Harriers suffer shock defeat

Former leaders Pill Harriers suffered a shock loss in Division Three East, going down 17-5 at Pontypool United.

United outscored the visitors by two tries to one, with Mark Thorley and John Sutcliffe both crossing the whitewash. Darryl Carter added the extras to both and also fired home a penalty.

The Harriers meanwhile were restricted to a solitary touchdown from Spencer Gibson.

Highflying Senghenydd took full advantage of their rivals’ slip-up, recording a comfortable 29-6 home triumph over Croesyceiliog.

The Saints helped themselves to a try bonus point thanks to a brace from Robert Bosley, with Chris Payne and Gareth Gibbs also racing over. Lloyd Rowland converted three and also landed a penalty.

Abertillery B G came back from a 22-10 half time deficit to register their sixth win, eventually running out 35-22 winners in the local derby match against Brynmawr

Tillery scored 25 unanswered points in a sensational second half performance. The Green and Whites crossed the visitors’ line five times through Dafydd Jones, Jamie Davies, David Rossiter, Kyle Griffiths and Aled Penn, while the influential Haile fired home two conversions and two penalties.

Meanwhile, Garndiffaith jumped to second with a try bonus 26-0 home victory over Newport HSOB.

 The hosts ran in four tries through second row Matthew Billings, outside half Darren Pearce, prop Sam Evans and full back Sean Courtney. Pearce also added three conversions.

Elsewhere, Risca condemned free falling Caerphilly to their eighth defeat with a convincing 24-9 victory and Abergavenny crossed for five tries in their 36-6 triumph over Tredegar Ironsides.

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Haverfordwest grind out win to maintain perfect start

Leaders Haverfordwest continued their unbeaten start in Division Three West but were made to work for their eighth win, grinding out a 15-10 home success over Penclawdd.

The Blues crossed the visitors’ line twice through Adam Clarke and John Whitticombe. Stephen Williams also slotted a conversion and penalty to seal his side’s victory.

The visitors’ solitary touchdown came from Phil Foote, which Jamie Moore converted, and he also landed a penalty.

Llandeilo and Dunvant compete for the ball at Cae William

Photo courtesy of Dunvant RFC 

Dunvant moved into second with a narrow 7-3 win at fellow highflyers Llandeilo.

The hosts were leading at the interval through a Sam Davies penalty but a second half Sam Crowley touchdown, converted by Simon Daniel, was enough to seal victory in wet and windy conditions.

In another low-scoring encounter badly affected by the slippery conditions, Tumble came out on top 10-0 against visiting Pontyberem.

The watching home support had to wait till after the break for a score to break the deadlock and they were treated to two touchdowns from the Magpies through wing Gareth Jones and full back Steve Hewitt.

Newcastle Emlyn inflicted Gorseinon’s eighth defeat of the season as the Red and Whites ran out 14-9 home victors.

The hosts outscored their rivals two tries to nil through touchdowns from Alex Williams and Gethin Greeves. Leighton McKenna added the extras to both.

Gorseinon meanwhile were restricted to three Andrew Colwell penalties.

Elsewhere, Cardigan narrowly defeated Lampeter 10-8 and honours were even between Pontarddulais and Tenby with the match finishing 16-16 at the final whistle.

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Kenfig capitalise to bag pole

Kenfig Hill took full advantage of Glynneath’s postponed match at Maesteg as the Mules moved to pole position in Division Two West thanks to a hard-fought 19-13 home victory over Skewen.

The highfliers were made to work hard for their win and were trailing at the interval, but touchdowns from Tom Briggs, Sean Burnell and Chris Tossell with Rhodri Clarke adding the extras to two proved to be enough to edge out the improving Skewen.

The visitors, buoyed by the excellent win over Glynneath last week, fell just short of picking up another impressive victory, and had to be content with a losing bonus point, Jason Ball and Scott Jeremy crossed for the visitors’ tries and Richard Davies slotted a first half penalty.

Aberavon Quins continued their excellent run of form, bagging their fourth win on the bounce with a 26-6 home victory over struggling Crymych.

Quins helped themselves to four tries including a brace for Steve Colarusso, with Gareth Pugh and Adam Dawe also going over. Outside half Marc Sheppard added three conversions.

Crymych, who are still looking for their first win, could only manage two penalties from Dyfed Dafydd.

