Cefn Fforest claim Six South Central crown

Cefn Fforest RFC received the Division Six South Central trophy on Friday night after a hard-fought campaign, eventually pipping CIACS to the title.

“We’ve had a remarkable season and we were definitely the team to beat in our division,” stated Team Manger Mike Murphy, who has been involved with the club since 1997.

Cefn ended the season level on 68 points at the summit with CIACS, with the Gwent side having a better try count despite playing one less match. They won 14 of their 17 fixtures, losing just two matches and drawing another.

Unfortunately, Cefn were unable to complete their fixture list as opponents Blaengarw failed to field a side against the champions.

“It was a bit disappointing not to be able to play our final match but other sides were unable to complete their fixture lists for the same reason.”

Under the league restructure, the Gwent District side will find themselves in Division 3 East C and Murphy is excited by the challenge the new campaign will bring.

 “The club has been going well both on and off the field this season and we are all looking forward to the challenge that the new league will present. We have a number of youngsters that are coming on board and hopefully will keep us moving forward.”

Murphy was also keen to praise the work of a number of individuals that have contributed to the club’s success.

“I think I speak for everyone at the club when I say thanks to Coach Martin Lane and Carl Speicher for all their help, while long standing Secretary David Edwards has once again worked tirelessly for the club, and last but not least we have to thank our supporters who have been exceptional,” added Murphy.

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UNBEATEN HARTRIDGE WIN SWALEC DIVISION 6 SOUTH EAST TITLE

Undefeated Hartridge RFC have lifted the SWALEC Division 6 South East trophy today (Saturday 10th May 2014), after winning their final game against St Julians on Tuesday 6th to secure the title.

Hartridge’s league win was sealed midweek in a hard-fought (10 - 38) victory over close neighbours St Julians, which saw them walk away with yet another bonus point. The side have scored a bonus point in every single game they have played this season.

There is much cause for celebration at the club, who have also recently started a youth side working with 14’s and under, in partnership with Llanwern High School.

Head Coach Mark Wheeler, said: "Winning the title means everything today.  With some of the boys having come back from other clubs; that's really made a difference for us and it shows in today's result. We're really pleased, and also very confident about continuing the success next season."

Rhys Yendle, top points scorer and Club Captain, said: "We just want to thank everyone for their support - everyone in the background who you don't necessarily see. It really has been a big community effort to get here and lift the trophy today. Massive thanks to everyone involved."

Sadly, top try scorer Kirk Lewis was on holiday at the time of the presentation but he will surely be celebrating with his team on his return.

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WHIRLWIND YEAR ENDS WITH UNDEFEATED IRONSIDES SWALEC TITLE WIN

What a difference a year makes on the rugby field. At the end of last season, Tredegar Ironsides were relegated from Division 3 East to the bottom Division 6 East.

One year on, the Ironsides have clinched the SWALEC Division 6 East trophy (Saturday 26^th April 2014), with a 10 -19 away win over Hollybush RFC to also continue their undefeated season in the league.

Tredegar Ironsides RFC carried off the SWALEC Division 6 East title by 9 points, winning all the league games that they’ve played this season. The club are already planning for life in their new division with preparations already well under way. A brand new gym facility is near completion and there will be a “revolutionary training strategy in place” according to the Blaenau Gwent club.

Tredegar Ironsides RFC Club Captain Craig Monaghan said:”Winning the league is a really big achievement for us. We had a goal at the beginning of the season to win it undefeated, and it feels great to say now that we’ve done it. The team have really stuck together this season, and captured the spirit of what playing for Ironsides is all about.”

 Head Coaches Nigel Quirke and Lewis Protheroe said:”Congratulations to Hollybush, they made us work hard and we had to get very focused and just stick as one today, it was a difficult game. After the trials and tribulations last year, winning the title is everything to the club at the moment. We’re so pleased for the supporters, the club and the players.”

Top try scorer Jason Jones, who plays number 8 for the club, couldn’t continue his scoring ways due to injury but joined the supporters who had travelled to the Aberbargoed club.

WRU representative Ken Hewitt added: “A good performance from both teams, but well done to the Tredegar Ironsides. It was a tough game and they played well to secure the win.”

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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.

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Swalec Leagues Round Up

Champions RGC 1404 finished off their Division One East campaign in emphatic fashion, as they maintained their unbeaten home record to run seven tries past Rhydyfelin in a 45-0 demolition at Parc Eirias.

