Latest South Wales golf results

Derllys Court

Yellow ball Stableford; 1. B. Creamer, R. Burt, K. Lewis  118pts

Lakeside

Christmas Stableford; 1. J. Thomas 38pts, P. Thomas 37pts, G. Tamlyn 37pts

Langland Bay

4BBB Stableford (15 holes); 1. M. Gorvett & N. Gorvett 38pts, 2. L. Bell & D. Dean 33pts, 3. D. Gibson & B. Gorvett 33pts

Monmouth

Turkey Trot Stableford; 1. G. Walters 43pts, 2. P. Trueman  41pts, 3. R. Meredith 40pts

Turkey Trot Pairs; 1. A.  Morgan & W. Meredith 86pts, 2. A. Spary & L. Lane 81pts, 3. S. Roach & S. Meredith 75pts

Pennard

Team Stableford (best two scores); 1. A. Verbruggen, K. Blackie, N. Perry, L. Harvey 92ts, 2. N. Smitham, M. Edwards, P. Dunstan, H. Roberts 89pts, 3. P. Walton, A. Williams, D. Gwyther, C. Brannigan 87pts

RAF St Athan

Turkey Trot No 8; 1. P Rees & SW Morris 45pts, 2. A Pentith & S Wilson 44pts, 3. RJ Brookes & BJ Hawkins 41pts

Royal Porthcawl

Saturday Stableford; H. Evans 36pts, 2. S. Bull 31pts, 3. A. Maclean 29pts

Southerndown

Pairs Stableford; 1. J. Smith & D. Lewis 42pts, 2. A. Farquarson & T. Williams 42pts, 3. M. Blackman & G. Harcombe 40pts

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Pontypridd 18-7 Leeds Carnegie

Pontypridd made light work of the conditions and the visiting Leeds Carnegie to progress to the quarter finals of the British and Irish Cup, and top pool 5.

Ponty, who reached the semi finals last year, had already qualified for the quarters before taking the field, barring a 52 point loss, as other results went their way earlier in the day.

From the outset there only looked to be one winner as the inexperienced Leeds side looked to have no answer to the raw power of the Ponty pack.

The hosts pounced as early as the fifth minute after a loose Leeds lineout was gobbled up by Ponty back row Dan Godfrey to barge his way over.

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing as the Englishmen were a pass away from levelling things up shortly after but Ollie Richards' offload ten metres out found only the welcoming arms of opposition wing Matthew Nuthall.

Having held firm, Ponty once more drove forward with some impressive mid-field running and they were rewarded for their intense pressure, firstly through a well taken Lewis Williams penalty and then a lovely worked touchdown set up by the forwards for Nuthall to cross in the corner and give his side a 13-0 advantage at the interval.

And it was Nuthall who was on hand again on the hour mark, gathering a high ball and resisting the attentions of Leeds full-back Christian Georgiou to score in the corner.

In the energy sapping conditions, the visitors showed some great heart and commitment and they got a consolation try late on as winger Curtis Wilson darted over the whitewash which was converted by Tom Barrett.

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Pontrhydyfen continue imperious form

Pontrhydyfen extended their advantage to six points at the top of Division Six West with a tightly contested 17-11 home victory over Tregaron.

The leaders crossed twice through brothers Rhodri and Gareth Morris, with Adrian Thomas firing home one penalty and a conversion, while Aled Bevan also added a conversion.

The visitors, who sit third in the table, bagged a losing bonus point thanks to two Chris Jones penalties and a Rhydian Evans touchdown.

Meanwhile in a battle at the other end of the table, Llansawel moved off the bottom with their first victory of the season, defeating Mynydd y Garreg 19-5.

Llansawel outscored their rivals three tries to one through Ian O’Connor and a Dyfan Evans brace while Emyr Davies added two conversions.

Mynydd y Garreg, who now sit at the basement, could only muster a solitary try.

Elsewhere, in a mid table battle, Fall Bay narrowly came out on top 13-11 to move above their rivals South Gower.

