New Dock Stars win Swalec Division Five West Title

New Dock Stars RFC have secured the SWALEC Division 5 West trophy with a 32-8 home win over Cefneithin RFC today (Saturday 26th April 2014).

The Llanelli-based side carried off the SWALEC Division 5 West title by reaching an unbeatable 89 points, winning all but one of the league games that they’ve played this season and with three games still remaining.


It’s been 32 years since the last silverware at New Dock Stars and the Division 5 West title win is the crowning of three seasons of hard work and dedication.


The nucleus of the team has remained consistent over the past three years – with some of the youth squad promoted to the senior squad this year - and the team has been rewarded having led their league opponents for most of the season.


New Dock Stars RFC Club Captain Jordan Evans said:


“I am absolutely ecstatic. This has been more than two years in the making. It’s been hard work but everyone is over the moon.

“Today, is the best feeling I’ve ever had on a rugby pitch.

“During the year, we’ve had a couple of lows, but we have bounced back from them. This, today, is obviously the highlight of the season.

“It’s unfair to single anyone out as it has been a team effort. The front row, the second, row, the backs, everyone has been magnificent.

“Looking to next season, I think we should stay up. We should cope well in Division 4 West.”

Coach Hywel Jones, one of three senior coaches at the club, said:

“This championship has put New Dock Stars back on the rugby map because this has been a long time coming.

“We have always been there or thereabouts, but this year the players have been outstanding. I can’t thank them enough.

“It’s been 32 years since we last won a trophy. The boys are chuffed and I couldn’t have asked for more from them.

“Every weekend has been a highlight and getting on the road to keep the winning form going to win this championship has been vital.

“The boys have worked hard for it and they thoroughly deserve it.

“I don’t think we will have a problem in Division 4 West.”


WRU Board Member Anthony John added:

“I congratulate New Dock Stars on their victory today and judging by the mood in the clubhouse this afternoon the celebrations should go on long into the night.

“As a club, they have been waiting a long time to get some silverware, but they have stuck at it and their perseverance has brought its rewards.”


SWALEC is the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsors both the SWALEC Leagues and SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions. SWALEC Finals Day, which sees six clubs battle it out in the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions, will take place on Sunday 4th May at the Millennium Stadium.

Jonny Petrie, head of sponsorship strategy at SWALEC, added: “Our strong partnership with the WRU and its clubs goes back a number of years and we’re very pleased to be doing more for grassroots rugby in Wales through our sponsorship of the SWALEC Leagues. It has been another strong season for Welsh rugby as a whole and we have seen some impressive performances at club level. Many congratulations to New Dock Stars RFC on claiming the title.”

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Undefeated Gowerton enjoy first promotion in a decade

Gowerton celebrated their crowning as Division 5 West champions with a trophy presentation at home after thrashing Pembroke on Saturday.

The team has enjoyed an undefeated season, scoring a record breaking 1,000+ points, and it is the team's first promotion in more than 10 years. Club captain James Hedley said that this is down to their strong youth players, who are now playing for the senior team.

The 33-year-old home-grown lad said: "We've performed so well this season and have really benefited from having the strong youth side join us. Most of the senior team have come from our youth side, proving that building on their skills at a young age can really help them become the best players possible when they join the seniors.

"It's been a tough couple of years, but the secret to our success certainly comes down to the enthusiasm and determination of not only our younger players, but everyone else involved in the club too. We're looking forward to Division 4, and hope to replicate this year's success next season."

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Cold weekend can’t extinguish sizzling Swalec League action

In Division One West, Tondu extended their advantage at the top of the table to 12 points as they comfortably saw off visiting Waunarlwydd 23-15 at Pandy Park.

Darren Thomas bagged a brace of tries for the Waterwheelers, while Daniel Watts also crossed. Outside half Paul Smithson added eight points with the boot.

The result moves Tondu 12 points clear of Cwmllynfell in second, who didn’t play, although they have now played three games more than their nearest rivals.

At the other end of the table, relegation threatened Skewen boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop with a 20-11 home win over Kidwelly.

