NANTYGLO RFC CELEBRATE SWALEC DIVISION 4 EAST TITLE

Nantyglo RFC have celebrated their SWALEC Division 4 East title by lifting the trophy for the first time yesterday (Saturday 21^st June). 

Mal Beynon of the WRU presented the trophy, which was hard earned via a difficult win against Cwmbran RFC back in May. The team clawed back from a half time score of 7 - 12 to take home a convincing 18 -12 victory.

This is the second successive title win for the side, and has enabled them to reach their highest ever position in the leagues. The team, who have now been playing together for two seasons, say they have become almost like family, with team manager Paul Cooper alongside coaches Jason Williams, Jason Cook and Nigel Meek bringing out the best in the players, week on week.

 Nick Philppen has enjoyed a memorable first campaign as Club Captain. Philppen said: “Cwmbran was a tough match to end the season. We went into it very confident we’d win it but in the end we were clinging for our lives and had to hold on to come through. To be honest we had the hairdryer treatment at half time and going out during the second half we put some phases together, got points on the board and we came through with a win. It was a great win in fairness to the boys.

 “There’s no doubt it will be a tough league next year with a lot of local derbies – every team has to fight for their lives. Hopefully we can keep attracting the local supporters to come out and join us week in week out as they have done this season. The crowd makes such a difference for us. The support for the club has grown even more this year and the community have really rallied around us.”

 Head coach Jason Williams said: “A massive influence on our achievements this year is the togetherness at the club – we’ve got friends playing together, they drink together, they party together. They know each other inside out. They’ve all gone through school together and have grown up with each other and they’ve wanted to come down and train in all kinds of weather and play every Saturday because it’s very social.

“Looking ahead to next season we’ll be playing at a higher level coming from grassroots rugby and a lot of teams in the next division warrant a lot of respect. They won’t be easy places to go and win. Questions are going to be asked of the management, the coaches and the players next season for us to step up against our new opponents and deliver. We’ve been unbeaten on this ground for two years and the boys won’t want to lose that winning mentality at home. If we can make it a fortress next year with our supporters coming out to support us then we’ve got a great chance.”

WRU Board Member Mal Beynon said: “Nantyglo RFC are a progressive club who have and are continuing to do a lot for rugby in Gwent. They’ve been a successful club over the years with a tremendous hard-working committee backing them all the way and since joining the Welsh Rugby Union two years ago, they have led by example and clinched successive titles. I wish them the very best for next season’s endeavours.”

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BACK-TO-BACK TITLES for ST JOSEPH’S RFC as they win SWALEC DIVISION 4 SOUTH EAST

St Joseph’s RFC have secured the SWALEC Division 4 South East trophy with an away win over Bryncethin RFC today (Saturday 26^th April 2014). 

The Cardiff based side carried off the SWALEC Division 4 South East title after beating Bryncethin 46-10 points, winning all but two of the league games that they’ve played this season.

It’s been a family affair at the club this season with four sets of brothers in their squad. Player Coach Grant Harrington and his brother Mark join the Rowlands, Matthews and Egan brothers on the squad list. Most of whom have developed from the strong youth side of two seasons ago. St Joseph’s have managed to keep a strong core of players from that youth side and have seen the benefits on the field with two promotions in two seasons.

St Joseph’s RFC Club Captain Luke Egan said: “Winning the SWALEC Division 4 South East league trophy today makes me feel very proud to be part of St Joseph's RFC.  We are currently in the highest division we have been in years which is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in the club from coaches and players to our supporters and family members. We have worked very hard to get where we are today so I just hope we can continue the success into next season.”

Head Coach and the team’s second-row Grant Harrington said: “Having received a promotion up to Division 4 last season we didn’t have high expectations for this season. We knew we were playing new teams so we really focused our minds on training hard and working together as a time - which has definitely paid off. The mature approach to training and the professionalism shown by all the players this season has also been a key contributing factor to our success this season.  After a very promising start we were pleased to see our winning steak continue through the league enabling us to win the title today.”

Grant continued, "The mixture of new youth players as well as experienced senior players has been instrumental to the success of the team as it has provided us with a great combination of skills and talent. Players such as Luke and James Egan, Freddie Rowlands, Leon Casoria and Lewys Helyar have been particularly strong this season and all played a key role in securing the title.”

“Following our unbeaten run, I think we are feeling pretty confident that we can continue our success into next season.”

 WRU Board Member Roy Giddings added: “St Josephs have experienced a tremendous season this year, winning all but two of their games. I am delighted to present them with the SWALEC Division 4 South East league trophy today and I wish them all the best for next season.”