There was nothing to choose between Kidwelly and Cwmllynfell when the sides met at Parc Stephens, with the honours finishing even at 13-13.

The Black and Ambers, who suffered a heavy defeat last week, looked to be struggling at half time as Cwm took a 10-0 lead into the break thanks to a Bowdy Davies touchdown, with Craig Jones adding the extras and a penalty. The visitors were unable to kick on after the break and could only manage another Jones penalty.

The hosts completed their second half comeback through a Matthew Davies try, with Richard Watts slotting home a conversion and two penalties.

Loughor notched up their fifth victory with a 32-12 home win over Builth Wells.

The Blues, who were trailing at the interval 12-6 to four Luke Offa penalties from the visitors, kicked on in the second half with Morgan Bryant and Simon Stonham both crossing the whitewash. Andrew Williams slotted both conversions and added four penalties to add to his two first half kicks, to amass 22 points for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Aberystwyth recorded back to back wins thanks to a narrow 13-11 home victory over Felinfoel and the match between Glynneath and Maesteg was postponed, as the Llynfi Valley side continue to struggle to field a team.

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Trailblazers Ystrad Rhondda extend lead

Trailblazers Ystrad Rhondda maintained their imperious start to Division Two East, with a convincing victory at Abercynon to extend their lead at the summit to eight points.

The pacemakers helped themselves to four tries through speedster Adam Lewis, centre Bleddyn Davies, second row Chris Hanley and wing Chris Clayton, while Alex Webber landed two conversions and Rhys Truelove added another.

The hosts were restricted to a solitary touchdown from scrum half Gareth Jones, with fly half Matthew Turner adding two penalties.

Highflying Ynysybwl bounced back from last week’s defeat at the leaders’ to notch up their seventh win, running out 28-6 victors over Rhymney at the Recreation Ground.

Bwl were dominant throughout but couldn’t quite secure that all important try bonus point. The hosts crossed for three tries with Nathan Ellis bagging a brace, and they were also rewarded a penalty try. Richard Tibbs was on form, amassing 13 points with the boot, firing home three penalties and two conversions.

Fleur de Lys bagged only their second win with a 26-19 home success over Bedlinog.

The hosts’ star of the match was outside half Adam Greenwood who produced a fine individual performance, notching up 21 of his side’s points through a well taken touchdown, and was on target to slot home four penalties and two conversions. Fleur’s other try was scored by Gary Wilkes.

Young Penallta scrum half Chrissy Thomas gathers the ball in their 23-10 home win over Rhydyfelin

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 Photo courtesy of Penallta RFC

Penallta notched up their third consecutive victory as the Pitmen continue their rise up the table, defeating Rhydyfelin 23-10 at Ystrad Fawr.

The Pitmen outscored their rivals two tries to one through a penalty try and a Chrissy Thomas touchdown. The reliable boot of Andre Soroko added 13 points, converting both tries and landing three penalties.

Meanwhile, Heol y Cyw registered their sixth win with an 18-0 home triumph over Llantwit Fadre and Llantrisant comfortably defeated Tylorstown 32-14.

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Newbridge edge out Bargoed to return to the summit

Newbridge outmuscled title rivals Bargoed to return to the Division One East summit with a 10-3 narrow home victory in abysmal conditions at the Welfare Ground.

There was nothing between the teams at the interval, as a Bevan Howells penalty cancelled out Josh Prosser’s earlier kick for a 3-3 scoreline.

Conditions worsened after the break as the Newbridge pack tried to assert their authority over proceedings and were eventually rewarded with a penalty try, which Howells duly converted.  The hosts then defended strongly in the closing stages to bag a hard-fought win.

Ebbw Vale leapfrogged Bargoed to move into second position as they secured a try bonus 27-10 win at Merthyr.

The Steelmen helped themselves to four first half tries through a Dan Deardon brace, with captain Damien Hudd and back row Nick Coughlin also going over. Dorian Jones added two conversions and a penalty.

Merthyr’s only try of the match came after the break with Geraint Edmunds touching down, which Neil Burnett then converted to add to his first half penalty.

Rumney bagged back to back wins with a home 28-17 triumph over Mountain Ash.

The hosts crossed for four tries through a penalty try with Michael Fenwick, Michael Neale and Chris Jones also getting on the scoresheet. Danny Clark added a conversion and fired home two penalties.

