GARETH Williams proved the difference as Newtown battled to a 17-8 derby win at home to Welshpool in division two of the North Wales League.

Heavy overnight rain made for testing conditions with the home pack adapting the better with its scrummaging vital on the day.

Despite Andrew Thomas kicking Pool ahead at the break with a penalty the hosts hit back after the break.

Williams surged through a series of weak tackles to cross the whitewash before adding the extras and soon extended his tally with a penalty.

The action continued to broken up with Pool conceding a succession of penalties and culminated in a penalty try for the hosts.

However Pool continued to battle and their efforts yielded a late consolation try from Matt Roberts.

Meanwhile COBRA stunned league leaders Dinbych 13-0 to inflict a first defeat of the season on the North Wales side.

COBRA proved worthy winners with a disciplined display ensuring the home side’ nullified early on.

COBRA led with their first attack of the game on 30 minutes with scrum-half Bryn Davies taking a quick tap penalty to dart over the whitewash with Will Worthington converting.

COBRA continued to defend their lead after the break and extended their lead through the boot of Worthington on the hour.

Despite losing both Hywel Jones and Lloyd Bright to the sin bin the Meifod side continued to defy Dinbych and sealed an outstanding victory with another penalty from Worthington.

Elsewhere Llanidloes’ clash at Rhyl was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Meanwhile Machynlleth returned to action following a lengthy lay-off with a 15-5 defeat at Flint in division three with James Owen crossing for a consolation try.

Meanwhile Newtown stormed to an emphatic 52-0 win over Holyhead in the North Wales Youth Bowl.

Man of the match Ollie Gallier led by example for the young hosts who ran home seven unanswered tries against a physical Holyhead side.

Club spokesman James Holloway said: “Newtown are integrating under 16s players into the team.

“These players have quickly established themselves and given the coaching team options in most positions.”