Scarlets U16s see off their Blues North rivals

The Scarlets U16s produced a gritty and determined performance to see off their Blues North rivals 11-3 in a hard-fought encounter at Parc y Scarlets.

Scarlets full-back Jack Evans looks to test the Blues' defence

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

Defence was very much on top for the opening half as both sides battled to establish a foothold in the match.

The hosts were rewarded for the stronger start when full-back Jack Evans fired home a penalty in the fifth minute to take a 3-0 lead.

However, the Blues regrouped and looked the more threatening as the half wore on and soon levelled things up with a penalty of their own.

With it all square at the break, the Scarlets came out in the second half with a slight wind advantage and they used it to good effect to up the pressure on their opponents as they looked to turn the screw.

Scarlets managed to turn pressure into points when Evans was once again on target in the 50^th minute to restore his side’s advantage.

The Blues North probed but couldn't find away through the Scarlets' resistance

Photo courtesy of AlfiePics

The Blues responded, upping their intensity and tempo in attack as they tested the Scarlets’ resolve in defence, but the West Walians showed great grit and determination to clear up-field and leave their line intact.

In such a tight game, you had to feel that the visitors might rue their missed opportunities in their opponents’ half and this proved to be the case when, five minutes from time, the Scarlets worked the ball out-wide for speedster Shaun Pearce to go over in the corner.

Even though the hosts missed the resulting conversion, the eight point advantage gave the Scarlets enough breathing space to hold out and condemn the Blues North to their second consecutive defeat.

Elsewhere, the Ospreys secured a 13-5 home win over the Dragons at Llandarcy.

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Swansea University outclass Welsh rivals in 15-try thriller

Swansea University overcame Welsh rivals Glamorgan 60-32 in a try-fest at Sketty Lane, with centre duo Sam Soul and Elliot Jones starring for the hosts.

The Green and Whites, playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in the BUCS South Premier A, helped themselves to nine tries in a match where defence was almost non-existent, but attacking skill was copious.

Captain Jonathan Vaughan was making his first start for the Green and Whites this term and directed his troops well while impressing in the loose and providing a safe pair of hands in the lineout, while prop Steff Jones was a nuisance at the breakdown all afternoon and made the hard yards with the ball in hand.

The hosts were on top from the get-go and never relinquished their lead as they raced into a 12-0 advantage, thanks to some lovely backs interplay. A jinking run from outside half Ianto Griffiths broke the Glamorgan defence with Soul on his shoulder to cross after just 3 minutes, before wing Jackson Szabo sent Elliot Jones clear.

Glamorgan, who have yet to pick up a victory, looked stunned but after catching Swansea asleep with a short attacking lineout, the Blue and Yellows worked the ball wide for Jack Barrett to go over in the corner.

However, their revival was quickly quashed as Szabo showed great awareness to send full back Ben Thomas over the whitewash, swiftly followed by Jones’ second of the afternoon as the diminutive centre put on the afterburners to go beneath the posts.

The second half was a much more equal affair with both sides running in five tries each in an unstructured but high tempo exchange. Glamorgan’s Matt Smith flourished in the unbroken style of play with the centre helping himself to four wonderfully well-taken tries, while Joe Bridger also touched down for the visitors.

The biggest cheer of the afternoon came when the Green and Whites’ number 8, James McWilliams-Grey, went on a barn storming 60-metre burst that saw him barge multiple defenders out of the way for Soul to capitalise on the overlap and go over for his second of the afternoon.

Shortly after, Szabo notched up a well-deserved touchdown while Andrew Claypole also got in on the action, before replacements Josh Hammett and Adam Scanlon put the fixture beyond doubt.

Although Swansea coach Richard Lancaster will be happy with the win, he will know his defence will need to improve markedly when they visit Bath next week. Glamorgan on the other hand will look to build on the positives when they welcome Cardiff to Trefforest.

Star Man – James McWilliams-Grey.

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Bond has licence to thrill in Q School exam

THIS Wednesday marks the start of the second stage of European Tour qualifying and another big few days in the career of St Pierre pro Liam Bond.