The Old Firm ran in three tries of their own through Gareth Roberts, Gareth Waters and Craig Evans. Josh Lewis added a single conversion but it wasn’t enough for the new boys to avoid their sixth defeat.

Glamorgan Wanderers continue to flounder after suffering their seventh loss, losing 24-10 at Treorchy.

The Zebras crossed the whitewash on three occasions through Peter Hutchins, Tristan Lazarus and Shaun Green. Celyn Ashton converted all three and also landed a penalty.

The Wanderers were restricted to a Harry Appleton touchdown which Gareth Cull converted and also added a second half penalty.

Meanwhile, new boys Tredegar remain rooted to the foot of the table, going down 13-14 at home to Gilfach Goch at the Recreation Ground.

Goch picked up their sixth win but were pushed all the way by the strugglers. The visitors’ victory came courtesy of a Ross Clement touchdown, with Ian Davies firing home three penalties.

The hosts had to be content with a losing bonus point thanks to a Pat McGovern try, with Greg Jones adding two penalties and a conversion.

Finally, in another low-scoring encounter, Beddau came out on top at Blackwood 14-5 with all the points coming in the second half.

The visitors’ try came through left wing Ben Cullen, with the boot of Mitchell Jenkins proving to be the difference as he slotted home three penalties.

Blackwood meanwhile were restricted to a solitary touchdown from hooker Jack Williams.

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Steelmen overpower students to move top

Tata Steel overpowered highflying UWIC to leap to the top of Division One West, thanks to a 23-10 home success at their Margam base.

The Steelmen outgunned the students up front to dominate proceedings, the hosts outscoring their rivals three tries to one through flanker Andrew Llewellyn touching down twice either side of half time, and wing Jordan Skidmore also going over. Outside half Diggy Bird bagged eight points with the boot through a conversion and two penalties.

The students meanwhile struggled to gain a foothold in the match and were unable to build on scrumhalf Rhodri Davies’ touchdown. Rhydian Davies slotted home the conversion to add to his earlier penalty, but it was not to be the visitors’ day, as the usually reliable boot of Rhydian Davies failed to hit the target on four occasions.

The match ended on a sour note though, as the referee blew up two minutes from time due to a serious injury to UWIC’s John Campbell.

 Bridgend Athletic recorded their first away win with a 27-21 victory at Waunarlwydd with the turning point proving to be the sending off of Waun’s Dan Joseph late in the first half.

The visitors ran in three tries through Rhys Jones, Stuart Edbrooke and Simon Mustoe while the boot of Corey Butler was on song, stroking home two penalties and three conversions.

The Green and Blacks, who now haven’t picked up a win since the middle of September, once again suffered because of their ill discipline, but the hosts did manage to salvage a losing bonus point thanks to tries from Dan Fox and Nathan Hart with the ever reliable Jonny Davies landing three penalties and a conversion.

Whitland returned to winning ways in the local derby at Narberth with the Borderers narrowly coming out on top in a 9-6 kick-fest.

The visitors’ points all came in the first half with Scott Newton firing home three penalties, but the second half proved to be an edgy affair as the Otters’ Adam Phillips slotted two penalties, but fell just short of victory.

Llangennech maintained their fine form with a hard-fought 11-6 home triumph over new boys Ammanford.

The hosts scored the only try of the game through prop Justin Hughes, with outside half Ricky Williams landing two penalties.

Ammanford, who have struggled to back up their fine start, were restricted to two Carywn Richards penalties.

Carmarthen Athletic swooped to their fifth victory with a convincing 25-3 home success over struggling Bonymaen.

Athletic ran in four tries through Luke Owen, Gareth Bennett, Pan Rashesha and Richard Smart. David Lakin converted one and Mike Sauro slotted a first half penalty.

Bony meanwhile continue to flounder as they were restricted to a first half Paul Warlow penalty, as the Swansea side remain rooted to the bottom.

Finally, Llanharan notched up their fourth victory, running out 24-17 winners over Tondu at Pandy Park.

The visitors crossed twice through Justin Banfield and Josh Austin, but the hero of the day was Chris Williams, who stroked away four penalties and a conversion.

The Waterwheelers meanwhile had to be content with a losing bonus point, after touchdowns from Nick Hobson, Matthew Davies and Joe Heatley. Dean Thomas added a solitary conversion.

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Brewerton leads Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open in China

Welsh star Becky Brewerton secured a one-shot lead after the first round of the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open in China.