 Over 850 supporters turned out to cheer on their side as they picked up the One East trophy. The home side once again produced the goods as they clinically dispatched the Swalec Plate finalists.

Tom Parry bagged a brace for the Gogs while Maredydd Francis, Aron Gwyn, Llywarch ap Myrddin, Andy Williams and Rhodri Carlton Jones also went over.

Chris Horsman’s charges have surpassed even their own expectations in a season where they have travelled over 5000 miles, won 19 of their 22 matches, and maintained an unbeaten record at their Colwyn Bay fortress.

The North Walians will now look forward to testing themselves against the best teams outside of the Premiership next season when they take their place in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Two East Champions Bedlinog ended their season on a high with a classy 47-15 win at Llantrisant. The Foxes will be hoping they can maintain their winning ways at the higher level next season.

Lower down, South West’s Trebanos sneaked past South East’s Pontyclun 28-24 in one of two Division Three play-off matches.

It was nip and tuck throughout the match but 23 points from talisman Matthew Edwards and a touchdown from Christian Jones was enough to see Banws through.

Pontyclun’s points came courtesy of touchdowns from Adam Court and Nathan Rees, while Rhys Morgan notched up 14 points with the boot.

In the other play-off, West’s Newcastle Emlyn did just enough to see off Newport HSOB. Emlyn crossed three times through Daniel Davies, Shaun Leonnard and Alex Williams, and will now look forward to life in Division Two next season.

In the Division Six play-offs, Nick James booted over six penalties as Pantyffynnon defeated New Panteg 30-27 at Llantwit Fardre. James notched up 20 of his side's points, while Ashley Evans was at the double for the Six West side.

In the other play-off final, Treharris powered over for six tries to thump Sully Sports 43-19 at Caerphilly.

Matthew Meaney and Jamie Lang were both at the double for Treharris, while Liam Williams and Ross Jones also crossed.

Finally, Newtown’s classy 53-7 win over Porthmadog in Three North ensured themselves a place in Division Two next season.

Newtown ran in nine tries with Craig Lewis and Nathan Lloyd both bagging braces, while Andy Marriott, Nathan Jones, Nick Jones, Richard Andrews and Glen Lloyd also went over.

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Cambrian Welfare claim Division Six Central title

Undefeated Cambrian Welfare have been declared the champions of the  National League Division 6 Central.

WRU rep Humphrey Evans presents captain Julian Huntley with the  6 Central trophy.

Having sealed their title triumph with a 38-3 away win over Treharris on April 27, the team carried off the Division 6 Central title after winning each of their league fixtures during the current campaign.

And as the club celebrates its 30^th year with a presentation evening next month, their win over Treharris means they have some league silverware to show off even before completing their run of matches.

Cambrian Welfare’s six tries against Treharris were scored by Julian Huntley, Steve Daniels, Mark Jones, Dane James, Zak James and Stefan Resoli. For team captain and outside half Julian Huntley, the club’s top scorer with 185 points in 15 league and cup matches this season, it was a double celebration, after greeting the birth of his daughter just five days earlier.

Julian said: “It’s a massive achievement to be undefeated so far in the league and with two games left to play it would be nice to reach the end of the season without losing. I think our success has been down to the training we’ve received from our coaching staff and the commitment from the whole team to training hard. Every single player has played well this season. Moving up out of Division 6 has been a long time coming for us and we’re definitely going to make the most of it.”

And he was able to toast the win with his brother, scrum half Jackson, and their father Mark, whose firm M&P Group is a big sponsor.  The close-knit club also boasted more fraternal celebrations with brothers Zak and Dane James - centre and flanker, and back-rows Mark and Steve Daniels.

Head Coach Ben Daniels commented: “It’s been a fantastic season but my highlight has to be winning against Glyncoch, who had been undefeated in their previous 45 matches. It’s the hard work of our players that has allowed us to be so successful this season and take the Division 6 Central title, and it’s also what allows us to look forward to Division 5 with confidence.”

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Tonmawr claim Six West title

Tonmawr sealed their title triumph by nine points with a 58-5 home win over Blaenau.

The Pitmen took the title with a game to spare after a very successful league campaign, which saw them lose just one match against Pantyffynnon.

Tonmawr  returned this season to the community game after being cut from the reduced Welsh Premiership at the end of last term, when the number of teams in the Premiership was reduced from 14 to 12.