However, with six tournament victories already this year, including one at Frilford Heath in the first phase last month, 42-year-old Bond is in confident mood ahead of his trip to Lumine Golf & Beach Club near Barcelona.

Bond is determined to win back his card having lost it last December after just one year on the European Tour. And he insists he still has the hunger to play at the top level, feeling that he didn’t fully do himself justice during his sole season among the sport’s elite.

He also admits that the disappointment of 12 months ago proved something of a blessing in disguise and, after more time spent at home with his young family and concentrating on his new business, he feels rejuvenated and raring to go.

“I’ve been to qualifying many times before and I know what’s required to get from one stage to the next,” he said. “It doesn’t get any easier and the standard gets better every year but I’m happy with the way I’m playing and the hunger is still there.

“I’ve won six times this year so I’m quite happy with my game and ready to go back on tour. Having a year off hasn’t been the worst thing as I’ve carried on playing locally and set-up my own company giving golf tuition abroad.

“I’ve been playing with a bit more freedom and feel more relaxed this year. Perhaps I was trying too hard last year because of the expectations of being on the tour for the first time.

“Something has changed in my whole routine and I’ve found myself playing better. In a way I’m taking things less seriously and not trying to think about things too much. I have a few practice shots to warm-up and then get on with it.”

Lumine is one of four Spanish courses to hold qualifying events from November 7-10 with 72 holes separating Bond and the rest from a place at the PGA Catalunya Resort in the last week of the month when tour cards will be there for the taking.

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Prestatyn show mettle to stay top of Welsh Premier

PRESTATYN Town continue to sit proudly at the top of the Welsh Premier League after a 3-1 win over a rejuvenated Llanelli side.

Gareth Wilson gave hosts Prestatyn the lead only for Goeff Kellaway to level for Andy Legg’s men. However, in-form Andy Parkinson put the home side in front for a second time before Neil Gibson’s strike sealed the win.

Bangor City and The New Saints are just one point behind the leaders and both clubs registered home victories on Friday night and yesterday respectively.

Former league champions Bangor swept into a 2-0 courtesy of goals from Chris Simm and Sion Edwards before Zak Evans was sent-off for the Robins just 10 minutes after replacing Max Penk.

A third goal always looked on the cards and it came late on when substitute Alan Bull capped Bangor's first win in four games with his first touch.

An 84^th-minute Chris Seargeant effort gave TNS all three points in a 2-1 win against Afan Lido who had taken the lead in the first-half through Chris Hartland. Greg Draper then levelled before Seargeant came to the rescue.

One team in good form at the moment is Port Talbot Town and they found the back of the net on no fewer than six occasions to thrash Gap Connah’s Quay 6-1 with braces for Jeff White and Adam Wright.

Ex-Merthyr and Chester striker Cortez Belle also converted a penalty and Dylan Blain got on the scoresheet while Rhys Healey got their opponents consolation goal.

Liam Thomas broke the deadlock for Carmarthen with 20 minutes left of their clash with Airbus. Steve Abbott replied four minutes later but Thomas had to last say to earn the Old Gold a 2-1 triumph.

Bala Town came back from two goals down to beat Aberystwyth 3-2 and stay on the heels of the top three in the table. Matty Collins and Declan Carroll put Aber in command but Ian Sheridan halved the deficit and Lee Hunt scored twice to complete a superb recovery.

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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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Flower power can't stop Rhiwbina closing the gap on Unicorns

Swalec Leagues Division Two and Three weekend review

WITH Nelson out of action yesterday, Rhiwbina seized the chance to close the gap on the Two East frontrunners by beating Fleur de Lys 22-17 in the Rhymney Valley.

Jake Chilcott’s boot did most of the damage for Rhiwbina as his five penalties and conversion of Chris Fido’s try saw the Cardiff club reduce Nelson’s lead to two points.

Flower fly-half Adam Greendale kept the hosts in it with four penalties and Ieuan Sims’ try earned his side a losing bonus point.