The 28-year-old from Wales opened with a five under par 67 at Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club near Shanghai to edge one stroke ahead of six other players including the world number one Yani Tseng.

Brewerton described how she had learned from 22-year-old Tseng, the youngest player in history to have won five majors.  

“I saw a quote that Yani had given yesterday about even now, after everything she has done, she just takes one shot at a time and doesn’t think about the score and that’s what I tried to do today. Listening to her quotes and for her to say she doesn’t think about her score, she just tries to do her best on every shot, you just think, yeah, that’s definitely the attitude and today was probably the first time ever that I’ve managed to actually forget my score,” Brewerton said.

Despite firing six birdies and just one bogey on a mild and relatively still day, Brewerton said that she would not feel safe with Tseng a stroke behind on the leader board.

“It wouldn’t matter how far ahead you were, you wouldn’t feel safe,” said the two-time LET champion.

“You know with Yani in the field, you have to be at your best and hope that she’s not quite at hers.”

Tseng is looking for her 11th title of the season after winning in her homeland on Sunday.

She had four birdies in her opening round, but three putted for par on the 18th, after reaching the green in two strokes.

Tseng said: “I played pretty consistently today. It’s always good to be bogey-free, but I missed two four-foot putts, otherwise it could be better. It’s the first day of the tournament, I still have two days to go and I’m very happy with what I finished today, with a birdie on the last hole and I’m in a good position now.

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Mountain Ash still finding their feet

New boys in Division One East Mountain Ash are happy with the start they’ve 
made to life in a higher league and have maintained their core squad 
which did them so well last season, where they finished unbeaten 
Champions of Division Two East.

“Obviously we found the league a step up from last year, the main 
difference being how clinical the other teams are in attack. Whereas a 
mistake last year would have gone unpunished, this year is a whole 
different story. We have taken some time to adjust but we’re relatively 
happy with the start we’ve made. The team has suffered a couple of 
injuries that have hindered us, like back row Chris Edmonds, while 
flanker Scott Davies and wing Dean Philips have both missed the start 
of the season, but the whole squad has pretty much stayed together and 
adapted really well,” said Secretary Martin Hamm.

The Old Firm have added a couple of new faces to the squad with second 
row Luke Brennan and Lewis Young, son of former Welsh Great Dai Young, 
both joining from Aberdare.

“Our main focus is on building a long term success at the club, right 
up from grass roots to our first team. As a club, we don’t have money 
to throw around but we believe we have good facilities, first rate 
coaches and good backing from the local community, and we also have 
some very promising talent coming through the ranks which bodes well 
for the future,” added Hamm.

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Wanderers upbeat despite start

Centre Charlie Johnson makes a break.
Photo courtesy of Glamorgan Wanderers RFC

Glamorgan Wanderers, remain upbeat despite their poor start to Division One East and will be hoping to pick up the second win of their campaign, when they travel to Treorchy tomorrow.


“Despite our results we have faith in the squad, this is a two year project, we will not be judged on where we are by Christmas” Chris Ower head coach commented before the Treorchy trip.

“Our backs showed that we are capable with the ball but it’s up to my forwards to provide the platform” added forwards coach Matthew Bolton

For the trip to Treorchy Chris Ower resists the temptation to make wholesale changes but makes one forced change in the backs and two positional and 3 other changes up front. Behind the scrum in form Joe Xiberras is unavailable and he is replaced by Ian Newbury and up front Gareth knight moves back to his normal position of second row and he is joined in the front five by Steff Simpson and John George whilst Will Rees moves to number eight to allow the introduction of inform youngster Alex Bourne.

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FAW Women’s Cup Competition Round Two Draw

Northern Section
Caernarfon Town Ladies v Tregaron Turfs
Llanidloes Town Ladies vWrexham Ladies
Northop Hall Girls v Llandudno Junction Ladies


Southern Section
Cascade Youth v Caerphilly Castle Ladies
Cardiff University Ladies v UWIC Ladies
Cyncoed Ladies v Cardiff City Ladies
Trefelin Ladies v Bridgend Town Ladies
Valleys United v Swansea City Ladies

Fixtures to be played on Sunday 30th October 2011

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Glamorgan steal win with last gasp try

At a wet and windy Sketty Lane, Swansea University Women’s RFC fell foul to a last minute try from Glamorgan to slip to a  10-8 defeat, in the opening match of both sides' Division One BUCS campaign.


