LOCAL RUGBY
THIRTEEN proved to be a lucky number for Pontypool as they claimed a 13th consecutive win to stay 14 points clear at the top of the National Championship, writes Jay Bayford.
An awesome foursome from Jamie Jeune steered Pooler to a 26-3 victory over Newbridge that continued their perfect league record.
Matthew Jones added the extras with his boot while Eamonn Rees kicked a consolation penalty for Newbridge.
Narberth ensured Pooler didn’t extend their advantage as they beat Newcastle Emlyn 26-13.
Tries from Alex Jenkins, Tom Powell, Jack Parkinson and Liam Hutchins earned them a bonus point with Jonathan Rogers kicking three conversions.
Alex Williams hit back for Emlyn and Ashley Sutton added the rest but they couldn’t salvage a losing bonus point.
It was a tight encounter at Cardiff Met as they scraped a 29-27 victory over Rhydyfelin.
Tim Benjamin was at the double with Max Llewellyn, Luke Northmore and Ben Holt also on the scoresheet.
George Simpson and Tom Morgan both added a conversion each.
Sam Studley went over twice for Rhydyfelin while Scott Pritchard and Garett Doman-Cann added further tries. Dai Gratton completed their scoring with seven kicked points.
In other action, Tata Steel were pushed all the way by Trebanos before emerging as 25-19 victors.
Dai Griggs guided Tata to victory with a brace, which added to a penalty try. Callum Bricknell added the rest with his boot.
One West Central champions Trebanos more than matched their opponents as Sam Davies and Matthew Edwards crashed over.
Three penalties from Edwards closed the gap but Tata saw out the victory.
Elsewhere, Glynneath fell to a fourth successive defeat as they went down 11-0 at Skewen.
Gareth Morris went over for the game’s only try and Anthony Buselli wrapped up the victory with two penalties.
In the league’s other fixture, Bedlinog cruised to a 32-5 win over Beddau.
Dan Parry was the star as he scored 17 points through a try, three conversions and two penalties. Matthew Trowbridge, Aaron Harris and James Soanes added the other tries. Ben Lee got Beddau’s consolation.
Elsewhere, it was the perfect end to 2017 for Maesteg Quins as they beat rivals Maesteg 24-9 and increased their lead at the top of One West Central.
Owen Howe struck four penalties with Jack Picton and Aled Edwards going over. Rhodri Davies completed Quins’ scoring with a conversion.
Three penalties from Tadgh McGuckin put the points on the board for Maesteg.
In One East, Brecon took advantage of Brynmawr’s postponement to jump to the top of the table after beating Blaenavon 24-14.
Two penalty tries set them on their way to victory and Adam Hoskins and Jonathan Bowen made sure of the bonus point with further tries.
Ystrad Rhondda remain One East Central leaders after a 36-22 triumph over Porth Harlequins.
David Webb, Adam Lewis and a penalty try added to a Jared Llewellyn double to give Ystrad victory. Rhys Truelove added the rest with his boot.
Dunvant weren’t in action but still sit at the summit of One West after Felinfoel drew 5-5 with Llanelli Wanderers.
Meanwhile, One North champions Pwllheli still trail leaders Nant Conwy by eight points as both sides picked up wins. Pwllheli beat Caernarfon 14-8 while Nant Conwy were 12-8 winners at Bala.