Swalec League Weekend Review

Kidwelly's Daf Latham in action against Llangennech

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Llanharan climbed off the bottom of the Swalec Championship as they upset the form guide to record a much-needed 23-17 win over highflying Pontypool at the Dairyfield.

The Dairymen outscored their visitors two tries to one thanks to efforts from Rhys Morgan and Dafi Davies, while Geraint Llewellyn added the extras to both and fired over three penalties for a personal haul of 13 points.

Pooler had to be content with a losing bonus point- Garin Harris crossed for their only try of the game, while Clayton Gullis landed four penalties.

The weather had wreaked havoc across the league with the top three sides at the start of the day -Bargoed, Swansea and Merthyr - all seeing their games cancelled.

Meanwhile, Cardiff Met capitalised to move up to third in the league thanks to a 28-13 win at Tata Steel.

The Students ran in three touchdowns through Amir Wagli, John Dawe and John Humphreys, while Jacob Chilcott racked up 13 points from the tee.

Glynneath recorded the sixth win of their campaign with the slenderest of 13-12 wins over visitors Bridgend Athletic.

Craig Moses crossed for Glynneath’s only try while centre Jack O’Reilly added the extras and two penalties.

All of Bridgend Athletic's points came in the first half with tries by Ryan Owen and Dan Howells converted by Josh White.

Elsewhere, Newbridge’s dismal season continued as they lost 17-3 at Narberth.

Rhiwbina narrowed Penallta’s lead at the summit of One East thanks to a 21-10 home win over Risca at Caedelyn.

 Rhiwbina's James Malpas on the charge against Risca

In a truncated programme due to the Swalec Plate action, the Squirrels did well to defeat the weather and their opponents to record their tenth win of the season.

The Squirrels had to overcome a ten point deficit to see of their visitors in very difficult conditions.

Risca took an early ten point lead through a try by Nathan Williams, converted by Owen Biddiscombe, who also kicked a penalty.

An inspiring performance by James Malpas for the Squirrels led their fight-back, and it was another star performer Sion Summers who set up Rhiwbina’s first try for Louis Millar, converted by Brett Chatwin.

Josh Davies set up the second Rhiwbina touchdown with a neat chip ahead, which was kicked on by Millar who touched down for his second try, well converted by Charlie Elton.

The second half was a real battle. As the conditions got muddier, it was Malpas who deservedly got the Squirrels’ third try after their pack shunted the Risca scrum backwards from a 5 metre scrum, before Elton kicked the conversion, but try as they could, the fourth bonus try would not come as the determined Risca defence held firm.

In the only other game in the division to get the go ahead, Rumney were 13-10 winners at Blaenavon.

Rumney outscored their hosts two tries to one thanks to efforts from Chris Melton and Lee Bendon, while Danny Clarke struck over a penalty.

Blaenavon picked up a losing bonus point thanks to a Gareth Jones touchdown and five points from the boot of Darren Pearce.

Only two matches survived the freezing conditions in One East Central- Gilfach Goch clinched a 23-14 win at Mountain Ash.

The boot of Ian Davies did the damage for Gowch as the fly half landed three penalties and converted both Dean Evans’ and Nathan Walters’ touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Treorchy moved up to third thanks to a 27-0 victory over Rhydyfelin at the Oval.

Peter Hutchings was at the double for the Zebras while Curtis Hughes also crossed as they claimed maximum points. 

Kidwelly's No. 8 Rich Rees produced an outstanding performance against Llangennech

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In One West, leaders Kidwelly  dispatched hosts Llangennech 27-15. 

The Black and Ambers produced a five star showing to see off their hosts- Richard Rees and Robin Davies both grabbed braces for the highfliers while Carwyn Thomas also went over. Steff Marshall added the extras to one.

Llangennech Captian Dan Griffiths in action against Kidwelly

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The result sees Llangennech slip 16 points behind the league leaders as they failed to pick up anything from the clash. Chris Strick and Jordan Dunn touched down for the hosts while Chris Moore landed a penalty and a conversion.