The other scheduled match between Llangadog and Blaenau was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.

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Ystrad Rhondda cruise into third round

Ystrad Rhondda easily dispatched fellow Two East side Abercynon 43-13 at Gelligalad to progress to the third round of the Swalec Plate.

Ystrad, who top the Two East table, dominated proceedings throughout, helping themselves to eight tries with full back David Grattan completeing a hat-trick, while wing Alex Webber, prop Neil Jones, centre Andy Hutchings and outside half Rhys Truelove also touched down. Webber meanwhile landed four conversions.

The visitors could only manage a solitary try through Geraint Hill, while Matthew Turner fired home two penalties and a conversion.

The Two East table toppers' reward in the next round is a trip to Three South East outfit Fairwater.

In another all-Two East affair, highflying Ynysybwl defeated Fleur de Lys 30-17 at Trelyn Park.

Bwl ran in three touchdowns through a Lewis Ryan brace with Rob Thomas also going over, while Nathan Ellis had a fine day with the boot, racking up 15 points through three conversions and three penalties.

Loughor of Two West comfortably defeated their lower league opposition Penclawdd 36-14 to also progress.

The Blues crossed for five times as their fitness and clinical finishing came to the fore with Richard Thomas, Simon Stonham, Jonathan Bowen crossing and a double from Rhys Corcoran.

The Donks could only manage one try in a match heavily influenced by the wind through Jamie Snell, while Jamie Moure fired home three penalties.

Loughor now host Three West highfliers Dunvant in the next round.

Meanwhile, Cwmllynfell were pushed all the way by lower league Morriston with the Two West side narrowly prevailing 9-6 thanks to three Clive Llewellyn penalties.

Elsewhere, Nelson made lightwork of fellow Three South East outfit Tonyrefail with the Unicorns triumphing 48-7 and Vardre narrowly defeated Brynamman 9-6.

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Otters extend lead at the summit

Narberth extended their lead to four points at the summit of Division One West with a 17-10 victory over second placed Tata Steel, in difficult conditions at the Lewis Lloyd Ground .

The Otters outscored their rivals three tries to one through Giles Vaughan, Nick Jones and Steve Martin, while Stuart Morris added a conversion.

The Saints will have to be content with a losing bonus point after they could only manage a first half John Phillips touchdown, converted by outside half Diggy Bird, who also fired home a penalty after the interval.

Bonymaen continue to struggle at the bottom losing their tenth match, going down at home 18-11 to UWIC.

The Students notched up all their points in the first half, touching down twice through Rhodri Davies and Sam Cross, while Rhys Roberts fired home two penalties and a conversion.

Bony staged a mini fight-back after the interval to secure a losing bonus point with Nick Clancey crossing the whitewash for the hosts, while Richard Cunniffe slotted a penalty to add to Paul Warlow’s first half effort.

In the only other fixture of the day to make it to the pitch, Llanharan staged a remarkable second half comeback at Ammanford to eventually run out 16-13 winners.

The new boys got off to the better start and dominated proceedings early on, and were rewarded for their efforts when referee Stuart Kibble awarded the hosts a penalty try. Young outside half Carwyn Richards added the conversion and fired home two penalties to give his side a 13-0 advantage at the break.

The Dairymen’s power in the pack started to pay dividends in the second half as the match slowly became a war of attrition in heavy conditions. The visitors crossed twice through Steve Cullen and James Greenfield, while Chris Williams fired home two all important penalties to gift his side their second win on the bounce.

The other two scheduled matches in the Division fell foul of cold weather as Bridgend Athletic’s game against Whitland and Carmarthen Athletic’s clash with Tondu were postponed.

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Beddau ease into the next round

Beddau, who play their trade in One East, comfortably moved into the second round of the Swalec Cup with a 25-6 triumph over One West outfit Waunarlwydd at Mount Pleasant Park.

The hosts' side outscored their rivals four tries to nil, but it was the Green and Blacks that took a 6-3 advantage into the interval thanks to two Jonny Davies penalties.