SWALEC is the national community partner of the Welsh Rugby Union and sponsors both the SWALEC Leagues and SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions.  SWALEC Finals Day, which sees six clubs battle it out in the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions, will take place on Sunday 4^th 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 St Joseph’s 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 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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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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Wanderers give Bargoed a scare

Bargoed survived a mighty scare from relegation threatened Glamorgan Wanderers to return to winning ways with a 21-17 home victory, that sees Ebbw Vale’s lead at the summit cut to 14 points.

All of the Blues' points came before the break with tries from Luke Smalley, Dafydd Carter and James Pizey, while Chris Mapps added the extras to all three

Wanderers manager Luke Burton said before the encounter, “We can't leave Bargoed without anything if we are to put pressure on the sides above us.”

And the Wanderers did just that, as they staged a rousing second half fight-back by crossing for three tries of their own through David Ellis, Steffan Simpson and Ed Doe, who also converted one.

It may not have been all four but to salvage one point brings the Memorial Ground outfit within five points of Bonymaen, as the battle to avoid relegation looks like it will go down to the wire.

There was almost a full schedule of fixtures in Two East with leaders Bedlinog narrowly seeing off Rhiwbina, 18-15 at the Rec.

The Foxes were outscored two tries to nil but the boots of Iain Smerdon, who kicked two penalties and a drop goal, and Ben Grzseica, who took over from the tee to add three penalties and seal the win, sees them go six points clear at the top.

The Squirrels' Brett Chatwin will feel aggrieved to have finished on the losing side after claiming a brace.

A Dan Davies try and eleven points from the boot of Matthew Davies helped Garndiffaith to a 16-7 home win over Pill Harriers.

Elsewhere, Llantrisant moved up to second after a bruising 9-6 victory over Senghenydd, while the bottom two also clashed, with Rhymney coming out on top 13-12 at Tylorstown.

In Two North, COBRA remain in the hunt for promotion as they comfortably dispatched Llanidloes 51-15. Jack Jukes bagged a brace for the hosts, while Alwyn Williams and Aled Davies were also among the scorers.

Pacemakers Abertillery BG continued their supremacy at the top of Three East with a 38-7 win at Caerphilly. The leaders crossed six times through Kurtis Haile(2), Justin Phelps, Shaun Connor, Darren Miles and Aled Penn.

Meanwhile, Abercarn picked up a crucial win in their bid to avoid the drop as they edged past Abergavenny 18-17. Outside half Jason Evans was the hero for Abercarn as he fired home six penalties to claim his side's fourth victory of the season.

Ynysddu continued where they left off from Saturday as they notched up a half century in a 57-7 success at Chepstow.

The visitors came within nine points of scoring 200 in two matches as they ran in nine tries in all. Josh Davies claimed a brace, while prop Gareth Gwilym went over for the score of the evening - the front row man dashing 70 yards to touchdown a score which he will no doubt be dining out on for awhile!

In Four South East, Barry kept up their title bid with a 17-5 home triumph over Pontycymmer. The hosts crossed twice through Ashley Adams and Rhys O’Sullivan, while Tom Lee stroked home the extras to both and a penalty.

There were wins for both Glyncoch and Pontrhydyfen in Five South Central as the title race intensifies.

Pontrhydyfen easily dispatched Tonna 43-10 with back row Craig Cox and try machine Steve Colarusso both bagging braces, while fly half Rory Williams claimed 18 points.

Finally, in Five South East, Canton dented Cefn Coed’s hopes of promotion with an 18-7 triumph. Peter Hughes was at the double for Cefn while Luke Radford added a conversion, penalty and dropped a goal.

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Swalec Leagues Round Up

Denbigh defied the North Walian weather to move 10 points clear at the top of Division Two North courtesy of a 59-0 hammering of relegation-troubled Llangollen.

With the weather putting paid to a lot of the sport in the region again on the weekend, some clubs were able to get matches played in what will have been a huge relief with the postponed fixture pile-up most are already facing.

They managed nine tries against the visitors, with Dan Jones, the aptly named Jamie Winning and Tom Seddon each grabbing braces. Osian Williams, Liam Arsup-Jones and Dan O’Sullivan rounded off the try count, with Seddon also converting seven of them.

Machynlleth were also big winners – 50-0 over another side fighting the drop, Shotton Steel.

In Two East, Bedlinog stretched their lead at the top to three points as Nelson didn’t play and they etched out a 6-6 draw at Senghenydd, who remain four points behind them in fourth.

Kicking was the name of the game in a match that saw Bedlinog fail to cross the whitewash for the first time this season, and it was a last minute Ian Smerton kick that drew the leaders level to earn a vital point in their fight for promotion.

Two second half tries for Rhiwbina by the prolific Brett Chatwin secured a hard-fought win and bonus point over visitors Fleur de Lys to take the Squirrels into third place.