Meanwhile, Amman United came within a whisker of clinching just the third win of their season but were ultimately defeated 20-23 by Tenby Unted.

Bonymaen extended their lead at the top of One West Central to eight points as they saw off Cwmllynfell.

Full back Paul Warlow bagged a brace for Bony, while openside flanker Rhys Leonard also went over the whitewash. Richard Cunniffe added one conversion and a penalty from the tee.

The road to the Millennium Stadium continued with the fourth round matches in both the Swalec Plate and the Bowl.

The tie of the last 16 in the Plate saw 2012 winners Penallta entertain 2013 victors Heol y Cyw with the Pitmen coming out on top 46-5 to clinch a quarter-final berth.

Joseph Scrivens was the star performer for the One East leaders as the fly half bagged a brace and also notched up 16 points from the tee. Rhys Fitzgerald was at the double, while Andrew Jenkins and Craig Haines also got their names on the scoresheet.

A Ryan Griffiths touchdown was all the One East Central side could muster.

Meanwhile, in an East v West battle, Swansea outfit Penlan proved that west was best as the second division side caused an upset at One East Central’s Ynysybwl with a 17-13 victory.

Penlan outscored their hosts three tries to two with efforts from Rob Green, Adam Glover and Dafydd Pritchard, while Steven Davies added the extras to one.

In the Swalec Bowl, Ynysddu made sure their name was in the hat for the last 16 as they overcame hosts Caldicot 19-10.

In the all Three East A clash, it was the league leaders Ynysddu that came out on top as they touched down three times thanks to efforts from Beynon Williams, Nathan Diniz and Adam Kidney.

Swansea Uplands eased into the fifth round as they dispatched visitors Penybanc 29-8.

Scrum-half Sam Jones was the hero of the day for the Ups as he racked up a touchdown, two conversions and five penalties for a personal haul of 24 points, while Alex Greenslade also went over.

Elsewhere, Cambrian Welfare edged to a 3-0 win over Dinas Powys in a mud bath, while Colwyn Bay thrashed Harlech 43-12 to bag a last 16 berth.

The wintry weather saw five matches fall victim of freezing and waterlogged pitches.

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Swalec League Weekend Review

Last season’s runners up Cardiff Met are starting to move through the gears after a slow start to their Swalec Championship campaign, and the Students clinched their third triumph as they dismissed new boys Merthyr 45-14.

Crymych wing Carwyn Phillips in action against Kidwelly

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Connor Nicholls was at the double while James Beal, John Dawe, Charlie Hewitt and Emerson Beffell also crossed. Owen Thomas fired over three penalties and landed three conversions.

Meanwhile, it remains nip and tuck at the summit as both Bargoed and Swansea maintained their perfect record at the summit.

Bargoed currently head the table on 25 points as they picked up their fifth consecutive bonus point win with a 49-14 success at Tondu.

The brilliant Blues were in seventh heaven with touchdowns from Keiran Brown, Lee Meades, Ross Coombes, James Pizey, Darren Humphreys, Rhys Humphreys and Dai James, while Josh Prosser added 14 points from the tee.

For the Waterwheelers it was their fourth defeat on the bounce, with the hosts’ tries coming from Matthew Morgan and Hywel Davies

Swansea, meanwhile, were far too strong for Newbridge at St Helens as they cruised to a nine try 57-14 success.

Jon Fox and Tom Sloane both bagged braces for the All Whites while touchdowns from Aled Jenkins, Mike Sully, Joe Thomas, Jon Vaughan and Matthew Davies completed the rout. Liam Popham added the extras to six.

In the battle at the bottom, Blackwood grabbed their maiden win as they saw off fellow strugglers Llanharan 35-29 at Glan-yr-Afon.

Elsewhere, Narberth did just enough to see off the challenge of North Walian visitors RGC 1404 with a 24-22 victory at the Lewis Lloyd Ground, while Tata Steel claimed a bonus point 30-17 home win over Bridgend Athletic.

