RHYL and District claimed early season bragging rights with a 20-10 derby win over Abergele.

The Dragons were made to work hard by their Specsavers Two North rivals, who have a much-improved squad this season as they look to rid themselves of the difficulties that hampered them last term.

Things did not begin well for the hosts despite the overall outcome, with Gele going ahead early on thanks to a converted penalty following a spell of pressure.

This provoked a strong response from the home side, who began to dictate the tempo thereafter and they were rewarded when Jack Hughes finished powerfully in the corner following good work from James Fisher-Jones and George Cliffe to give them a slender two-point cushion at the break.

The second period began with the Dragons’ on the front foot which saw them go over for twice in quick succession through Hughes and Reeve Wright to tip the scales firmly in their favour.

Credit to the visitors, they remained determined despite the deficit and got themselves back into the derby clash soon after when a surging drive following a line-out saw the presented with a penalty try.

A tense period saw Gele throw everything at their opponents late on as they went in pursuit of salvaging something from the contest, but the hosts weathered the storm and claimed their bonus point when second row Brad White tore through the opposing defence to cross the white wash and complete the scoring.

Both sides will square off once again this Saturday at Tynewydd Fields after being drawn against each other in the WRU Bowl first round (2.30pm).