Division One East weekend review

Heol y Cyw bagged the slenderest of victories over title rivals Merthyr in their One East showdown, with the Cockerels triumphing 12-11 in a monumental clash to cut the Ironmen’s lead at the top to four points.

There was little to choose between the teams in this top of the table tussle with the weather hampering both teams' attempts at playing expansive rugby.

Cockerels fly-half Mike Huckridge booted them into a 12-3 lead but when hooker Luke O’Driscoll saw red, it was backs against the wall rugby for the hosts as the Ironmen prodded and probed.

Steve Lang slotted his second penalty of the afternoon for the league leaders and in the dying moments, Owen Morgan crossed the whitewash for the only try of the match. However, the conversion to clinch a dramatic win drifted wide of the upright, and Merthyr suffered only their second loss of the season.

Both teams now turn their attention to Cup action next weekend when holders Heol y Cyw travel to Llantwit Fardre while Lee Jarvis’ troops take on Ystrad Rhondda in an all One East match-up.

Ystrad Rhondda will go into that clash high in confidence after notching up their eighth league win of the season as they saw off Glamorgan Wanderers 23-3.

“After our not so great start in the league we’ve won nine on the bounce and will go into the match confident, but at the same time, Merthyr will also believe that they can win and I think it will be a tight classic Cup match that either side can win,” said Ystrad Secretary Alan Sinclair.

Ystrad who sit third in the league crossed three times through Carl Facey, Liam Davies and Mitchell Auger, while Rhys Truelove added the extras to one and slotted two penalties.

Meanwhile, Rumney returned to winning ways as they saw off basement boys Bedlinog 10-3 in a scrappy affair.

Loren Quick grabbed the only try of the match for Rumney while Dan O’Neal converted from the tee and fired over a penalty.

The Foxes who have just one win to their name so far this season had to be content with a losing bonus point thanks to a Ben Grzseica penalty.

Elsewhere, there was nothing to choose between Ynysybwl and Rhydyfelin with the match finishing 18-18.

Finally, the wet and wild weather put paid to Penallta’s local derby match against Nelson as well as Gilfach Goch’s trip to Treorchy.