Amateurs boxing clever for title success

THE line-ups for the Welsh ABA semi-finals are complete after more than 40 preliminary round bouts last weekend.

Penlan in Swansea and Pencoed near Bridgend will now host the next stage of competition on March 11 and 19 respectively as contestants battle it out for a final berth.

Dowlais puncher Jamie Evans, a beaten finalist last year, was one boxer to win two fights at the Michael Sobell Centre in Aberdare. He saw off Bonymaen’s Mano Lee and Richard Kukla of Llanederyn to set-up a last four meeting with Mountain Ash’s Tony Dixon at 69kg.

Nico Morrison was another man to triumph twice in Aberdare, wins over Sam Baker and Omar Rashid saw him go through to a semi against Tiger Bay’s Ryan Thomas, who beat Daniel Edwards.

There was plenty of action at 75kg and 81kg with a bumper field in both weight classes producing some eye-catching dust-ups.

Those making it through to face each other in Pencoed at 75kg were local Bridgend hope Gareth Thomas, who at 30 is the oldest left in the division, and Leon Goodman, while Phillip Evans will face Daniel Richards.

At 81kg, it’s Jones vs Jones as Merthyr Ex’s Morgan clashes with Tredegar’s Luke in Pencoed while at Penlan, Commonwealth Youth Games competitor Nathan Thorley, who beat Tom King and Joshua Jones to make the last four, fights Prizefighter ABC’s Callum Evans.

Trostre’s Owen Harries, the oldest man left fighting, will have a tough task on his hands in Penlan when he locks horns with Mountain Ash’s Lloyd Davies, a winner over Prizefighter’s Phillip Davies on Sunday.

Among those progressing in the Youth section was Splott’s Levi Lawrence, a victory over Jacob Robinson, son of former world champion Steve Robinson, setting him up with a 56kg semi-final against Kieron Daley on March 19.

Also in the older ‘B’ section, North won over South at 75kg as Llangefni’s Matthew Griffin saw off the challenge of Heads of the Valley ABC’s Jordon Davies in one of a few semi-final fights to take place last weekend.

There was another success for the North when Andrew Wilson of Dyffryn ABC got past Premier ABC’s Richard Jones in their 60kg semi while the last four at 69kg features Gareth Huffin against Aled Cook, ensuring a North Wales fighter will be in the final.

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Caernarfon secure One North title

Champagne corks were popping in Caernarfon as the One North outfit became this season's first Swalec League Champions, bagging the title thanks to a 29-8 home victory over Bala and rivals Nant Conwy’s slip up at Ruthin.

The hosts produced a five star show and Bala were unable to live with the pacemakers' intensity as Caernarfon crossed the whitewash five times through Andrew Williams, Sion Gwyn, Dafydd Hughes and a Dylan Gwyn brace. Kelvin Morris added two conversions.

Nant Conwy, who topped the table for periods, failed in their bid to take the title chase down to the final weekend when they lost out at Ruthin.

The hosts outscored their rivals three tries to one with touchdowns from Kyle Davies, Pete Harrison and Huw Sharples, while Sion Owen added a conversion and two penalties.

Nant Conwy in reply could only manage a first half Carwyn Ellis try which he also converted and they must now win their final game of the season if they are too clinch the runners up spot.

Meanwhile, Bro Ffestiniog notched up their eleventh win of their campaign with a 34-16 victory at Llandudno.

Elsewhere, Llangefni did just enough to see off Pwllheli 19-14 and strugglers Mold went down 33-3 at home to Bethesda.

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The Mules extend lead at the top

Kenfig Hill capitalised on Glynneath’s involvement in the Swalec Plate to extend their lead at the top of Division Two West to four points thanks to a hard fought 19-18 triumph at Builth Wells.

The Mules outscored the hosts three tries to two with touchdowns through Kyle Evans, Chris Tossell and Ray Evans, with the latter also adding two conversions.

The Bulls flourished in the heavy conditions and their big pack made life very difficult for Kenfig but the hosts fell just short of causing an upset after tries through Ben Pugh and Ben Duggan, while Rob Lloyd fired home two penalties and a conversion.

Meanwhile, Aberavon Quins will be eyeing up a top three finish as Paul Morgan’s men continue to notch up the victories with a 38-18 home win over Aberystwyth.