Senghenydd suffered the ignominy of being nilled by Bedlinog at the Recreation Ground as the Foxes devoured their opponents in style. Tom Hiscocks crossed the whitewash twice and Leon Rees added a third.

Ben Grzesica and Ian Smerdon kicked the rest of the points and the only thing missing for the hosts was an extra bonus point. Gavin Teague and Nathan Touhig touched down for Garndiffaith in their 23-9 victory against Abercynon.

The big derby clash in Two West was keenly-fought but in the end it was Maesteg Quins who came out on top, 21-16, against rivals Maesteg.

Tries from Owen Richards and Kyle Blackmore, two penalties and a conversion from Nathan Smith and a Gareth Lewis drop-goal did it for Quins while Jordan Skidmore got Maesteg’s only try.

Builth Wells remain out in front after a 15-3 victory over Aberystwyth courtesy of tries for Ben Pugh and Luke Murray. Daniel Challenger and Dan Hooper were in the tries for Seven Sisters as they walloped Penclawdd 40-13 to stay hot on the heels of the leaders.

The top three in Two North all won but it was Shotton Steel with a 52-15 demolition of bottom club Machynlleth who were the highest scorers in the division this weekend.

Dan and Adam Lynskey (2), John Ketland, Steve Elllsom, Karl Rusowicz and Darren Leach were Steel’s try getters while Ellsom also converted six of the eight tries. David Davies grabbed a brace for Llandudno in their 29-5 bonus-point success at home to Colwyn Bay.

With Welshpool without a game, Newtown leapt into first place in Three North thanks to a seven-try romp against Bangor. Joe Murray (2), Rowan Meek (2), Junior Dean, Ashley Evans and Nathan Owen crossed the whitewash and Chris Jones kicked the rest of the points.

There was some joy at last for Holyhead as they picked up their first point of the season – albeit a losing one – from a 20-16 reverse at Benllech. Osian and Shaun Roberts went over for the hosts and John Snowden slotted both conversions and a couple of penalties. Aaron Edwards scored all of Holyhead’s points.

Josh Francis was Wrexham’s hat-trick hero in their 27-7 defeat of Harlech and Rhosllanerchrugog beat Flint 19-12 with two tries for Dewi Richards and one for Matt Whitley.

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Cunliffe's timely intervention take Ebbw Vale to the top

Swalec Championship and Division One East, West and North weekend review

EVERYONE in rugby knows how devastating an interception can be, particularly if it leads to a try and it’s in a crucial game with a lot riding on it.

That’s just what happened in the Rhymney Valley yesterday as one mistake or piece of opportunism (depending which side you’re on) decided the outcome of the top-of-the-table clash in the Championship.

Hosts Bargoed and visitors Ebbw Vale, second in the standings behind the Blues going into the fixture, were level at 3-3 when Vale wing Wes Cunliffe’s gamble 40 metres out paid off and he ended up under the posts for Josh Lewis to convert with just six minutes left of normal time.

Until then it had been a nail-biting affair all the way with a Lewis penalty cancelling out Josh Prosser’s first-half effort.

Because of the rain leading up to kick-off, four matches were postponed with only those at Bargoed, Beddau and Bonymaen getting the go-ahead.

And it wasn’t exactly a points-fest in the Championship with 43 scored in the three games, the highest total coming at Beddau where the hosts sprung something of a shock by beating third-placed Newbridge 9-7.

They had trailed 7-6 after 40 minutes with Newbridge getting a penalty try which Neil Burnett converted. Tom Benjamin had kept the home side in touch with a couple of penalties and it took just one more in the second period to win it.

Luckless Pontypool came up short again, this time at Bonymaen where they lost 11-3. Clayton Gullis scored Pooler’s only points as Nathan Brooks got the game’s sole try and Richard Cunniffe knocked over a brace of penalties for the Swansea club.

In One East, Ystrad Rhondda opened the gap on closest challengers at the top RGC 1404 with a nervy 10-8 win over the North Walians.

