Unbeaten Squirrels are building for the future

SUCCESS is something that has become customary at Rhiwbina in recent years and the forward-thinking club have outlined their vision to ensure that trend continues.

Rhiwbina 1st XV 2014/15

The Squirrels have started the current campaign in some style – winning their first seven games in Division One East – which follows on from three promotions in four seasons, while they also reached a Millennium Stadium final in the Swalec Plate last season.

But, despite that success, they aren’t resting on their laurels and intend to build on their achievements – both on and off the field – by implementing a new five-year plan.

The club’s long-serving chairman, Paul Maddocks, explained: “We want to build on our success of previous years to make sure the club is going to be sustainable in the future.

“There are four aspects to our five-year plan – legal, administration, social and playing.

“We’ve done a SWOT analysis of each of those aspects and identified around 30 actions that we want to build into the plan across those four areas.”

An integral part of that plan is the club’s continued development to developing their own talent – with a thriving minis section (aged 7-12), junior sides between ages 13-16 and youth rugby at U18.

Maddocks continued: “We want to ensure that we attract players to our junior sections as well and, in our role as a community club, also working closely with Rhiwbina Primary and other local schools. 

“An illustration of that success is that our under 10s are now back playing on the Rhiwbina Primary School field.

“They’ve got a squad of 25 players – coached by Jason Gibson and Robert Morgan – and played Llandaff North recently on the school field and won three and drew one of the four games that they played.

“That emphasises our links with the community, our commitment to our junior sections as we realise the importance of our junior sections in terms of our future.”

One player to pass through the club’s youth system is a certain Sam Warburton who, whilst going on play at the highest level for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, still maintains strong links with the north Cardiff club.

“He gives of his time quite freely in terms of presentations and charity events and that is what our youngsters can aspire to,” added Maddocks.

Captain Brett Chatwin scores against Quins

Those youth sides feed into the club's three senior sides, with Rhiwbina also running successful second and third teams in the Premiere and Division Two respectively of the Cardiff & District League, with both still undefeated and flying high. 

The club also say that, although they don’t run a women’s side at present, they are trying to encourage girls at U12 level.

After winning Two East last season, things could not have started much better this term for the first team, who are coached by Gareth Lintern and Jared Lougher – in their fifth season with the club – and are skippered by Brett Chatwin.

They trail rivals Penallta – who have also made a 100 per cent start - by just two points at the top of One East.

The two clubs clash at Cae Delyn in the league on December 20, but have also been paired together in the third round of the Plate and face off at Penallta seven days earlier for a place in the last 16.

Penallta won the Plate in 2012 while the Squirrels are attempting to reach back-to-back finals having lost out 29-26 to Merthyr last season.

“The trip to Rumney on Saturday followed by the two games against Penallta really does make it a season-defining three weeks coming up for us,” said club official John Humphreys.

“We’ve been able to maintain the momentum from last year with a young team against tougher opposition.

“Our aim this season was to maintain our status as a Division One club and push for the top three and we’re on the way to achieving that.”

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Rhiwbina in red-hot form

RED-HOT Rhiwbina made it seven wins out of seven in One East as skipper Brett Chatwin’s try treble inspired a 41-22 home bonus-point success over near neighbours Cardiff Quins.

Rhiwbina's Sam Watkins makes a break against Cardif Quins.
Photo courtesy of FidoPics

Chatwin was in scorching form, with two of his tries starting from the half way line, while Sion Summers, Louis Millar, Chris Hole and Joe Casella also crossed the whitewash in a magnificent seven-try salvo – with Chatwin also adding three conversions for good measure.

Although Quins deserve credit for their late rally, which saw them score three tries in the final 15 minutes through Xavier Thomas, Lewis Haines and Paul Adams – with Adams converting two of them – after his earlier penalty.

Rhiwbina sit second and two points behind leaders Penallta – who maintained their own 100 per cent record as they ran out 29-20 at Garndiffaith- with Rhys Silcox, Elliott Keep and Joeseph Scrivens all among the scorers for the Pitmen.

Elsewhere Senghenydd are five points back in third after they made it five wins out of six with a 29-18 home win over basement boys Llanishen – who remain winless.

