Clifton fall under friendly fire from confident Ponty
PONTYPRIDD warmed up for their Principality Premiership curtain raiser against Bedwas on Saturday with a 47-26 friendly victory over English National League Two South outfit Clifton – in a match played at Cilfynydd.
Wayne Evans, James Gahan, Josh Hawkins, Geraint Walsh, Jordan Rees, Lloyd Rowlands and Harvey Connolly got their tries.
Diggy Bird kicked four conversions while Rhys Morgan kicked another two.
Meanwhile, Bedwas were also in pre-season action and enjoyed a 3617 win at newly-promoted National Championship side Trebanos.
Matt Jones was at the double for the Wass with Ross Wardle, Adam Williams, Luke Crane and Kurtis Haile also among the scorers for the visitors, with Steffan Jones adding three conversions.
Morgan Evans, Kiran Waitman and Chris Forshaw got the tries for last season’s One West Central champions while Laurence Howley booted a conversion.
Aberavon were the big winners as they ran riot against English National League Two North side Sheffield Tigers at the Talbot Athletic Ground – racking up 15 tries in a mammoth 95-0 victory.
David Griggs helped himself to four tries while Jon Phillips, Shane Davies, Ieuan Davies, Luke Davies, Stuart Nicholas, Craig Price, Jacob Blackmore, Mike Burgess, Jacob Flynn, Llyr Davies and Rhyddian George also filled their boots.
Cross Keys thumped Newbridge 66-5. Owain Leonard bagged himself a brace with Richard Cornock, Lewis Barnett, Adam Powell, Josh Prosser, Joe Goodchild, Matthew Powell, Nathan Trowbridge and a penalty try also registering.
Paul King scored in consolation for Newbridge.
Elsewhere, Ryan Evans, Lee Rees, Joe Powell and Stuart Worrall were on the scoresheet for Llandovery as they drew 26-26 with Cinderford at Church Bank. Jack Maynard converted three of their four tries.
Will Rees-Hole and Corey Tucker crashed over for Cardiff as they defeated Carmarthen Quins 12-5 with Gareth Thompson nailing a conversion.
Richard Smith, Scott Hicks, Scott Gibson and Luc Caines were among the try scorers for Neath as they continued their decent pre-season with a 38-7 win at Narberth.
Llanelli ran out 27-24 winners over last season’s Championship winners Pontypool.
Ebbw Vale recorded a thumping 71-7 win at Caldicot with Steffan Thomas’ hat-trick inspiring their 11-try romp.