Kidwelly prove they are best of the west

SWALEC Division One round-up

KIDWELLY were crowned kings in the West as they beat Aberystwyth 27-26 in a thriller. The Black & Ambers needed a win to seal the title and Richard Pearce’s second-half try proved just enough.

Daf Lewis opened the scoring with a try before the hosts marched back to make it 14-7. Gareth Rees kicked a penalty to narrow the gap but Aber crossed before the break to hold a 21-10 advantage.

Shaun Pearce went over after the interval and outside-half Rees closed the gap at 26-22, before flanker Richard Pearce stole the show for Kidwelly in the last quarter.

Rhydyfelin closed in on the East title with a 44-6 victory against Ynysybwl. Mark Tyler crossed for a hat-trick of tries for The Village who move 11 points clear at the summit.

Sam Studley opened the scoring in between two Ynysybwl penalties before Rhydyfelin moved away. Chris Phillips went over before Jordan Rees dived in for a club record 32nd try of the season. Josh Hawkins found the bonus-point and Tyler produced a quick-fire hat-trick in the second half.

Maesteg Quins shot to the top of West Central with a 42-7 thumping of rivals Maesteg, whilst

Aberavon Quins battled out a 12-12 draw with favourites Bonymaen who have two games in hand.

Treorchy have won the East Central title and were able to pop the champagne with a hard-fought 34-31 win at home to Dowlais. Heol y Cyw eased their relegation fears with a 3530 victory at Llanharan, but the battle for the drop will heat up in the final two weekends with Cardiff Quins – who currently occupy the relegation spot with Llantwit Fardre – having two games in hand.

In the fight for the North, both Nant Conwy and Pwllheli secured wins. Conwy beat Bala 36-13, whilst Pwllheli, who have a game in hand and trail by three points, won 48-34 at home to Caernarfon.