NATIONAL LEAGUE RUGBY

CHAMPIONS Pontypool returned to the summit in the WRU National Championship with a 39-13 win over Maesteg Quins – and took advantage as Cardiff Metropolitan University crashed to a first defeat of the campaign at Narberth.

Flanker Scott Matthews turned in a stunning man-of-the-match performance for Pooler with a hattrick, going over twice in the first half and once in the second.

Rob Nash, Martin Luckwell and Richard East also dotted down for Leighton Jones’ men who also made it eight wins from eighth so far this season.

Matthew Lewis added conversions and a penalty.

The Quins’ points came courtesy of a try from No.8 Michael Owen, converted by Rhodri Davies while three Owen Howe also booted two penalties.

As a result Pontypool now move on to 39 points while also have a game in hand on Cardiff Met – who are now two points behind after having to make do with a losing bonus point from a 16-11 loss at Narberth.

Having led the table heading into the weekend, Met trailed narrowly 6-5 at half time with Nick Gale booting two penalties for Narberth against a Shawn Howard try for the visitors.

Richard Rees went over for the home side after the break with the try converted by Gale who also added another penalty.

Harry Johnston split the posts twice for Met but could not save their unbeaten record after seven straight wins previously.

Elsewhere Ystrad Rhondda recorded their seventh win in nine games – and in style – as they thrashed Rhydyfelin 51-0 in their own backyard.

Bedlinog were 38-7 home winners over Trebanos while Tata Steel were made to fight all the way for their 27-22 win at bottom club Newbridge having trailed 15-14 at the interval.

It was an eighth defeat in nine so far for Newbridge.

Meanwhile Beddau enjoyed only their second victory of the season as they beat Newcastle Emlyn 41-19.

In the WRU National Plate, former winners Heol y Cyw thrashed Taffs Well 50-0 to progress into the third round.