Monday 11 March 2013

Bedwas return to winning ways with last-gasp victory at Cardiff

Bedwas returned to winning ways in the Premiership on Saturday (March 9), a last gasp, 25-23 victory over Cardiff at the Arms Park edging them ever-closer to a play-off place.

Having lost their last two, Sam Feehan’s last-minute touchdown rescued the visitors. Fly half Ethan Davies showed nerves of steel to send over the conversion to bring his personal tally to 15 points for the match.

It scrappy, but the hosts all but looked to have backed up their win over Cross Keys last time out when Jack Phillips crossed with 10 minutes remaining, but they failed to keep the promotion hopefuls out and had to make do with a losing bonus point.

In the midday kick-off Newport, who had failed to record a win over Premiership opposition since November, hosted a resurgent Neath. But it was the home side that came away with a much-needed win: 13-12.

Sven Cronk’s men completed the doubled over the Gnoll outfit, with the only try of the match coming through Newport wing Owen Broad, while Geraint O’Driscoll’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts.

In the Friday (March 8) night matches, runaway leaders Pontypridd were given a massive scare by Aberavon, but eventually came out on top 22-17, the boot of Simon Humberstone maintaining Ponty’s imperious home form this season.

Elsewhere, Llanelli’s hopes of securing a play-off place took a knock as they lost out 22-21 at local rivals Carmarthen Quins, while Llandovery put aside a difficult period to dispatch Cross Keys 39-17.

Finally Swansea, languishing at the foot of the table, claimed only their second win of the season as they saw off Bridgend, 15-3.

In the Swalec Championship, Ebbw Vale took a big step to securing the inaugural title with a comfortable 42-7 win at Newbridge. Coupled with title rivals Bargoed’s 17-13 defeat at Llanharan, the Steelmen now have a nine-point cushion at the summit.

Fly half Josh Lewis opened the scoring with a jinking run to cross the whitewash, while Adam Jones bagged a brace for the visitors. Polu Uhi, Charlie Simpson and leading try scorer, Wes Cunliffe, also got on the score sheet in the one-sided affair.

It had looked like it was to be business as usual for Bargoed in their game as the visitors got off to the better start, leading 8-5 at the break through a Darren Lynch try and Josh Prosser penalty.

A determined second half performance from the Dairymen, however, ensured they took home the points. Prop James Greenfield barged over for the hosts, while wing Harry Davies gathered up a hack-through to cross. Although Bargoed were well on top throughout, all they could manage was a well-worked Andre McLaughlin touchdown.

In Division One East, Ystrad Rhondda made sure RGC 1404’s reign at the summit was brief as they returned to pole position with an emphatic 100-8 home win over woeful Tredegar.

Fly half Rhys Truelove stole the show with a 30-point haul through two tries and 10 conversions, while Nick Eaves, Chris Clayton, Dan John and Sean Webber all bagged braces.

Meanwhile, a virtuoso performance from Gilfach Goch’s outside half Ian Davies saw his side claim a narrow 16-13 success at Merthyr.

Davies secured all of his side’s points through a converted try and three penalties, one of which came late on in the second half.

In the only game scheduled in Division Two West, leaders Builth Wells dispatched woeful Haverfordwest 30-19.

Rhiwbina kept their Division Two East title hopes alive with a hard-fought 25-8 victory at Llantrisant.

The Squirrels ran in three tries through wing Brett Chatwin, Ashley Evans and Dan Murphy, while Jake Chilcott added 10 points with the boot.

Nelson also remain in the hunt for promotion as they comfortably dispatched Fleur de Lys 32-10.

Blaenavon’s surge up the Four East table continues as they picked up their ninth win in 10, dispatching Monmouth 29-21. Scott Creese, Gareth Groves, Tom Burge and Lee Wright all crossed for the hosts, while Adam Williams kicked three conversions and a penalty.

At the top of Division Four South West, Penlan look in a strong position to bag back to back titles, as the Swansea side continued their fine form with a 30-0 triumph at Pyle.

Back row Robert D’Lulio claimed a hat-trick of tries, while wing David Pritchard was at the double in an impressive outing for Penlan.

In Five West, it was a match to forget for St David’s as the strugglers suffered a 93-0 trouncing at promotion chasing New Dock Stars.

The Stars ran in 15 tries in a one-sided showing. Ben Collard and Luke Edwards both claimed hat-tricks, while Ben Young (two), Jordan Evans (two), Daniel Hatton, Nima Samani, Chris Baxter and Iwan Maze also touched down for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Newport Saracens recorded their eighth win of the season as they saw off RTB Ebbw Vale 22-3: Ethan Doyle, Patrick Jones and Dale Tucker diving over for the Saracens.

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