Pooler just edge past the battling Steelmen

Welsh Championship round-up

PONTYPOOL made it two wins from two but were made to work hard by Tata Steel.

Steel opened the season with a 67-29 win over Bedlinog so travelled to Pontypool Park full of confidence and pushed the champions all the way but just fell short with an 8-3 defeat.

Scott Matthews, who moved from Cross Keys to Pontypool during the summer, grabbed the only try of the game while Kieran Meek fired over a penalty as well.

Geraint Llewellyn landed a penalty for Steel but that’s all they could muster as Ponty added four points to the five they collected last weekend.

Cardiff Met are the early leaders, level on nine points with Pooler, following a narrow 23-22 win at Trebanos.

Jack Samuel, Tom Benjamin and Harry Johnston all went over for the Students with the latter adding eight points from the tee.

Trebanos also claimed three tries through Lewis Humphries, Tom Dew and Matthew Edwards.

Edwards then struck seven points from the tee to hand Trebanos a losing bonus point.

Narberth are the only other team on nine points following their 38-10 success over Newbridge.

Johnnie Morgan was at the double for Narberth while Jack Price and Kieron Jones followed him over the whitewash.

Ianto Griffiths booted all four conversions and a drop goal. A penalty try rounded off the victory.

Sam Withers converted Lewis Hudd’s try and also smashed over a penalty for Newbridge.

Ystrad Rhondda posted an 18-11 win over fellow new boys Maesteg Quins.

Cole Swanack and Sion Summers were on the scoresheet for Ystrad, who saw Rhys Truelove kick eight points.

Jordan Williams was the try scorer for Quins while Owen Howe booted two penalties.