The hosts outscored their rivals two tries to one with touchdowns from Matthew Myatt and James Ball, while Anthony Buselli slotted both conversions and two penalties to deny the mid-table Black and Ambers a bonus point.

Meanwhile, Carmarthen Athletic leapt to fifth in the table with a bonus point, 39-15 success at local rivals, Llangennech.

Athletic’s Scott Maynard was the star of the show, as the scrum half helped himself to 24 of his side’s points through a brace, four conversions and two penalties. The visitors also crossed three more times through Dyfed Morgan, Rhys Schiavone and Adam Davies.

The only fixture scheduled in Division One East saw Heol y Cyw heap more woe on relegation doomed Tredegar with a staggering 73-0 thumping.

The Cockerels were rampant throughout and ran in 11 tries in all. Paul Songhurst claimed a hat-trick, with Rhys Eskin and Gareth Howells crossing twice. Wayne Howe, Nicky Bees, Luke O’Driscoll and Mike Huckridge also went over in yet another game all those associated with Tredegar will want to forget.

Rhiwbina scored nine tries in a runaway 55-10 victory against visitors Garndiffaith at Caedelyn and returned to second position in Division Two East.

The outstanding Bret Chatwin crossed for four tries, including a superb first half hat-trick, and looked dangerous every time he had the ball in his hands.

Garn had a man yellow carded as early as the fifth minute, and were constantly under pressure in the scrums, where the Squirrels' front row were dominant.

Chatwin had the first of his tries after a break by Richard Saltmarsh, who converted four of the first half tries. Pat Howell stole the ball and charged over for the second Rhiwbina try, and not to be outdone, Paul Smith bulldozed through for the Squirrels' third try.

Great handling saw Chatwin complete his hat-trick, and Garn responded with a try by Rhys Wells.

Wells scored his second try soon after the restart, but then it was all Rhiwbina as they scored further tries through Gareth McCarthy and Joe O'Sullivan, and a 30-metre special from Sean Cochlin, before Chatwin sliced through under the posts for his fourth try, converted by Josh Davies.

Rhiwbina's Pat Howell charges his way over against Garndiffaith

The Nelson-Rhymney and Tylorstown-Llantwit Fardre fixtures were unfortunately called off.

Penarth eased their relegation worries in Three South East with a hard-fought, 10-0 victory over Pentyrch in a vital result for the club.

The Three West title now looks like Amman United’s to lose after the highfliers saw off title rivals Newcastle Emlyn 29-15, to open up a 12-point advantage at the top of the table.

United ran in five tries through Dean Williams, Chris Rees, Ryan Williams, Doug Jenkins and Andrew Lacey.

Trailblazers Bryncethin edged out Briton Ferry in a Four South West try thriller, with the Bridgend side triumphing 36-26.

Lewis Davies bagged a brace for Bryncethin as they outscored the visitors five tries to four, while Tony Millington, Evan Parry-John and Geoff Hobbs also went over for the hosts.

Third-placed Penybanc closed the gap on Cwmgors in second to just a point in Five South West with their 11^th win in 12 league games – 47-15 away at Llandybie.

Finally, Gowerton maintained their unblemished league record in Five West with an emphatic 65-0 drubbing of visitors Cefneithin.

The Swansea side, who are a massive 14 points clear of their nearest rivals at the summit, ran in 11 tries with Liam Hedges, Gethin Lillicrap and Lewis Williams all crossing twice for the pacemakers.

Elsewhere in that division, Pembroke closed the gap on second-placed New Dock Saints to just three points with a 31-10 home win over Pontyates, although they have played two more games than their rivals.

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Swalec Leagues round-up

The number of fixtures needing to be re-arranged is fast approaching 400 as, for the third time in six weeks, the Championship fixtures were lost to the weather.

Division One also saw no play due to the snow, but there was some luck further down the leagues, particularly in the west.

Colwyn Bay produced their best performance of the season to move off the foot of Two North with a 35-13 home win over Rhyl.