Glamorgan Wanderers were 44-8 home victors against Fleur De Lys while Nelson were 30-21 home winners over struggling Blaenavon, who themselves are still searching for that first win. Rumney, meanwhile,  recorded a 26-21 win at Risca.

In One East Central, Gilfach Goch ended leaders Beddau’s unbeaten start to the campaign as they edged out the Green and Golds 10-6.

The home side’s Matthew Llewellyn went over for the only try of the game while Josh Lewis added the extras and a penalty as they secured just their third win.

Meanwhile a hat-trick from Luke Studley helped second-place Rhydyfelin to their fifth win of the season as they dispatched Ynysybwl 32-17.

Mountain Ash – in third - only trail Rhydyfelin on points difference after their 34-7 home defeat of second bottom Dowlais.

Treorchy beat bottom side Llantrisant 24-17 with the struggling visitors slipping to their seventh straight defeat.

Elsewhere in the division there were also wins for Bedlinog and Ystrad Rhondda over Llantwit Fardre and Heol y Cyw respectively.

Gerwyn Davies, David Gratton and Ryan Howells went over for Ystrad Rhondda with Rhys Truelove adding two conversions and a penalty.

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Merthyr RFC win SWALEC Division One East trophy‏

A year after narrowly avoiding relegation, Merthyr RFC have clinched the SWALEC Division 1 East trophy today (Saturday, April 26, 2014.)

The Ironmen carried off the SWALEC Division 1 East title, winning all but two of the league games that they’ve played this season.


Following a wet and windy game, their 22-12 home win over Bedlinog RFC not only continued their undefeated season in the league but also earned them the title.


What a difference a year makes for the club who last season narrowly avoided relegation from Division 1 East.


Since then, former Wales international Lee Jarvis has taken the reigns alongside assistant coach Gary Horrigan and transformed the mentality and style of play at Merthyr RFC to promotion.


Lee Jarvis, who has enjoyed a tremendous first season as Merthyr RFC Head Coach, said: "We were in a bit of a mess last year, but we've had a superb year. To win the title is huge. We've worked hard all season and there's no magic potion. Bedlinog are our local rivals and we all dug deep to beat them, despite the conditions not allowing us to play great rugby."


Assistant coach, Gary Horrigan, added: "We're very confident going into the new season and we have momentum ahead of next week's big game. Merthyr RFC was the sleeping giant, but it's woken up."

Merthyr RFC Club Captain and fly-half Steve Lang praised wing man Owain Morgan, who scored a hat trick of tries against their rivals. "It's been a tough season and last year we were in the doldrums of Division One,” he said.

“The massive transformation is down to Gary, Lee, the committee and the team. The boys have stuck together through some tough times and we've come under criticism from other teams but we've come through it stronger."

WRU Board Member, Ray Wilton, said: “It was a physically tough game and Merthyr came out on top and are on course for an excellent season.”


Merthyr RFC will look to cap off a successful season for the club and bring even more silverware back to The Wern this season as they compete in the SWALEC Plate final against Rhiwbina RFC at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday 4th May.


Seven coaches full of supporters are expected to head down the A470 towards the Cardiff’s main sporting arena.

Merthyr RFC and Rhiwbina RFC will battle during SWALEC Finals Day, which sees six clubs competing in the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions.

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One East Weekend Review

Ystrad Rhondda’s One East title aspirations suffered a critical blow as they slipped to their 13^th loss of the season, going down 17-11 at Ynysybwl.

With league leaders Merthyr in Plate action, it was the perfect opportunity for Ystrad to close the gap at the top of the leader board but Ynysybwl hadn’t read the script.

Jonathan Gough was the stand-out player for Bwl with the centre scything through the Rhondda side’s defence twice, while Nathan Ellis added the extras to both and a penalty.

All Ystrad could manage was a losing bonus point thanks to a Liam Davies try and six points from the boot of Rhys Truelove. The result sees them six points behind pacemakers Merthyr having played a game more.

Meanwhile, Heol y Cyw returned to winning ways with a six try 35-23 triumph over Rhydyfelin.