The Green and Whites were totally dominant up front throughout and this paid dividends after 13 minutes when the hosts were rewarded with a penalty after exerting pressure at the scrum, which back row Carole Ann Burt fired home from just inside the 22.


With both sides fielding inexperienced players, handling was at a premium and this naivety showed as Swans let the visitors straight back in the match. In tough conditions, the Swansea back line tried to run out of their own 22 only for an error to gift Glamorgan’s captain, back row Carys Thomas, the ball as she sprinted beneath the posts.


The home team responded well and continued to put pressure on at the set piece with flanker Kat Morris consistently making the hard yards with the ball while captain Lizzie Hearn was a constant threat from full back, picking some beautiful lines and slicing through the opposition defence. Just before half time, it was one of these cutting runs by Hearn that put openside Eliza Slinn clear, although the flanker still had plenty to do as she held off the cover defence to touchdown in the corner.


After the interval, Swansea continued where they left off, dominating both territory and possession with replacement centre Lynzie Drewitt, making a big impact in mid field. With conditions worsening, the home side were unable to capitalise on their complete authority and despite being camped on the opposition line, they were unable to make it pay on the scoreboard.


As time ticked away, Glamorgan started to believe more and more that they could bag a victory against the odds, and with only one minute remaining, another Swansea mistake led to Glamorgan’s full back Cathryn Day Smith to race away and steal the win.

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Skewen still flying high after victory over trailblazers

Skewen, who inflicted Division Two West leaders Glynneath’s first defeat last week, face another highflying side when they travel to Kenfig Hill, who will also be looking to bounce back from their first loss.


“We were very happy with the result last week, it has created a big buzz amongst the players. Obviously we’ve had players coming back from long term injuries since the start of this season and now we’re pretty much at full strength and have been getting stronger week on week,” said Coach Richard Ball. “ Away from home against Kenfig Hill on Saturday will obviously be tough but the team is full of confidence and we know one game doesn’t make a season so hopefully we can back up last week’s win with another big performance.”


Unfortunately for Skewen, they will be missing hooker Steffan Bond who had his appendix removed this week, but back row Edward Price will be making his debut for the side, while another new addition, tight head David Edwards, also comes into contention.


Cwmllynfell will be hoping to bag back to back wins when they travel to Kidwelly on Saturday.


“The scoreline against Kenfig Hill doesn’t really do us justice. With ten minutes to go, we were leading 27-3 but they scored three tries in the final ten minutes. Having said that, we were very pleased with how the team responded from suffering their first defeat against Glynneath the week before,” said Secretary Eirion Richards. “Hopefully we can go to Kidwelly on Saturday and notch up another win. We know it won’t be easy as even though they got thumped up at Builth Wells last week, they’re at home and will be looking to put in a big performance.”


Cwm welcome back prop Carl Ackland into the fray as the squad are at full strength for their trip west.


Aberavon Quins were left frustrated last weekend when Maesteg called off their match but will look to clinch their fourth straight victory when they host Crymych.


“We were extremely frustrated about the Maesteg match. We sympathize with Maesteg’s situation but it’s not really fair for the teams that they don’t field a team against, as come the end of the season, you don’t want to be playing three games in a week to catch up on fixtures,” said Coach Paul Morgan. “Looking ahead to Saturday, I sat down with the lads and told them that although Crymych are struggling and haven’t won a game yet, they’re bound to break their duck at some point and we must be totally switched on, but having said that, realistically we have to target it as a bonus point win.”


Quins are still carrying a few injuries with Darren Gibbs, James Peplow and Richard Dyer still sidelined, while Danny Webb also faces a late fitness test. However, two new signings are set to make their debut with Nathan Flynn from Baglan and wing Stuart Dighton, who has joined after playing in New Zealand for the past few years, set to make their debuts.


Meanwhile, Glynneath will be eager to return to winning ways against freefalling Maesteg.


Elsewhere, Loughor looking for their third consecutive victory welcome Builth Wells and Felinfoel head west to face Aberystwyth.

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This Week's Local Golf Results

CARMARTHEN

Fourball Betterball Medal: 1. P Davies and K Duxberry nett 61, 2. C Jones and A Price nett 66, 3. I Griffiths and J Jones nett 66.

