Smiles better for the Saints as they open new campaign with a victory Local rugby

SMILES are back at Senghenydd after a number of seasons without much to celebrate.

Relegation down to Two East ended an unhappy three-year relationship in One East that saw them win just 18 of their 66 league games.

And after losing 21 fixtures last year, and a number of key players over the last few seasons, the club have taken a new route as they begin a new adventure in different surroundings.

But their first venture had a very familiar feel as they welcomed Nantyglo, who followed them down last year, to Senghenydd Welfare Park. With both sides looking to assert their dominance in the league early on, it was the youthful Saints who claimed an emphatic 44-7 victory.

“It was great for us,” exclaimed manager Mike Hallet.

“We had a batch of youth players come up to the first team and play very well.

“I imagine there will be tougher tests down the line but you just take any win at the start of the season – we only won one game last year.

“So to start with a win was very important for us and our confidence.”

After just one game Senghenydd’s new youthful approach seems to be working. Nine players have made the step up from youth rugby to the first team, including Connor Weigold and Lloyd Hughes who both claimed tries against Nantyglo.

Also on the scoresheet were Dan Hodge and Darryl Skym, who bagged a brace. Ryan Williams showed his immense ability with five conversions and three penalties to seal the emphatic victory.

And Hallet wants to see the youngsters continue to develop over the course of the season.

“It would be great if we could [go back up] but the aim is to consolidate ourselves and not slide any further, which has happened in the past,” he added.

“We had a very good pre-season and have more players training on a regular basis. It’s been difficult in training number wise previously but we have more people now and they are working together.”

After a dream start to the season, the Saints are heading for new heights but keeping their feet firmly on the ground.

“It was a welcome start but we’re not going to get carried away,” said Hallet.

“We constantly try to work on our game.

“We like to play 15-man rugby and we hope that will get us through the season.

“So we will approach most games in the same way.

“When you go down it is quite new, most of the teams are new to us and we don’t really know what they’ve got so we just concentrate on ourselves.”

Senghenydd also have the surprise factor with Garndiffaith, Blackwood and Nantyglo the only three clubs in the league to have played them since their last spell in Two East.

And next up for Hallet’s men is a trip to Cwmbran, who finished comfortably in mid-table last season, as they aim to surpass the amount of wins they registered last season.

And if they manage to do that then the future is looking bright for the Saints. all THERE were a number of teams beginning their campaigns in new leagues following promotions and relegations last year.

Rhydyfelin won One East last season and then beat Treorchy in a play-off to move up to the National Championship. However, they started with a 27-0 defeat to reigning champions Pontypool.

But they knew they’d be for a tough afternoon and can move forward knowing they will have gotten their biggest test out the way early on.

But it was a better day for Tondu as they beat Maesteg 24-17 to get their One West Central campaign off to the perfect start.

Jake Lewis touched down for the Two West Central winners, who were also awarded two penalty tries. Josh Tatchell then sealed the win with a conversion and penalty.

Meanwhile in Two West Central, newly promoted Nantyffyllon edged Brynamman 27-25 in a tight encounter.

Johnny Phillips was at the double while Ross Boast and Connor Griffiths helped deliver a bonus point. Sion Buckley kicked the rest.

Cefn Cribbwr look settled after going up to Three West Central B following a convincing 55-9 win over Pontrhydyfen.

Ashley Hickey’s brace and further tries from Lee Rogers, Simon Tame and Gareth Davies sealed the win. They were also given a penalty try while Lee Gallafant booted the rest.

But Rhigos started with a 15-11 defeat at Glyncorrwg.

There were also good wins for relegated duo Pontyclun (35-15 v Fairwater), Old Illtydians (23-15 v Gwernyfed) and promoted Penygraig (30-17 v Treharris) in Three East Central A.