Wednesday rugby round-up

Cardiff Met look set to bag a top three finish in the Championship after they dispatched already relegated Glamorgan Wanderers 51-31, at their Cyncoed base.

The Wands managed five tries in a high scoring and entertaining encounter, with Rhys Jenkins, No8 Garrick Armstrong, Charlie Johnston, Jac Hopkins and Andrew Bradbury all crossing for the visitors.

But the students out-did their efforts with six touchdowns of their own. Sam Cross, Miles Normandale, Rhodri Davies, full back Guy Woods, wing Pierre Tucker and Ben Axten-Burrett all went over, with Matt O’Brien equally capable with the boot. He converted all six, added two penalties and even threw in a drop goal for good measure for a personal tally of 21 points.

The evening’s other fixture saw basement club Whitland pick up only their third win of the season via a 33-24 victory over Newbridge at Parc Llwyntygwyn.

The hosts earned a bonus point by crossing four times. Fraser Watson, Will Davies, Zach France Miller and Rhodri West did the damage, with Johnny Thomas converting two of them and adding two penalties, and Carwyn Jones kicking a further three points.

Full back Ceri Young grabbed a brace of tries for the visitors, with Stefan Morgan adding another and Neil Burnett kicking the remaining points.

There was plenty of drama at both ends of the table in One East.

At the top, Ystrad Rhondda posted a 28-21 home victory over Gilfach Goch to keep in touch with leaders RGC 1404, but weren’t happy when their opponents arrived with three Premiership players in the side.

On the team-sheet, they were all listed as in the side on permit, while the hosts pointed out this was against the rules. Gilfach stated that it was a clerical error, and that one was in fact in the team on dual registration, therefore breaking no rules.

The referee sided with Ystrad, and Gilfach went in to the fixture with just two replacements. It was a controversial beginning to the game, as some will question why a team who had nothing but pride to play for would arrive for an end-of-season fixture with three players with Premiership experience in their side.

However, the row must have inspired the Rhondda Valley side on, as they secured a bonus point win through braces by David Gratton and Jay Harris. Rhys Truelove converted all four to secure a vitally important win.

At the other end, Merthyr’s fate looks to have been sealed as they lost 42-13 away at Rumney and Mountain Ash surprised Rhydyfelin to pick up a vital 35-12 win.

With Merthyr expecting a points deduction for failing to fulfil a fixture, they will certainly have to produce a ‘Great Escape’ of the highest proportions to survive relegation.

Mountain Ash compounded their defeat by picking up a bonus point win as Rhydyfelin undoubtedly had one eye on their Swalec Plate final this weekend. Chris Edmonds (two), Ross Davies and Mark Addis were their try scorers.

In One West, Glynneath posted a 36-17 victory over Kenfig Hill to move above Ammanford and level on points with Kidwelly in the table.

Corey Jenkins starred for Glynneath by scoring a try, two conversions, three penalties and a drop goal, with a penalty try, a James Price score and a Rhodri Cole touchdown adding the extras.

Carl Davies crossed for the visitors’ sole five-pointer, with Nicky Giles kicking the rest of their points through penalties.

In Two East, Llantwit Fardre put seven tries past lowly Rhymney, while leaders Bedlinog came close to a half century of points as they hammered Garndiffaith 49-0.

Lampeter climbed off the bottom of the Three West table and above Milford Haven by beating the same side 53-7, touching the ball down nine times in the process.

There was also an important result in Three North as Harlech defeated Rhos 22-7 to really dent the visitors’ title challenge. The loss allowed Wrexham to climb above them to the top of the table with a 32-12 win over Porthmadog.

In Four South West, Glyncorrwg landed seven tries as they beat Pontardawe 43-12. They came from six separate scorers – Anthony Daws, Gareth Kingman, Steffan Hnatiuk, Joshua Thomas, Rhys Harris and Steffan Williams – as well as a penalty try.