In the day’s other fixture, a late Josh Guy touchdown saw Pontypool grab a bonus point 29-13 success at Glynneath. 

COBRA were unable to keep up with the Joneses in One North as Nant Conwy swept to a 51-0 home win.

Aeron, Evan, Rhys and Grant Jones all went over as Nant crossed for nine tries in all, while Gwion Ellis-Jones landed three conversions.

In a tight derby encounter in One East it was Rhiwbina that took home the bragging rights as they edged past hosts Glamorgan Wanderers 18-13.

Rhiwbina's Tom Marley dives over against Glamorgan Wanderers

The Squirrels went over twice through Tom Marley and Matthew Hall, with Brett Chatwin slotting two penalties and a conversion from the tee. The visitors led 18-8 when they were reduced to 14 men as Dan Murphy saw red, but they held on to claim their fourth straight win.

The Wanderers had to settle for a losing bonus point with Ed Morris and Rhys Jenkins crossing for the them.

In One East Central, Ryan Howells was the star of the show for Ystrad Rhondda as the centre claimed four of his side’s eight tries as they demolished Gilfach Goch 56-18.

Meanwhile, Beddau made it four wins from four as they dismissed Treorchy 29-12.

The Green and Golds went over for five touchdowns through Christian Francis, Jordan Coombes, Glenn Slater, Tom Benjamin and Callum Wheeler.

Tenby United remain unbeaten at the summit of One West as they did just enough to see off Llangennech 29-27.

United crossed four times as they bagged maximum points with touchdowns from Toby Smith, Dan Colley, Jonathan Rogers and Luke Dedman, while Rogers also added nine points from the tee.

Adam Davies scored a scintillating try for Kidwelly in their 34-8 win over Crymych

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Elsewhere, Crymych were no match for Kidwelly as the Black and Ambers cruised to a 34-8 away win.

The visitors outscored their rivals four tries to one with touchdowns from Steffan Marshall, Adam Davies, Berian Watkins and  Luke Marshal.

In a high scoring encounter in One West Central, Bonymaen racked up their third victory as they saw off Mumbles 39-34. Bony hit the visitors for six- John Hindman was at the double while Jacob Clement, Mark Simons, Rob Jones and James Bija.

The Black and Ambers Rich Rees worked tirelessly all afternoon 

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Aberavon Green Stars racked up their third win in Two West Central as they comfortably dispatched Resolven 31-17.

Nathan Flynn bagged a try treble while Sam Owen was at the double. Sean Curran added the extras to two and Christian Roberts slotted one conversion.

In Three East Central B, Steve Barry stole the show for Treharris Phoenix as he crossed for a hat-trick as the hosts saw off Tylorstown 38-0.

Daniel Davies was at the double with Dale Evans also going over, while Ross Jones added the extras to four.

St David’s continue to struggle in Three West B as they were on the wrong end of another thumping, going down 76-10 at home to Fishguard. 

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Swalec League Weekend Round Up

Swansea have maintained their perfect start to life in the Swalec Championship as they thumped Blackwood 73-0 at St Helen’s.

Wing Marc Bennett stole the show on his debut for the All Whites as the speedster bagged a try treble, Simon Evans was at the double, while Nicky Thomas notched up 23 points through a touchdown and nine conversions.

Runners up last season Cardiff Met are yet to record a victory as they slipped to the slenderest of defeats, going down 10-9 at Tata Steel.

First half tries for Tata’s Brett Thomas and Steve Lewis was ultimately enough to ensure the points for the Port Talbot outfit.

Meanwhile, Bargoed kept up their 100% record with a hard-fought 34-30 win over North Wales region RGC 1404 at Parc Eirias.

The visitors crossed four times through Darren Humphries (2), James Ivy and Phil Price, while the prolific Josh Prosser added the extras to all four and two penalties.

Chris Horsman’s troops did manage to pick up two bonus points as they also crossed for four touchdowns through Alex Schwartz, Huw Grundy, Tom Blackwell and Kelvin Davies.