The One East side sprang to life after the break, producing a dominant second half performance with centre Bradley Coombes scything over for a brace, and Rob Downes and wing Phil Davies also crossing the white wash. James Read added a conversion to his first half penalty to complete the scoring.

Beddau’s reward is a home tie against Mountain Ash in the next round, while as for Waunarlwydd, they’ll be hoping for a better start to 2012 than their end to 2011.

The cold weather decimated the majority of the fixtures in Division One East including the much anticipated top of the table clash between Ebbw Vale and Bargoed, but sadly, only two matches made it to the field.

Gilfach Goch bounced back from their disappointing loss in the Cup last weekend to notch up their eleventh win with a 26-9 try bonus triumph over Mounatin Ash at Parc Duffryn Pennar.

There was nothing to chose between the two sides at the interval at 6-6, with Ian Davies firing home the visitors' penalties.

Gowch upped the ante after the break to cross for four tries through Damien Adams, Michael Hughes, Ashley Copic and Matthew Parker.

All of the Old Firm’s points came through the boot of Josh Lewis who slotted three penalties.

Merthyr ended their four match losing streak, defeating the visiting Tredegar 28-7 at the Wern.

The Ironmen bagged a try bonus thanks to touchdowns through back row Geraint Edmunds, scrum half Darryl Jenkins, and second row Nick White, with them also being awarded a penalty try. Outside half Lloyd Hynes landed all four conversions.

It was newcomers Tredegar’s first match since November 19 due to postponements and internationals, and perhaps it showed as they were restricted to a first half solitary try from outside half Greg Jones, who also added the extras.

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Seven of the best for Mariners

Furnace on the attack against Betws

Milford Haven heaped more woe on basement boys Neyland in Four West, running out 46-9 home winners.

The Mariners were rampant throughout and touched down for seven tries, Craig Thomas and Josh Smart both bagged braces, while Gareth Fawcett and Mark Wonnacott also crossed the whitewash. The host's were also awarded a penalty try. Lee Broome produced a fine display with the boot racking up 16 points through five conversions and two penalties.

The strugglers meanwhile were restricted to three Mark Riley penalties.

Leaders Llanelli Wanderers are still unbeaten with a 21-16 win, but they were pushed all the way by Laugharne.

The Wanderers outscored their rivals three tries to two thanks to Craig Evans, Dale Rogers and Dan Wyroll.

Amman United remain in second place after they picked up a try bonus 43-0 victory over Burry Port at Cwmamman Park.

The highfliers crossed for six tries in a dominant display with Chris Madge and Matthew Wrigley bagging braces, while Chris Rees and Joel Foster also touched down. Rhys Thomas stroked home five conversions and a penalty. However, the highfliers still sit nine points off the pace.

Meanwhile, Aberaeron notched up their sixth straight victory with a 27-0 home win over Trimsaran.

The hosts ran in four tries through Bleddyn Hudson, Eurig Rees and a double from Tudor Jenkins.

Elsewhere, both Betws and Llanybydder left it late to secure victory in their matches with Bettws firing home an injury time penalty to defeat Furnace 15-14 and Llanybydder slotting a drop goal with the last kick of the match to condemn Hendy to a 13-11 loss.

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Casella brothers help return Rhiwbina to winning ways

Rhiwbina returned to winning ways in Division Three South East with a hard fought 23-18 victory over visitors Fairwater. 

This was the first time the two teams had met in any form of competition, and it was the Casella brothers, Joe and Dylan, who made the difference for the Squirrels.

Both sides scored three tries, but a decisive try by Joe Casella and eight points from the boot of brother Dylan, along with tries by John Bickel and Matt Lintern, made sure of victory for the Squirrels in heavy conditions at Parc Caedelyn. 

Fairwater looked to attack throughout and scored three tries of their own, including a brace by Ryan Cummings and one from Tom Foley, with a penalty from the boot of Lewis Bratcher. 