Jake Chilcott opened the scoring with a penalty, and with some hard work from the forwards they crossed for two first half tries from prop Cameron Neal and No8 Dan Murphy, the second converted by Chilcott.  Adam Greendale replied with a penalty for Flower.

Both defences held secure in the second half until, after a great chip to the corner by Harry Trelawny, Chatwin raced through to pick up and touch down, and Chilcott converted superbly.

Flower’s Ben Papp then scored the visitors’ only try, but it was Chatwin who had the final say, slicing through under the posts to score his second try and secure a vital bonus point after more great work from the forwards, and Chilcott converted.

Elsewhere, Abercynon also climbed above victims Garndiffaith courtesy of a 31-19 victory at Y Parc.

Seven Sisters closed the gap on Builth Wells at the top of Two West to just a point with a 43-18 win over Maesteg Quins.

No8 Alun Jones was the star of the show with a hat-trick of tries, while Daniel Norton, Anthony Llewellyn and centre Kyle Davies added the others.

Crymych were also big winners in the division, running in seven tries in a 51-20 victory over Felinfoel, while Penclawdd also ran in seven tries in a 50-12 win at basement club Haverfordwest. Jonathan Terry grabbed a brace, while hooker Rob Morris, John Hughes, Gareth Evans, Jamie Moore and Chris Corbisiero also crossed.

In Three South West, Pencoed ran out 44-18 winners at Brynamman thanks in large part to Marc Davies kicking 19 points. They secured a bonus point by running in five tries – Gareth Prentiss, Chris John, Scott Narbeph, Ken Morris and Glen Hiscocks being the men to thank for those.

Leaders Trebanos were victorious at lowly Vardre, coming through 18-8 thanks largely to Brendan Murphy grabbing a brace of tries.

The top four all won, with Trebanos and Pencoed joined by second-placed Ystalyfera winning 21-17 at Maesteg Celtic and third-placed Mumbles just edging Bryncoch 24-20.

Amman United remain 10 points clear at the top of Three West thanks to a 20-8 win at Pontarddulais. After forcing a penalty try, Joel Forster and Sean Mangan also crossed to add to a drop goal by fly half Adrian Thomas.

At the bottom, Pontyberem picked up a vital win in the relegation fight of the day, beating Lampeter 30-17. The result moves them on to 25 points, with the bottom two Lampeter and Milford Haven both on 21.

Abertillery BG won the battle of the top two in Three East, triumphing 27-7 at Newport HSOB in a bonus point win that moves them nine points clear at the top. Greg Lane grabbed a brace of tries in the match many saw as a title decider, with Aled Lane and Chris Stevens grabbing the others.

Third-placed Gwernyfed cut the gap between them and Newport HSOB to seven points with an entertaining 46-38 win over Brynmawr. Both sides secured bonus points for tries scored, with the home side’s coming through a Craig Fuller hat-trick, centre Gareth Dodd brace and scores for Lee Hammond and Andrew Hill.

With Rhosllanerchrugog’s game postponed and Wrexham going down 20-3 at Harlech, Newtown opened up a three-pont gap at the top of Three North thanks to a 30-3 win at Bangor.

At the bottom, Holyhead finally won a league game at the 14^th time of asking, 34-10 over Benllech, to move within five points of Porthmadog.

Second-placed Pontyclun ran out 59-10 victors over Penarth in Three South East, while leaders Dowlais beat lowly Tonyrefail 45-8, scoring seven tries. David Butler (two), Jim Kelly (two), John Flanigan, Chris Williams and Simon Griffiths were the scorers.

The Swalec Bowl semi-final line-up has now been completed. Cilfynydd set up a date with Fishguard as they overcame Cambrian Welfare 11-6 in their re-arranged quarter-final. Mark Burton scored all their points via a try and two penalties.

In the other delayed quarter-final, Blaenavon set up a date with Wattstown as Jamie Noble and Lee Wright tries gave them a 10-3 win over Penlan.

Pontycymmer ran in eight tries in a 53-8 victory over lowly Taffs Well in Four South East, while leaders Tycroes scored nine tries in a 53-0 thrashing of Betws in Four West. Simon Cooper and Tristan Morgan both scored braces, and Grant Williams, Stephen Roache, Matthew James, Aaron Price and Dean Bromham got the others.

In Five South East, Pontllanfraith’s sorry season continued with a 53-10 loss at Caerau Ely, while in Five South Central, Glyncoch kept up the pressure on Dinas Powys at the top courtesy of a 64-0 home win over Tonna. Daniel Jones scored a hat-trick of tries in an impressive victory, with Neil McGrath (two), John Milton, Mark Rowlands and Peter Cummings also scoring.