Tonmawr decided to elect a place significantly lower down the leagues to rejuvenate themselves, taking a couple of steps back to move forward again in a stronger position.

Tonmawr has a strong infrastructure of junior and youth teams, with former youth team hooker Ben Baker-Rees having played an excellent first season for the first team. Former players for the club include Wales internationals, Toby Faletau and Ashley Beck, and Ospreys’ head coach, Steve Tandy.

Team Captain on the day, Ross Livingstone said: “It means everything to the team to win the title today. It’s been such a team effort – we’ve had fantastic coaching and every single player has done us proud. I would have to say that winning the title today has been my highlight of the season – it’s a brilliant feeling.”

Head Coach, Neil Howard said: “We started the season strong but we had a few injuries and other set-backs along the way. However we’ve finished on a high and we’re in a position to come back better than ever next season.”

Kevin Tandy, brother of the Ospreys’ head coach Steve Tandy, was Team Captain before he sustained an injury at the beginning of the season. Kevin added: “We’ve got some excellent players in our junior and youth teams so we’re confident that this success will continue into the club’s future as they come up to play for the 1st team.”

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Cardiff Saracens celebrate SWALEC National League Division Six South East success

Having sealed their title triumph with an 89-5 home win over St Julian’s on 16 April the team carried off the Division Six South East title with a total of 48 league points.

Saracens Captain Bryn Morgan celebrates with teammates 

The Roath-based team have overcome a challenging season, which began with them losing their first two games – the second, against Llanrumney, with a final score of 109-10. The team have since upped their game to win all 10 of their remaining matches and this final match saw the Saracens starting and finishing strong. They scored the first try of the game within just one minute of the kick-off. They then converted this and then went on to score 12 more times, converting all but one try, and winning by a decisive 84 points.

This is the first time the Saracens have won that division and, after coming fifth last year, it’s a massive boost for the club. 

Team Captain, Bryn Morgan, said: “It’s a great feeling to win the league title. This is our first promotion since I joined the team and a massive victory for the boys, who have all worked really hard to get to this point. After we lost to Llanrumney by nearly 100 points in our second game of the season, the team could have felt defeated. But we came back fighting and it actually brought us closer as a squad and meant that we were even more determined to prove ourselves.

“We’ve had a much bigger team this year than we’ve ever had before – and we’ve even been able to put out a second squad, which is brilliant. We’d like to dedicate our victory to all our supporters. Saracens is a really social club and it’s great to have the support of people turning up every match to cheer us on.”

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Swalec Leagues Round Up

Once again, the weather caused havoc in the Swalec Leagues with matches in the East and North of the country particularly affected by snow and rain.

In the Swalec Championship, Tata Steel remain in the hunt for a top three finish as they battled past Bonymaen 15-6 at their Margam base.

The hosts crossed three times through Martin Luckwell, Ben Davies and a late score from Ewan Hopkin to ensure Bony went home empty handed.

Narberth’s poor run of form continued as they narrowly lost out at Bridgend Athletic 16-15.

Athletic now look safe from relegation as they secured their eighth win of the season. Steve Lewis was the star of the show for the Newbridge Field outfit as he notched up 11 points, including a last gasp drop goal to seal the win.

There was an early morning pitch inspection at the Dairyfield but  Llanharan will be left wishing the pitch hadn’t made the grade as they slipped to a 19-10 defeat to strugglers Pontypool, for whom it was only their second win of the season.

The Dairymen dominated the opening half but found themselves tied 5-5 at the interval, with Pooler back row James Benjamin cancelling out Nathan Huish’s earlier touchdown.

Pooler were far more clinical than their hosts after the break with Benjamin bagging a wonderful breakaway to cross for his second of the afternoon, as prop Sam Cook also went over. Full-back Clayton Gullis added two conversions.

In the only Two East match to make the pitch, Tylorstown failed to help their relegation battle as they slipped to a 22-14 home loss to Garndiffaith.

At the top of Two West, Seven Sisters cut leaders Builth Wells' advantage to six points with a try bonus 24-18 triumph at Aberystwyth.

Ian Watts was at the double for the visitors while hooker Huw Wilkes and captain Gavin Hooper also went over for the title contenders.

Trebanos returned to winning ways in Three South West as they recorded a routine 26-5 home win over Brynamman. Wing Matthew Edwards notched up an 11 point haul, that included a touchdown with the last play of the match, to bag a bonus point for the hosts. Nathan Jones (2) and Steff Lewis also crossed.