But it was the contribution from brothers Casella and a sound performance by the pack that ensured victory for the Squirrels, and this result saw Rhiwbina replace their visitors in 5th position halfway through their first year in this division.

Meanwhile, trailblazers St Peters heaped more woe on basement boys Penarth, running out 59-5 victors at the Athletic Field.

The Rocks were rampant throughout, helping themselves to nine tries including a brace for centre Sonny Driscoll with back row Josh Dunleavy, Keiron Driscoll, outside half Gavin Cooper, second row Matthew Khan, Bryn Evans, Danny Evans and Nick Kelly also crossing the whitewash.

Elsewhere, Pentyrch recorded only their second victory with a try bonus 28-15 win over Brecon and Aberdare came out on top 14-5 against Gwernyfed.

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Laura's weekend predictions

Ammanford v Llanharan

Ammanford won these sides' first meeting at the start of the season but have lost their last two on the bounce, while The Dairymen  picked up a very good win over highfliers Llangennech in their last league outing. Llanharan’s pack is a force to be reckoned with and a lot will depend on the conditions. If Ammanford can open the match up and play at the tempo they want, they should pick up a victory.

Verdict- Ammanford by 4 points

Bonymaen v UWIC

Bony have shown some glimpses of the form which took the Swansea side so far last season and are much stronger at home. The students have been relatively inconsistent but put in a big performance in their last league match thrashing Ammanford.

Verdict- Bonymaen by 3 points.

Bridgend Athletic v Whitland

Athletic have lost their last four matches in the league but have generally been strong at home. The Borderers meanwhile will be keen to maintain pace at the summit; they comfortably beat Athletic in the reverse.

Verdict- Whitland by 8 points.

Carmarthen Athletic v Tondu

Carmarthen have been in impressive form recently, scoring tries for fun and are now just three points off the top. The Waterwheelers will take a lot of confidence from their Cup performance against Merthyr.

Verdict- Carmarthen Athletic by 10 points.

Narberth v Tata Steel

In the clash of the day, the top two sides go head to head. The Saints won the early season encounter in an enthralling 42-36 victory and have also found a way to grind out results, with the boot of Diggy Bird proving to be a vital match winner. The Otters will be reeling from their shock loss to Treorchy in the Cup and will be hoping to deliver an improved performance.

Verdict- Tata Steel by 3 points

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Laura's weekend predictions

Blackwood v Newbridge

It has been 3 weeks since the last league action in Wales. Both these sides played in the Cup last weekend with Blackwood losing to Bargoed and Newbridge seemingly regaining their promising form they showed at the start of the season with an extra time victory, defeating the impressive Gilfach Goch.

Verdict- Newbridge by 7 points.

Ebbw Vale v Bargoed

The two standout teams in the Division go head to head with Bargoed having narrowly won the reverse fixture at the start of the season. The Steelmen have looked in formidable form, running in tries for fun. However, from their previous meeting, it is clear Bargoed possess the weapons to hurt the hosts and their clinical display in the Cup will give them a lot of confidence.

Verdict- Ebbw Vale by 5 points.

Merthyr v Tredegar

The Ironmen will be keen to forget about their disappointing result last week in the Cup losing at Tondu, while Tredegar will be eager to start playing again after their last match was their first win of the campaign at Newbridge on 19^th November. Merthyr comfortably won the reverse fixture but new boys Tredegar will be keen to build on their first victory after getting the proverbial monkey off their back.

Verdict- Merthyr by 8 points

Mountain Ash v Gilfach Goch

The Old Firm haven’t picked up a victory in the league since the beginning of November but the newcomers have acquitted themselves well in the Division so far. Goch, who have won their last six league matches on the bounce, will be bitterly disappointed to have been knocked out of the Cup, so expect a response as they continue their surge up the table.

Verdict- Gilfach Goch by 7 points

Rumney v Treorchy

Rumney have lost their last two league games and will expect a tough test from the visitors. The Zebras, however, will be on a high after convincingly dispatching One West leaders Narberth in the Cup last weekend and have picked up wins in their last two outings in the league.