Alex Webber’s try and Rhys Truelove’s conversion and penalty sealed it for Ystrad while Carwyn ap Myrddin’s touchdown and a Mitchell McGahan penalty at least gave RGC a losing bonus point.

In the other games to beat the weather, Mountain Ash put in an excellent battling performance against Penallta before eventually succumbing 17-11 with two Gavins, Jones and Spiller, helping the Pitmen over the finish line. Meanwhile, Gilfach Goch won 17-7 away at Rhydyfelin, who could have gone into second with a win.

Tondu are beginning to turn One West into a procession and they are now 11 points clear of Cwmllynfell after beating Glynneath 30-13. Cwmllynfell’s match at Kidwelly was one of the many fixtures in the Swalec Leagues to be called off.

David Bishop, Matthew Phillips, Gareth Powell and Paul Smithson crossed the whitewash for Tondu, who also earned a penalty try. James Parry scored Glynneath’s only try having been in touch at half-time.

Alan Pope grabbed a brace and Johnny Lewis, Andrew Rees-Spowart, Dai Evans and Dan Moyle also scored for Waunarlwydd in their 42-17 victory over Llangennech. The visitors were well in the game at the interval before the hosts moved through the gears although Rhys Davies did cross twice for Llangennech.

Nicky Giles landed four penalties and converted Alan Brace’s try while Matthew Tossell also knocked over a three-pointer for Kenfig Hill as they won a classic at home to Carmarthen Athletic 22-21.

The hosts were outscored three tries to one, however, but ultimately that didn’t matter. Scott Maynard converted all three of Athletic’s tries, two of which were penalty tries and the other a Gareth Bennett effort.

Loughor produced the shock of the day in One West when they won 21-8 at Ammanford, who had started the day in fourth. A hat-trick of penalties and conversion from Tom Davies together with a penalty try and score for wing Richard Thomas did the trick while Senor Iaono replied with a try for the hosts.

Nant Conwy’s lead at the top of One North was cut by Bro Ffestiniog as the former crashed to a narrow 9-8 reverse at Dolgellau, for whom Tom Roberts scored all the points.

Bro Ffestiniog were made to fight hard for the four points during their 17-9 triumph over Ruthin. Aaron Aspen got the only try of the game for Bro who had Barry Roberts to thank as his four penalties secured a vital win.

Bottom club Llangefni lost for the eighth time this season going down 32 -11 at home to Bala. Huw Roberts was on form with the boot, slotting five penalties and a conversion. Pwllheli crossed six times in a 44-8 away win against Bethesda.

Jon Pugh and Kevin Morris both scored two tries and Deio Brunelli and Nick Butterworth, who contributed 19 points in total, also scored. Finally, Caernarfon were another side to win on the road as they defeated Mold 26-18.

Robert Williams, Joe Simpson and Iola Hughes touched down for the visitors while Matthew Condren and Ollie Hughes did the same for Mold.

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Drovers held again in Church Bank stalemate

Principality Premiership weekend review

WHEN one team thrashes another in a game of rugby it’s often referred to as a cricket score.

However, after the amazing results at Reading and Chelsea in the midweek Capital One Cup ties, you could argue yesterday’s 6-6 draw between Llandovery and Bedwas in the Principality Premiership was just like a football result.

League leaders Llandovery must have felt it was Groundhog Day though as after failing to win for the first time this season at Aberavon seven days previously they were held to another draw.

The result was good enough to take Bedwas into outright second place in the table although Pontypridd with two games in hand will have something to say about that when they are next in action on November 17.

It was nip and tuck from start to finish at Church Bank yesterday as Rhys Jones opened the scoring for the Drovers with a penalty on five minutes only for Richard Powell to equalise before the end of the first quarter.

It took until the 63^rd minute for Jones to make it 6-3 with a second three-pointer but back came Powell four minutes later to level the scores.

