Bargoed stay top but 12-try Pooler in pursuit

A DUAN Thomas hat-trick sent Pontypool on their way to an 82-3 thrashing of Tata Steel at home.

Leighton Jones’ side were superior in every department scoring 12 tries in total with scrumhalf Owain Leonard, hooker Darren Hughes (twice), full-back Geraint Walsh, centre Pat Lewis, flanker Scott Matthews, Cameron Regan, and Joel Mahony also touching down, while they were also awarded a penalty try.

The try of the game undoubtedly came from Walsh who weaved his way past five defenders before racing clear from 45 metres, while Thomas showed tremendous pace and skill for all three of his tries.

Glamorgan Wanderers were also big winners with tries from Josh Male, Mike Owen, and Tom Richardson helping them to a comprehensive 30-5 home victory over Beddau.

Owen’s try was the standout as he found himself on the end of some terrific handling by the Glamorgan backs.

A late try from Jon Bayliss ensured Neath left the Swansea Valley with a precious 29-21 win over Trebanos. Chris Morris, Josh Ferryman, and Aaron Grabham also scored. Grabham’s try was the pick of the bunch as he hit an incisive line before showing good acceleration to beat the Trebanos defenders and score. Trebanos scored two tries of their own courtesy of Mathew Edwards, and Lewis Humphries.

Bedwas recorded an impressive 29-7 bonus point victory over Cross Keys with tries from Dafydd Thomas, Aaron Billingham, Rhys Hutcherson, and Rhys Morgan. All Cross Keys could muster was one try by Cory Nichols which was converted by Adam Tetley.

Ystrad Rhondda secured their first Championship win of the season with a hard-fought 26-19 home win over Maesteg Harlequins, while Bargoed solidified their position at the top of the Championship with a hard-fought 33-15 home win over Cardiff Met. Narberth also secured a solid 20-16 win over Ystalyfera.