John Astbury went over for a brace of tries, while Nigel Morris and Tom Williams also crossed for Bay, with Spencer Lumby converting three of the touchdowns and landing three penalties.

Hendy moved in to third place in Three West with a 34-22 victory over Furnace United.

Chris Bowen, Richard Jones, Ben Batcup, Steffan Howells, Iestyn Evans and Keiron James crossed for tries, two of which were converted by Howells.

Also in that division, Nantgaredig consolidated their position in the top half of the table with a 32-10 success at Neyland.

Tries for Nant came from Meirion Davies, Gethin Page, Corwen Thomas, Wayne Davies and Rhydian Evans, with Darren Williams kicking two conversions and a penalty.

For Neyland, there were unconverted tries for Mark Riley and Dean Matthews.

In Division Five South-West, Cwmtwrch took advantage of the inactivity of their rivals to go clear at the top of the table with their 11^th victory on the bounce.

The Swansea Valley outfit trounced Llangadog 50-0, scoring eight tries in the process. Centre Dan Williams was the star as he collected 25 points through a hat-trick of tries and five conversions.

Swansea Uplands suffered a blow to their Division Five West title aspirations when they went down 23-19 to Bynea.

Bynea’s points came from tries by Jac Morgans, Rhys Gingell and Alex Kwan, and a conversion and two penalties by Jonathan Cronin.

In a basement battle in that division, St Davids and Pontyates drew 15-15, while Pembroke won 23-3 at Llangwm courtesy of a brace of tries by centre Barry Bowen, a Gareth Jones touchdown and a conversion and two penalties by Rhys Johns.

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Seagulls seal crown with classy display

Fishguard and Goodwick sealed the Division Five West title with a 46-13 victory over St Clears.

The Seagulls had to contend with the first half wing blowing a gale in their face, but blew away their opponents when playing with the advantage in the second half, running in seven tries in all including doubles for James Griffiths and Nathan Jenkins, while Gareth Adamson, Rhys Morgan and Dan Harries also touched down. Griffiths also had a fine day with the boot firing home a penalty and four conversions.

All of St Clears' points came before the interval through touchdowns from Richard Sharpe-Williams and Andrew Davies, as well as a penalty from Chris Rodenhurst.

Nantgaredig pushed Fishguard all the way in the race for the title but had to settle for runners up position despite an 18-12 victory at Pembroke Dock Quins.

The visitors crossed twice through a Guto Roberts brace while Barry Thomas added a conversion and two penalties.

Swansea Uplands finished their campaign on a high with a 43-0 whitewash of strugglers St Davids.

Uplands, once again inspired by the Edmunds brothers, were rampant throughout with James Edmunds collecting a hat-trick, while David Lees, Mark Crimp and Ben Greenslade also went over. Ton Edmunds had a fine day with the boot slotting five conversions and a penalty.

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Tense title race enters home straight

THE race for top spot in Division Five West will go down to the wire after leaders Fishguard and Nantgaredig in second both recorded huge wins on Saturday.

Fishguard head their rivals by four points meaning they only need to avoid defeat at St Clears next weekend to finish first.

They battered poor Llangwm 92-3 with 15 tries firmly underlining their intent to hold onto the lead. James Griffiths and Mike Jenkins crossed for hat-tricks, Gavin Walsh scored two tries and Richard Hunter, Dai Evans, Simon James, Gwilyn Evans, Mark George and Rhys Morgan also touched down.

Meanwhile, Nantgaredig were also in imperious form at home against Penygroes, with Huw Harris bagging three tries in a 52-0 hiding.

Mike O’Leary (2), Clinton Morgan (2), Cled Richards, Brian Edmunds and Barry Thomas put their names on the scoresheet and Nant must now beat Pembroke Dock Quins and hope St Clears can do them a big favour.

On a day of high scores, the Quins racked up 64 points as they dished out a trouncing to Pontyates who couldn’t manage any.

There were braces for Rhys Scourfield, Adam Gawley and Paul Jonkers as the visitors were well and truly put to the sword.

