MID DISTRICT RUGBY REVIEW
THERE were only a handful of fixtures involving Mid District clubs over the weekend due to the finale of this season’s Six Nations tournament,
In the Principality Premiership, both Pontypridd and Merthyr enjoyed excellent wins to consolidate their places in the top three of the Tier One table.
Pontypridd grounded out a 20-13 win in the mud at champions Ebbw Vale on Friday evening to go top of the table. Man of the match Ceri Sweeney grabbed a try plus slotted two conversions and two penalties in the victory. Skipper Dafydd Lockyer also crossed the whitewash for the Valley Commandos who are now a point clear of second place Bedwas with a game in hand.
Merthyr were in rampant form on Saturday scoring no fewer than 11 tries in a massive 75-14 win over Llandovery at the Wern. The Ironmen move up to third place thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Richard Carter, with Kyle Evans and Tom Daley both grabbing braces. Craig Locke, Martyn Thomas, Gavin Dacey and Phil Rees also crossed for five pointers on a memorable afternoon. The prolific Matthew Jarvis finished the afternoon with a personal haul of 20 points via his trusted boot.
In Division Three East Central A, Treharris came out on top in the all-Mid District club tie with Gwernyfed in the Merthyr Vale. The Phoenix 23-10 win means they are now just nine points off fourth place with two games in hand. Gwernyfed remain two points adrift of safety at the bottom but have two games in hand of teams around them.
In Division Three East A, Caerphilly are now just four points off leaders Hartridge with two games in hand after beating lowly Blackwood Stars 48-0 at the constructaquote stadium on Friday evening. Ex-Bargoed wingman Gareth Dare, Ben Sparey and Gary Davies all crossed for try doubles with Tom Candy and Josh Williams also getting good scores. Outside half Matthew Hurley continued his good season, kicking four of the conversions.
WORTHINGTON MID DISTRICT CUP
LAST Friday’s Worthington MDRU Cup quarterfinal tie between Penallta and Nelson was postponed.
With the game way past the deadline of February 28 to be played, the outcome of the game has been placed in the hands of the Mid District Rugby Union competitions and management committee who will meet on Monday evening.
HIGH MOTIVE GLAMORGAN COUNTY SILVER BALL
THE third quarter-final of this season’s Silver Ball takes place on Wednesday, March 29 at Penygraig RFC as Mid District clubs Caerphilly and Cefn Coed go head to head.
Both clubs have had a fantastic season and it has the making of a fantastic tie. The winner of this fixture will play the winner of the final quarter-final between Rhydyfelin and Ferndale which takes place at the same venue seven days later. The first semi-final will be played between Treorchy and Tondu on Wednesday April 12 at Caerphilly RFC.
RHONDDA & EAST GLAMORGAN DRU CUP FINALS
THE final of this season’s REGDRU Mel Davies Cup final will take place at Penygraig this evening (Wednesday, March 22) as Rhydyfelin face Caerphilly. Both teams have enjoyed a good season in the league and will be keen to grab the first piece of silverware on offer.
The final of the REGDRU Keith Jones Cup final at Rhydyfelin has now been switched to Sunday, April 2. The clash between Abercynon and Cambrian Welfare will kick off at 2.30pm.
WRU NATIONAL PLATE AND BOWL
BEST wishes go to Penallta in the WRU National Plate semi-final at Newtown against Nant Conwy on the weekend. The Pitmen will be hoping for a return to the Principality Stadium on finals day after winning the trophy against Saturday’s opponents 21-15 back in 2012 and being beaten in the final play of last year’s final against Bedlinog.
There is a huge all-Mid District club National Bowl semi-final at Taffs Well also on Saturday as Caerphilly face Cilfynydd. A big crowd is expected as both clubs look to make their first appearance in a Bowl Cup final.
WRU NATIONAL YOUTH PLATE AND BOWL
GOOD luck to Gilfach Goch Youth in the Plate semi-final against a very good Burry Port outfit and to Treorchy Youth against Llandovery in the Bowl semi-final this Saturday. It would be fantastic to see two Mid District clubs in the youth finals day.