Newtown, Llani off to disappointing starts

Rugby got off to a disappointing start on Saturday, can local clubs make amends this week?

Our rugby correspondent Gary Williams looks ahead to the weekend’s action with his first preview of the season.

Colwyn Bay v Welshpool

After a nail-biting first league game of the season and a 19-17 win against Bangor, Pool head north to take on league title favourites Colwyn Bay this Saturday. The Bay will be buoyant after a 12-40 away win against Bro Ffestiniog and pose a real test for Daley Jones’s team. Games between these two have been close affairs in recent seasons with home advantage usually proving decisive.

Wrexham v COBRA

The Meifod men will be looking to continue their good start to the season with a victory at newly-promoted Wrexham who suffered a heavy opening day 44-22 defeat at Caernarfon. COBRA ground out a hard-fought 18-16 win against a tough Bethesda side and will be looking to grab the spoils and get those all-important points in the bag.

Abergele v Newtown

A difficult game to predict a result for with both sides suffering opening day losses last week, Newtown 13-28 to Shotton Steel and Abergele 45-19 at Denbigh. Newtown will be desperate to get some early points on the board and this game is likely to be as close as recent games between the two sides, with perhaps a score being the difference at final whistle.

COBRA 2nds v Ruthin 2nds

With both sides winning bonus points in their opening game and predicted to finish high in the table, this could turn into a classic encounter with both sides knowing the importance.

Llanidloes v Denbigh 2nds

Llanidloes will want to put a surprise 24-18 defeat at Wrexham 2nds behind them and get back to winning ways as they welcome new boys Denbigh 2nds to Cae Hafren. Difficult result to predict although home advantage could see Llani through. But Denbigh, with a narrow defeat against COBRA 2nds last week, look likely to be a tough nut to crack.

COBRA Women v Caernarfon Women

On Sunday, there is a keenly awaited clash between the top two sides in North Wales Women’s rugby as they battle it out for points in the WRU Women's Premiership. It’s early days but COBRA are sitting proudly on top of this league after their convincing 44-22 win against Seven Sisters last weekend in Meifod.

WRU Division One North

Wrexham v COBRA

WRU Division Two North

Colwyn Bay v Welshpool

Abergele v Newtown

WRU Division Three North East

COBRA 2nds v Ruthin 2nds

Llanidloes v Denbigh 2nds

Sunday

COBRA Women v Caernarfon Women