All roads lead to Newtown

The waiting is over for Division Two North as fixtures get underway and it's a massive game for Welshpool as they make the short journey to Newtown for the season opener, writes Gary Williams.

With just a couple of pre-season friendlies played by the clubs, there is no indication of which way this game will end up.

Welshpool coach, Daley Jones, said: “We're having good numbers at training and were happy with our performances against Clee Hill and Bala but it now starts getting serious and the players know that, as always, to get a win at Newtown, we'll have to be at our best. We're looking forward to the challenge and really want the win to give us the perfect start to the new season.”

There is another intriguing fixture in this Division with newly-promoted Machynlleth hosting relegated Dolgellau. Mach enjoyed a fantastic unbeaten season last year whilst Dol had a dismal year in Division One. Very difficult to call this one.

In Division One North, COBRA travel to Mold. The hosts had a crushing, and unexpected, victory in last week's game at Wrexham and will be full of confidence to take on the Meifod men. COBRA will still be smarting from their home defeat 19-23 against Bala and know that, even at this early stage of the season, that they need to pick up points.

Last night (Friday), COBRA's youth team had a convincing 64-12 home win against Wrexham in the North Wales Youth Division East.

Saturday Fixtures:

North Wales Division One

Mold v COBRA

North Wales Division Two

Machynlleth v Dolgellau

Newtown v Welshpool