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

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

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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GORSEINON CLAIM SWALEC DIVISION 3 WEST TITLE IN FIRST LEAGUE WIN FOR 52 YEARS

Gorseinon RFC have celebrated their SWALEC Division 3 West title by lifting the trophy for the first time on Friday 20 June, at their annual awards dinner. 

They secured their first SWALEC league title win in 52 years after a hard-fought game of two halves against Haverfordwest at the end of April, clawing back from a half time score of 6-3 to take home a 34-11 victory.

It’s been fantastic season in general for the club, who recently had 11 youth players enter the senior setup. The youth side however, are also playing well as a team, having reached the final of the Welsh Youth Cup but unfortunately falling at the last hurdle and losing to Carmarthen Athletic at the Millennium Stadium. They also won their league marking a double success for the club.

Gorseinon’s Club Captain, 24 year old Sean Haycock, received a special mention at the dinner on Friday evening and scooped an awards double, picking up both the Players Player of the Season and Player of the Season awards for his efforts throughout the league campaign.

Another notable contribution to the club’s league success came from lightning-fast Wing/Full Back Sam Evans, who scored the most points for his team. Over the course of the season he secured eight tries, 30 conversions and 27 penalties – claiming a total of 181 points for the club.

 

Sean Haycock, Gorseinon Club Captain, said: “It’s a very proud moment for the club for us to have achieved the league this year having not one a league title for 52 years. The fact that we are all Gorseinon boys, friends who do everything together and who have all come through from the junior section of the club, has made the difference for us. Because of this they are willing to give that little bit extra when it comes to it.”

 

Head Coach Marcus Thomas said: “There’s no clichés you can use to describe the feeling we had after winning on the last day of the season – it all boiled down to that fixture for us. We needed a bonus point win to secure the league and we went from losing at half time to winning by five tries.

 

He continued: “That feeling is something I have never experienced before and hopefully will again, but if I never do it was good enough.”

 

Assistant Coach Darren Wilcox, who has captained the senior side a record eight times, added: “It’s been a committed, hard season and everyone has played for each other. It’s great for Gorseinon itself and it’s also my greatest memory of 15 years involved in senior rugby.”  

 

WRU Board Member Brian Fowler said: “A big congratulations to Gorseinon RFC, they have been excellent over the course of the season with a young team. Many of their players have come through from the club’s youth team, which is great to see as it’s all about developing your own talent these days. The club has an excellent structure and continuity and it breeds spirit and success.”

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Risca RFC celebrate Swalec Division Three East Title

Champions Risca RFC have been presented with the SWALEC National League Division 3 East title in front of a large crowd at their final training session of the season.

The Cuckoos sealed their title triumph on the last day of the season at the end of a gripping battle for the top spot with rivals Blaenavon RFC in Division 3 East. It ended with only one point separating the two teams and Risca RFC took the spoils with 88 points.

Risca RFC continued their impressive run of late as they beat third-place Pontypool United 33 – 50 at Pontypool’s Memorial Ground in a hard fought contest.

According to joint club captains Tom Crandon and Owen Biddescombe, the team’s heroic efforts in that match was the stand-out performance of the season for the Cuckoos.

Team Captain Tom Crandon said: “I think Saturday’s match is the best we’ve played all season. Not many people can go to Pontypool United and get a bonus point win and in doing so winning the league. That definitely made it that bit more special. The crowd really spurred us on too. We knew it was going to be tough but the supporters gave us an extra percentage to push on for the points.”

Owen Biddescombe added: “It was quite emotional to be honest. We knew we had to win it but to get that bonus point aswell was a great achievement. That’s testament to the way we’ve been playing all season and scoring tries. The boys really fronted up and in the end we got the result.”

It’s been four years since Risca RFC were crowned SWALEC Division 4 East champions but both captains believe that a good team ethos is behind their success this year.

