NANT Conwy’s hopes of retaining the WRU National League Division One North title were dealt another blow as they fell to a 25-18 defeat at Bala.

The reigning champions failed to hold on to a lead in the second period and failed to close the gap on unbeaten pacesetters Llandudno, and there is now no more room for error during their remaining fixtures, which commence once again at Bro Ffestiniog on Saturday.

Despite the eventual result Nant got off to a bright start and went ahead on nine minutes courtesy of a Steffan Horan penalty, but the home side imposed themselves on proceedings soon after and notched the first try of the contest on 10 when Owain Puw dotted over. Owain Aled added the extras.

The visitors responded well to the setback and Horan crossed the white wash after a fine individual run after 20 minutes which was unconverted, but once again the hosts regained the advantage with 23 gone through a Dochan Roberts touch down.

A Horan penalty on 33 minutes cut the deficit to one-point heading towards the end of the half, and Nant went into the break ahead when Jack Moriarty went over following a period of pressure. Horan was successful with the conversion attempt.

After the break saw the home side completely dominate proceedings, with tries from Rhydian Jones and Aled confirming their success in the final ten minutes of play.

The impressive Aled also despatched a penalty and a conversion to round off the scoring, with Nant now sitting in fourth spot and nine points behind the Goats having played a game more.