Quins hit the visitors for six and made light of difficult underfoot conditions to cut loose with touchdowns from Neil Gadd, James Peplow-Williams, Stuart Dighton, Matthew Potsuma and a brace from Ryan Curtis. Marc Sheppard was on target with four conversions.

The visitors struggled to live with their rivals intensity although they did manage two touchdowns through Garteh Flynn and Ivan Beynon-Thomas.

Elsewhere, Maesteg let only their second win of the season slip from their grasp as they were pegged back by Skewen for a 24-24 draw.

The Llynfi Valley side raced to a 19-5 half time lead thanks to a Mike Powell touchdown, while outside half Corey Butler added a conversion and four penalties.

Skewen, who looked more threatening behind, hit back through touchdowns from Keiran Weightman, James Bell and Scott Jackson crossed for his second, adding to his first half effort, while Bell also landed two crucial conversions.

Maesteg meanwhile could only manage a Lloyd Thomas try after the break.

Finally, Loughor picked up their ninth win with a tightly contested 10-6 victory at Crymych.

The Blues crossed for the only try of the match through Simon Stonham, while Trevor Jones added the extras and a penalty in difficult conditions.

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Athletic's revival continues

Bridgend Athletic leapt off the bottom of Division One West with a clinical 35-7 victory over highfliers Whitland that all but ends the Borderers’ title hopes.

Athletic, who have started to recapture their excellent form from last season which saw them finish third, were dominant throughout and helped themselves to five tries through Rhys Ward Jones, James Olds, Jonathan Phillips, Lynsey McCausland and Steven Phillips, with the latter also landing two conversions and two penalties.

The Borderers meanwhile could only manage a Scott Newton touchdown, which he also converted.

It is only Athletic’s six victory in the league but their fans will be encouraged by their side's recent outings as they look to build toward the newly formed National Championship next season.

Llangennech finally ended their disastrous five match losing streak with a convincing 28-5 home success over Waunarlwydd.

The hosts, who at one stage looked title contenders, were inspired by a scintillating display from Ricky Williams who notched up 18 points, touching down and also firing home three penalties and two conversions, while Rhodri Jones and Dan Jacobs also went over.

The Green and Blacks' only try came after the interval when Guy Jones darted over for a consolation touchdown.

It was no surprise that the Swansea outfit struggled as it was their first competitive match since the middle of January, and their lack of game time showed as they struggled to gain a foothold in the match, and they now have to wait another two weeks before their next when they welcome Llanharan in the league.

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Quins stun Wizards

Quins heroic defence keep the Wizards at bay.

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Carmarthen Quins stunned Premiership title chasing Aberavon in a hard fought 20-13 triumph at a wet and windy Carmarthen Park.

It looked as though it was going to be a long day for the Quins. With the visitors playing with the strong wind in the opening half, they capitalised immediately to race in to a 10-0 lead after only five minutes. Outside half Jamie Davies landed a penalty and then intercepted a Quins pass on half way to show good pace and score, Davies also added the conversion.

The Quins, however, showed the same resilience that proved them triumphant against Pontypridd last week as they fought their way back into the match, with Aled Thomas firing home two penalties, before Davies once again extended the Wizards' lead to 13-6 with a penalty of his own.

Quins scrum-half Huw Rees puts a grubber kick down the blind side.

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

With the wind at their backs, the Quins upped the ante and were rewarded with a great try that started from their own 22, Davies kicked ahead but only found the welcoming arms of dangerman Jason Harries as the centre found space but was brought down in the Aberavon 22.

The ball was recycled quickly and some nice hands from prop Rob Evans and back row Andrew Thomas sent full back Dan Evans over in the corner, Thomas added the extras to tie the score.

Carmarthen centre Alex Pickersgill caused problems in midfield all afternoon

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Only three minutes later, the Quins faithful were once again on their feet after some great vision from fly half Thomas saw him chip over the onrushing Aberavon blitz defence to regather and send Rob Evans across the whitewash. Thomas composed himself to find the target with the conversion.

The Wizards were stunned by Quins' magical five minute period and although the highfliers desperately tried to get back into the match going through phase after phase of attack, they were met with strong resistance from the hosts who notched up a deserved win.

Aberavon No.8 Rory Gallagher struggles to make headway against a determined Qunins defence

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

The victory sees Carmarthen remain fourth but level on points with second placed Aberavon, and Team Manager Steff Thomas was delighted with the result. "That's five in a row for us now and we have made Carmarthen Park a fortress. Our defence was superb and we scored two great tries. We have given ourselves a real chance of securing a British Cup spot."