Tom Crandon said: “Everyone wants to play and work hard for each other and that’s what it has come down to this season. It’s been a long eight months but they boys have worked hard in training week in week out and put their bodies on the line every Saturday under the guidance of a great group of coaching staff in Tyrone Morris, Tim Edwards and Gareth Evans. We set a goal at the start of the season to gain promotion and we’ve achieved that.”

“The future’s looking bright for the club,” explained Owen Biddescombe. “There’s a good structure at Risca RFC with the mini and junior sections and our youth team pushing on to the Seconds – who have been phenomenal this year with an undefeated record. That’s ensured a higher level of intensity for the Firsts in training so that we can keep their success going – and keep our places! Looking ahead to next season, we’ll recruit some new players, promote several youth boys and build on our hard work so far.”

WRU Board Member Ken Hewitt said: “This was an exciting league with the victory only secured on the final day of the season for Risca RFC. For the neutral, it’s been thrilling to watch the tight contest develop between Risca and Blaenavon for the top spot. I’m pleased to present Risca with the SWALEC Division 3 East trophy at the end of an exciting season.”

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Cardiff Quins win Swalec Division Three South East title

Cardiff Quins RFC collected the SWALEC Division 3 South East trophy  last night after their 32 – 27 home win against Wattstown RFC.

The Quins carried off the SWALEC Division 3 South East title in what is only their second season in the division. Their nearest rivals, Wattstown RFC, were 16 points adrift from the Quins going into their head-to-head at The Diamond Ground. It was the Quins who got the spoils in a thrilling encounter, which was also watched by Cardiff Blues fly-half Rhys Patchell who was brought through the youth system at Cardiff Quins.

The Whitchurch-based side were promoted from Division 4 South West in the 2011-12 season. Despite finishing mid-table in their first season, they have upped the ante according to their coaching staff during this current campaign. Collectively the team has scored 106 tries throughout the season with winger Dafydd Franklin boasting an impressive tally of 30 before their mid-week fixture against Wattstown and adding another in the latest match.

Coach Andrew Price admits that it was a tight contest against their league rivals but that the Quins’ fitness enabled them to fight back and later hold on for the victory.

“Wattstown are not second in the league for no reason,” said Andrew Price. “They are a hard Valleys side and they came down this evening and wanted to spoil the party for us. They got stuck in and in the end it was a hard fought game. But I think it was a fair result in the end.”

Mr Price added: “We’ve stuck to playing nice attractive rugby and come up against decent sides in doing so. Winning two promotions in three years is proof that the youth and junior structures at our club work and many of them come through to play for our first team.”

 Cardiff Quins RFC Captain and hooker Steff Ellis said: “It’s been a really positive season – we’ve trained hard and played well against really good teams. We got on to a good run and a string of good performances so we feel like we’ve got our just desserts.

The speed we play and our fitness gave us the edge against the opposition, especially in the final quarter of games. Last season was a wake-up call for the boys in a new division so this year we’ve all - coaches, backroom staff and players - put the work in and got our reward.

 “We’ve got a lot of youth in our team and in turn that produces a lot of energy. We understand each other’s games because a lot of us have played in the same group since school. Now we have a big pre-season ahead and we’ll train hard ready for the next challenge and playing against the best is what we want.

 WRU Board Member Roy Giddings said: “To win the title with a number of matches in hand is a remarkable achievement in what is a very tough league. I’m pleased to present Cardiff Quins RFC with the SWALEC Division 3 South East trophy at the end of an exciting season.”

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UNBEATEN YSTALYFERA WIN SWALEC DIVISION 3 SOUTH WEST TITL

Undefeated Ystalyfera RFC have lifted the SWALEC Division 3 South West trophy, securing their promotion.

 Ystalyfera RFC’s championship win was sealed last weekend in a hard-fought away 16- 20 victory against closest rivals Brynamman RFC. The club carried off the title with 89 points, winning all of the 19 league games played so far this season.

 The squad have consistently finished near the summit of the league since 2009. This victory is even more special, according to the club captain, as most of the squad were raised or still live in the area and have a rich mix of experienced players with emerging youth talent in the squad.