Amman United claimed their 15^th win in 16 starts as the Three West title looks theirs to lose. They were given a scare by visiting Lampeter, however, as United edged proceedings 19-18. Liam Morgan, David Matthews and Joel Foster all grabbed tries for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Tycroes remain unbeaten at the head of Four West as the title favourites recorded a 23-6 triumph at Aberaeron.

Penybanc stepped up their pursuit of Five South West leaders Cwmtwrch with an emphatic 48-0 victory over Ystradgynlais.

The Tigers helped themselves to eight tries with Chris Jones (2), Steve Madge, Mike Tench, Wayne Williams and brothers Gethin and Cellan Harris all going over.

The most emphatic win of the day, however, went to Dinas Powys in Five South Central as they battered Blaengarw 114-0 to move top.

Morgan and Adam Williams claimed hat-tricks, while Jon Evan grabbed a brace; Nathan Williams, Owen Stark, Sam Alderman, Tom Chapman, Lloyd Harwood, Matt Brown and Gareth Williams also crossed in the one-sided affair.

Finally, Tonmawr look to be heading towards the Six West title as they recorded their tenth win of the season seeing off Llansawel 29-9. 

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Wattstown hit a half-century in big derby day victory

Swalec League Divisions Four-Seven weekend review

PENYGRAIG felt the full force of a Wattstown team intent on staying at the top of Four South East as the hosts won the Rhondda derby 50-8, scoring eight tries in the process.

Adam Phillips and Chris Evans bagged two and Jack Foulkes and Simon Wincock were also among the scorers. Old Illtydians in second could only beat Cowbridge 10-3 with a Tom Wheeler try and Abercwmboi squeezed home against Barry, winning 20-19 thanks to tries from Scott Cutler and James Webster.

New Tredegar pounced on Cilfynydd’s shock defeat by Cwmbran to close the gap at the summit of Four East. The Rhinos saw off Caldicot 21-5 with two Gavins, Stockman and Ferguson, on the scoresheet.

Stuart Mander and Scott Stephen crossed for Tycroes as the top dogs in Four West defeated a battling Betws 18-3. Llanydybber, with Rhydian Davies picking up two tries, had no problems beating Hendy 38-3 and despite having hooker Rhys Evans sent-off for a tip-tackle, Trimsaran drew 17-17 against Nantgaredig.

Another dominant display saw Penlan cruise home 54-0 at Birchgrove in Four South West with No 8 Robert Di’Iulio getting three of their eight tries. Robbie Thorn, Dan Harris and Jeff Jones got tries for Cefn Cribbwr who beat Briton Ferry 22-18.

The standout performance of the weekend undoubtedly came at Baglan in Five South West where the hosts, and right wing Dean Wood in particular, had a red letter day against Llangadog. They won 101-0, scoring 17 tries and Wood got seven himself. Elliott Jones went over for three too but Wood took all the headlines.

Not far behind Baglan in the scoring stakes was Swansea Uplands who thumped St Davids 95-0 in Five West. Sean Edmund registered a hat-trick and there were 16 tries altogether and 10 different scorers.

Dan Butler had his kicking boots on and his four penalties, along with Spencer Cauley’s try, gave RTB Ebbw Vale a 17-15 win over Brynithel in Five East. Luke O’Brien, Robbie Jones, Luke Egan, Jason Goodridge and Nathan Astley were try scorers for St Joseph’s (Cardiff) in their 34-6 victory at Markham in Five South East while Marc Shepherd’s try, conversion and brace of penalties took Pontrhydyfen to a 13-3 win at Dinas Powys in Five South Central.

One of the biggest personal try hauls was claimed by Tom Williams as his Mynydd y Garreg team walloped Aberavon Naval Club 55-10 in Six West while Alan Sheeva, Nick Davies and Ian Cooper helped Blaenau to a 25-13 defeat of Pantyffynnon.

In Six South East, Llanrumney blasted STAR 95-0 and Ross Evans claimed two tries for Cardiff Saracens as Hartridge were put to the sword in a 35-8 loss. Joe Bradley’s two penalties were enough to give Llandrindod Wells a first win of the season in Six South Central at Tref y Clawdd.

