WELSHPOOL fell agonisingly short in a 15-10 defeat at Rhyl in North Wales League Two.

The league leaders were stunned as Pool broke the deadlock with a try from Ryan Goodwin, converted by Tom Williams, to silence the large and vocal home crowd.

Rhyl rallied and levelled the scoring with a try from Tom Williams with Richie Williams adding the extras.

Welshpool regained the advantage through the boot of Williams only for Richie Williams to reply in kind as the sides went into the interval level.

The match remained in the balance until the final 10 minutes when wing Will Morris crossed for a decisive try to snatch a hard fought win and extend their lead at the top to seven points.

Welshpool host Abergele on Saturday.

Meanwhile Llanidloes handed Mold a fright before succumbing to a 20-15 defeat at Cae Hafren.

Hooker Huw Jones crossed for an early try to give Llanidloes a dream start only for Mold to hit back and lead at the break.

Mold extended their lead with a second unconverted try early in the second-half but Llanidloes were back in the game when Ieuan Phillips drove home for a try, converted by Tom Jarman.

Mold added a third try to steady their nerves but improving Llanidloes snatched a deserved losing bonus point with a late penalty from Jarman.

This weekend Llanidloes host Colwyn Bay.

Elsewhere Newtown crashed to a 34-12 defeat at Bangor.

The inconsistent Mid Wales side made the trip short of a host of players through illness and were always second best on the North Wales coast.

Tries from Gareth Williams and Richard Andrews with one conversion from William Holloway proved consolation for the visitors as Bangor eased to a comfortable victory.

Newtown welcome Wrexham to the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

Machynlleth opened 2020 with a bang with a comfortable 26-7 win at Denbigh IIs in division three.

The Mid Wales side made light of their selection problems which saw them travel with 14 men and established a strong lead with two tries from Rhys Morris with both converted by Kameron Simmons-Sandy.

Gerwyn Coleman added a third try with Simmons-Sandy again converting before Richard Rees went over for a fourth try before the break to complete a comfortable win.

Machynlleth bid welcome Llangefni IIs to Cae Glas on Saturday aiming to maintain their title tilt.