LLANDUDNO extended their perfect start to the Specsavers National League Division One North season with an enthralling 22-17 win at Bethesda.

The defending champions had to pull out their most resolute display of the campaign to come from behind and secure bragging rights over their title rivals, with the Goats’ now within two points of league leading Pesda with two games in hand.

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 in comfortable fashion to make it ten straight league victories during the current campaign.

Nant Conwy’s fading title aspirations were dealt another blow after they were beaten 26-24 at Bala, but there was better fortune for improving Division Two North side Colwyn Bay in their narrow 12-9 home success over Abergele.