Pooler stretch clear with tight win over Tata

Championship round-up

PONTYPOOL stretched their lead at the top to 15 points on a weekend when the heavy rain and winds disrupted the schedule.

Pooler were one of few teams that managed to get their game underway as Storm Brian swept the country, and they were able to edge out Tata Steel 20-18.

Aaron Quick touched down for the champions, who were also awarded a penalty try by the referee. Matthew Jones then kicked two penalties and a conversion, which was just enough to snatch victory.

But Tata, who were third at the start of the day, gave them a good fight with Jacob Lewis and Matthew Llewellyn both crashing over. Eight points from Lloyd Bradley saw them pick up a losing bonus point, but could not prevent Pooler opening up an even bigger gap at the top after just eight games.

Narberth took advantage of Tata’s slip-up to move second with a 20-14 success at Skewen.

Jack Price added to a penalty try for Narberth as they took a hold of the game. Kicker Ianto Griffiths then landed a conversion and two penalties as they claimed four points. However, Skewen’s efforts saw them claim a losing bonus point.

Gareth Morris scored along with a penalty try with Adam Rowlands smashing over a conversion. Despite the defeat, Skewen remain sixth.

Rhydyfelin moved off the bottom with a 17-0 win over Newbridge, their first win since September 9. The One East champions have been struggling to adapt to life in the Championship, but found their feet to run in three unanswered tries.

Jordan Rees was the architect of Newbridge’s downfall with a brace while Forest Quirke followed him over to extend the lead. Dai Gratton then completed the triumph with a conversion.

The win lifted them above Glynneath, whose game at Trebanos was called off. Cardiff Met’s fixture with Bedlinog and Beddau’s trip to Newcastle Emlyn also failed to beat the weather.