NANT Conwy’s hopes of defending the WRU National League Division One North crown were dealt a blow as they were held 13-13 at Ruthin.

The in-form visitors were denied victory at the death following a spirited finish from the fourth-placed side, and Nant lost further ground on current pacesetters Llandudno who extended their perfect start to ten games.

The home side began the game on the front foot and wasted no time in getting on the scoresheet when a powerful drive from the forwards resulted in Matt Roberts touching down after 15 minutes.

This provoked a strong response from the visitors, who reduced the arears soon after when Steffan Horan drilled over a penalty following a series of infringements, but they were unable to build on this positive momentum and fell further behind just before the break when a driving maul presented a chance for Roberts to go over for his second try of the contest.

Nant did manage to add to their tally as the first half concluded when Horan despatched another penalty in fine style, and they got their noses in front for the first time after the interval when a superb passing move saw Steffan Williams penetrate the Ruthin rearguard for their first try. Horan fired over the extras.

The hosts bounced back and began to assert considerable pressure on the Nant defence with conditions worsening, and despite their resolute stance in the face of a flurry of attacks they were undone by a penalty with the final action of the game, which was slotted over by Nathan Jones to ensure both sides had something to show for their efforts.