Elsewhere, Pontypool picked up their maiden win as they dispatched Llanharan 32-13 at Pontypool Park.

 Mark Thorley (2), Matthew Thomas and Nathan Brookes all crossed the whitewash for Pooler, while Tom Hancock was on target with two penalties and three conversions.

In the day’s other fixtures, Bridgend Athletic were bonus point 27-17 home winners over Glynneath, Narberth were held to a 23-23 draw at Newbridge, and newcomers Merthyr made it two wins from two with a 32-11 home victory over Tondu.

There was some great running rugby on offer across the leagues as teams ran riot in the September sunshine.

Ynysybwl are the early pace makers in One East Central as they thrashed Llantrisant 52-17. 'Bwl helped themselves to eight tries- Sean Ireland and Dale Stuckey were both at the double while Ricky Thomas, Oliver Rees, Jonathan Gough and a penalty try completed their scoring.

Meanwhile, Ystrad Rhondda picked up their first win as they saw off Llantwit Fardre 28-19. Fly-half Rhys Truelove fired over 13 points, while Jay Harris, Adam Lewis and Matthew Jeczalik all crossed the whitewash for Ystrad.

In One West Central, Ystalyfera took home the bragging rights in the Swansea Valley derby against rivals Cwmllynfell with a narrow 21-17 triumph.

Josh Jarrett and Gareth Williams both touched down, with the former firing over two penalties, while Gareth James was on target with one penalty and Damien James added a conversion.

Brothers Kyle and Connor Salter stole the show for Bonymaen as they were both at the double for Bony, as the Swansea outfit saw off Kenfig Hill 39-32 in a nine try thriller.

Glamorgan Wanderers were in seventh heaven in One East as they put Garndiffaith to the sword in a 55-23 showing at the Memorial Ground.

Owen Marshall and Michael Lynch both crossed twice for the Wanderers while Haval Ibrahim, Jonathan Lewis and Josh Sheehan also went over.

In One West, Newcastle Emlyn hit visitors Felinfoel for six as they ran out 42-19 home winners.

Owen Powell was at the double for Emlyn, while Brynmor Jones, Dan Davies, Llyr Jones and Sion Leonard also went over. Rhydian Harries added 12 points from the tee.

Nant Conwy are the early pacesetters in One North as they bagged their second successive try bonus triumph, dismissing Caernarfon 25-17. Carwyn Ellis was the star of the show for Nant as he picked up a try-treble. 

Newcomers Gowerton picked up their first victory in Two West as they cruised to a 59-15 home win over Haverfordwest.

Gareth King put in a regal performance as the centre bagged a brace while Richard Thomas (2), Ryan Thomas, James Hedley, Liam Hedges and Owen James also got on the scoresheet.

For the second week in the row, former Welsh club rugby powerhouse Tredegar were unable to field a side in Two East.

Last season’s Swalec Bowl runners up Llantwit Major notched up their first victory in Three East Central A as they easily saw off Canton 56-7.

Waisea Suka Vakacegu clinched three of his side's eight tries, while Marcus Pearce (2), Gareth Watts, Chris Fowler and Dan Farrell also dotted down.

Birchgrove helped themselves to seven tries as they dismissed Baglan 50-17 in Three West Central B.

Full back Scott Evans grabbed a brace while Ricky Rosser, Ritchie Beynon, Steve George, Dai Griffiths and Chris Grimes also crossed the whitewash.

In Three East C, Hartridge hit visitors Deri for six as they clinched a 41-7 home win. Ashley Sims was at the double for the hosts while Mike Wrench, Ross Palmer, Kurt Lewis and Gareth Hopkins also went over.

Finally, St Julians claimed the biggest win of the day as they put Abersychan to the sword in Three East D, running out 87-5 winners. 

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Badgers all sett for new season

Under the direction of Blues Captain Matthew Rees and ex-Pontypridd man Jason Lewis, Pontyclun kicked off their Two East Central campaign with a narrow victory over last season’s Four South East champions St Josephs.