Ryan Griffiths was at the double for the Cockerels while Curtis Williams, Aled Jones, Craig Leyshon and Chris Howe completed the home side's scoring.

In a try-fest at the Oval, Rumney ran out 42-29 winners to move up into fourth place in the table.

The Cardiff side outscored their Rhondda rivals six tries to five with touchdowns from Luke Fear (2), John Leadbeater, Loren Quick, Michael Young and Lee Bendon. Fly-half Danny Clark was on target with three conversions and two penalties.

Trystan Lazarus notched up a hat-trick for the Zebras, while Peter Hutchings and Liam Stacey also touched down for the hosts, but it was not enough, however, to revive their hopes.

Elsewhere, Bedlinog climbed out of the relegation zone thanks to a try bonus 35-17 home success over Glamorgan Wanderers.

Geraint Cutlan clinched a hat-trick for the Foxes with Barry Morgan claiming their other touchdown, while Bleddyn Corns added 15 points from the tee.

Finally, in Friday night's encounter Penallta picked up the ninth win of their campaign as they dispatched Gilfach Goch 33-3.

Tries from the Pitmen came through Aeron Bidgood (2), Andre Soroko, Andrew Jenkins and Lee Rowalnds. Soroko also added the extras to four.

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Merthyr remain on course for League and Cup double

Merthyr tightened their grip at the summit of One East with a try bonus 45-5 win over Gilfach Goch at the Wern that saw them move three points clear at the top.

No 8. Craig Everett on the charge for the Ironmen

The Ironmen convincingly overcame their visitors with a powerful performance, helping themselves to seven tries in all. Fullback Josh Flye claimed a brace while Cameron Gardner, Matthew Trowbridge, Aaron Harris, Martyn Luckwell and Sam Edwards also crossed the whitewash.

Merthyr, who were nearly relegated last season, now look firm favourites to claim the title and remain on course for a league and cup double, playing Glynneath in a couple of weeks’ time for a place in the Swalec Plate final.

“The boys are playing some good football at the moment and with big games on the horizon it is important that we keep the momentum and winning mentality going,” commented Team Manager Paul Lewis.

Merthyr's Craig Lynch in line-out action against Gilfach Goch 

With a game in hand over second place Heol y Cyw and seven points clear of Ystrad Rhondda, Lewis acknowledges things are looking good for his side but they aren’t taking anything for granted.

“Admittedly, it is looking good for us but we’d be foolish to get ahead of ourselves. We just have to focus on one match at a time and keep our levels up.”

Next up for Lee Jarvis’ side is a trip to Glamorgan Wanderers in the league this Saturday before taking on One West leaders Glynneath at Mountain Ash in a mouth-watering Swalec Plate semi-final showdown.

“We’ll be going to the Wanderers looking to take home maximum points and really keep the pressure on the teams below us in the table. We said at the start of the season the title and promotion was our main goal but there is no doubt that the match against Glynneath will be huge for us.”

With a chance to play at the Millennium Stadium for the winners, Lewis admits competition for places in the team is fierce.

“We’ve had a couple of injuries but the boys that have come in have really put their hands up, and the coaching staff have some big decisions to make for the big matches coming up in the last few weeks of the season.”

Meanwhile, Heol y Cyw are the Ironmen’s closest challengers as they battled to a 12-6 win over Ystrad Rhondda, a result that sees the Cockerels leapfrog Ystrad in the table.

Tries from Luke O’Driscoll and Paul Songhurst along with a Mike Huckridge conversion was enough for the Cockerels to claim their 13^th win of the season.

In a high scoring encounter Ynysybwl put Glamorgan Wanderers to the sword, running out 71-24 home winners.

The Bwl ran riot, crossing ten times -Jonathan Gough grabbed a hat-trick while Sean Ireland (2), Dale Stuckey, Alun Thomas, Dan Voyle, Gary King and Lewis Ryan also crossed the whitewash.

The Wanderers didn’t leave empty-handed though as they took away a try bonus point for their efforts.

Elsewhere, Rumney overcame Penallta in a keenly contested clash by the slenderest of margins with a 27-26 success.

Danny Clark fired over five penalties while Tom Silva and Paul King crossed for the visitors.