Blaina Utd’s bonus-point success against Forgeside kept them out in front in Six East with Matthew O’Dowd, Carl Brimble, Mike John and Jamie Edmunds all scoring tries. Not to be outdone, Tom Hancock (2), Chris Stokes (2) and Lee Southall were on target for Hollybush as they beat Malpas 33-17.

Finally, Sea View recorded their first ever win as a Welsh League club yesterday, defeating Abersychan 23-12 in Division Seven. A 48-3 away win against Newbridge Utd gave Cathays a bonus point to draw level with Whitchurch at the top. Their match against West Mon was called off and Rhayader overcame Aberbeeg 20-18.

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Brothers in arms make it a night to remember for RGC 1404

IT only seemed right that after travelling up and down the country for the last six weekends, RGC 1404, the one North Wales club playing in the league down South, should toast their first One East home game with a win.

More than 1,600 fans packed into Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay as RGC took on Rumney in a match the home side eventually won 37-16 with a bonus point.

Brothers Carwyn and Llywrach ap Myrddin both got on the scoresheet with Kelvin Davies, Richard Hopkins and a penalty try making up the five scores. Rhodri Carlton-Jones added the rest with kicks.

One East leaders Ystrad Rhondda are now five points ahead of RGC but the North Walians do have a game in hand. The Rhondda club thrashed Mountain Ash 55-28 with David Gratton notching a hat-trick while Rhydyfelin were pushed all the way by struggling Tredegar but eventually won 31-26.

Tries came thick and fast at the Wern with hosts Merthyr and visitors Treorchy sharing eight between them. But in the end it was the Zebras who came out on top 38-32 with Gareth Daniel, Chris Everett, Robert Jones and Tristan Lazarus on target.

The Ironmen would obviously have been gutted to lose but in defeat they still picked up two bonus points with Rhys Luckwell, Josh Flye, Andrew Murphy and Darren Ryan crossing the try-line.

Greg Roberts crossed twice for Gilfach Goch in their 49-25 defeat of Penallta and there were some strange goings on as Ynysybwl edged out Heol y Cyw 18-17 with two tries for Andrew Lloyd.

Reports suggest that referee Jason Langdon, who had been whacked in the face by a stray kick, convinced himself that Heol y Cyw were leading 22-18 when in fact it was Ynysybwl who were winning 18-17.

In his dazed state Langdon was adamant that he was right and waved away protests by Ynysybwl players, officials and supporters who were arguing to the contrary. The referee even went so far as to send an Ynysybwl official from the sideline before eventually coming to his senses and agreeing that the home side were indeed in front.

Tondu are still unbeaten in One West, their latest success being a 38-13 win away at Loughor with Paul Smithson scoring two tries. Richard Deakin went one better for Cwmllynfell as they saw off Kenfig Hill 32-20 and Jordan Clayfield bagged a brace for Waunarlwydd in a 37-7 triumph at Skewen.

Rhys Jones, Ifan Beynon-Thomas and Ricky Richards scored two tries apiece in Carmarthen Athletic’s 56-10 hammering of Aberavon Quins while Glynneath and Ammanford also won against Kidwelly and Llangennech respectively.

Lloyd Bayliss and James Parry's tries, along with extras from Cory Jenkins and Johnny  Morgan, took Glynneath to a 29-23 victory while a Gary Stevens try and three Rhydian Morris penalties gave Ammanford a 14-13 win.

Top beat bottom in One North as Nant Conwy eased past Llangefni 26-6 but second-placed Bro Ffestiniog were held to an 8-8 draw by Bala.

The top two in Two East both lost with Nelson going down 34-25 at Llantwit Fardre for whom Jason Pocock kicked 19 points and Pill Harriers losing 11-6 to Abercynon. Felinfoel took the chance to close the gap on Two West leaders Builth Wells who were without a game.

Jordan Dunne and Nick Morris were two of Felinfoel’s five try scorers in a 35-10 win over Crymych while Maesteg Quins made up ground on Seven Sisters in third by beating their rivals 27-12 thanks to 14 points from Gareth Lewis.

Fly-half Gareth James scored a try and slotted three penalties and four conversions as Ystalyfera disposed of Maesteg Celtic 42-10 in Three South West and there was a belated first win of the season for Aberavon Green Stars, 23-10, at home to Neath Athletic.

In Three East, Aled Penn raced in for a hat-trick as leaders Abertillery BG brushed aside Newport HSOB 30-6 and Brecon scored nine tries in a 59-14 rout of Nantymoel in Three South East.