There wasn’t the usual flurry of points across the five games on Saturday but despite losing, Aberavon picked up a bonus point in a 14-9 defeat at Bridgend. Craig Evans banged over three second-half penalties for Aberavon after they had trailed 11-0 at half-time thanks to a Jamie Murphy penalty and drop-goal and an Adam Hillier-Rees try.

But just as the fightback seemed on, Murphy stepped up again and this time landed a drop-goal with his weaker left foot.

Cross Keys led 3-0 at the interval at Carmarthen Park through a Dorian Jones penalty but they couldn’t hold on to their advantage and James Dixon’s boot proved pivotal as he put Quins 9-3 up. A losing bonus point appeared to be in Keys’ hands but that was taken away from them when Jason Harries crossed late on.

Cardiff led 25-0 early in the second-half at home to Neath before the visitors scored two late tries to lose 25-12.

Flanker Ellis Jenkins touched down twice inside the opening quarter and with fly-half Gareth Davies converting both and slotting two penalties the game was virtually over by half-time.

Hooker Aaron Fowler got Cardiff’s third try on 51 minutes but there wasn’t to be a fourth as Rhys Jones and wing Kevin James gave some respectability to the scoreline.

At Rodney Parade, tries from Alan Awcock, Adam Frampton, James Leadbeater, Will Richards and Brendan Lampitt saw Newport ease to a 39-17 home success against struggling Swansea, who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Nicky Thomas and Rhys Williams tries threatened to bring Swansea back into it at one stage but Newport’s last three scores came in a 12-minute blitz to seal the win.

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Championship weekend predictions

Bargoed v Ebbw Vale

Maybe it’s too early to be talking about title favourites but there can be no denying that come the end of the season, this match could have huge ramifications as to who will be crowned champions. Bargoed are still unbeaten despite losing their 100% winning record with a draw at Tata last week, and with home advantage, they must start as narrow favourites. The Steelmen returned to winning ways against Beddau but they will know they’ll need to take it up another level if they are to come away with the spoils tomorrow.

Prediction - Bargoed by 3 points

Beddau v Newbridge

The Green and Golds struggled last week at Ebbw Vale but may fancy their chances at home against Newbridge who, despite their victories in their last few matches, haven’t been at their best. However, with the top two facing off against each other, a win here should see them move up the table.

Verdict - Newbridge by 5 points

Bonymaen v Pontypool

With Christmas fast approaching, it is looking increasingly likely that Bony will be part of the fight for survival come the end of the season and if they are to avoid the drop, they need to start picking up points from home matches. Pooler, who are ringfenced in this league for the first two seasons, have shown improvement as the weeks have gone on and will feel they could have beaten Llanharan last weekend. This will undoubtedly be a close contest but I think Bonymaen will just sneak it.

Verdict - Bonymaen by 3 points

Bridgend Athletic v Tata Steel

Athletic have lost their last three matches on the bounce and they too will have one eye over their shoulder if their form doesn’t improve. Tata are well into their stride now and I think they should be comfortable winners. Unfortunately for them, however, their slow start will mean that they won’t be challenging for the title come May.

Verdict- Tata Steel by 15 points

Cardiff Met v Narberth

Both these sides like to play an expansive game and I expect a high scoring contest at Cyncoed tomorrow. The students have won their last two matches and will start as favourites to pick up the win tomorrow. There is little doubt the Otters can find their way to the try line, it's more their defensive capabilities that one must call into question. They currently sit as the highest placed West outfit, but I think they will just fall short of their seventh win of the season tomorrow.

Verdict - Cardiff Met by 6 points

Llanharan v Glamorgan Wanderers

The Dairymen were lucky to have won last week at Pontypool to stop a run of three losses, but they have been strong at home so far and I think they should get the win tomorrow. However, I think the Wanderers will cause the hosts problems and they should come away with a losing bonus point.

Verdict - Llanharan by 5 points 

Whitland v Blackwood.

Blackwood will be looking to build on their bonus point win last week, while Whitland will know they need to reproduce the form that saw them overcome Ebbw Vale last time out at Parc Llwyntygwyn. If the home support can get behind their team, I think the Borderers should pick up their second win of the season.

