COBRA closed 2018 with a thumping 45-14 victory at local rivals Welshpool to stay top of North Wales League Two.

Richard Jones starred with four tries with Daniel Jones, Iolo White and Iwan Vaughan also crossing with Will Worthington adding five conversions

Pool toiled in vain against a superior COBRA side with three penalties from the boot of Harry Davies and a Ryan Manuel try proving consolation as COBRA ran out convincing winners.

Elsewhere Newtown had to dig deep to overcome derby rivals Llanidloes 13-10 at the Recreation Ground and maintain their title bid.

The visitors capitalised on the strong wind to dominate the early exchanges with hooker Ieuan Phillips crossing for a try before centre Dafydd Duggan added a sceond to give Llanidloes a 10 point lead at the break.

However Llanidloes lost their discipline after the break as Newtown forced errors and racked up the penalty count with Gareth Williams reducing the arrears with his boot.

Newtown were back in the game when Twm Jones crossed for a try to reduce the arrears to just two points with 10 minutes remaining.

With both sides giving their all in front of a large crowd it was the hosts who snatched glory at the death with Junior Dean crossing for a try to keep Newtown third in the table.

Meanwhile Machynlleth suffered a disappointing end to the year with a 15-3 defeat at Pwllheli IIs in division three with a Iwan Jones penalty proving consolation for the Mid Wales side.