Verdict- Treorchy by 8 points.

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Whose time is it to shine at London 2012?

What a year 2012 promises to be in the world of sport.

The Olympics alone is enough to make the mouth water but there is also Euro 2012 and the Ryder Cup to look forward to.

So, with the Olympics visiting these shores for the first time since 1948, how will Welsh competitors fare?

In this blog I’m looking at how I think Wales could do when it comes to picking up a gold medal and predicting how some other events will pan out.

NOT since Colin Jackson has Wales had a genuine chance of an Olympic gold medal in track and field.

But after becoming world champion this year there is no reason why Llanelli 400m hurdler Dai Greene can’t complete his gold medal collection at major championships.

European and Commonwealth king in 2010, Greene powered to first place in South Korea this September. Expect him to be facing the same opponents in London with Puerto Rico’s Javier Culson likely to be Greene’s main threat.

It’s also about time Kris Akabusi’s British record went too and how perfect it would be if Greene were to add that to his CV too.

So, as Greene bids to become the first Welsh track and field athlete to win a gold medal at an Olympics since long jumper Lynn Davies in 1964, is there anyone else from the principality that could also be standing on the top of the podium?

Wales’ other big hope is cyclist Geraint Thomas, who is focussing solely on the Olympics and not doubling up with the Tour de France next year. Thomas was one of the UK’s form riders in 2011, helping Mark Cavendish to the world road race championships.

But Thomas is up there with the best in his own right and as part of the British team pursuit flyers that are looking to retain the gold they won in Beijing in 2008.

So that’s two golds I predict Wales will win, could there be anymore?

Rower Tom James is definitely in with a chance in the men’s coxless fours and if the team performs like it did in 2008 there won’t be any stopping them.

And what an opportunity too for triathlete Helen Jenkins, this year’s women’s world champion. There’s absolutely no doubt she can triumph in Hyde Park, just as she did during the ITU series earlier this summer.

But with so many world-class athletes fighting for gold, as we’ve seen in the past, it’s not always one of the pre-race favourites that comes out on top at the end. However, I’m going to be ultra-positive and say that Greene, James, Thomas and Jenkins are going to do it.

And that’s not forgetting the Paralympics where Wales has had no problems in finding any champion performers. Dave Roberts, Eleanor Simmonds and Liz Johnson are all capable of repeating their gold medal winning displays of Beijing and before.

Add to that the likes of javelin world record Nathan Stephens, cyclist Mark Colbourne and archery hope Pippa Britton and Wales could have a healthy medal count come the end of the games.

Other predictions;

Football

Premier League – Chelsea

Swansea City’s final league position – 14^th

FA Cup - Spurs

Champions League – Barcelona

Europa League – Schalke

EURO 2012 – Germany

Welsh Premier League – Llanelli

Rugby

Six Nations - Wales

RaboDirect Pro12 – Ospreys

Heineken Cup – Munster

Aviva Premiership – Saracens

Welsh Premiership – Pontypridd

Golf

Ryder Cup – USA 11 Europe 17

Formula One

F1 World Championship – Mark Webber

By David Williams

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That was the year that was for Welsh rugby

So, 2011 is nearly over and for Welsh rugby supporters it’s been a year to remember – well, most of it.

Okay, Wales were a French – sorry, I mean Irish – referee’s decision away from reaching the World Cup final in New Zealand but the team exceeded most people’s expectations in finishing fourth.

Would Wales have made the final had Sam Warburton not been sent-off? Probably. Would they have made the final had they not missed their kicks at goal? Definitely.

When it comes down to it, you can blame Alain Rolland as much as you want – and rightly so – Wales’ destiny was still in their own hands after Mike Phillips’ try.

But they will be just as strong, if not stronger, in four years’ time and looking ahead to next year and further down the line I think Wales are in the healthiest position of all four of the Home Nations – who’d want to be an England fan right now?