The match was nip and tuck throughout before the Badgers eventually triumphed 20-17, with Lloyd Rose and Carl Jenkins touching down, while Huw Probyn added ten points from the tee including a late penalty from half way.

The Badgers' victory was the only away win in the division on the opening weekend of what will surely be a very competitive league.

Pontyclun Secretary Greg Lamerton was relieved the Badgers picked up a win to start their campaign

“We are definitely happy with the result, it was a tough opening match-up for us. They had a big pack and perhaps we were slightly fortunate to come away with the four points,” said Lamerton.

After acquiring the enviable coaching duo of Blues skipper Rees, who already has some coaching experience under his belt at Tonyrefail, and Lewis, who has a great coaching reputation, you would be forgiven in thinking that players would be flocking to Pontyclun to learn under their tutelage. But Lamerton says that it hasn’t worked out that way.

“We did think having Jason and Matthew, two people who have played and in Matthew’s case still playing at the highest level, might attract a few more players but we actually lost a few players in the summer.”

Pontyclun saw three members of their squad move on to pastures new in the summer with Nicky Theaker joining Llanharan, while Adam Lewis and Adam Court are now playing at Beddau.

However, they have made one new recruit in hooker Sam Grant, who joined the fold from Pencoed.

“We are always looking to strengthen our squad. We train twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Windsor Road,” added Lamerton.

“Hopefully, we have a few players returning from injury which will add to the squad’s depth with Ceiron Jones, Luke Rose and Gavin Pascoe all likely to feature for us soon.”

Pontyclun host last season’s Swalec Bowl champions Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd this weekend and Lamerton is predicting another close affair.

“They were promoted last season and we are definitely expecting another tough match, but hopefully we can get the win at home,”said Lamerton.

Finally, with top class coaching at hand, what are Lamerton’s expectations for this year’s campaign?

“I think it’s going to be a difficult league as there are some very strong teams, and though we anticipate a mid-table finish for ourselves, we’re certainly not expecting to gain promotion this year,” added Lamerton.

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Maesteg Harlequins Win SWALEC Division Two West Title, securing their promotion

The Maesteg Harlequins have lifted the SWALEC Division 2 West trophy at their annual presentation dinner, celebrating their place as the winners of Division Two West and their promotion to Division One West Central.

 

 

The Maesteg Quins’ league win was sealed on the 7^th May in a convincing 7 – 27 away victory against the Aberavon Harlequins. The club carried off the title with 74 points, having won 15 of their league games played this season.

 

The club are celebrating a double this season, as the second team also won their league, making this the first time in the club’s history that both the first team and second team have won their respective league titles. They also hope to field a youth team next season for the first time in the club’s history.

 

The end of season wasn’t the smoothest, however, with a number of injuries and suspensions to contend with, but it’s been a worthwhile battle for the Llynfi Valley side.

 

The Maesteg Quins Club Captain, Gareth Lewis said: “It’s great to win the league. We’ve had good success in the last three out of four seasons and although we struggled a little in the last few games this season, we got there in the end.”

 

He continued: “There are a lot of good teams in our division next season but I’m confident we will do well.”

 

Head Coach Dean Ronan, added: “The work rate in training has made the difference this season. We started pre-season training in early June last year and the boys have really worked their socks off to be fair to them – I think that’s just got us over the finishing line this season.”

 

He added: “Jay Ronan, Sean Cleary and club captain Gareth Lewis have been outstanding for us this season, and Gareth’s leadership towards the end of the season really pushed us on.

 

The highlights of the season, other than winning the league, were definitely beating our local rivals Maesteg RFC plus winning away at Skewen RFC, which was a big turning point in our season.”

 

WRU representative Alan Thomas said: “Congratulations to Maesteg Quins on winning their division. It’s been a tough season and they thoroughly deserved to win the league.”

 

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 the Maesteg Quins on claiming the title.”

