NEWTOWN proved unable to derail second division title chasers Rhyl who stormed to a 34-14 win at the Recreation Ground.

Brad White and Reeve Wright crossed for early tries to give Rhyl the early lead before Newtown’s dominant forward play saw them enjoy a sustained spell of pressure.

However Rhyl weathered the storm with Simon Johnston and Owen Jones crossing for tries with the latter also adding three conversions.

Newtown dominated possession and territory after the break and hit back with two tries from Rowan Swanson with the reliable boot of Gaz Williams supplying the extras.

Once again Rhyl responded with tries from White and Wright to ensure they extended their lead at the top to 10 points.

Elsewhere Welshpool fell agonisingly short in a 31-23 defeat at Shotton Steel.

The hosts led through Dan Lynskey’s early try only for Pool to respond with second row Max Cadwallader surging through for a try converted by Tom Williams.

Pool edged ahead soon after with prop Huw Williams bundling his way over before No8 Ryan Goodwin crossed for a try on the stroke of half-time.

Lynskey starred with a try, conversion and penalty as Steel hit back to level early in the second-half.

The home side stepped up a gear and pulled away to establish a healthy lead but Pool rallied late on with Jos Stranks darting over for a consolation try, converted by Williams, to claim a losing bonus point.

Meanwhile Llanidloes slipped to a 38-10 defeat at home to promotion chasing Wrexham.

Adam Price’s penalty ensured the hosts remained in contention early on with Nick Dodd kicking two in reply for the North Wales side.

Wrexham pulled away with Christian Burgoyne crashing over following a driving maul with Dodd converting before James Price added a third try.

Dodd added a penalty at the start of the second-half before Llanidloes hit back with a try from wing Carwyn Williams, converted by Price.

However Wrexham ended the match on top with tries from Bailey Rae, Olly Dodd and Jack Harrison sealing their comfortable win.

Elsewhere Machynlleth’s third division title bid stuttered in a 9-0 defeat at home to Ruthin IIs with Deian Williams the three penalty hero for the visitors.