FAIRWOOD

Saturday Stableford: 1. P Antrobus 42 points, 2. P Sterio 38 points, 3. D Squire 38 points; Sunday Stableford: 1. R Cobley 40 points, 2. G Davies 39 points, 3. H Davey 38 points.

LAKESIDE

Winter League, fourth round: 1. N Howell 44pts, 2. M Evans 39pts,3. Neil Channell 37pts.

NEATH

Christmas Drinks Saturday: Division One: 1. R Williams 40 points, 2. A Saltmarsh 38 points; Division Two: 1. K Murphy 43 points, 2. W Davies 42 points; Christmas Drinks Sunday: Division One: 1. T Ayers 38 points, 2. J Rosser 37 points; Division Two: 1. S Murphy 43 points, 2. R Jones 39 points.

MONMOUTHSHIRE

Club Champions at Monmouthshire GC 2012:Mens Champion:Dan Brain who beat Simon Lewis 1up at 36th;Ladies Champion: Caroline Cole who beat Myra Lewis; Senior Mens Champion:  Robin Gibbons beat Cedric McIntyre; Senior Ladies Champion: Nora Hughes beat Hefina Thomas

PENNARD

Turkey Trot NO 1 – Saturday 22ND October 2011: Division One: 1. Lewis Hinds 42 pts; Division Two: 1. David G Lewis 36 pts; Division Three: 1. Roger C Williams 35 pts; Ladies Stableford: Silver Division: 1. J Bennett 32 points, 2. H Jennings 31 points; Bronze Division: 1. J Edwards 36 points, 2. C Jenkins.

Lady Captain’s Day Stableford: Winner of the Captain’s Cup: Shirley Davies; Silver Division: 1. A Pritchard 34 points, 2. H Crowley 34 points, 3. G Gavey 34 points; Bronze Division: 1. S Davies 35 points, 2. J Davies 34 points, 3. M Thomas 33 points

PONTARDAWE

4 Ball Singles medal: 1. Carl V Lewis 68 nett, 2. A Dalling 68 nett.

ROYAL PORTHCAWL 

Medal match: Joint first Brian Nicholas and David Richards 76; Chapman Rose Bowl foursomes: 1. Richard Disley and Guy Bates 40pts 2. Peter Llewellyn and Bleddyn Bowen 38pts

SWANSEA BAY

Thursday Stableford: 1. C S James 37pts, 2. D Couch 37pts, 3. O Lovell 36pts; Club Stableford: 1. C Brown 42pts, 2. B Ashford 37pts, 3. S Gadd 36pts; Sunday Stableford: 1. D Price 40pts, 2. R Evans 38pts, 3.G Daniel 36pts.

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Swansea clash with Garden Village

Reigning FAW Youth Cup holders Swansea City have been handed home
advantage for their third-round tie against Garden Village.

The Swans are looking to defend the title they won last season and
should start as favourites for next month’s derby clash.

West End, runners-up last time round, will host Pontardwe Town in the
last 16, Port Talbot Town entertain Taffs Well, Ragged School go to
Cardiff Corinthians and Afan Lido travel east to face Newport County.

In the north, the tie of the round looks like Bangor City’s tussle at
home with Wrexham while Caernarfon Town host Penrhyncoch and The New
Saints make the trip to Cefn Druids.

All matches are scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 27 with the
winners booking themselves a quarter-final berth.

Full Third round draw : Bangor City v Wrexham; Caernarfon Town v 
Penrhyncoch; Cefn Druids v The New Saints; Cardiff Corries v Ragged 
School; Newport Countyt v Afan Lido; Port Talbot Town v Taffs Well; 
Swansea City v Garden Village; West End v Pontardawe.

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Caernarfon out muscle Mold

Mold were unable to build on their good win last week in Division One North when they came unstuck at leaders Caernarfon, going down 29-13.

The pacemakers picked up a valuable try bonus through a Dylan Gwyn brace with Dafydd Roberts, Rhobarth Pwmbi and Rhys Evans also going over. Kelvin Morris slotted two conversions.

The visitors in reply could only manage two touchdowns from Aaron Jones and Mack Paget, who also slotted home a penalty.

Nant Conwy remain in second place and in hot pursuit of the trailblazers thanks to a 50-7 demolition of strugglers Llandudno.

