Pooler on cloud nine as Crows downed

Welsh Championship round-up

PONTYPOOL went six points clear in the WRU National Championship with a 29-24 bonus-point victory at Trebanos.

The victory made it nine out of nine for Leighton Jones’ men but they did not have it all their own way.

However, Pooler’s power and physical prowess eventually saw them home.

The league leaders led 1210 at the turnaround thanks to Scott Matthews’ unconverted score along with a penalty try.

Sam Davies scored in the first half for Trebanos, who led at one stage, with Matthew Edwards converting and kicking a penalty.

In the second half, Lloyd Lewis scored his eighth try of the season before Craig Attwell secured the bonus point and Jordan Thomas darted over for a fifth try, although two late Trebanos penalty tries saw them take something from the game.

Now on 44 points, Pooler’s day was made even better with news that nearest challengers Cardiff Metropolitan University slipped to a surprise 17-16 home defeat to Bedlinog –a second straight loss for the Students.

Andrew Murphy scored the Bedlinog try, while Dan Parry booted four penalties. Met’s try was scored by Andrew Nurse, converted by Russell Bennett, who also added three penalties. Elsewhere third-placed

Ystrad Rhondda moved to within a point of Met as they beat Narberth 20-13 at Gelligaled Park.

Ryan Howells and Kurtis Williams scored a try in each half for Ystrad as Corey Shephard booted two penalties.

Meanwhile, Newbridge won for just the second time this season, 25-20 at Beddau. Matthew Davies was at the double with Chris Francis also going over as Sam Withers kicked two conversions and a penalty. Tata Steel edged Rhydyfelin 26-25, while the match between bottom club Newcastle Emlyn and Maesteg Quins was postponed due to the weather.