MID DISTRICT RUGBY UNION ROUND-UP
THE rain prevented a full schedule of fixtures going ahead involving Mid District Clubs over the weekend, but in the games that did go ahead there was plenty of quality action, writes Jamie Willis.
On Thursday evening, Merthyr put in a hugely impressive win at Rodney Parade, where they scored seven tries in a 50-26 win over Newport.
Kyle Evans claimed a hat-trick for the Ironmen whilst there was a brace for Osian Davies and individual scores for Ed Siggery and Rhys Downes.
The prolific Matthew Jarvis slotted six conversions and a penalty to move Merthyr up to second in the Principality Premiership.
Pontypridd showed some good character to grind out a tight 15-13 win away at Bridgend.
The Valley Commandos scored two tries through Bradley Coombes and Owen Sheppeard whilst Ceri Sweeney added a penalty and conversion to see them bounce back from last week’s defeat to Merthyr and climb to seventh place.
Bargoed battled hard at home to Llanelli but they could only manage a David Evans consolidation try as they were beaten 16-5.
The Blues again can take plenty of credit from this performance against one of Welsh rugby’s big clubs.
In the National Championship, there were good wins for both Beddau and Bedlinog.
The Green and Golds of Beddau recorded an impressive 23-10 away win at Cyncoed. Owen Cotton, a penalty try and thirteen points from outside half Hywel Chatham send Beddau up a spot to sixth in the table.
Bedlinog continued their good home form with a 20-10 win over Glynneath.
The Foxes are yet to be beaten at home in the Championship and sit in a good eighth spot after the first five games.
In National One West Central, Builth Wells failed to make it a second win on the bounce as Bonymaen proved a little too hot to handle down West.
The Bulls gave up a good fight before eventually losing out 31-10 to a good home outfit.
In National One East, there is no stopping leaders Rhydyfelin at the moment as they secured their fifth successive bonus point victory with a 36-12 win over Abertillery BG at the Hawthorn Recreation ground.
The Taff Ely Club scored six tries to go six points clear at the top as second place Nelson were without a fixture this weekend.
In the game of the day at Ynysybwl, the visitors Penallta took the spoils with an excellent 41-24 success.
Grant Pearce crossed twice whilst Rhys Fitzgerald, Seb Toms and skipper Rhys Morgan all had five pointers for the Pitmen with Lloyd Richards adding the extras through the boot.
Braces for both Lewys Ryan and Dewi Morris gave the “Bwl” a bonus point but could not prevent them for a second loss in seven days.
Senghenydd were also just left with a bonus point despite a good effort at home to a good Caerleon outfit.
The Saints suffered a 2720 reverse which leaves them in the bottom part of the table.
In National One East Central, league leaders Treorchy were once again in rampant form as they secured another bonus point success this time over St Josephs.
The Zebras now sit four points clear at the top of the table after the 42-24 victory.
Dowlais continue to impress as they too kept up their 100% start to the season.