The Pitmen outscored their visitors three tries to two thanks to a penalty try and touchdowns from Johnny Wright and Elliot Keep, but it wasn’t enough to avoid their eighth defeat.

In the day’s other fixtures, Bedlinog clinched just their fourth win of the season with a 27-10 success at Treorchy, while Nelson ran out 28-21 winners against Rhydyfelin.

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Division One East: Weekend Review

High-fliers Heol y Cyw got their One East title challenge back on track with a try bonus 29-22 victory over Treorchy at the Oval.

The recent inclement weather has seen no fixtures played in the Division since the end of January and it showed in a number of matches, with teams taking a while to kick in to gear. 

 

After suffering a disappointing loss against Penallta last time out, the Cockerels produced a determined second half show to fight back from a 15-10 half-time deficit. 

 

Stuart Nation bagged a brace of tries as the Cockerels crossed five times in all, with Paul Songhurst, Rhys Griffiths and Ian Callaghan also going over.

The win sees the Cockerels move up to second and cut leaders Merthyr’s advantage to seven points.

 

The Zebras claimed a losing bonus point thanks to 17 points from the boot of Jordan Lloyd and a touchdown from Garyn Daniel.

 

Meanwhile, Ynysybwl leapt up to fourth in the league as they turned on the style to defeat Penallta 40-11.

 

Bwl hit the visitors for six with tries from Dale Stuckey (2), Sean Ireland, Alan Thomas, Daniel Watts and Dewi Voyle. In breezy conditions Nathan Ellis converted just one, but also slotted two penalties.

 

The Pitmen never really got into the clash, despite having a strong wind behind them after the break. All they could muster was a touchdown from Josh Evans and two Andre Soroco penalties.

 

Elsewhere, basement boys Bedlinog notched up just their second victory of the season as they dispatched Nelson 14-6.

 

Ben Grzescia crossed for the only try of the match for the Foxes, while Bleddyn Corns was on target with three penalties to seal the narrow success.

 

The day’s other scheduled fixture between Rumney and Gilfach Goch was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

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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.

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Swalec Division One East and West Round Up

There were wins for the top three sides in One East as the title race continues to hot up, with leaders Merthyr and highfliers Heol-y-Cyw and Ystrad Rhondda all winning.

Merthyr showed their mettle as the Ironmen trounced Nelson 57-10 at the Wern to head the table by three points.

Lee Jarvis’ troops helped themselves to nine tries, with Sam Edwards and Ollie Smyth both bagging braces for the hosts, while Josh Flye, Ewan Williams, Martin Luckwell, Osian Davies and Owen Morgan also touched down. Steve Lang added the extras to six.

Meanwhile, the Cockerels were 28-8 home winners over Rhydyfelin. Chris Howe led the way for the hosts with a brace of tries while Matthew Pound also went over.

However, Ystrad Rhondda left it late to see off Ynysybwl at the Gelligaled, with an injury time Liam Davies touchdown bagging them a 26-24 win.

In One West, Glynneath maintained their imperious form as dispatched last season’s runners up Cwmllynfell 20-6.

There was nothing to choose between the sides at the break with the scores tied 6-6, two Jack O’Reilly penalties having been cancelled out by two Peter Thomas strikes for Cwmllynfell.

The unbeaten leaders came out firing after the interval with wing Jordan Griffiths bagging a brace and centre O’Reilly adding the extras to both.

Meanwhile, Kidwelly clinched the slenderest of victories as they picked up an 18-17 win at Kenfig Hill.

Eight points from the boot of Stuart Morris and tries from Rhodri Davies and Richard Pearce ensured it was the Black and Ambers who took home the spoils.

Elsewhere, Waunarlwydd got their season back on track after losing in their last two outings with a thrilling 31-26 victory at Ammanford.

The Green and Blacks crossed five times through Andrew Rees-Spowart (2), Alan Pope, David Joseph and Luke Dickinson, while Lee Evans converted three of them.

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Division One East Round Up - 23rd November

Merthyr were in sensational form at home to Glamorgan Wanderers yesterday afternoon running in nine tries from all over the pitch to win 59-6.