In Five West, Swansea Uplands put 14 tries past St Davids in an 80-6 victory at the relegation threatened club. Paul Beck celebrated the birth of his fourth daughter with as many tries, one for each of them. It was also a brilliant day for the Edmunds brothers. Tom (three), Sion (two) and James all scored, with Ian Lewis, Harry Lees, Ben Davies and Jamie Boyle finishing off the rout.

Baglan had an even bigger win in Five South West, 14 tries again contributing to a 103-21 victory at bottom side Llangadog. Neil Gadd bagged five of them, with Dean Wood (two), Rhodri Rees, Daniel Blethin, Dan Gulley, Jamie McLean, Nathan Dare, Sam Owen and Kevin Thomas also crossing the whitewash.

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Swalec Leagues Round Up

Once again, the weather caused havoc in the Swalec Leagues with matches in the East and North of the country particularly affected by snow and rain.

In the Swalec Championship, Tata Steel remain in the hunt for a top three finish as they battled past Bonymaen 15-6 at their Margam base.

The hosts crossed three times through Martin Luckwell, Ben Davies and a late score from Ewan Hopkin to ensure Bony went home empty handed.

Narberth’s poor run of form continued as they narrowly lost out at Bridgend Athletic 16-15.

Athletic now look safe from relegation as they secured their eighth win of the season. Steve Lewis was the star of the show for the Newbridge Field outfit as he notched up 11 points, including a last gasp drop goal to seal the win.

There was an early morning pitch inspection at the Dairyfield but  Llanharan will be left wishing the pitch hadn’t made the grade as they slipped to a 19-10 defeat to strugglers Pontypool, for whom it was only their second win of the season.

The Dairymen dominated the opening half but found themselves tied 5-5 at the interval, with Pooler back row James Benjamin cancelling out Nathan Huish’s earlier touchdown.

Pooler were far more clinical than their hosts after the break with Benjamin bagging a wonderful breakaway to cross for his second of the afternoon, as prop Sam Cook also went over. Full-back Clayton Gullis added two conversions.

In the only Two East match to make the pitch, Tylorstown failed to help their relegation battle as they slipped to a 22-14 home loss to Garndiffaith.

At the top of Two West, Seven Sisters cut leaders Builth Wells' advantage to six points with a try bonus 24-18 triumph at Aberystwyth.

Ian Watts was at the double for the visitors while hooker Huw Wilkes and captain Gavin Hooper also went over for the title contenders.

Trebanos returned to winning ways in Three South West as they recorded a routine 26-5 home win over Brynamman. Wing Matthew Edwards notched up an 11 point haul, that included a touchdown with the last play of the match, to bag a bonus point for the hosts. Nathan Jones (2) and Steff Lewis also crossed.

Amman United claimed their 15^th win in 16 starts as the Three West title looks theirs to lose. They were given a scare by visiting Lampeter, however, as United edged proceedings 19-18. Liam Morgan, David Matthews and Joel Foster all grabbed tries for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Tycroes remain unbeaten at the head of Four West as the title favourites recorded a 23-6 triumph at Aberaeron.

Penybanc stepped up their pursuit of Five South West leaders Cwmtwrch with an emphatic 48-0 victory over Ystradgynlais.

The Tigers helped themselves to eight tries with Chris Jones (2), Steve Madge, Mike Tench, Wayne Williams and brothers Gethin and Cellan Harris all going over.

The most emphatic win of the day, however, went to Dinas Powys in Five South Central as they battered Blaengarw 114-0 to move top.

Morgan and Adam Williams claimed hat-tricks, while Jon Evan grabbed a brace; Nathan Williams, Owen Stark, Sam Alderman, Tom Chapman, Lloyd Harwood, Matt Brown and Gareth Williams also crossed in the one-sided affair.

Finally, Tonmawr look to be heading towards the Six West title as they recorded their tenth win of the season seeing off Llansawel 29-9. 

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Bedwas return to winning ways with last-gasp victory at Cardiff

Bedwas returned to winning ways in the Premiership on Saturday (March 9), a last gasp, 25-23 victory over Cardiff at the Arms Park edging them ever-closer to a play-off place.

Having lost their last two, Sam Feehan’s last-minute touchdown rescued the visitors. Fly half Ethan Davies showed nerves of steel to send over the conversion to bring his personal tally to 15 points for the match.

It scrappy, but the hosts all but looked to have backed up their win over Cross Keys last time out when Jack Phillips crossed with 10 minutes remaining, but they failed to keep the promotion hopefuls out and had to make do with a losing bonus point.

In the midday kick-off Newport, who had failed to record a win over Premiership opposition since November, hosted a resurgent Neath. But it was the home side that came away with a much-needed win: 13-12.

Sven Cronk’s men completed the doubled over the Gnoll outfit, with the only try of the match coming through Newport wing Owen Broad, while Geraint O’Driscoll’s boot kept the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts.

