BETHESDA’s title hopes suffered a significant blow with a 22-17 home loss at the hands of defending Specsavers National League Division One North champions Llandudno.

The home side made an imposing start to the pivotal clash and went ahead on 24 minutes when a prolonged period of possession saw Steffan Owain cross the white wash for a try that was converted by Gethin Long.

Arthur Lennon’s well-struck penalty on the half hour mark got the visitors on the score board, but Long answered with a free kick of his own just before the break to make it a seven-point contest at the interval.

Things dramatically improved for the away side early in the second period when Rob Jones bundled his way over the line for their first try on 52 minutes. Lennon added the extras to get them back on level terms.

They took the lead for the first time on 61 minutes when Lennon continued his exceptional form with the boot and despatch another penalty, and the former Nant Conwy standout added two more free-kicks before the 70-minute mark to give his side a comfortable cushion heading into the closing stages.

A nervy ending was assured when Dylan Roberts powered over the line for the hosts’ second try of the contest, with Long added the conversion, but the Goats’ dug deep and saw the game out.

Caernarfon fell to a disappointing 27-8 home loss to Ruthin after a lacklustre display, with Llangefni emerging from the home encounter against Pwlhelli with a 20-14 reverse.

Struggling Dolgellau were on the wrong end of a 29-17 result at Denbigh, and Bro Ffestiniog remain in relegation trouble after an 18-10 defeat at COBRA.

Bangor’s Division Two North fortunes improved thanks to a 34-12 win over Newtown, and Division Three North title contenders Menai Bridge and Holyhead both secured success against Wrexham 2nds and Flint respectively.