 Paul Davies, Ystalyfera RFC Club Captain, said: “We have come close to promotion for a number of seasons and it’s a great reward for everyone involved with the club after playing consistently well over the course of the season. We’re a relatively young side. We all know each other well – we train, play and a lot of us work together so there’s a real camaraderie within the club and the village.”

 Head Coach Gareth James, who is also the club’s top scorer this season, added: “I think the difference for us this year is that the work rate was higher. We got the team in for pre-season training earlier to improve fitness within the squad and it’s been vital in games throughout the year. Teams have come close against us but our fitness let us push harder in the final ten minutes of games. It’s great for the village – the last time we won promotion was 1997 - and hopefully we’ll get even more support down at the Ynysydarren Ground next season.”

 Former Wales prop turned Ystalyfera RFC forwards coach Christian Loader is thrilled to see his side climb up the league after such an impressive season on the field.

 Christian Loader, who won nineteen caps for Wales between 1995 and 1997, said: “We’ve got a cracking set of youngsters who are starting to come through and a great under 16s team who have reached the final of the cup. Having a good group of players developing at the club bodes well for the future. We’re looking forward to working with them in two years. ”

 This isn’t the first piece of silverware for Ystalyfera to claim this season. They have already won the South West Championship and will compete in the finals of the West Wales Bowl and Swansea Valley Cup against Penclawdd and Abercrave respectfully.

 WRU Board Member Geraint Edwards said: “This is a tough league and it is a tremendous achievement to go unbeaten throughout the season. Ystalyfera RFC have consistently played good rugby against tough opposition and their victory is well deserved.”

 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 Saturday 3^rd 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 Ystalyfera RFC on claiming the title.”

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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 Round Up

Senghenydd came out on top in a nine try thriller as they edged past Mountain Ash 41-38 in an enthralling encounter in Two East.

Daniel John bagged a try treble for the Saints while Lloyd Rowland, James Hallett and Geraint Clarke also went over. The Old Firm had to settle for losing and try bonus points as they ran in five tries themselves.

Meanwhile, seven penalty kicks by Rhiwbina centre Grant Fitzgerald was enough for Rhiwbina to see off Llanishen 21-7 in the North Cardiff derby.

Rhiwbina's Charlie Elton makes a break

An individual try by Llanishen full back Tom Hannah, converted by Phil Thomas, brought some early second half hope for the home team, but the Squirrels drew further ahead in the last quarter thanks to outstanding performances by skipper Nick Howell and Dan Murphy up front. 

The Rhiwbina backs, bolstered by the return of flier Brett Chatwin, always looked dangerous and were well marshalled by Gareth McCarthy in his first league game of the season.

Elsewhere, Tredegar notched up their maiden victory of the season with a try bonus 37-27 success at Abercynon.

Meanwhile, new boys Trebanos continue to impress in Two West as they dismantled Aberavon Quins 61-15.

The Quins had no answer to Banws’ pace and power as they ran in nine tries, with wingers Dan Doherty and Rhydian Williams each bagging braces, while Alun Lewis and Kris Jones were also among the scorers.

After a torrid few weeks, Maesteg finally had something to smile about as they eased past Aberystwyth 25-6, with fly-half Corey Butler notching up 20 points from the tee for the Old Parish side.

In Three East, Risca once again dished out a hiding as they ran 15 tries past Rhymney in a 98-17 triumph. Scrum-half Rhys Meredith was the star of the show as he claimed four tries, while Neil Lewis grabbed a hat-trick.

Gareth Morris was the hero of the day for Resolven as they narrowly saw off Neath Athletic 37-34 at Cwrt Herbert, with Morris picking up a hat-trick.

Lower down in Four South East, Glyncoch, who have gone three years without a loss in the League, finally saw that run come to an end as they lost out 22-17 at St Josephs.

Finally, Llandybie laid down a marker of their title credentials in Six West as they trounced Llansawel 59-5,  back rowers Rhydian Jones and Lyndon Davies both claiming hat-tricks.

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