Bettws moved just a point behind second-placed Caerleon in Five East thanks to a 54-18 beating of Brynithel. JJ Whitehead and Ryan Bradford both notched braces, with Kyle Williams, Sean Clarke, Mikey Thomas and Lewis Crowley making it eight tries scored for the hosts.

Abertysswg also ran up eight tries as they beat Canton 50-5 in Five South East. Gareth Lerwell grabbed two of them, with the others shared between Ricky Jones, Richard Theophilus, Josh Perry, Jamie Parry, Lee Llewellyn and Michael Wogan.

Cwmtwrch defeated Llandybie 55-7 in Five South West, while Glyncoch triumphed over Rhigos by the same scoreline in Five South Central.

The result of the day went to Pontrhydyfen in the same division, smashing Blaengarw 102-0 in their own back yard. They managed 16 tries, with Craig Cox equalling the club record of six tries in one match. Tom Frost nabbed himself a hat-trick, with the others scored by Chris Hunt, Kelvin Walters, Nick Edwards, Mark Davies, Richard Wanklyn and Chris Golvett.

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Tuesday rugby round-up

Llandovery set up a scintillating final day of the Premiership season as their 41-3 beating of Aberavon guaranteed a nail-biting 80 minutes for all sides still in with a shot at the play-offs.

They moved in to second spot, above Bedwas and Llanelli, with just two points separating the three sides. On Saturday they travel to Bedwas for a tantalising play-off showdown, with both sides knowing a win could see them home. Llanelli will be hoping that Llandovery overcome their hosts, or a draw is etched out, as that would see them take their play-off place no matter what happens in their fixture at Pontypridd.

With all the possible bonus point permutations, the real winner, of course, is the neutral.

It took the hosts just eight minutes to cross the whitewash through James Garland, before Shaun Miles, Jack Roberts, Adam Warren, Lee Rees and Chris Knight all followed suit. Garland converted three of them and added a drop goal for a personal tally of 14 points, with Roberts converting another.

Aberavon’s sole points came from a Craig Evans penalty just after the restart.

Elsewhere, Cardiff ended bottom side’s Swansea’s terrible season on another sour note with a 33-8 victory at St Helen’s.

Dan Fish flopped over for a brace of tries, with Garyn Lucas and Dan Partridge adding two more. James Thomas kicked the rest of the points. Swansea replied through an Aled Jenkins score and a Luke Price penalty.

In One West, Carmarthen Athletic wracked up a half century of points in an eight-try, 52-13 victory at Waunarlwydd.

Centre Viv Jenkins top-scored with two of those, with full-back Rhys Schiavone, Scott Maynard, hooker Gethin Robinson, centre Mike Sauro, Richard Broomfield and Aled Jones also going over. Maynard converted six of them.

The hosts earned a penalty try with the last play of the game, as a covering defender won the race to a kick over the top and hit the ball over the dead ball line.

There is an equally exciting race for the title in Three North as there is for the Premiership play-offs. Newtown in third triumphed 57-7 at home to Flint last night to leave them on 63 points, the same as second-placed Wrexham and just one behind leaders Rhos.

Flying wing Junior Dean put the final touches to two tries, with fly half Rowan Swanson scoring another and a very productive day for the pack resulting in five points each for No8 Nick Jones, flanker Craig Lewis, hooker Will Richards, pop Ashley Padget and second row John Harbour. Jack Bennett picked the remaining 17 points.

Rhos do have a game in hand on the other two as well as that extra point, and they play it tonight away at lowly Porthmadog.

Cilfynydd gave themselves a huge boost in the Four East title race by edging the battle of the top two 20-19 at Ynysddu, coming from 16-0 down with 20 minutes to go to sensationally nick it.

Greg and Dafydd Davies were the main instigators of the comeback with two tries, one of which was converted by Delme King and the other by Mark Burton, who also kicked two penalties in the remarkable win.