In the Friday (March 8) night matches, runaway leaders Pontypridd were given a massive scare by Aberavon, but eventually came out on top 22-17, the boot of Simon Humberstone maintaining Ponty’s imperious home form this season.

Elsewhere, Llanelli’s hopes of securing a play-off place took a knock as they lost out 22-21 at local rivals Carmarthen Quins, while Llandovery put aside a difficult period to dispatch Cross Keys 39-17.

Finally Swansea, languishing at the foot of the table, claimed only their second win of the season as they saw off Bridgend, 15-3.

In the Swalec Championship, Ebbw Vale took a big step to securing the inaugural title with a comfortable 42-7 win at Newbridge. Coupled with title rivals Bargoed’s 17-13 defeat at Llanharan, the Steelmen now have a nine-point cushion at the summit.

Fly half Josh Lewis opened the scoring with a jinking run to cross the whitewash, while Adam Jones bagged a brace for the visitors. Polu Uhi, Charlie Simpson and leading try scorer, Wes Cunliffe, also got on the score sheet in the one-sided affair.

It had looked like it was to be business as usual for Bargoed in their game as the visitors got off to the better start, leading 8-5 at the break through a Darren Lynch try and Josh Prosser penalty.

A determined second half performance from the Dairymen, however, ensured they took home the points. Prop James Greenfield barged over for the hosts, while wing Harry Davies gathered up a hack-through to cross. Although Bargoed were well on top throughout, all they could manage was a well-worked Andre McLaughlin touchdown.

In Division One East, Ystrad Rhondda made sure RGC 1404’s reign at the summit was brief as they returned to pole position with an emphatic 100-8 home win over woeful Tredegar.

Fly half Rhys Truelove stole the show with a 30-point haul through two tries and 10 conversions, while Nick Eaves, Chris Clayton, Dan John and Sean Webber all bagged braces.

Meanwhile, a virtuoso performance from Gilfach Goch’s outside half Ian Davies saw his side claim a narrow 16-13 success at Merthyr.

Davies secured all of his side’s points through a converted try and three penalties, one of which came late on in the second half.

In the only game scheduled in Division Two West, leaders Builth Wells dispatched woeful Haverfordwest 30-19.

Rhiwbina kept their Division Two East title hopes alive with a hard-fought 25-8 victory at Llantrisant.

The Squirrels ran in three tries through wing Brett Chatwin, Ashley Evans and Dan Murphy, while Jake Chilcott added 10 points with the boot.

Nelson also remain in the hunt for promotion as they comfortably dispatched Fleur de Lys 32-10.

Blaenavon’s surge up the Four East table continues as they picked up their ninth win in 10, dispatching Monmouth 29-21. Scott Creese, Gareth Groves, Tom Burge and Lee Wright all crossed for the hosts, while Adam Williams kicked three conversions and a penalty.

At the top of Division Four South West, Penlan look in a strong position to bag back to back titles, as the Swansea side continued their fine form with a 30-0 triumph at Pyle.

Back row Robert D’Lulio claimed a hat-trick of tries, while wing David Pritchard was at the double in an impressive outing for Penlan.

In Five West, it was a match to forget for St David’s as the strugglers suffered a 93-0 trouncing at promotion chasing New Dock Stars.

The Stars ran in 15 tries in a one-sided showing. Ben Collard and Luke Edwards both claimed hat-tricks, while Ben Young (two), Jordan Evans (two), Daniel Hatton, Nima Samani, Chris Baxter and Iwan Maze also touched down for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Newport Saracens recorded their eighth win of the season as they saw off RTB Ebbw Vale 22-3: Ethan Doyle, Patrick Jones and Dale Tucker diving over for the Saracens.

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Welsh rugby weekend round-up

Despite it being another international weekend, there was plenty of rugby played in Wales due to the weather-caused increasing fixture pile-up, with both league and Cup matches taking place.

There were no real shocks in the Swalec Plate third round fixtures played over the weekend, with all results going the way of the teams in higher divisions.

Of the three games played, Penallta overcame Nelson 16-7 with the help of a James Powell try, meaning the holders are through to the fourth round where they travel to Heol y Cyw.

Division One West’s Kenfig Hill came through a tricky trip to Two West’s Seven Sisters with a 24-13 win, while One East’s Rhydyfelin overcame Two East’s Rhiwbina 29-13.

The Bowl did throw up one unexpected result, with Nantyglo of Division Five east running out 20-8 winners at Four East’s Hafodyrynys.

Elsewhere, Blaenavon overcame Brynithel 17-3 thanks to tries from Jamie Noble, Scott Creese and Wayne Redmon and a Dan Phillips conversion.

Pontycymmer progressed via a 14-8 home win over Bryncethin, and Penybanc cruised through by defeating New Dock Stars 34-0 away from home.

