pool to forge a 12-3 interval lead.

However Town hit back after the break with the reliable boot of Williams providing four further penalties before Dan Earle replied with a penalty for Pool to level the score at 15-15.

Town finally celebrated the try their pressure warranted with Ben Squibb powering over and Williams converting.

Pool dominated the final stages and in an amazing finale the visitors snatched a dramatic try in the corner as Matt Roberts crossed the whitewash.

The resulting conversion attempt failed to hit the mark as Newtown celebrated a hard-fought victory and a place in the semi-finals of the North Wales Intermediate Cup.

Town will be joined by either Wrexham or Shotton Steel and either Nant Conwy IIs or Pwllheli IIs who meet in quarter-final ties tonight (Friday) while Flint and Abergele will battle for the final semi final spot on Saturday.

Meanwhile Welshpool return to cup action this weekend.

Pool welcome Aberystwyth Athletic to Maesydre in the quarter-finals of the Cambrian Training Mid Wales Cup at 12pm.

Club spokesman Frank Johns said: “It would be great to have another large crowd for Saurday.”