Jeremy Roberts looked to have almost single-handedly won the game for the hosts with their only try, converted, plus three penalties, while Craig Davies chipped in with a drop goal before the comeback.

The result leaves Cilfynydd seven points clear on 79, and with two games in hand, while Oakdale in third, just a point behind Ynysddu, also have a game in hand to play over them.

Llanybydder missed the chance to go top of Four West, crashing 28-14 at third-placed Fishguard. Rhodri Thomas, Ed Bendle, Mark George and Gavin Walsh all crossed for the hosts, with James Griffiths converting them to put a real dent in the visitors’ title bid.

Four South West leaders Penlan put 84 points past bottom club Birchgrove to celebrate the promotion they achieved by beating Bridgend Sports in their last outing.

They won 84-5, running in 14 tries, to put one hand on the title ahead of Glyncorrwg, providing there is no end-of-season collapse.

Wing Dafydd Pritchard and flanker Adam Glover both ran in hat-tricks, with centre Nathanial Llewellyn and scrum half Dominic Cambriani both adding braces. Full back Luke Davies, outside centre Lee Banfield, and the two second rows Kurt Velardo and Luke Mooney crossed for single scores, with outside half Steven Williams converting three of them, and his replacement Scott Davies converting another four.

Nantyglo moved eight points clear of Caerleon in Five East with a 17-7 win at Crumlin, while St Josephs are now 14 points clear in Five South East thanks to a 24-19 win at home over Caerau Ely.

Finally, Cwmgors climbed to the top of Five South West by beating Glais 29-0. Mike Hodges, James Varney, Steff Rees and Owen Davies tries secured the bonus point they required to climb above Cwmtwrch with a game in hand. Both clubs are on 80 points.

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Ponty seal top spot with win over old rivals

Pontypridd saw off Cardiff at the Arms Park to secure top spot in the Principality Premiership and guarantee a spot in the end of season play-off final.

Their five try, bonus point victory moved them 24 points clear of nearest rivals Bedwas, who have just four games remaining and not enough points available to claw the gap back.

Their play-off opponents are likely to be either Bedwas themselves or Llanelli, with Cross Keys and Llandovery still just in the hunt but also finding games and points available running out to achieve their goals.

Cardiff were hit by a serious of injuries, particularly in the first-half, with their physio arguably the busiest man of the night. Their try scorer Cory Allen, for example, was hurt while crossing the whitewash and had to leave the field.

For the first 15 minutes things were pretty tight, but from the moment prop Scott Roberts touched down for a try, which Simon Humberstone converted, the writing was on the wall and the travelling Ponty faithful could start the party.

Full-back Adam Thomas bagged a try after 25 minutes and with Humberstone converting Ponty led 14-7 at the break.

Thomas completed his brace soon after the restart and then the floodgates opened with centre Gary Williams and wing Owen Jenkins crossing for tries, both converted by Dai Flanagan who had come on for Humberstone.

The match was done, and it was just a matter of counting down the clock and seeing out the victory in a professional manner.

Ponty assistant coach Paul John had every reason to smile after his side's emphatic triumph - their 18th in 19 league games - but he was not getting carried away just yet as Ponty still have plenty to play for.

“We are chuffed to bits with the win, as the aim was to keep things ticking,” he said afterwards. “There is a massive game at the weekend in the Cup and we have loads of respect for Carmarthen Quins so we have to keep focussed.

“This is just one job done and now it is on with the next one. To score 35 points and five converted tries at the Arms Park is a fantastic achievement.

“We have good competition for places and the team is in good shape, and the support was magnificent tonight as always.”

This convincing victory will put Ponty in good heart for their Cup semi-final against the Quins at Aberavon on Saturday, and the league and Cup double is looking very much on the cards.

There were also some games played in the Swalec Leagues, with Rhosllanerchrugog moving to the top of Three North after scoring five tries of their own in in 29-12 bonus point victory over Flint. That bonus point could be vital, as they move a point ahead of Wrexham and Newtown in the table having played a game less.