In the leagues, RGC1404 moved to within two points of Ystrad Rhondda at the top of Division One East with a 60-5 away win at Tredegar.

Rhodri Carlton Jones and Afon Bagshaw each grabbed a brace of tries, while Carwyn ap Myrddin, Mike Jones, Bryn Williams, Kelvin Davies, Hari Evans and a penalty try adding to the score.

Ystrad Rhondda posted a win of their own on Friday night (February 8) – a much tighter 23-20 win over Rumney, with Dave Gratton grabbing the only try for the home side. Rick Truelove kicked six penalties for their other points.

In Division One West, the bottom two sides met as Aberavon Quins hosted Skewen. The away side picked up only their second win of the season as the winless Quins fell to a 37-5 defeat, a Michael Parfitt try the only points to show for their efforts.

At the top, Cwmllynfell closed the gap between themselves and Tondu to four points with a 12-8 home win over Llangennech. Ryan Bayliss and Carl Ackland were the home side’s try scorers.

The other fixture in the division saw Carmarthen Athletic leave Ammanford with a 41-14 win under their belts. Luke Menshall scored a brace of tries for the visitors, while Adam Davies, Rhys Schiavone and Dyfed Morgan also crossed. Scott Maynard kicked four conversions and a penalty.

In Division One North, Pwllheli moved to within three points of leaders Nant Conwy courtesy of a 35-17 victory at Dolgellau. They scored five tries through Osian Jones (two), Rhys Williams, Arwel Thomas and David Brunelli, while Carwyn Pugh and Owan Thomas crossed for the home side.

Bedlinog extended their lead at the top of Division Two East with a 21-12 win at Abercynon. Two tries from Craig Davies and Ben Gressica, who also kicked a conversion and three penalties, were enough for the away side to see out the win.

Trebanos moved 14 points clear at the top of Division Three South West with a 28-12 win over Bryncoch. Sean Hamer, Rhodri Williams, Andrew Penhale and Nick Daniadovitz ran in four tries for the hosts, while Rhodri Thomas kicked two penalties and a conversion.

The boot of Craig Thomas kicked all of Bryncoch’s reply.

Elsewhere, Brynamman defeated Neath Athletic 22-7 thanks in large to five penalties and a conversion from a penalty try by Dafydd Jones.

In Division Three East, Brynmawr won an important relegation battle with Abercarn 48-0, which leaves them just a point behind their opponents and two ahead of second-bottom Croesyceiliog.

Matty Jordan (two), Dafydd Knapp (two), Adam Lane and Michael White were their try scorers, with Liam Crandon kicking 18 points.

At the top, Newport HSOB are now nine points clear of Caerphilly after a six-try, 46-15 triumph at home to Talywain.

Tycroes picked up their 12^th win in 12 league games at the top of Four West, thanks to a 46-12 win over lowly Burry Port. Matthew Edwards ran in a hat-trick of tries, with Arwen Evans, John Ogden and Grant Williams also crossing.

Having trailed 27-0 at half-time, Burry Port put in a much improved second half performance and scored tries through Richard Parker and Daniel Wills.

Elsewhere, Fishguard narrowly defeated Laugharne 16-12, with a try, conversion and three penalties all coming from James Griffiths.

CRC Caerdydd climbed to the top of Division Four South East with a 22-8 win at Cowbridge. Oliver Jenkins kicked 17 points for the visitors as they climbed above Wattstown in the table.

Cefn Cribbwr picked up their fifth win of the campaign in Four South West with a 23-8 win over Pontardawe, while Monmouth defeated Chepstow 31-13 in Four East, Cwmtwrch ran out 38-11 winners at Alltwen in Five South West, and Cwmgors won 36-5 at bottom side Llangadog in the same division.

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Swalec Lower League Round Up

Taibach claimed a much need four points in Two West as the Tigers look to ease their relegation worries, a touchdown from Mike Kelly helping them on their way to a 19-6 home win over Maesteg.

Wrexham notched up half a century as they thumped Three North rivals Flint 50-3, Jack Radcliffe, Jake Edwards and James Price were all at the double for the highfliers.

St Peters leapt to third in Three South East as the battle for promotion intensifies, with the Rocks picking up an invaluable 32-17 home win over Nantymoel.

The Rocks put in a five star show with touchdowns from Josh Kelly, Josh Dunleavy, Lewis Dawes, Martin Hill and Dan French. The gap to leaders Dowlais is now just six points after the highfliers' match against Pentyrch fell foul of a waterlogged pitch.

There seems to be no stopping Trebanos in Three South West after the trailblazers opened up an incredible 16 point lead at the summit, thanks to their 42-0 disposal of Aberavon Green Stars.

Chris Balfy, Steff Lewis, Chris Garth and Matthew Edwards were amongst the tries as the highfliers continued their unblemished season.