The only thing that has blotted the landscape is Wales’ inability to beat one of the big three southern hemisphere nations. As much as I would have loved to see them in the World Cup final, I don’t think anyone was going to deny the All Blacks.

It’s a couple of years now since Wales managed a win against any of the Tri Nations teams so that is why it’s so important to keep playing them year in, year out. You never know, we might just do it in 2012.

They’ll have to go about doing it, and attempting to win the Six Nations, without Shane Williams of course. The wing wizard hung up his boots on the Test stage earlier this month and the question is now, who to replace him with?

If Lee Byrne comes back to form you’d have to go with him at full-back and Leigh Halfpenny on the wing with George North. Should that not happen then the likes of Alex Cuthbert, Aled Brew and Tom James are in contention to fill the vacancy.

What’s clear though is the youthful feel to the Wales set-up, the back-row of Faletau, Lydiate and Warburton should be in place for the next seven of eight years at least. In the backs, North, if he stays injury-free, could become a real Welsh rugby legend after the start he has made to the game already.

With the likes of Jonathan Davies, Rhys Priestland, Halfpenny and Jamie Roberts all still relatively young the three-quarters also seem to be in good hands for some time. The only area that is of some concern a few seasons down the line is the front-row.

As for the Six Nations, it should be a two-horse race between Wales and France. I know it’s dangerous to write teams off but England don’t have a hope and although the French will be one of the favourites, if they play anything like they did at the World Cup, other than the final, the only thing they’ll win is the wooden spoon.

By David Williams

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Swalec Trophies Preview

The draws for the Swalec Cup, Plate and Bowl were all made yesterday, setting up some intriguing encounters.

In the Cup, Division One East trailblazers Ebbw Vale travel to Premiership strugglers Newport in an all-Gwent derby.

One East’s Treorchy, who comfortably dispatched Narberth in the first round, once again head west, but this time they face Premiership basement boys Tonmawr. The Zebras must surely feel they can cause an upset, with the Pitmen yet to register a win so far this season.

In a clash of the packs, Aberavon host Bargoed and defending Champions Pontypridd face a tough encounter at Llandovery.

With the Plate and Bowl draws still regionalised, the draw has set up some cracking local derbies including Three South West pacemakers Maesteg Quins entertaining their local rivals, Two West strugglers Maesteg.

 Quins haven’t beaten Maesteg for over 100 years but surely there has never been a better time to bag a W against their bitter foes.

In an all-One North tie, the top two go head to head as Nant Conwy host Caernarfon, while two giant killers also face off against each other as Senghenydd, who dispatched Rhymney in the last round, will host Llanishen, conquerors of Bedlinog.

Elsewhere, last year’s beaten finalists Glynneath travel to Ystalyfera.

Finally, the fourth round of the Bowl sees Cardiff Quins making the short distance to Llandaff North in a highly competitive local derby, while the two surprise packages in Division Five this year face off as Nantgaredig entertain Tycroes.

 If non-league side Swansea University defeat Banwen in their rearranged fixture this weekend, a match-up with Five South West’s Gowerton is the prize.

All Cup, Plate and Bowl fixtures are scheduled to take place on Saturday 28^th January.

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Welsh League Round Up

The weather once again badly affected the fixture lists in the Welsh League with three matches being postponed in Division One, including second placed AFC Porth’s encounter with Cwmaman Institute.

Cwmbran Celtic moved into the top five thanks to a 3-1 home success over woeful basement boys Caerau Ely.

Celtic’s Dominic Connor was on target twice for the hosts while Nana Baah also found the back of the net.

Meanwhile, the mid table match-up between Haverfordwest and Ton Pentre ended in a stalemate, 0-0.

There was nothing to chose between Barry Town and Goytre United when the sides met at Jenner Park with the scores tied 1-1.

Anthony Nagi fired home for the Dragons while Ryan Morgan struck for United.

In the other day’s fixture, Bridgend Town leapt to third with a 4-0 triumph at Cardiff Corinthians.