In Four East, Cilfynydd extended their lead at the top to eight points with a 36-10 victory over Hafodyrynys. They also still hold a game in hand over closest rivals Ynysddu.

Penlan climbed to the top of Four South West with a 26-8 beating of Pontardawe, their 14^th victory in 15 league games this season. They now sit a point ahead of Glyncorrwg having played a game less, and four ahead of Bryncethin while holding three games in hand.

Finally, Abertysswg switched their game with Markham in Five South East to their Maes McLaren home after the visitors had double booked their pitch. They won 50-13, scoring eight tries, to move to within three points of St Josephs at the top with a game in hand still to play.

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Cold weekend can’t extinguish sizzling Swalec League action

In Division One West, Tondu extended their advantage at the top of the table to 12 points as they comfortably saw off visiting Waunarlwydd 23-15 at Pandy Park.

Darren Thomas bagged a brace of tries for the Waterwheelers, while Daniel Watts also crossed. Outside half Paul Smithson added eight points with the boot.

The result moves Tondu 12 points clear of Cwmllynfell in second, who didn’t play, although they have now played three games more than their nearest rivals.

At the other end of the table, relegation threatened Skewen boosted their hopes of avoiding the drop with a 20-11 home win over Kidwelly.

The hosts outscored their rivals two tries to one with touchdowns from Matthew Myatt and James Ball, while Anthony Buselli slotted both conversions and two penalties to deny the mid-table Black and Ambers a bonus point.

Meanwhile, Carmarthen Athletic leapt to fifth in the table with a bonus point, 39-15 success at local rivals, Llangennech.

Athletic’s Scott Maynard was the star of the show, as the scrum half helped himself to 24 of his side’s points through a brace, four conversions and two penalties. The visitors also crossed three more times through Dyfed Morgan, Rhys Schiavone and Adam Davies.

The only fixture scheduled in Division One East saw Heol y Cyw heap more woe on relegation doomed Tredegar with a staggering 73-0 thumping.

The Cockerels were rampant throughout and ran in 11 tries in all. Paul Songhurst claimed a hat-trick, with Rhys Eskin and Gareth Howells crossing twice. Wayne Howe, Nicky Bees, Luke O’Driscoll and Mike Huckridge also went over in yet another game all those associated with Tredegar will want to forget.

Rhiwbina scored nine tries in a runaway 55-10 victory against visitors Garndiffaith at Caedelyn and returned to second position in Division Two East.

The outstanding Bret Chatwin crossed for four tries, including a superb first half hat-trick, and looked dangerous every time he had the ball in his hands.

Garn had a man yellow carded as early as the fifth minute, and were constantly under pressure in the scrums, where the Squirrels' front row were dominant.

Chatwin had the first of his tries after a break by Richard Saltmarsh, who converted four of the first half tries. Pat Howell stole the ball and charged over for the second Rhiwbina try, and not to be outdone, Paul Smith bulldozed through for the Squirrels' third try.

Great handling saw Chatwin complete his hat-trick, and Garn responded with a try by Rhys Wells.

Wells scored his second try soon after the restart, but then it was all Rhiwbina as they scored further tries through Gareth McCarthy and Joe O'Sullivan, and a 30-metre special from Sean Cochlin, before Chatwin sliced through under the posts for his fourth try, converted by Josh Davies.

Rhiwbina's Pat Howell charges his way over against Garndiffaith

The Nelson-Rhymney and Tylorstown-Llantwit Fardre fixtures were unfortunately called off.

Penarth eased their relegation worries in Three South East with a hard-fought, 10-0 victory over Pentyrch in a vital result for the club.

The Three West title now looks like Amman United’s to lose after the highfliers saw off title rivals Newcastle Emlyn 29-15, to open up a 12-point advantage at the top of the table.

United ran in five tries through Dean Williams, Chris Rees, Ryan Williams, Doug Jenkins and Andrew Lacey.

