WELSHPOOL went down to a battling 13-8 defeat at home to Colwyn Bay in North Wales League two.

John Astbury kicked Bay ahead with an early penalty before Pool hit back to lead with an unconverted try from Harry Davies.

A second penalty from Astbury restored Bay’s slender lead at the break.

Davies kicked a penalty as Pool opened their own advantage early in the second-half but Colwyn Bay settled the outcome with a try from John Frost, converted by Astbury.

Meanwhile Newtown hit back to overcome a spirited Nant Conwy IIs and maintain their promotion push with a 17-14 win at the Recreation Ground.

The Gwynedd visitors were rewarded for a disciplined first-half display with a try from Gruff Fon, converted by Euros Jones.

Town hit back after the break with Gareth Williams reducing the arrears with a penalty before converting a try from Tom Woodward who capitalised on a mistake among the Nant Conwy backs.

Nant Conwy rallied and restored their lead with a try from Morgan Dafydd, converted by Jones.

However the visiting pack began to tire and Town dominated the final stages with Twm Jones storming over for a solo try, converted by Williams, to edge victory.

Llanidloes’ clash with Dolgellau was called off while COBRA had a blank weekend.

Meanwhile Machynlleth maintained their own fine form with a 36-12 win over Menai Bridge in division three.

The Mid Wales side ran home six tries with Kameron Simmons-Sandy starring with two while Ryan Blockley, Cai Lewis, Steffan Price and Gareth Thomas also crossing while Simmons Sandy added two conversions.