A STRONG second half display was not enough to prevent Rhyl and District youth from falling to a 36-24 defeat to Colwyn Bay.

The Dragons’ latest North Wales Youth Championship encounter saw them fall narrowly short against a formidable Bay, but coach Andy Carroll can take plenty of positives from the reverse as they look to finish the campaign on a high note in the coming weeks.

An imposing start from the visitors saw them run in three tries early on before a late score from the Dragons’ made it a 12-point game at the break.

After the break saw both sides cross the white wash on three more occasions during a thoroughly entertaining clash featuring plenty of quality.

Kai Bedermann produced a fine individua performance from the home side’s perspective on his way to a pair of tires, with Ollie Staveley and Callum Gardener also dotting over in the loss.

Gardener also aided his side’s cause with a pair of successful conversion attempts in difficult conditions.

The Dragons’ senior side, who currently sit top of Specsavers National League Division Two North, were given a boost as Abergele held Mold to 18 points to deny them the bonus point ahead of a pivotal clash between the two sides at Tynewydd on Saturday.

Mold currently sit 12 points adrift of Jimmy Waring’s men with a game in hand ahead of a contest that could have a significant impact in the overall destination of the championship.

Another team that hold high aspirations are Wrexham, who are second in the standings and ten behind Rhyl and District with two games in hand.