Monmouth continue to reign supreme at the top of Division Two notching up a convincing 4-0 home victory over Newcastle Emlyn.

The Kingfishers made hard work of the opening half but striker Elliot Ford fired home to give them the advantage at the break. Emlyn did well to frustrate the trailblazers for much of the second half but two quick fire goals from Ross Kennedy and Matthew Bowen put the game to rest, before winger Dan MacDonald got in on the act and fired home in the final minute.

Highflying Newport YMCA bagged their ninth win with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Dinas Powys. Ben Lawrence and Aaron Stewart were both on target for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Caldicot defeated Ammanford 3-2 thanks to a Luke Harris strike and two Dai Lloyd spot kicks, while Treharris bagged a hard earned point at home against Caerau.

UWIC registered their fifth victory in Division Three with a 3-1 success over struggling AFC Llwydcoed.

Kristian Speake, Dovall Roughneen and Ross Fruare fired home for the students.

Undy Athletic missed their chance to move into second position, slipping to a 3-1 defeat at Goytre.

Elsewhere, Briton Ferry Llansawel did just enough to beat Abertillery Bluebirds, picking up a 1-0 home triumph.

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Keys cruise into quarters

Cross Keys secured their place in the quarter finals of the British and Irish Cup thanks to a scintillating try bonus display, defeating Neath at home for the first time in 35 years with a 45-18 triumph at Pandy Park.

The Keys travel to Cornish Pirates next weekend with three bonus point victories under their belts over Ayr, Moseley and now Neath, as they sit atop their group.

The hosts helped themselves to six tries in all, the impressive Matthew Jones added the extras to all six and also fired home a penalty.

The outcome was never in doubt as Keys dominated all areas of the match and were rewarded as early as the fourth minute when scrum half Rhys Dyer darted over the line, setting the tone for the afternoon with the hosts taking a 10-6 advantage down the tunnel.

After the break the Gwent side did not look back and touched down for two quick-fire tries, with Mark Jones and then Nathan Trowbridge going over, putting the Keys in total control.

They quickly wrapped up the bonus point shortly after as Gerwyn Price barged his way over before Kristian Baller got in on the action bagging a brace.

Neath, who have been in impressive form in the Premiership this year, were unable to get going and the day was summed up by conceding two tries when they were facing 14 men, although the Welsh All Blacks did give their travelling fans something to cheer about, crossing for two second half tries through Rhodri Crabtree and Jamie Davies.

Neath’s British and Irish Cup aspirations will have to be shelved for another season after slipping to their second defeat in the pool stages.

Meanwhile, last year’s semi-finalists Pontypridd’s chances of progressing took a blow as they narrowly fell to defeat out in Ulster, going down 17-16.

Ponty came unstuck to a late James McKinney penalty, who fired home to gift the Ravens victory.

The hosts got off to the better start when full back Peter Nelson touched down for a rather opportunistic score but it was the Welsh side that took a 16-11 lead into the interval thanks to tries through prop Ken Knaggs and winger Matthew Nuthall, as well as two Dean Gunter penalties.

But the visitors failed to build on their good opening half and they will rue Gunter’s misses from the tee and now must win their home clash with Bristol next weekend.

Elsewhere, Swansea slumped out of the competition suffering their third straight defeat at home to Currie going down 38-21, while Aberavon’s hopes of progression were also diminished as they narrowly lost out 9-8 to Melrose in a tense encounter.

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Chepstow out-muscle Monmouth to move into round four

Chepstow had far too much for the visiting lower league Monmouth in the third round of the Swalec Bowl at the Upton Memorial Ground, with the Four East outfit running out 35-13 victors.

The hosts helped themselves to four tries with Shane Rees and Andy Morris both bagging braces, while Nick Williams had a good day with the boot firing home three conversions and three penalties.

Aberaeron comfortably overcame Llangadog 26-10 at home, with the visitors playing two divisions below the hosts.

Irwen Williams was the star of the game running in a hat trick for the Four West side, with Leighton Daniel also crossing the whitewash.