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Cwmllynfell end Glynneath's Plate ambitions

Cwmllynfell got the better of their Two West rivals Glynneath to move into the Swalec Plate quarterfinals with  a tightly contested 6-3 home triumph.

In a low scoring encounter with defence very much on top, two Peter Thomas penalties for the hosts proved pivotal, while last year’s runners up were restricted to a Jack O’Reily penalty.

The win sees Cwmllynfell set up a mouth-watering quarterfinal against Two East pacemakers Ystrad Rhondda in the next round.

Meanwhile, Maesteg Quins continued their giant killing Cup run with 17-14 over Two West’s Kidwelly .

The Quins, who currently top Three South West, touched down twice in a tight encounter through Geraint Evans and Sean Cleary, while Gareth Lewis slotted both conversions and fired home an all important penalty.

The Black and Ambers' solitary try came through Richard Watts, with Gareth Watts also landing three penalties, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

Elsewhere, Penallta put paid to Senghenydd’s hopes of repeating their Millennium Stadium heroics of last year with a 22-3 victory at the Welfare Ground.

The Pitmen were made to work hard up front against the dogged Three East side, but a brace from full back Seb Thomas and a Rhys Clarke touchdown ended the hosts' resistance.

Finally, in the only rearranged Swalec Bowl match, Resolven clinched the last quarterfinal berth courtesy of an 18-6 home win over Trehebert.

The Four South West highfliers outscored the visitors two tries to nil, with Ashley Morgan and Lloyd Morgan touching down. Dan Felton landed two penalties and a conversion.

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Swansea survive Cup scare

Swansea survived a second half fight back from Division One East side Beddau to secure their place in the Swalec Cup quarterfinal with a 22-20 triumph at Mount Pleasant Park.

The Premiership side took a 17-3 lead into the interval with touchdowns from Steffan Jones, Nicky Harwood and Jordan Skidmore.

After the break, the hosts came out firing and crossed for two tries of their own through Cameron Pimlow and Liam Bodman, with Steve Robinson adding the extras to both as well as a further penalty.

However, there was to be no fairytale ending for the One East outfit as Ryan Evans' late touchdown proved vital for the Whites.

Swansea will now travel to Ebbw Vale in the next round with the Steelmen hoping to make the Whites their next Cup victims.

In the all Division One West affair, UWIC ended Swalec Plate Champions Ammanford’s Cup dreams, running out 21-6 victors to seal a quarterfinal berth against Newbridge.

The students outscored their hosts three tries to nil with wing Pierre Tucker and back row Sam Cross crossing before the interval, with prop Joe Tomlinson barging his way over after the break to secure the win for UWIC.

Ammanford’s dream of returning to the Millennium Stadium is over for this year as they were restricted to two first half penalties from Carwyn Richards.

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Steelmen take major step towards Title

Ebbw Vale took a major step towards to back to back Division One East titles with a hardfought 15-10 victory over highflying rivals Bargoed at Eugene Cross Park.

In a tense affair, the Steelmen were guided to victory by the boot of the ever consistent Dorian Jones, with the outside half holding his nerve to fire home five penalties.

Bargoed did touchdown for the only try of the match through James Pizey, with Matthew Hurley adding the extras and a penalty, but ill discipline once again proved costly, losing three players to the sin bin throughout the course of the match.

The victory for Ebbw sees them move four points clear at the top with a game in hand as they look to secure a consecutive league title.

Meanwhile, highflying Newbridge will still be eyeing up the runners up spot after comfortably defeating Blackwood 15-0 at Glan Yr Afon.

The visitors crossed twice through Andrew Bevan and Gareth Jones, while Neil Burnett added a conversion and a penalty.

Elsewhere, there was nothing to choose between Rumney and Treorchy with the match finishing 20-20 at Riverside Park.

The hosts took an early lead through a penalty try with Danny Clarke adding the extras and a penalty before the break to take a 10-3 advantage.

It was the Zebras that started the better after the interval with hooker Shaun Green having a good day in the loose bagging a brace of tries, with Jordan Lloyd on target with both conversions and another penalty to add to his first half effort.

However, Rumney hitback through a Clarke penalty and a late Gareth Stoppani try, converted by Clarke, ensured they had a share of the spoils

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Nantporth test awaits O'Leary's Neath

NEATH will bid to extend their 13-match unbeaten run in the Welsh Premier tomorrow when they go to leaders and reigning champions Bangor City.