Verdict - Whitland by 3 points 

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Corbisiero hits out at FAW over red card punishment

LLANELLI’S player representative Antonio Corbisiero has slammed the Football Association of Wales for its lack of support during the club’s financial troubles.

The former Swansea City midfielder joined boss Andy Legg in criticising the FAW following the governing body’s decision to increase a fine and suspension handed out to the manager, Luke Bowen and Chris Venables.

The three were all sent-off during the 3-0 Welsh Premier League defeat to Newtown in September, leaving them each facing a two-game ban and £100 fine having claimed they made an early guilty plea when the charges arrived in the post.

Legg and his two players say they asked the FAW if they could settle the fine after Llanelli chairman Nitin Parekh had given them their outstanding pay – Llanelli squad members and management recently went two months without salaries.

However, the FAW say the trio failed to notify them in time, meaning their punishments were increased to three matches and £150.

“How can a player be expected to pay a fine when he’s not being paid himself?” Corbisiero told the Llanelli Star. “We’ve also lost three players for another game, we’ve only got a small squad and we’re under a transfer embargo.

“After all that we’ve been through we feel like we’re getting no support whatsoever, it’s really disappointing. Just as things start to look a little brighter we take another step back.

“They (the FAW) told us to play games even though we weren’t getting paid because otherwise it would look bad on the league, then they do this to us.

“A fine of £150 is a lot of money to anyone, let alone if you are not getting paid.”

An FAW spokesman said Legg, Bowen and Venables could have received a less severe £100 fine and two-game ban under the reduced penalty regulation, but added that the trio failed to respond to the charges in time to qualify for the more lenient punishment.

The Llanelli players were due to get paid for October yesterday. Llanelli also have debts with other creditors that need to be settled, while Parekh has submitted a financial rescue plan to the league.

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Welsh Premiership Weekend Predictions

Bridgend v Aberavon

After predicting last week that Aberavon would lose to Llandovery by 15 points – the sides, bottom and top in the Premiership respectively going into it, drew 32-32 – a more cautious approach is required for this Saturday’s matches.

The vagaries of rugby, however, could still result in the Wizards losing by 15 or more to Bridgend, though that doesn’t look like happening (he says tentatively!).

However, form does point towards a home win with Bridgend having won at Neath last time out and beaten Cardiff in the B&I Cup the week before that. But even though they won, Bridgend’s victory at the Gnoll was somewhat overshadowed by Aberavon’s performance against Llandovery.

The Drovers had won all their games with four tries or more but Aberavon denied them the win and a bonus point so another display like that from the Wizards should see this one remain close for some time.

Verdict – Bridgend by three points

Cardiff v Neath

After a ropey start to the season, Cardiff seemed to be improving but three defeats in a row in all competitions has seen them slip back into their old habits.

Neath also secured a morale-boosting win in the cup against Bedwas a fortnight ago before losing at home to Bridgend. That saw the Ravens overtake them in the table to leave the Welsh All Blacks two places off the bottom.

This match might not be a pretty one as it should be a win-at-all-costs clash for both clubs before the break for the autumn internationals.

Verdict – Cardiff by five points

Carmarthen Quins v Cross Keys

With Keys in a mini slump following three losses on the bounce and Quins having put 80 points on Swansea in two games a home win should be a good bet.

A four-try win for Keys could see them move up to second in the table as Pontypridd are one of two sides along with Llanelli not in action this weekend.

Verdict – Quins by seven points

Llandovery v Bedwas

It’s almost first versus second at Church Bank with Bedwas only behind Pontypridd on try-count. Llandovery dropped their first points of the season at Aberavon so will be focused on getting back to winning ways after that draw.

Home advantage should work in Llandovery’s favour although Bedwas went to the fortress that is Pandy Park last Saturday to beat Cross Keys so they’ve shown they can perform well both at home and on the road.

Verdict – Llandovery by eight points

Newport v Swansea

Sadly for Swansea supporters everything is pointing towards a home win at Rodney Parade where Newport toppled Pontypridd on Sunday.