Trailblazers Bryncethin edged out Briton Ferry in a Four South West try thriller, with the Bridgend side triumphing 36-26.

Lewis Davies bagged a brace for Bryncethin as they outscored the visitors five tries to four, while Tony Millington, Evan Parry-John and Geoff Hobbs also went over for the hosts.

Third-placed Penybanc closed the gap on Cwmgors in second to just a point in Five South West with their 11^th win in 12 league games – 47-15 away at Llandybie.

Finally, Gowerton maintained their unblemished league record in Five West with an emphatic 65-0 drubbing of visitors Cefneithin.

The Swansea side, who are a massive 14 points clear of their nearest rivals at the summit, ran in 11 tries with Liam Hedges, Gethin Lillicrap and Lewis Williams all crossing twice for the pacemakers.

Elsewhere in that division, Pembroke closed the gap on second-placed New Dock Saints to just three points with a 31-10 home win over Pontyates, although they have played two more games than their rivals.

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Swalec League Round Up

Rhiwbina convincingly beat visiting Rhymney at Parc Caedelyn by 43-12 in Two East, scoring five tries in the process.

Pat Murphy scored the Squirrels’ only first half try, while Grant Fitzgerald kicked three penalties as he made the visitors' indiscipline pay to lead 14-0 at the break. Fitzgerald continued his fine form with the boot adding another penalty before Greg Plant crossed for Rhymney, but there then came a delay after Rhymney hooker Sean Murphy had to be helped from the field with a dislocated elbow.

With no more front row replacements, the referee was forced to call passive scrums, although this didn't adversely affect the rhythm of the match and Squirrels skipper Nick Howell scored two tries, the second of which a superb individual effort from inside his own half, while ever-reliable Richard Saltmarsh burst through under the posts, and the scoring was completed by a typical Dan Murphy try.

In the battle at the bottom, two tries from wing Lewis Rigby helped Abercynon to a 29-10 home win over Fleur de Lys. At the other end of the table, Nelson picked up their fifth win with a 43-20 success at Garndiffaith.

Highfliers Llandudno edged out Two North title rivals COBRA 18-17. James Gregson and Ed Weston crossed for Llandudno, with Luke Jones adding two crucial penalties and a conversion.

It seems like defeats for Maesteg Quins come around like buses as the Llynfi Valley side were unbeaten in the league for the best part of three seasons before last week, and suffered their second loss in as many games in Two West as they lost out 25-14 at Aberystwyth.

Aber were awarded a penalty try, while Geraint Rowlands and Paul Bunford touched down for the hosts, as Owain Owen added two conversions and two penalties.

Builth Wells are now the new leaders in the division after former pacemakers Maesteg crashed to a 36-10 loss at Felinfoel, the Bulls capitalising in their 15-7 win over Dunvant at Broadacre, with tries from Dean Jones and Andrew Duggan.

Abertillery BG were far too strong for visiting Gwernyfed in Three East with the hosts notching up a 38-6 victory.

Chris Stevens was the hero of the day for the hosts amassing 15 points through a try and five conversions.

Pontypool United remain top of the table thanks to a 24-11 home triumph over Croesyceiliog. Luke Palmer, Rob Grey and Scott Malson all touching down for United.

Meanwhile, Caerphilly claimed their fifth win seeing off Brynmawr 16-10. The Cheesemen’s only try of the match came through Lloyd Summers while Sam Wollat struck three penalties and a conversion.

Llanelli Wanderers returned to winning ways in Three West at Cardigan with a bonus point 33-6 triumph, while Amman United remain top thanks to their 41-21 home success over Gorseinon, with Jonny Bevan getting three of his side's seven tries.

Tenby were the big winners of the day as they ran in nine tries to ruthlessly dispatch Lampeter 59-0, Smith brothers Toby (2) and Sam were amongst the tries for the hosts.

Pencoed picked up their maiden win in Three South West as they bagged a 31-13 home success over Resolven. The hosts were awarded a penalty try while Glen Hiscocks, Gareth Prentie and Daniel Howells touched down.