It could well be an unlucky 13 for Kristian O’Leary’s men though as the Citizens were the last team to beat them in the league and currently hold a seven-point advantage over Neath, who sit third in the table.

O’Leary will know that his side must win if they stand any chance of lifting the title come the end of the season. The match is also the first between the teams at Bangor’s new Nantporth Stadium – the hosts’ 2-1 victory in October came at Farrar Road.

“It’s another big challenge for us,” said the Neath boss. “Every game has got something riding on it which is great to keep interest alive.

“Our home form has been good all season but we have improved on the road as the season has gone on and we need to keep up the momentum.”

Neath’s confidence was boosted on Tuesday as they saw off Llanelli 4-2 to go through to the semi-finals of the League Cup. “It was a good win and a very good performance and it’s nice to be in the semi-final after the disappointment of losing in the Welsh Cup last week,” added O’Leary.

Defender Ian Hillier, sent off in that success against Llanelli, is the only absentee as the Eagles look to extend their run to 14 matches without defeat.

Meanwhile, Llanelli boss Andy Legg has made it clear he still has the drive to remain in charge at Stebonheath Park.

The Reds have lost their last four in the league and were dumped out of two cup competitions this week, by Bala Town in the Welsh Cup last Saturday and Neath in the League Cup in midweek.

Prestatyn Town stand in Llanelli’s way tomorrow and Legg sees no reason why his club can’t get a run going and finish the campaign in a much better place.

“Bastion Gardens is a difficult place to get a result but hopefully we can gain three points,” he said. “People have written us off, but we have strung a run of good results together in the past and we can do it again.

“We need to dig in and stick together as we are not a million miles away, although I admit we have gone off the boil recently."

Chris Thomas is suspended and injuries to Jason Bowen and Ashley Evans mean they will have late fitness tests.

Port Talbot Town will be missing David Brooks for their clash with Newtown after he was red-carded in the goalless draw against Afan Lido on Tuesday night, a result that saw Mark Jones’s charges knocked out of the League Cup.

Afan Lido have the opportunity to move to the top of the Conference when they host Carmarthen Town tonight (Friday). Victory at the Marston's Stadium would lift them into seventh place and give boss Andy Dyer even more to smile about.

“It’s fantastic to be where we are,” he said. “All the hard work we have put in is reward for the players and all connected with the club.

“We could have gone top on three or four previous occasions but never made it, so let’s hope we can get there this time. We will have to be on top of our game if we are going to get three points as Carmarthen are much-improved since their new management team took over.

“They are playing with increased confidence but we are at home and that is where we have been at our best this season. We are difficult to beat on our patch.

“This is a massive game for the two clubs but we will have to see if we have enough left in our locker, although I have rested a few players for the League Cup.”

Lido are without suspended defender Anthony Finselbach, Carl Payne is unavailable and Mark Jones is doubtful with a shoulder injury.

In the weekend’s remaining fixtures, The New Saints take on Bala Town tonight and Aberystwyth Town go to Airbus UK on Sunday.

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Division One West Predictions

Bridgend Athletic v Whitland

Although Athletic are still rooted to the bottom of One West, they have produced some good performances of late. Having given Neath a big scare in the Cup, I expect them to continue to improve as they look to build towards the National Championship next season. Having said that, however, highfliers Whitland will be a tough test for the hosts and with the Borderers still effectively in the hunt for the title, they will be keen to pick up a big win here.

Verdict-Bridgend Atheltic by 3 points

Llangennech v Waunarlwydd

Llangennech go into this match on the back of a dreadful run in the league losing their last five matches, whereas Waunarlwydd have recaptured some of their early season form, but have been hampered by a lack of games having not had a competitive match since January 21^st. So, who starts as favourites? Waun won the reverse earlier in the season and I can see them doing the double over their rivals.

Verdict-Waunarlwydd by 5 points

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Division One East Predictions

Blackwood v Newbridge

Blackwood are on a three match winning streak in the league after narrowly defeating Mountain Ash last time out to move into the top half of the table. They will need to be on top of their game if they are to stop the in-form Newbridge tomorrow, however. The visitors have not been in league action since Janurary 21^st but they have enjoyed a great run in the Swalec Cup, securing a place in the quarterfinals and will be eager to maintain their good run.