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Rhiwbina lift Swalec Division Two East Trophy after a season of excitement

After narrowly missing out on the SWALEC Plate in a dramatic Finals Day clash with Merthyr RFC, Rhiwbina have lifted the Division 2 East trophy after a convincing win at home against Abercynon last night.

The 57 – 15 victory was a welcome return to winning form for the side. Just two weeks ago, the battle of the champions at the Millennium stadium was meant to be a procession for Merthyr who are a league above Rhiwbina, (nicknamed The Squirrels). Instead, the Squirrels put in a valiant effort and gave Merthyr a real scare before they were finally beaten, and the dramatic game ended with only 3 points between the rival teams (26-29).  

On Saturday, the Rhiwbina boys lost out again in a game of two halves at Llantrisant. Although Rhiwbina led 14-3 at the interval, Llantrisant mounted a magnificent second half fight back to secure the win (14-18).

Despite the recent losses, Rhiwbina have only suffered three defeats all season, and the experience of lifting the cup today is testament to their hard work and perseverance as a team.

Rhiwbina RFC Head Coach, Gareth Linten said: “Almost a year ago we started pre-season, and now here we are having won the league – it’s fantastic. In that time, we’ve also played at the Millennium Stadium at SWALEC Finals Day which was a really tough ask, but it was the highlight of the season for us. Should’ve won the game? Could’ve won the game? Who knows, but the atmosphere was amazing, and it’s something we’ve never previously done.”

Rhiwbina RFC Club Captain, Nick Howell (who was injured and could not play in yesterday’s game) said: “As a rugby team, this is why we play – it’s not for medals and trophies, it’s to win the league. We’ve held our own this season, and that game at the stadium against Merthyr just shows what we could be capable of. Hopefully next season we can push on and do ourselves justice.”

WRU representative Russell Howell added: “What Rhiwbina have done is fantastic. They’ve gone from being a small club to playing for the SWALEC Plate at the Millennium stadium – what an achievement. Congratulations to them for winning the league, they really deserve it.”

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Llandudno win Division Two North Title

Two years after being relegated from the SWALEC Division 1 North, Llandudno RFC have bounced back clinching the SWALEC Division 2 North trophy. The squad were presented with their trophy at the club’s annual Welly Day – a Junior Rugby Tournament organised by the club – on Saturday 10th May 2014. 

What a difference a year makes for the club who were last season struggling to make an impact and finding their feet after being relegated from North Wales’ top division.


Since then with a new coaching staff and ethos, Llandudno RFC have won the league and reached the semi-final of the SWALEC Bowl before missing out on a place in the final at the Millennium Stadium to Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd. Llandudno RFC also beat Rhyl 32 – 7 to claim The Intermediate Cup.


Llandudno RFC Head Coach, Jason Roberts said: “Winning the title today is a fantastic achievement – we are a team of young lads with an average age of 24, and it is the first proper season for this squad. I am really proud. The training has really made a difference – there is a great team spirit, with the lads wanting to train and that has shown on the pitch and in the year-end results. We have loads of standout players, and a great spread of 25 players who have scored tries.


“We are producing a lot of good players who have been taken by Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), the regional side. It is fantastic for the club to be part of that, but it means we are always filling those gaps. Looking at next season, I am confident if the lads train that we will be a team that performs very, very well, and can certainly aim for a top six finish – it is up to the boys!”


Llandudno RFC Club Captain, Ian Williams added: “It is absolutely brilliant to win today – a great team effort. Everyone turned up to train, and the fantastic management and coaching has made a big difference. Rugby creates a great camaraderie, it brings everyone together, and we have a fantastic time both on and off the pitch. For next season, we will see what the competition brings, but we will be giving it 100%, so watch out!”

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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 Weekend Review

Title contenders Ystrad Rhondda and Heol y Cyw cut Merthyr’s advantage at the summit of One East to seven points, after they recorded victories over Bedlinog and Gilfach Goch respectively.

With the Ironmen not in action, it was the perfect opportunity for the chasing pack to close the gap and exert some pressure on the pacemakers.