Penlan are continuing to run riot in Four South West as the Swansea side brushed aside Cefn Cribbwr 43-7. The Swansea side ran in seven tries with Dafydd Pritchard, Steven Williams and Bobby Scrine amongst the tries.

Early pacemakers New Tredegar continue to rack up the tries in Four East as they put Hafodyrynys to the sword with a 53-27 triumph.

The Newts were in seventh heaven as centre Ricky Hawkins claimed a hat-trick, wing Rhys Walbeof bagged a brace, while Josh Matthews and Gavin Stockman also went over.

It remains nip and tuck at the top of Five South Central with both Glyncoch and Porthcawl grabbing big wins.

The Glyncs easily dispatched Ferndale 60-3 with Anthony John claiming a hat-trick, while Swalec Bowl hero Shaun Baggs crossed for a double. Porthcawl meanwhile helped themselves to nine tries at Blaengarw as they triumphed 59-10, Neil Nutman, Ben Clarke and Dnny Shaw all getting braces for the Seasiders.

Finally in Division Seven, Aberbeeg looked impressive as ever as they saw off Newbridge United 42-17, Gareth Bevan, Gavin Hillier, Anthony Jones, Keiron Gingell, Craig Llewellyn and Adam Puddy all going over for the highfliers.

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Swalec Leagues Round Up

Penallta are the new leaders in Division One East after they continued their impressive form, bagging a bonus point 31-22 victory over Heol y Cyw.

The Pitmen outscored their rivals four tries to three, with Gavin Spiller getting two of the home side’s scores to go with touchdowns from Gareth Edwards and Gregg Haines.

Andre Soroko converted all four and Jonny Wright added a penalty as Penallta moved to the summit of the table ahead of RGC 1404, whose game against Tredegar was postponed.

Ystrad Rhondda sit just behind Penallta in second after they secured a convincing 31-3 win over local rivals Treorchy.

Rhys Truelove was the hosts' hero of the day scoring a try, penalty and four conversions, while Bleddyn Davies, David Gratton and Alex Webber were the other Ystrad men to touch down. All the Zebras could muster was a Celyn Ashton penalty.

North Wales region RG1404 will have to wait to make their home debut after their match against Tredegar was postponed.

Tondu have opened up early daylight at the top of Division One West as they produced an excellent performance to see off Waunarlwydd 27-21.

Paul Smithson, David Bishop, Ross McGraw and Gavin Eagle were on the scoresheet for the leaders, but Waun thoroughly deserved their losing bonus point.

Many people’s pre-season title favourites Carmarthen Athletic finally recorded their first victory of the season, 24-12 against Ammanford, with Viv Jenkins, Chris Francis and Jack Maynard getting the vital tries.

At the foot of the table, Aberavon Quins’ wait for a first win goes on following a 29-19 loss to Kidwelly with Gareth Rees kicking 14 of the Ambers' points.

In Division Two West, Felinfoel have finally ended Maesteg Quins' two and a half years unbeaten run in the Swalec leagues thanks to a 24-19 victory. Curtis Morris and Simon Delaney were the try scorers for Foel, but it was the boot of Aled Thomas that secured victory adding 14 points.

Elsewhere in the division, Quins’ archrivals Maesteg were racking up another win as their rich vein of form continues, seeing off Haverfordwest 44-22.

The Llynfi Valley side helped themselves to six tries through Michael Collins, Mauro Perilli Bello, Lawrence Howley, Karl Hocking, Mike Powell and Luke Hollyman.

Harry Rees' try double helped Llantrisant to their six try bonus point 49-20 demolition at Abercynon in Two East, while Nelson still remain at the head of the table after they ripped apart Tylorstown 47-8.

