Welsh All Blacks edge out a thriller

Championship Cup round-up

NEATH managed to find a way to come out on top 31-25 at Ystrad Rhondda in a game that saw the lead change hands no fewer than seven times.

There were 44 points in a thrilling first half and the bonus-point win on the road for the Welsh All Blacks kept them a point behind table-topping Bargoed, who picked up a 33-15 home success over Maesteg Quins.

Rhys Truelove opened the scoring for the hosts with a penalty and then Nicky Griffiths got the first Neath try, which Steff Williams converted.

Jarrad Llewellyn romped over for Ystrad’s first try, which Truelove improved, but a Williams penalty levelled things.

Aaron Grabham crossed for the second Neath try, Williams again converting, but Truelove improved a second home try to make it 17-17. A Truelove penalty edged the hosts in front again, before David Griggs went in for Neath’s third.

Williams’ kick made it 24-20 to the visitors at the break, but Ystrad’s Karl Williams’ second-half try made it 25-24 to the hosts. Jon Bayliss then added the winning try for Neath that Williams converted.

The other game in the Championship Cup saw Glamorgan Wanderers and Narberth share the honours in a 24-24 draw.

Bedwas let a first-half lead slip as Trebanos stormed back to win 21-12 at home in the WRU Championship Plate.

Matt Bancroft gave the visitors the lead with a pen and he went on to add three more before the break, Tom Dew replying with two tries.

The first try of the second period came via Trebanos’ Josh Ferriman. Dew slotted the conversion and the home side were ahead. A third Dew penalty extended the home advantage, before replacement Matthew Jenkins added a second try to seal the win.

Beddau came from behind to beat Tata Steel 39-31 on the road, while Ystalyfera enjoyed a 30-18 home win over Cardiff Met.