Swalec Championship Round Up

Defending Champions Ebbw Vale laid down a marker of their title credentials in the Swalec Championship as they comfortably dispatched last season’s runners up Bargoed 33-16 at Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen received confirmation of the ‘A’ Licence from the WRU in the week which will allow them to be promoted to the Premiership should they win the league title for a consecutive year.

 And after Saturday’s performance few would bet against them, Jason Strange’s men had to fight back from an interval deficit of 13-8 but usurped control after the break with consummate ease.

 The hosts came out firing after the break and capitalised on Bargoed’s indiscipline as they crossed three times through Jack Flower, Wes Cunliffe and Sion Jones adding to Joe Franchi’s first half effort, while Ian Smerdon added ten points from the tee.

North Wales Region, new boys RGC 1404, also received confirmation from the WRU that they too have been awarded an ‘A’ Licence and they celebrated the news with their maiden win, defeating Narberth 22-18 in West Wales.

Chris Horsman’s troops ran in three tries through Tom Blackwell, Harri Evans and Adam Williams, while Rhodri Carlton-Jones converted two and Morgan Williams fired over a penalty. The Otters' points all came through the boot of Ianto Griffiths.

Llanharan bounced back from their opening day defeat to also claim the first victory of their campaign as they defeated Blackwood 33-16 at Glan Yr Afon.

Codey Rees notched up 18 points for the Dairymen from the tee, while captain Nathan Huish, Callum Thomas and Huw Thomas all crossed the whitewash.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Met’s impressive start continued as the Students put Bonymaen to the sword with a 41-5 trouncing at Cyncoed.

The hosts helped themselves to six tries through Ben Axten-Burrett (2), Jamie Harris, Chris Leversley, Garyn Smith and James Beale.

Pontypool have also enjoyed a fine start to the season but were made to work hard for their 31-24 win over Bridgend Athletic.

Pooler’s touchdowns coming courtesy of Ashley Norton, Trevor James, Aaron Quick and Ben Sparks

Elsewhere, Newbridge edged past Tata Steel 23-20, and Beddau condemned new boys Tondu to their second consecutive defeat with a 17-13 win at Pandy Park.