Denbigh maintained their unblemished record in Two North - but only just - beating Llandudno 15-13 through tries by Dwayne Speakman-Jones and Dion Howatson, and a conversion and penalty by Tom Seedon. At the other end of the table, Llangollen are still looking for their first point after a 48-18 thrashing at home to Abergele.

Llandeilo got off the mark in Three West thanks to a 20-8 win over Lampeter, thanks to tries from Dafydd Thomas, Leighton Rees and Sion Wells.

Aberavon Green Stars continue to be Three South West’s whipping boys with Pencoed dishing out the pain this weekend as they secured a 44-5 home win. Winger Richie Samuel was the toast of the Verlands as the speedster crossed for a hat-trick.

Fairwater got the better of Penarth in Three South East with a 27-16 showing, with touchdowns coming from Ryan Evans, Luke O’Brien and Michael Andrews.

The Davies brothers inspired Penlan to their 30-0 triumph at Pontardawe, with 18 year old Luke grabbing a brace, and Scott adding two conversions as well as helping to set up Jason Garmy’s opening minute try. Hooker Dean also posed problems for the hosts all day in the loose.

Porthcawl took over the top spot in Five South Central thanks to a 40-15 beating of Tonna, Steve Phillips scoring two of their six tries, while in the battle between two title hopefuls, Glyncoch won 24-14 at Pontrhydyfen with Gareth Way getting a try brace.

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Resolven on brink of securing promotion

RESOLVEN need to beat Briton Ferry with a bonus point next Saturday to guarantee promotion from Four South West after smashing Pontardawe 90-17 yesterday.

They scored 14 tries in total to get themselves every chance of overhauling Trebanos, the side currently in second, who hold a four-point advantage.

Rhodri Lewis contributed 20 points with two tries, two conversions and two penalties. Also among the scorers was Michael Smith, on permit from Seven Sisters, with a brace while Richard Morgan touched down twice too.

Talywain maintained their hopes of capturing the Four East title with a 33-8 success at home to Caldicot.

They bagged a bonus point with six tries, full-back Morgan Parry among the scorers as Caldicot were put to the sword.

Joel Whitcombe, Craig Selway, Wayne Redmond and Chris O’Leary were also among the tries while the visitors got one of their own.

Also in Four East, New Tredegar put the disappointment of their Swalec Bowl defeat to Glyncoch behind them to thrash Taffs Well 50-15 and outscoring their hosts by five tries to two.

Two-try salvos from Sonny Driscoll and Bryn Evans gave St Peters a 43-20 win at Tonyrefail and finish their Three South East season on a high.

Their seven tries in total, however, weren’t enough to see them leapfrog either Rhiwbina or Nelson in the table and they had to settle for a fourth place finish with the three sides all on 72 points.

Dan French, who added three conversions, also crossed the whitewash as did Matthew Murphy and Josh Kelly while Driscoll kicked a conversion of his own.

The hosts just failed to secure a bonus point with three tries but if they had they would have gone level on points with Aberdare in ninth.

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Hat-trick heroes give Wanderers title

HAT-TRICKS from fly-half Jonathan Griffiths and wing Karl Evans helped Llanelli Wanderers clinch the Division Four West crown against Burry Port.

The Wanderers have been involved in a titanic tussle with Amman Utd all season and had to beat Burry Port with a bonus point to make sure they could not be caught by their closest rivals who have one game remaining.

And Saturday’s 42-10 win was never in doubt as the home side eased their supporters’ nerves with half a dozen tries, all of which were converted by Rhys Phillips.

Llanybydder were also on form as they saw off the challenge of Aberaeron 30-13, winning by four tries to one. Gary Evans (2), Paul Davies and Llyr Jones bagged the tries.

In Four South West, champions Maesteg Celtic were beaten 31-12 at Trebanos for whom Christian Jones, Rhys Thomas, Sean Haymer, Chris Balfe and Matthew Edwards all touched down.

A win in their final league outing will guarantee Trebanos the runners-up spot though if they slip-up, Resolven, who won 31-13 at Cwmavon, can take advantage.