The gap between the Divisions also proved too much for Dinas Powys who slipped to a 29-5 defeat at Barry.

The Bombers helped themselves to four tries in their controlled display with James Hollister, Luke O’Sullivan, Dave Provis and Andrew Prosser all touching down, while Tom Lee slotted three conversions and a penalty.

In an all Five South Central clash, Bryncethin edged out Cefn Cribbwr 32-27 in a thrilling match which could have gone either way.

Unfortunately, there had to be a loser and Cefn playmaker Gareth Lewis was unlucky to find himself on the wrong end of the result after collecting 17 of his side’s points. As well as a try, Lewis slotted three conversions and two drop goals, with the other touchdowns coming from Matthew Legg and Ashley Harris.

Elsewhere, COBRA comfortably put paid to non league side Aberystwyth University’s title ambitions with a 54-0 drubbing, Nantgaredig’s fine season continues as they comfortably dispatched the higher league opposition Laugharne 26-3 and in an all-Six East clash, pacemakers Caerleon outgunned Whiteheads 57-7.

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Glynneath remain on course for final repeat

Last year’s beaten Swalec Plate finalists Glynneath remain on course to go one better this season as they moved into the third round, but were made to work for their 13-3 victory over their lower league local rivals Seven Sisters.

The Two West outfit crossed twice through Stuart Leach and Nathan Moore, while outside half Jack O’Reily also  slotted a penalty in a physical encounter at Maes Dafydd.

Seven’s only score of the game came through a Mike Smith penalty.

Maesteg ended their dreadful run of results, registering their first win of the season to move into the next round of the Swalec Plate with a 27-13 home victory over Taibach.

Richard Webster’s men got off to a terrible start and were trailing 10-0 at the interval, but the Llynfi Valley side produced a second half display to be proud of, crossing for three tries through Matt Davies, Adam Wellington and a length of the field touchdown from Laurence Howley. Aled Davies was on target with all three conversions and also slotted two penalties.

Senghenydd, who are no stranger to Cup success through winning the Bowl competition last year, pulled off an upset when the three East side defeated the visiting Rhymney of Two East 9-8 at the Welfare Ground.

The Saints' star of the show was outside half Alun Ford who fired home three penalties to lead his side to victory.

The visitors crossed for the only try of the game through Jamie Rowlands, while Steve Lang landed a first half penalty.

Llanishen also pulled off an upset with the Three South East outfit convincingly defeating Two East’s Bedlinog 33-12 at the Rec.

The underdogs came out firing on all cylinders and crossed for three tries through Mike Dacey, Rhodri Thomas and Leon Burns, while Phil Thomas had an excellent day with the boot, amassing 14 points in landing three conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.

Meanwhile, Kenfig Hill, who are flying high in Two West, came unstuck 15-6 at Maesteg Quins. The Quins, who have been in formidable form in Three South West, continue their unbeaten start thanks to five penalties from Gareth Lewis.

Builth Wells narrowly edged out the visiting Heol y Cyw, 26-23 at The Groe.

The Bulls outscored their rivals four tries to three with touchdowns from Huw Thomas, Jimmy Healy, Rob Lloyd and John Thurston, with the latter also landing three conversions.

In an all-Three West affair, pacemakers Haverfordwest convincingly defeated Tenby United 37-7, helping themselves to five tries in the process including a brace for Jamie Lewis, with Shaun Morgan, Jarred Bayliss and Sam Van der Walk also touching down.

Meanwhile, Penallta left it late to dispatch fellow Two East side Rhydyfelin, with Lee Purnell scoring with the last play of the match to bag a 28-25 win in a match that also saw five yellow cards.

Elswhere, in a low-scoring encounter, Mold did just enough to put away the visiting Ruthin, 6-5, while One North leaders Nant Conwy ran out 19-14 home winners over Llangefni.

Finally, the cold weather played havoc with the remaining scheduled fixtures, with seven matches falling foul to frozen pitches.

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