Pitmen stay on course for Principality return

PENALLTA continued the defence of their National Plate title with a convincing 58-10 victory over Pencoed.

The Pitmen produced a dominant victory with Max Jones and Ryan Davies both claiming hat-tricks.

Penallta II were also victorious in the National Bowl as they cruised past Pyle 27-0.

Elsewhere in the Plate, Ynysybwl showed their intentions with a devastating 69-17 victory over Llanharan.

Joseph Williams bagged a treble with Sam Perry, Oliver Rees and Jonathan Gough all at the double. Mason Pritchard added another touchdown while Dion McIntosh, son of Merthyr head coach Dale, booted the rest.

20 points from Tadgh McGuckin helped Maesteg beat Dunvant 37-33 and Maesteg Quins saw off Pontypool United 14-10 thanks to tries from Andrew Healey and Adam HillierRees.

Tondu ran in five tries to edge past Carmarthen Athletic 39-33 while Llantrisant won 12-7 at Tycroes.

Nelson, Glamorgan Wanderers, Mountain Ash, St Joseph’s and Treorchy all got through as well with Ystrad Rhondda enjoying a walkover against Dolgellau. But Dowlais, Cambrian Welfare, Rhiwbina, Porth Harlequins, Cilfynydd and Gilfach Goch crashed out.

In the Bowl, Taffs Well finally got their revenge on Burry Port for beating them in the 2016 showpiece with a 23-16 triumph in this year’s competition.

Justin Jones and Rhys Watkins both crashed over with Brandon Thrasher adding the rest to send Burry Port crashing out.

Porthcawl also continued their strong start to the season with a 16-10 win at 2013 winners Wattstown.

Skipper Richard Hynda and Ben Asprea got the all-important tries with Ben Thomas kicking two penalties.

Abercwmboi beat Llantwit Major 23-3, Pentyrch edged past Deri 32-29 and Treharris just beat New Tredegar 19-17.

Elsewhere, Penygraig were 32-3 winners at Betws, Old Illtydians beat Usk 19-18 while Cefn Cribbwr crashed out after a 42-30 defeat to Pembroke.