Porth Harlequins have been confirmed as champions in Four South East following their 19-14 victory at Abercwmboi while there is still a four-way race for the title in Four East.

Leaders Abercarn won 48-19 at New Tredegar, second-placed Cwmbran triumphed 41-17 at Oakdale, Talywain in third thrashed Blaina 85-0 and Cardiff Quins beat Chepstow 33-12.

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Celtic hit Pyle for six

Maesteg Celtic continue to reign supreme at the top of Division Four South West, comfortably dispatching Pyle 43-22 at Brynglas Field.

Celtic, who sit nine points clear of their nearest rivals at the summit, helped themselves to six tries, two of those coming from penalty tries, while Rhys Fisher, Jonathan Davies, Kristian Jenkins and Ryan Jenkins all touched down. Nathan Healey guided home five of the conversions and a penalty to wrap up their fourteenth win.

The hosts meanwhile fell just short of bagging themselves a try bonus point after touchdowns from Richard Cullen, John Waller and Will Gallivant, with the latter also adding two conversions and a penalty.

Title hopefuls Trebanos lost ground on Celtic, despite recording a 23-12 win at Cwmavon, and are now nine points adrift. Having played a game more, they must surely think their chances of clinching the Championship are slim.

Banws crossed twice through wing Matthew Edwards and fly half Sean Hamer, while centre Rhodri Thomas slotted both conversions and two penalties before replacement Kristian Jones added a penalty of his own.

Cwmavon, who remain in the hunt for promotion, could only manage two touchdowns through wingers Mark Davies and Jay Baker, with Aaron Lewis landing one conversion.

In a tightly contested match, Resolven narrowly came out on top at home 20-17 against Neath Athletic.

Both sides crossed for three tries apiece with Lloyd Morgan, Darren Griffiths and Richard Davies going over for the hosts, while full back Dale Mead stroked home a conversion and crucial penalty to seal his side's victory.

Athletic, who have impressed this season, had to be content with a losing bonus point thanks to touchdowns from Jake Cole, Gareth Morgan and Owen Scourfield, while Elliot Jones added a solitary conversion.

Meanwhile in a battle at the bottom, Abercrave recorded only their second success of the season, defeating Pontardawe 9-5 in a hard fought match.

Elsewhere, there were wins for Birchgrove, who defeated Briton ferry 20-7, and Nantyffyllon went down at home 20-7 to Glyncorrwg

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Celtic extend lead at top

Maesteg Celtic remain on pole in Division Four South West, edging to a 11-6 home victory over Trebanos.

Celtic went over for the only try of the match through Mike Paget, while Nathan Healey slotted two crucial penalties.

Banws did bag a losing bonus point thanks to two Sean Rayman penalties.

Second placed Cwmavon slipped further behind Celtic at the top when they went down 23-19 at fellow highfliers Resolven at Vaughan Field.

The Neath side crossed for three tries through a Lloyd Morgan double, with Dai Dyer also going over. Richard Morgan added a conversion and landed two penalties.

The visitors meanwhile will have to be content with a losing bonus point thanks to an Andy Cotty touchdown, and three penalties and a conversion from Ceri Palmer.

Meanwhile, Pyle heaped more woe on struggling Pontardawe, inflicting the Swansea Valley side’s ninth defeat of the season, 59-16 at Brynglas Field.

The hosts helped themselves to nine tries with John Waller touching down for four of them while Lee Williams, Paul Clapham, Steve Evans, Matthew Paire and John Futlon also touched down.

There was nothing between Briton Ferry and Abercrave, 20-20 when the two sides met.

Ferry outscored their rivals three tries to two through scores from Ashley Rosser, James Hopkins and Aled Thomas, with Chris Jones adding a conversion and a penalty.

Elsewhere, Glyncorrwg picked up their fourth win with a 18-7 triumph at Birchgrove and Neath Athletic defeated Nantyffyllon 18-13 at Cwrt Herbert.

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