Verdict –Newbridge by 8 points

Ebbw Vale v Bargoed

The clash of the day. This encounter will surely go a long way in deciding who takes home the One East title this season. The Steelmen have been in sensational form in the Cup and have defeated two Premiership teams on the bounce, but one of their two losses in the league were at the hands of their title rivals. Bargoed, who currently sit top, know that with Ebbw Vale having a game in hand over them, a loss here could all but end their title hopes. I expect a close battle but I think the hosts will just edge it.

Verdict-Ebbw Vale by 3 points

Rumney v Treorchy

The Zebras narrowly won the reverse fixture way back in September but go into this match on the back of two losses. Rumney have put in some good performances at home and they will need to produce another if they are to avoid their twelfth defeat of the season, as the visitors will be determined to return to winning ways.

Verdict- Treorchy by 7 points

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This weekend's Premiership Predictions

Carmarthen Quins v Aberavon (Carmarthen Park, Saturday, 2.30pm)

With leaders Neath not playing until Sunday, Aberavon know they can go top for at least 24 hours tomorrow if they pick up two points at Carmarthen Park.

Both sides had good wins last weekend though they came in very different ways. Quins held on to beat Pontypridd 27-26 while the Wizards picked up a try bonus point against Newport.

This is likely to be the game of the day and with home advantage Quins might just sneak it - a bonus-point win would see them move level with Neath.

“We fancy anyone at the Park,” said Quins team manager Steffan Thomas. “I’m sure Aberavon will give us a run for our money and will come down expecting a really tough game. We promise them that.

“If we’re serious about getting a British and Irish Cup spot these are the types of games we have to perform in.”

Aberavon coach Simon King added: “We have enjoyed success there in the past, but we can’t take too much from what happened there last year.

“Quins are always a difficult side on their own patch, and they’ve improved their consistency this season.”

Verdict – Quins by three points

Llandovery v Cross Keys (Church Bank, Saturday, 2.30pm)

This could be another close encounter at Church Bank as third-placed Llandovery square up against Cross Keys who are five points behind in seventh.

The Drovers will be seeking some revenge after being nilled by Keys at Pandy Park back last November and tomorrow’s hosts have only lost twice at home in the league this season.

However, Llandovery haven’t played a league game since January 21 so Keys could catch their opponents cold, and the Gwent side go into the fixture on the back of an excellent win at Llanelli last time out.

Verdict – Llandovery by five points

Llanelli v Tonmawr (Parc y Scarlets, Saturday, 2.30pm)

Only one winner here. After being beaten by Cross Keys last Saturday, Llanelli would have been buoyed to see that Tonmawr were their next opponents as they try to retain their Premiership crown.

The home team could have Tongan speedster Viliame Iongi available and director of rugby Anthony Buchanan is looking for a positive response following that setback in their last outing at Parc y Scarlets.

“Last Saturday was a tale of missed opportunities,” he admitted. “It was disappointing. We are in a position where we have a lot of home games to come, but we cannot afford to waste them.

“It was a tough game and there were fine margins in it, but we have under-performed in the past couple of weeks and it is important now that we react positively against Tonmawr.”

A bonus-point victory should be no problem while all Tonmawr can look to do is keep the score down.

Verdict – Llanelli by 20 points

Pontypool v Cardiff (Pontypool Park, Saturday, 2.30pm)

Pooler haven’t won a league game in 2012, though having said that they have only played three times since the turn of the year due to cup matches and postponements.

On the other hand, Cardiff have only won once in the Premiership this year but should have beaten Neath last weekend.

Even though Neath were handed a pretty contentious penalty to win it late on at The Gnoll, Cardiff will know they should have put the game to bed before that as they failed to make the most of a two-man advantage for a period in the second-half.

Verdict – Cardiff by seven points

Newport v Neath (Rodney Parade, Sunday, 2.30pm)

On paper, this encounter has a very one-sided look about it. Neath won the reverse fixture 36-16 way back in September and even though a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, a similar result looks inevitable.

But Neath coach Patrick Horgan won’t be taking things for granted. He said: “We know we have a tough challenge ahead of us because Newport are a far, far better side than their record suggests and it is a bit of a mystery to all that they have struggled this season.

“Past experience means that we will never treat Newport with anything but respect and, while we have had problems of our own this season, the boys keep producing the goods and our supporters are 100% behind the squad.”

Verdict – Neath by 12 points

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