Ritchie Williams crossed twice for Four West frontrunners Tycroes during their 56-8 annihilation of Aberaeron and Pontycymmer won the battle of the top two in Four South East, defeating Wattstown 16-15.

Glyncoch whipped Porthcawl 32-0 in the match of the day in Five South Central as two sides boasting unbeaten records went head-to-head. The seasiders had no answer to Glyncoch’s power and Darren Baker, Evan Griffiths, Andrew Edwards and Lloyd Allen helped the hosts to a bonus-point win.

There was a rare feat at Gowerton as the home side, leaders of Five West, thrashed Llangwm 88-10 with three players registering hat-tricks. Josh Hamer, Luke Jones and Callum McKenzie were the men involved. The big clash in Six East went the way of Blaina United who beat New Panteg 22-20 to move to the summit of the table.

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Brewers raise a glass to maiden league victory

Swalec Leagues round-up

Hendy's Geraint 'the hitman' Davies halts a Furnace attack

Pics courtesy of Photo Sport Wales

RHYMNEY are nicknamed the Brewers so suffice to say a few toasts would have been made after they got a first win of the season under their belts in Two East yesterday.

Tries from No 8 Steve Knight, lock Joe Campbell, wing Greg Plant and prop Mark Titcombe also bagged the Brewers an extra bonus point in their 28-7 victory over Abercynon.

Gareth Watkins scored the only try for Fleur de Lys as they were put to the sword by top side Nelson who ran out 39-17 winners while Rhiwbina had a good day at the office too, beating Tylorstown 37-6. Brett Chatwin (2), Rob Elms and Alex Kerr were on target and Richard Saltmarsh kicked 17 points.

Hendy scrum-half gets the ball away from the base of a scrum

Bedlinog playmaker Ben Grzesica helped himself to 15 points in his side’s 20-14 triumph over Pill Harriers at the Recreation Ground. Ryan Jenkins got the Foxes’ only try of the game with Gareth Hassell replying. Llantrisant and Llanishen also picked up wins.

In Two West, Maesteg Quins’ unbeaten run stretching back more than two years shows no sign of ending soon. Their latest win came at home to Dunvant, 31-14, with Owen Richards, Dean Wornham, Daniel Cable and Ryan Lovett touching down.

Furnace United on the attack in their 33-12 home defeat against Hendy.

Rivals Maesteg also won, 23-9 against Taibach, with Mauro Perilli-Bello and Laurence Howley (2) on the scoresheet. Felinfoel edged past Aberystwyth 12-9 and Builth Wells did likewise against Crymych.

Josh Price (2), Gethin Davies and Ryan Beeham were Builth’s try scorers in a 26-24 success while on the other side, Gavin Thomas bagged a hat-trick.

Furnace look to make ground in midfield.

Seven Sisters crushed Haverfordwest 66-7 with 10 tries and in One North there were wins for Llandudno, Abergele, Denbigh, Rhyl and Shotton Steel.

Ryan Davies was the stand out player for Nanymoel in their 26-20 victory over St Peters in Three South East, scoring two tries and kicking eight points.

Kristian Owen, John Davies, Phil Rees, Jamie Cross and Daniel Snape scored the tries for Dowlais as they eased to a 31-14 triumph against Pentyrch in the same division and Alex Williams and Adam Lewis both grabbed hat-tricks in Pontyclun’s 55-0 drubbing of Porth Harlequins.

Iwan Roberts was yet another player to bag a treble of tries, his coming for Bangor in their 47-14 win at Holyhead in Three North while Bleddyn Taylor, Tom Longden, Gareth Kirk and Greg Davies were all try scorers for Mumbles who beat Brynamman 23-12 at Underhill Park in Three South West.

Also in Three South West, Nic Damjanovic crossed the try-line on three occasions for Trebanos in a 63-7 mauling of Aberavon Green Stars and in Three West, Carwyn Jones, Nicky Jenkins and a penalty try helped Gorseinon to a 26-14 away at Milford Haven.

Deadly duo Llyr and Rhydian Garner proved the match winners for CRC Caerdydd in their Four South East encounter with Cowbridge. Llyr scored two of the four tries and Rhydian added 17 points through kicks as the hosts won 37-21.

Hendy claim line out ball

Trimsaran made it three wins from three in Division Four West as they inflicted a 26-10 defeat on hosts Fishguard and Goodwick.

