Swalec Leagues Weekend Review

Ebbw Vale warmed up for their Swalec Cup home quarter-final against Premiership side Llandovery with a 52-12 demolition of Blackwood in the Championship.

The win sees the Steelmen move 30 points clear at the summit and needing just a handful of wins to return to the Premiership.

Jason Strange’s troops ran in eight tries in all with Lewis Young, Gordon Howells, David James, Luke Davies, Polu Uhi, Ronny Kynes, Dan Haymond and John Lavender all crossing the whitewash. Iain Smerdon converted six of the tries.

For Blackwood, who are battling against relegation, David Ford and Nathan Gittins crossed for tries, one of which was converted by James Doubley.

With the Championship title essentially a foregone conclusion the Steelmen will look to upset the apple cart when they host the Drovers, who sit third in the Premiership.

At the other end of the table Beddau moved off the bottom when they romped to a 39-7 bonus point triumph over fellow strugglers Tondu.

Tries for Beddau came from David Francis, Dewi Shorrock, Jack James, Matthew Marley and Cobi Flowers. Rhys Morgan converted four of the touchdowns and landed two penalties.

Elsewhere, in Sunday’s encounter Bargoed turned the form book on its head to blow away Narberth 35-13 at Bargoed Park.

In One West, Glynneath moved a step closer to the claiming the crown when they ran out 38-6 winners at Kenfig Hill.

They were awarded two penalty tries while Rhodri Cole was at the double and Ryan Cole and Shaun Pennat also crossed with Jack O'Reilly kicking four conversions.

Meanwhile, Whitland and Loughor fought out a 12-12 draw in a match between two teams struggling to find their best form.

Dunvant increased their lead in Two West when they won 17-7 at Aberavon Quins.

Jordan Jackson, Danny Davies and Adam Williams crossed for Dunvant tries with Aled Lewis adding the extras to one.

Rhiwbina's scrum-half Harry Trelawney in action against Llanishen

In Two East, leaders Rhiwbina are now nine points ahead of title rivals Llantrisant after sweeping to a 35-17 bonus point victory over Llanishen.

Llanishen opened the scoring with a corner try by wing Tilan Mafi, but the hosts struck back with two penalties by Gareth McCarthy.

Rhiwbina finished the first half stronger, taking a 16-5 lead into the interval thanks to a try from wing Louis Millar and five further points from the boot of McCarthy.

After the break the Squirrels extended their advantage thanks to a converted penalty try, but Llanishen fought back strongly with Phil Thomas bagging a quick-fire double for the visitors

The powerful Rhiwbina scrum then forced Llanishen to concede a penalty try, converted by McCarthy, but Llanishen fought back strongly and Phil Thomas crossed for a brace of tries, one of which he converted.

However, the hosts regrouped and bagged two late touchdowns from Grant Fitzgerald and Alex Kerr to wrap up the points.

Pontyberem are six points adrift at the foot of Three West after losing 38-16 at Llanybydder, while Pontypool United gave a splendid display to defeat Brynmawr 29-13 in Three East.

Oakdale Captain David Fortune grabbed a try brace but his side still lost 19-15 at home to Abertysswg, while Briton Ferry bagged a bonus point 26-15 victory over  Pontardawe Four South-West.

Finally, No. 8 Jason Jones scored four tries for Tredegar Ironsides 33-14 Six East home win over Hollybush.