A BITTERLY disappointing result saw the Cofis crash out of the Swalec Plate by 32-28 at the hands of Risca, but the sting of this loss might have been somewhat lessened after the weekend’s league results fell in their favour.
Defeats for title challengers Llandudno and Mold left the Cofis top by two points and with three games in hand of Tudno.
However the league standings may prove little more than a panacea for the Cofis, punished by a ruthless Risca side with four first half tries through Owain Cooper, Mike Thomas, Rhys Morgan and Dai Price.
Kelvin Morris responded with a treble of penalties but the tie was all but out of reach when Morgan went over just three minutes after the restart.
The score spurred the visitors on and lock Paul Williams forced his way over with Morris converting, before Mark Vaughan went over from eight metres, Morris again getting the extras to put the Cofis within a score.
With minutes remaining Carpenter kicked a penalty for Risca and despite a late Andrew Williams try in the last play, it was too little too late.
Caernarfon’s next game sees them in league action hosting Pwllheli on March 5
BETHESDA bested Bro Ffestiniog by 24-15 in Division One.
Two excellent tries from Dylan Roberts helped Pesda into a good first half lead in front of the Dôl Ddafydd, with assistance from a dominant scrum and fluid fullback play.
The second period proved an entirely different affair with the visitors coming back to within three points of the hosts in the last quarter.
Pesda made a number of bad decisions when pressing the Bro tryline but, eventually, pressure from the home backrow and lack of discipline by the visitors allowed Bethesda to add two penalty goals through Mathew Parry to achieve a deserved victory.
Their next game is at Colwyn Bay on March 5.
LLANGEFNI moved clear of the bottom of the division with a superb 28-25 home win over Llandudno that also helps Caernarfon stay top.
The visitors were on track for a victory that would have seen them leapfrog the Royal Town side but a last minute converted try for the hosts saw them get the win.
Next up for the island side is a trip to Bro Ffestiniog on March 5.
IN DIVISION Two North Bangor went down 26 to nil at Machynlleth.
The visitors conceded three early penalties as they committed repeated infringements to keep the hosts going forward.
When a Bangor player was yellow carded the home side scored their first try to lead 14-nil at the interval.
Two further yellows saw Bangor play with 13 men at one stage and Mach added two more tries to earn themselves some valuable league points.
The city lads never gave up, tackling their hearts out throughout and with a bit more luck, could have contributed to the scoreboard.
There are tougher games ahead with Newtown at Cae Milltir the next match on March 5.
Meanwhile the club will show Wales v Italy match on the big screen on Saturday (2.30pm) and all are welcome.
THE Division Three North derby between Llangoed and Menai Bridge saw the visitors maintain their 100 per cent record with a 20 - nil win.
Fullback Iwan Jones made the difference with two penalties and two conversions.
Bridge also scored tries through winger Glyn Jones and centre Vaughan Francis.
The next match involving the league leaders is another Island derby as Bridge host Benllech on March 5.