Coach Lee Jarvis had a run out for the Ironmen and had a great game at outside half pulling the strings in the backline and putting his centres and wingers through gaps with ease.

Iwan Williams and Chris Davies both scored twice for Merthyr along with scrum half Martin Luckwell, Owain Morgan, Matthew Trowbridge, Cameron Gardener and replacement Ollie Smyth as they extended their lead at the top of Division One East.

Heol-Y-Cyw kept up the pressure on leaders Merthyr and were also impressive against a lacklustre Rumney side eventually prevailing 35-18.

The Cockerels scored five tries thanks to a double from Chris Howe, Matthew Pound and Paul Songhurst going over as well as a try, two penalties and two conversions from fly-half Mike Huckridge.

Rumney’s tries came from Loren Quick as well as two penalties and a conversion from outside-half Danny Clark.

Ystrad Rhondda also maintained their pursuit on top spot with a hard fought Rhondda derby win over Treorchy by 27-17.

Winger Gerwyn Davies scored both tries for Ystrad with outside-half Rhys Truelove having a decent day from the tee landing five penalties and a conversion.

Full-back Gary Wilkes scored all of his side’s points for Penallta in their tight 13-3 victory over Rhydyfelin at Ystrad Fawr.

His try conversion and two penalties was enough to see off last season’s Swalec Plate runners-up.

Two James Spears tries and a Kurt Clabby effort was enough for Nelson to see of Gilfach Goch 19-7 at The Parc.

The Unicorns were good value for their win and probably should have scored a few more tries but blew a number of solid opportunities.

Bottom side Bedlinog were unlucky in their attempts at fighting off relegation as they valiantly went down 21-14 away at Ynysybwl.

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One East Review: Merthyr reclaim top spot

Once again it’s all change at the top of One East with Merthyr reclaiming the top spot after their 34-5 demolition of Gilfach Goch, as they capitalised on Ystrad Rhondda’s 14-7 win over Heol y Cyw.

The Ironmen clinched their sixth victory in seven starts as they proved to be far too strong for Gowch.

Lee Jarvis’ men hit their visitors for six with tries from full back Owain Morgan (2), Gareth Way, Josh Flye and Chris Davies.

Gowch’s only try of the match came before the break through second row Sean Purnell.

Meanwhile, Ystrad Rhondda moved up to second as they inflicted Heol y Cyw’s first defeat in seven with a 14-7 triumph at the Gelligalad.

Both teams struggled with the wet and wild conditions, but a first half touchdown from Adam Lewis and three penalties after the interval from Rhys Truelove was enough to give last season’s runners up the win.

The Cockerels did come away with a losing bonus point thanks to a converted Paul Songhurst try, but the result sees them slip to third in the table.

One time leaders Rumney got their campaign back on track as they saw off the challenge of Penallta to claim a 15-0 home triumph.

Rumney, who had lost their last two matches on the bounce heading into the game, dealt with the tough conditions better and crossed twice through John Leadbetter and Luke Bendon, while Danny Clarke slotted a penalty and a conversion.

Ynysybwl moved into the top half of the table courtesy of a 19-15 win over Glamorgan Wanderers at the Memorial Ground.

Classy centre Sean Ireland was the stand-out performer for Bwl as he bagged a double for the visitors, while Sean Wigfall also went over. Nathan Ellis added extras to two.

Elsewhere, Treorchy clinched only their third win of the campaign as they stuttered to a 14-10 success over basement boys Bedlinog.

The Zebras needed a late penalty try to see off the hosts while influential No. 8 Craig Everett also touched down.

Finally, in the day’s other fixture, Rhydyfelin edged past new boys Nelson by the slenderest of margins 21-20.

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Division One East Review - 12th October

Merthyr were irresistible in their 51-19 drubbing of Rumney at Riverside Park on Saturday which also sent them back to the top of the table in the process.

The Ironmen scored eight tries in a ruthless performance that was needed following their surprise loss to Ystrad Rhondda the week before.

Lee Jarvis’ men now overtake Rumney, who had no answer to the intensity and pace of their opponents, at the top.

