Welshpool end league campaign with hard-fought win

Welshpool Rugby Club’s Championship-winning league campaign has ended on a high with a hard-fought victory in front of another bumper crowd under the Maesydre lights, writes Gary Williams.

The Division Two North champions recorded a 28-27 win over Machynlleth to finish the season with a 100% home record.

A week after that 44-41 win over Newtown, Welshpool again had to battle to the final whistle against a fine Machynlleth side who were hell-bent on spoiling the party.

The visitors went in to an early lead with a well-worked try and then the first half scoring was 0-7, 7-7, 7-10, 7-17, 14-17, 21-17. Great stuff for the neutral but there weren’t too many of those at the Maesydre. Tension was in the air.

Mach scored a brace of tries early in the second period and things were looking ominous for the hosts at 21-27. However, Pool are made of stronger stuff these days and came back strongly, battering the visiting line for much of the remainder of the half.

The visitors defended like demons but eventually pressure told and Pool crashed over from short range for the winning try which was converted to give a final scoreline of 28-27.

Mach were very good value for the two bonus points that they picked up on the night and it was only when the final whistle went that the Pool supporters were all saying that these were the sort of games we want to see.

Another five points for the Maesydre boys to end a fantastic season as far as the league goes. It’s on to the North Wales cup next and an away fixture at arch rivals Newtown. Win that, which won’t be easy, and it’s semi-final time so still plenty to play for.