The highfliers helped themselves to eight tries through a Carwyn ap Myrddin brace with Carwyn Roberts, James Jones, Eryl Jones, Ioan Dvies and Ifan Jones also crossing, with the visitors also being awarded a penalty try. Myrddin also added five conversions to take his personal tally to 20 points for the match.

Meanwhile, Ruthin picked up their second win in a narrow 12-8 home triumph over Pwllheli.

The hosts outscored their rivals two tries to one through Clwyd Jones and Kyle Davies touchdowns, while Shay Tudor coverted one.

Pwllheli in reply could only manage a Mark Saynor try, with Nick Butterworth firing home a penalty.

Elsewhere, Bro Ffestiniogh lost ground at the top going down 24-22 at Bala and Llnagefni notched up their third win defeating Bethesda 16-13 at home.

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Bryncethin remain in pole position

 Bryncethin remain in pole position in Division Five South Central with a comfortable 40-10 victory over Hirwaun.

The leaders crossed the visitors’ line six times through Lewis Davies, Lloyd Hosey, Andrew Veasey, Huw King, Andrew Bayliss and Chris Williams. Matt Davies added two conversions with replacement Gareth Pearce slotting home three more.

Cefn Cribbwr remain hot on the heels of the trailblazers after a try bonus 28-11 home win over Ogmore Vale.

The hosts’ back row Matthew Leg bagged a brace of tries with outside half Gareth Lewis and Robert Curl also going over. Lewis also fired home all four conversions.

Struggling Banwen put sorry Blaengarw to the sword easing to a 69-0 victory, running in eleven tries in the process including hat-tricks for Nicky Rees and Simon Herdman, with Daniel Morgan bagging a brace.

Cwmgwrach finally recorded their maiden win with a hard fought 22-16 home victory over South Wales Police.

The hosts bagged three tries through Geraint Stanley, Ryan Parry and Peter Davies. The difference between the two sides proved to be the boot of Parry as he fired home two conversions and a penalty.

Meanwhile, Porthcawl narrowly overcame Rhigos 15-12 with all of the Seaweeds’ points coming from Aled Davies who stroked away five penalties.

Elsewhere, Cowbridge remain third with a 23-9 triumph at Tonna.

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New boys make students work for win

Leaders UWIC extended their lead at the top of Division One West with a hard fought home victory over new boys Tondu, with the visitors laying siege to the hosts’ line for the final five minutes.

The pacemakers crossed for two tries with wing Tom James crossing for both, but the star of the show was outside half Rhidian Morris who collected 17 points through four penalties, a conversion and a drop goal.

The Waterwheelers, who hover towards the lower end of the table, put in a spirited performance, with wings Darren Thomas and Mark Roberts both touching down, while Dean Thomas added both conversions and three penalties.

Llangennech edged out Bridgend Athletic 18-17 in an intense affair, to put an end to Athletic’s 18 month undefeated record at Newbridge Fields.

The hosts amassed all of their points in the opening half through a Carl Thomas touchdown, with Steve Robinson slotting a conversion and two penalties.

The visitors crossed for two tries through back row forward Ashley Banfield and centre Gareth Walters, while Ricky Williams landed a conversion and a penalty, but the difference between the two teams, however, was Aled Roberts’ late penalty.

Bridgend were restricted to a solitary touchdown from hooker Stuart Nation, with Corey Butler amassing 12 points through three penalties and a drop goal, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their first home defeat since March 2010.

In a battle at the top, Tata Steel leapt to second in the table with an 18-9 win over fellow high fliers Whitland at Parc Llwyntygwyn.

The Steelmen maintained their good run at the Borderers with tries from wing Tylan Mafi and Simon Evans, while outside half Diggy Bird landed two penalties and a conversion.

The Borderers in reply were restricted to three Jonathan Thomas penalties.

Bonymaen remain rooted to the foot of the table after suffering their sixth loss, going down 39-14 at home to Narberth.

The Otters’ back line were rampant throughout and they ran in six tries through Steve Martin, Jonny Morgan and braces for both Nick Jones and Tom Bonnell. Jones also added a penalty and two conversions.

Bony who continue to struggle this season could only manage two touchdowns from Richard Williams and Colin Jones which were both were converted.

Elsewhere, Carmarthen Athletic returned to winning ways, running out 26-19 winners at Ammanford to end their three match losing streak and Waunarlwydd slipped to their fourth straight defeat, losing 20-13 at Llanharan.

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