Tredegar Ironsides look destined for the drop in Three East after they suffered their eighth loss of the season, losing out 36-5 to Talywain.

Two early penalty tries put paid to any hope Ironsides had of the points with Rhys Hams, Jamie Wilmott and Dai Powell all touching down for Talywain.

Rhydian Davies was the hero for Llanybydder as the Four West title contenders scraped to an 8-3 triumph at Aberaeron.

Bettws cut pacemakers Nantyglo’s lead at the top of Five East to nine points as they were comfortable 38-7 victors at Rogertsone, Wayne Whitehead bagged a brace while Gareth Busson and Kyle Williams also crossed for the visitors.

Cwmtwrch kept the pressure on at the business end of Five South West with a clinical 40-0 drubbing of Llandybie.

Back row man mountain, Jason Aplin, grabbed four tries with Dan White and Scott Evans also crossing the whitewash.

Finally, Glyncoch’s incredible winning run goes on, as they easily dispatched Hirwaun 36-0 in Five South Central. The Glyncs helped themselves to six of the best, with tries from Craig Longmead, Gareth Wolf (2), Jason Davies, Anthony Wdovik and Jay Price.

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Wattstown hit a half-century in big derby day victory

Swalec League Divisions Four-Seven weekend review

PENYGRAIG felt the full force of a Wattstown team intent on staying at the top of Four South East as the hosts won the Rhondda derby 50-8, scoring eight tries in the process.

Adam Phillips and Chris Evans bagged two and Jack Foulkes and Simon Wincock were also among the scorers. Old Illtydians in second could only beat Cowbridge 10-3 with a Tom Wheeler try and Abercwmboi squeezed home against Barry, winning 20-19 thanks to tries from Scott Cutler and James Webster.

New Tredegar pounced on Cilfynydd’s shock defeat by Cwmbran to close the gap at the summit of Four East. The Rhinos saw off Caldicot 21-5 with two Gavins, Stockman and Ferguson, on the scoresheet.

Stuart Mander and Scott Stephen crossed for Tycroes as the top dogs in Four West defeated a battling Betws 18-3. Llanydybber, with Rhydian Davies picking up two tries, had no problems beating Hendy 38-3 and despite having hooker Rhys Evans sent-off for a tip-tackle, Trimsaran drew 17-17 against Nantgaredig.

Another dominant display saw Penlan cruise home 54-0 at Birchgrove in Four South West with No 8 Robert Di’Iulio getting three of their eight tries. Robbie Thorn, Dan Harris and Jeff Jones got tries for Cefn Cribbwr who beat Briton Ferry 22-18.

The standout performance of the weekend undoubtedly came at Baglan in Five South West where the hosts, and right wing Dean Wood in particular, had a red letter day against Llangadog. They won 101-0, scoring 17 tries and Wood got seven himself. Elliott Jones went over for three too but Wood took all the headlines.

Not far behind Baglan in the scoring stakes was Swansea Uplands who thumped St Davids 95-0 in Five West. Sean Edmund registered a hat-trick and there were 16 tries altogether and 10 different scorers.

Dan Butler had his kicking boots on and his four penalties, along with Spencer Cauley’s try, gave RTB Ebbw Vale a 17-15 win over Brynithel in Five East. Luke O’Brien, Robbie Jones, Luke Egan, Jason Goodridge and Nathan Astley were try scorers for St Joseph’s (Cardiff) in their 34-6 victory at Markham in Five South East while Marc Shepherd’s try, conversion and brace of penalties took Pontrhydyfen to a 13-3 win at Dinas Powys in Five South Central.

One of the biggest personal try hauls was claimed by Tom Williams as his Mynydd y Garreg team walloped Aberavon Naval Club 55-10 in Six West while Alan Sheeva, Nick Davies and Ian Cooper helped Blaenau to a 25-13 defeat of Pantyffynnon.

In Six South East, Llanrumney blasted STAR 95-0 and Ross Evans claimed two tries for Cardiff Saracens as Hartridge were put to the sword in a 35-8 loss. Joe Bradley’s two penalties were enough to give Llandrindod Wells a first win of the season in Six South Central at Tref y Clawdd.

Blaina Utd’s bonus-point success against Forgeside kept them out in front in Six East with Matthew O’Dowd, Carl Brimble, Mike John and Jamie Edmunds all scoring tries. Not to be outdone, Tom Hancock (2), Chris Stokes (2) and Lee Southall were on target for Hollybush as they beat Malpas 33-17.

Finally, Sea View recorded their first ever win as a Welsh League club yesterday, defeating Abersychan 23-12 in Division Seven. A 48-3 away win against Newbridge Utd gave Cathays a bonus point to draw level with Whitchurch at the top. Their match against West Mon was called off and Rhayader overcame Aberbeeg 20-18.