Hooker Gareth Way, winger Lewis Williams and centre Sam Edwards all scored twice for Merthyr as well as a penalty try and an Aaron Howard effort.

Outside-half Danny Clark replied with all of Rumney’s points which included a hat trick.

Penallta continued their recent impressive form with a hard-fought 28-23 win at Bedlinog.

Full-back Gary Wilkes was the star of the show for the Pitmen nailing seven penalties and a conversion to Jonny Wright’s try to leave him with a haul of 23-points for the afternoon.

Heol-Y-Cyw were held to a 26-26 draw at Ynysybwl with Mike Huckridge also deadly with the boot landing six penalties and a drop-goal to add to prop Darren Oram’s try.

Ynysybwl’s managed three tries from Lewis Ryan and a double from Dale Stuckey.

Treorchy secured only their second win of the season as the edged out Glamorgan Wanderers 14-13 at the Memorial Ground and Rhydyfelin were vastly improved as they hammered Gilfach Goch 48-7.

In the final game in the division, Ystrad Rhondda carried on from their marvellous showing against Merthyr by scoring five tries in a comprehensive victory at home to Nelson with Nathan Hughes scoring twice.

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Division One East Review - 5th October

Ystrad Rhondda pulled off the surprise result of the day in Division One East as they ended Merthyr’s unbeaten start to the season at The Wern.

Ystrad were deserved winners after a dominant display saw them score four tries with No.8 Liam Davies crossing twice as well as earning a yellow card mid-way through the first half.

Lee Jarvis’ men will hope that the result was just a blip before they travel to new leaders Rumney next weekend in a top of the table clash.

The Riverside Park outfit leapfrogged the Ironmen thanks to their excellent39-26 defeat of Gilfach Goch.

Rumney’s backline have been breathtaking at times this season and with a ferocious pack at their disposal will be confident of achieving great things throughout the season.

Yesterday’s tries were scored by Loren Quick, Lee Bendon, Paul King and dogged No.8 Michael Kelly.

Penallta were also big winners in the division after they ran in seven tries on their way to a 50-23 victory over Ynysybwl at Ystrad Fawr.

Full-back Gary Wilkes had an outstanding game with a 20-point haul thanks to a try, six conversions and a solitary penalty.

Heol-Y-Cyw continue to impress as the season begins to heat up and were again comfortable in their 36-8 home defeat of Treorchy with Jack Griffiths bagging a brace.

Nelson managed only their second win this season after beating Bedlinog 22-16 whilst tries from Ollie Turton and Jake Conway were enough to help Glamorgan Wanderers to a 14-0 success away at Rhydyfelin.

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Division One East Round Up

Heol-Y-Cyw put an end to Penallta’s two year home record as they squeezed past the Pitmen 23-22.

Harley Thompson was the hero for the visitors as he nailed a last-gasp drop goal to clinch the famous win.

Mike Huckridge was prolific in landing five penalties for his side whilst for Penallta, they were awarded a penalty try as well as 17 points from the boot of full-back Gary Wilkes.

Merthyr’s dramatic improvement continued as they went top after disposing of Ynysybwl 36-5.

The bonus point was achieved after a double from Owen Morgan, Josh Sly, Chris Davies, Iwan Williams and a penalty try.

The Ironmen travel to Bedlinog next weekend hoping to continue this rich vein of form.

Bedlinog themselves were beaten 15-6 away at Gilfach Goch thanks to a penalty try, a Michael Hughes effort and a penalty and conversion from Bradley Morgan.

In a real nail-biter at Riverside Park, Glamorgan Wanderers earned their first victory in the Championship after just seeing off local rivals Rumney 35-32.

Owen Marshall (2) Ray Bishop and Joe Griffin scored for the visitors whilst fly-half Sean Cochlin added the extras with the boot.

Rumney’s tries came from a Dafydd Evans double, Matthew Way and Dominic Perk’s second in consecutive games.

Nelson also eanred their first win of the season as they won 26-13 against Treorchy with tries coming from Ross Bevan, Ben Cullen and Kurt Clabby.

Ystrad Rhondda fell to their second defeat in as many games as they went down 29-17 to Rhydyfelin.

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