The first half was an evenly matched affair, with the Seagulls being awarded a penalty try with James Griffiths adding the extras to an earlier penalty, but the visitors hit back through a Lee Bates touchdown and two Mathew Samuel penalties.

After the interval, it was one-way traffic as Trimsaran turned on the style, with centre Adrian Evans and winger Ioan Jones crossing the whitewash, while Samuel converted one and slotted his third penalty.

Meanwhile, Hendy bagged a bonus point 33-12 win at Furnace United.

The visitors’ four tries came courtesy of a penalty try and touchdowns from Jamie Rees, Geraint Davies and centre Carl Rees.

A cracking clash in Five South West saw visitors Crynant just have enough to see off the challenge of Baglan 29-25, thanks largely to the place kicking of Josh Wellington whose boot did a lot of the damage.

David Leyshon and Dafydd Hopkins scored tries and Wellington converted both and five penalties to see the away side over the line. Rhys Davies, Elliot Jones and Neil Gadd touched down for Baglan who outscored Crynant three tries to two.

There were six different ry scorers for RTB Ebbw Vale in a routine 40-7 win against Trinant in Five East while Liam Foley converted his own try for Newport Saracens but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Sarries going down 8-7 to Beaufort, also in Five East.

Steve Crane was at the double for Alltwen during their 30-23 victory over Ystradgynlais in Five South West, his two tries, plus one for Gareth James, wasn’t quite enough to earn the home side a bonus point though.

New Panteg’s Lloyd Jackson also crossed twice as his side held their nerve to beat Trefil 22-20 in Six East. Richie Gibbs and Chris Haddock scored for Girling but they slipped to a 20-14 defeat at home to Blaina Utd.

There was a high-scoring affair in Six Central where Cefn Fforest ousted Llandrindod Wells 44-32 in a great game for the crowd to enjoy and in Division Seven, Whitchurch won the capital city derby against Cathays 19016 and Matthew James, Danny Duke and Matthew Key were all on the scoresheet for West Mon in their 19-0 win at home to Old Tylerians.

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Final day win gives Monmouth title

THEY left it late, but Monmouth clinched the Five East crown from under the noses of Hafodyrynys on the final day of the season.

All they needed was a win at home to Pontllanfraith and they got it with something to spare, easing to a 37-3 victory.

Matt Tadd, Ed McCord, Gareth Morgan and Gary Lane scored the tries as Monmouth made up the three-point deficit on challengers Hafodyrynys.

RTB Ebbw Vale made fifth place their own following as a Rhys Sweet hat-trick helped see off Bettws 49-22.

The hosts crossed the try-line nine times with Jamie Hill on target twice and Jonathan Dix, Ron Ashman, Ian Price and Nathan Manning also touching down.

CRC Caerdydd made the gap between third and fourth in Five South East even more emphatic as they ran in five tries against Treherbert.

The 32-5 triumph increased the points difference to 23 as the capital side finished just behind second-placed Cilfynydd.

Scott Conway, Rhydian Garner, Owain Tudor, Elgan Jones and Hywel Jones underlined the home side’s claim as the division’s third best club.

Garner also dropped a goal and Oliver Jenkins kicked two conversion while all Treherbert could muster was a try.

A 17-13 win saw Porthcawl over Rhigos saw the former end the season in the top half of Five South Central. Ollie Jones and Nick Nutman provided their tries, Tim Richards converted both and Gareth Lloyd slotted a penalty.

Rhigos fought well and were in the game up until the end thanks to Luke Williams and John Smith scores.

While in Five South West, champions Penlan hit the 100-point mark courtesy of a 34-6 victory over Llandybie at home.

Brothers Ian and Bobby Scrine found their way to the try-line as did No 8 Robert Di’Lulio, who went over twice. Robert Green and Lee Banfield were the others to cross.

In Six Central, champions Glyncoch reached the 100-point milestone as Cefn Fforest were put to the sword 48-21. The Swalec Bowl winners scored six tries, two coming through Huw Burgess.

Cambrian Welfare crushed CIACS 79-0, scoring 13 tries in all, four of them courtesy of brothers Ian and Zac James, while Wick beat Aberbargoed 35-24.

Treharris made sure of top spot in Division Seven A with a 31-12 success at Blaina Utd.

Two Ricky Alsop tries and further scores for Mark Roberts, Scott Giles and Gareth Ingram gave the Merthyr valley club first place over Sully Sports.

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