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Brothers in arms make it a night to remember for RGC 1404

IT only seemed right that after travelling up and down the country for the last six weekends, RGC 1404, the one North Wales club playing in the league down South, should toast their first One East home game with a win.

More than 1,600 fans packed into Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay as RGC took on Rumney in a match the home side eventually won 37-16 with a bonus point.

Brothers Carwyn and Llywrach ap Myrddin both got on the scoresheet with Kelvin Davies, Richard Hopkins and a penalty try making up the five scores. Rhodri Carlton-Jones added the rest with kicks.

One East leaders Ystrad Rhondda are now five points ahead of RGC but the North Walians do have a game in hand. The Rhondda club thrashed Mountain Ash 55-28 with David Gratton notching a hat-trick while Rhydyfelin were pushed all the way by struggling Tredegar but eventually won 31-26.

Tries came thick and fast at the Wern with hosts Merthyr and visitors Treorchy sharing eight between them. But in the end it was the Zebras who came out on top 38-32 with Gareth Daniel, Chris Everett, Robert Jones and Tristan Lazarus on target.

The Ironmen would obviously have been gutted to lose but in defeat they still picked up two bonus points with Rhys Luckwell, Josh Flye, Andrew Murphy and Darren Ryan crossing the try-line.

Greg Roberts crossed twice for Gilfach Goch in their 49-25 defeat of Penallta and there were some strange goings on as Ynysybwl edged out Heol y Cyw 18-17 with two tries for Andrew Lloyd.

Reports suggest that referee Jason Langdon, who had been whacked in the face by a stray kick, convinced himself that Heol y Cyw were leading 22-18 when in fact it was Ynysybwl who were winning 18-17.

In his dazed state Langdon was adamant that he was right and waved away protests by Ynysybwl players, officials and supporters who were arguing to the contrary. The referee even went so far as to send an Ynysybwl official from the sideline before eventually coming to his senses and agreeing that the home side were indeed in front.

Tondu are still unbeaten in One West, their latest success being a 38-13 win away at Loughor with Paul Smithson scoring two tries. Richard Deakin went one better for Cwmllynfell as they saw off Kenfig Hill 32-20 and Jordan Clayfield bagged a brace for Waunarlwydd in a 37-7 triumph at Skewen.

Rhys Jones, Ifan Beynon-Thomas and Ricky Richards scored two tries apiece in Carmarthen Athletic’s 56-10 hammering of Aberavon Quins while Glynneath and Ammanford also won against Kidwelly and Llangennech respectively.

Lloyd Bayliss and James Parry's tries, along with extras from Cory Jenkins and Johnny  Morgan, took Glynneath to a 29-23 victory while a Gary Stevens try and three Rhydian Morris penalties gave Ammanford a 14-13 win.

Top beat bottom in One North as Nant Conwy eased past Llangefni 26-6 but second-placed Bro Ffestiniog were held to an 8-8 draw by Bala.

The top two in Two East both lost with Nelson going down 34-25 at Llantwit Fardre for whom Jason Pocock kicked 19 points and Pill Harriers losing 11-6 to Abercynon. Felinfoel took the chance to close the gap on Two West leaders Builth Wells who were without a game.

Jordan Dunne and Nick Morris were two of Felinfoel’s five try scorers in a 35-10 win over Crymych while Maesteg Quins made up ground on Seven Sisters in third by beating their rivals 27-12 thanks to 14 points from Gareth Lewis.

Fly-half Gareth James scored a try and slotted three penalties and four conversions as Ystalyfera disposed of Maesteg Celtic 42-10 in Three South West and there was a belated first win of the season for Aberavon Green Stars, 23-10, at home to Neath Athletic.

In Three East, Aled Penn raced in for a hat-trick as leaders Abertillery BG brushed aside Newport HSOB 30-6 and Brecon scored nine tries in a 59-14 rout of Nantymoel in Three South East.

Ritchie Williams crossed twice for Four West frontrunners Tycroes during their 56-8 annihilation of Aberaeron and Pontycymmer won the battle of the top two in Four South East, defeating Wattstown 16-15.

Glyncoch whipped Porthcawl 32-0 in the match of the day in Five South Central as two sides boasting unbeaten records went head-to-head. The seasiders had no answer to Glyncoch’s power and Darren Baker, Evan Griffiths, Andrew Edwards and Lloyd Allen helped the hosts to a bonus-point win.

There was a rare feat at Gowerton as the home side, leaders of Five West, thrashed Llangwm 88-10 with three players registering hat-tricks. Josh Hamer, Luke Jones and Callum McKenzie were the men involved. The big clash in Six East went the way of Blaina United who beat New Panteg 22-20 to move to the summit of the table.

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