That 20-19 success was a massive fillip for the Black & Ambers to push on for the rest of the season and take advantage of a side seemingly stuck in a trough.

Successive 41-17 defeats at the hands of the Quins weren’t easy to stomach for the Swansea faithful so if they can get anything out of their trip to Newport they’ll be grateful.

Verdict – Newport by nine points

By David Williams

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In-form Thomas celebrates double success at Derllys Court

DERLLYS Court senior Jeff Thomas has been enjoying a real purple patch on the golf course of late with a win double in the last few weeks.

With playing partner Ian Robertson, Thomas won the final of the club’s Seniors’ Pairs Knockout Cup then took first place in the rain-delayed opening instalment of the Winter Eclectic.

Thomas needed countback to claim that event after he and Dave Gladwin both recorded stableford scores of 38 points. There was also a titanic struggle for third but in the end Wynne Evans took it over Meirion Evans and Brian Newcombe, also on countback.

Prior to that, Thomas and Robertson were the only Derllys Court pair to win their game in the rearranged match at Trefloyne before they took on favourites John Hartley and Roger Horsfall in the finale of the Pairs Knockout Cup.

The first three holes were halved then Thomas and Robertson won the fourth and they kept their lead until the par-five 15th when a Horsfall birdie levelled the encounter. It was perhaps appropriate that the match should go to extra holes given there was little to choose between the pairings.

They still couldn’t be separated after the first but, with both teams hitting the green on the short par-three second, Hartley missed the cup by a matter of inches and had to watch as Thomas, whose red-hot form with the putter had kept him and Robertson in it throughout, sank a 20-footer to clinch the trophy.

Meanwhile, at Langland Bay, Simon Hughes and Andrew Jones teamed up to win the 4BBB Stableford but only on countback from Peter Lewis and Tim Padfield. Both pairs returned to the clubhouse with 42 points while Dave Norton and Stephen Rees were third with 40.

More than 50 players took part in the White Box Medal at Southerndown and it was James Hunt who made the most of the calm weather to emerge victorious with a net round of 69. The 12-handicapper won by one stroke from Matthew Williams.

Williams took second from Gavin Embling courtesy of a better back-nine after both had posted rounds of 70. Phil Williams was a shot further back in fourth.

Colin Rumbelow, captain at The Grove, held his rescheduled Away Day at Radyr with support from 35 club members. Brian Rees was the overall winner of matters out on the course with a total of 45 points, three better than runner-up Norman Rand.

Also at The Grove, Scott Jones just edged the latest Leon Warne Order of Merit event with a stableford score of 41 points. Terry Thomas had to settle for second on 40 and Ricci Burton was third with 38.

One point was also the difference between first and second place in the Ladies’ Coracle Shield at Carmarthen which was claimed by Jennifer Lewis and Sheila Neate with 34 points. Ann Heath and Susan Saunders were second and Patricia Langley and Olive Lloyd made up the top three on 31.

Results

Carmarthen

Ladies’ Coracle Shield; 1. J. Lewis & S. Neate 34pts, 2. A. Heath & S. Saunders 33, 3. P. Langley & O. Lloyd 31

Derllys Court

Seniors’ Winter Eclectic 1; 1. J. Thomas 38pts, 2, D. Gladwin 38, 3. W. Evans 37

Seniors’ Pairs Knockout Cup; J. Thomas & I. Robertson beat J. Hartley & R. Horsfall on 2nd extra hole

Langland Bay

4BBB Stableford; 1. S. Hughes & A. Jones 42pts, 2. P. Lewis & T. Padfield 42, 3. D. Norton & S. Rees 40.

Southerndown

White Box Medal; 1. J. Hunt net 69, 2. M. Williams 70, 3. G. Embling 70

The Grove

Leon Warne OOM 4; 1. S. Jones 41pts, 2. T. Thomas 40, 3. R. Burton 38

Captain’s Away Day; 1. B. Rees 45pts, 2. N. Rand 42

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