Three clubs remain in with a shout of winning Five South East and all of them won at the weekend. Old Illtydians are still at the top, three points ahead of CRC Caerdydd and Cilfynydd.

CRC Caerdydd smashed St Joseph’s 53-19 at home with Sion Horan completing a hat-trick of tries and Dafydd Shermer getting two.

The leaders won handsomely against Deri, 57-7, and Cilfynydd beat Dinas Powys 29-22.

Hafodyrynys won a high-scoring clash against Newport Saracens 35-30 to move onto 106 league points but second-placed Monmouth have plenty of games in hand to claw back the deficit.

In Five South West, Penlan came out on top in the clash between first and second as they breezed past Tycroes 29-0 and just for good measure, Bryncethin, champions of Five South Central, won 23-10 at second-placed Cefn Cribbwr.

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Uplands close gap at the summit

Swansea Uplands closed the gap at the top of Division Five West with an emphatic 64-7 triumph at Llangwm.

The highfliers helped themselves to ten tries including a well-taken hat trick from Tom Edmunds and a brace from Martin Reeve, with Harry Lee, Lee Howells, Paul Beck, James Edwards and Sion Edmunds also touching down, the latter also landing seven conversions.

The hosts were restricted to a Roy Venables touchdown, converted by Joseph Kiff.

Leaders Nantgaredig ground out a 12-8 victory at Pembroke.

The pacemakers’ hero of the day was once again centre Meirion Davies, whose reliable boot guided home four penalties.

The Scarlets had to make due with a losing bonus point despite bagging the only try of the match through Geraint Jackson, with Luke Dow adding a penalty.

Pontyates ended their dismal run of eight defeats with a comfortable 37-8 home success over St Davids.

Ponty’s impressive back row Daniel George was the star of the show for the hosts, brushing aside defenders with ease to collect a hat trick, Dewi Williams and Matthew Jones also crossed the whitewash. Outside half Keiran Evans landed three conversions and two penalties.

The visitors meanwhile were restricted to a try from Chris Morgan and a Jack Jones penalty.

Meanwhile, Pembroke Dock Harlequins heaped more woe on basement boys Bynea with a 36-8 victory over the strugglers.

The Quins’ back line sliced their opposition open effortlessly for wings Liam Smith and Lewis Beecher both to bag braces, while David Manning also got in on the act crossing for a double. Neil Brace added three conversions to complete the scoreline.

Elsewhere, Cefneithin narrowly came out on top 11-10 at Penygroes and the scheduled match between St Clears and Fishguard was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

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St Clears remain clear at the summit

Trailblazers St Clears retained their unbeaten start in Division Five West with a convincing 32-12 home success over Swansea Uplands.

The leaders helped themselves to five tries through Aled Masoon, Andy Deacon, Nathan Price, Ryan Jenkins and Ed Ceaser. Chris Smart added two conversions and a penalty.

Fishguard leapt to third in the table thanks to a 50-3 demolition of Pontyates.

The Seagulls were completely dominant and crossed the visitors’ line on eight occasions including a brace from James Griffiths, with Gareth Adamson, Andrew Waddup, Mark George, Mike Jenkins, Meirion Ladd and Gwilym Evans also touching down. Griffiths also fired home five conversions.

Pembroke Dock Quins recorded only their second victory with a 38-15 win at bottom side St Davids.

Quins ran in five tries through Adam Cawley, Paul Jonkers, Sam Irwin and a double from Gareth Scourfield.  Nathan Brace added five conversions.

The hapless St Davids were restricted to two touchdowns from Fraser Watson and Graham Badham, while Phil Lamb slotted a conversion and a penalty.

Meanwhile, Pembroke registered their fifth win with a 31-14 home victory over Cefneithin.

The hosts bagged a try bonus thanks to Andrew Davies, Luke Hansford, Mark Williams and Rob Weston touchdowns.

Elsewhere, new boys Nantgaredig continued their impressive form with a 43-13 triumph at Bynea and Penygroes notched up their third win with a 36-3 home success over Llangwm.

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