Last season’s runners up Ystrad needed a late Rhys Truelove penalty to seal their most slender of successes, 17-16 against the basement boys. Truelove fired home four penalties while Matthew Jezkalic touched down for the visitors.

The Cockerels meanwhile had no such problems at Gilfach Goch as they claimed the full points on offer with tries from Chris Howe, Rhys Thomas, Kyle Lowry and Ryan Griffiths. They now sit level on points with Ystrad, just seven points behind leaders Merthyr.

At the top of One West, Glynneath stretched their lead to eleven points as they overcame a determined Carmarthen Athletic side 16-10.

The pacemakers outscored their rivals two tries to one with touchdowns from Jordan Griffiths and Ben Jones, while Josh Jones and Jack O’Reilly added a penalty apiece.

Kenfig Hill moved up to third thanks to a seven try 44-3 drubbing of hosts Llangennech.

The Mules’ Mike Kennedy was the star of the show with four tries, while Chris Tossell, Steven Gillet and Aaron Grabham also went over.

In the day’s other scheduled fixture, the match between high-fliers Kidwelly and Loughor was postponed. 

Joe Casella on the attack for Rhiwbina at Abercynon

Rhiwbina maintained their advantage at the top of Two East as they dished out a 73-0 drubbing to Abercynon.

The Squirrels helped themselves to eleven tries in all in this one-sided showing- Brett Chatwin, Chris Fido, Alex Kerr and Joe Casella were all at the double while Dave Smith, Sion Summers and Dan Murphy also went over.

Elsewhere, Llantwit Fardre moved up to fifth with a 33-11 win at Fleur de Lys. Jason Pocock was the stand-out performer for Fardre as the fly-half notched up 18 points from the tee.

Cefn Coed's Jason Price in action against Penygraig.

 In worrying news for Tredegar supporters it was a second week in a row the Gwent side were unable to field a team.

Moving west Trebanos clinched a 40-19 win over Amman United in Two West. Matthew Edwards starred for Banws as the wing bagged 20 of his team’s points, including a brace.

Four West’s Lampeter were the biggest winners of the day as they racked up a century in their 106-0 win over Milford Haven.

Lampeter crossed for 17 tries as they ran rampant, Paul Jones bagged four of them while there were hat-tricks for Gary Davies, Gary Jones and Brynmor Jones.

Centre Daniel Davies crossed twice for Cefn Coed in their win over Penygraig

After losing out to Penygraig at the start of the Five South Central campaign Cefn Coed  were too strong for their visitors, as they ran out convincing 53-13 winners at home.

The hosts helped themselves to seven tries in all through Daniel Davies (2), Matthew Rolls, Jason Price, Ryan Sullivan, Liam Elliott and a penalty try, while Steve James added 18 points from the tee. 

 In Five South East Caerau Ely notched up their twelfth win of the season with a 61-6 drubbing over Sully Sports. 

Finally, Menai Bridge kept alive their Three North promotion prospects with a 55-5 demolition of Welshpool.

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Rhiwbina back on top

Grant Fitzgerald crosses for Rhiwbina’s opening try at Mountain Ash

In the top of the table Two East showdown, it was Rhiwbina who claimed victory as they ran out 36-8 winners at Mountain Ash

The Old Firm had no answer to the powerful Squirrels scrum and scrum half Harry Trelawney had a commanding game.

Josh Davies opened the Squirrels’ account with a drop goal, and first half tries came from Grant Fitzgerald, Dave Smith and Joe Cassella, with Gareth McCarthy converting two.

The hosts got on the scoreboard with a Matthew Parfit penalty and Ross Davies try each side of half time.

In the second half the Rhiwbina scrum forced a penalty try to clinch the bonus point, and prop Dan Evans crossed for the fifth try, both converted by McCarthy.

Two East Results: 

Abertillery B G 7 - 20 Dowlais

Fleur De Lys 18 - 8 Abercynon

Llanishen 16 - 17 Llantrisant

Mountain Ash 8 - 36 Rhiwbina

Senghenydd 29 - 26 Garndiffaith

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