Champs forge on despite flurry of yellows

Welsh Championship round-up

PONTYPOOL go eight points clear at the Championship summit after beating Maesteg 33-0. It was an ill-tempered contest played in dreadful conditions at Pontypool Park with six yellow cards.

But ultimately the threetime defending champions had what they wanted in the bag by half-time thanks to first-half tries from Jake Morgan, twice, Lewis Ball and Duan Thomas. Kieran Meek added the extras to three of them for a 26-0 half time lead while he also converted Scott Evans’ second half try.

Leighton Jones’ men have taken the maximum 45 points so far and edge further clear of Bargoed, who had their scheduled trip to Trebanos postponed.

Bedwas, in third, remain 12 points back on Pooler but with two games in hand after they saw off Cardiff Met 29-10. Tries from Owain Keane and James Richards along with a penalty and conversion from James Hallett saw the Wass with their noses in front 15-10. They extended that lead after the restart when awarded a penalty try before Bradley Williams secured the points with a fourth try.

Elsewhere Glamorgan recovered from an 18-6 half time deficit to win 20-18 in the proverbial game of two halves at Gelligaled Park.

Liam Wiggins and Jack Foulkes tries saw the hosts hit the front with Rhys Truelove booting the rest.

Paul Short kicked two penalties in reply for Wands who hit back in the second half through Jack Beetham. The visitors snatched the victory in dramatic fashion thanks to Dan Watts’ try with the last play, converted by Short.

Meanwhile six first half tries set Neath on their way to a 34-7 victory over Beddau at the Gnoll – Will Haly with Beddau’s score.

Ystalyfera made it backto-back home wins as they defeated Tata Steel 20-13.

Josh Jarrett, Bowdy Davies and Ryan James went over for the Fera with Steff Castle adding five points from the tee.

Narberth against Cross Keys was postponed.