SPORT LABEL

PONTYPOOL’S bid for a fourth successive Specsavers National Championship crown began with a magnificent seven-try 47-12 home defeat of Beddau, writes Carl Field.

Leighton Jones’s side had the bonus point in the bag by the break with Lloyd Lewis, Kieran Meek, new signing Adam Stratton and Darren Hughes all dotting down in the first half.

Further tries from Martin Luckwell, newly appointed skipper Scott Matthews and Lewis Ball sealed a comprehensive opening day win for the champions.

Kieran Meek booted six conversions in total.

Last season’s runners-up Ystrad Rhondda are also up and running with maximum points after they beat newly promoted Ystalyfera 29-12 at Gelligaled Park.

Ryan Howells, Mason Roderick, Liam Greening and Jared Llewellyn all crossed for the whitewash for Ystrad, with Rhys Truelove sending over three conversions and a penalty.

Other promoted side, Glamorgan Wanderers, had better luck though as they won 22-8 at Maesteg Quins.

Scrum-half Paul Short scored all the points for the Wanderers, scoring a try and kicking the rest.

Relegated Neath’s bid to bounce back up is off to a winning start, 23-7 at Trebanos.

Tomi Antozzi and Jordan Rees went over in each half for the Welsh All Blacks with Luke Griffiths adding 13 points from the tee.

Elsewhere six penalties from Nick Gale along with tries from Dan Smith and Joe Hutchins helped Narberth to victory 28-15 at Tata Steel.

The points were shared at Cyncoed where a Rhys Johnson inspired Cardiff Met twice came from behind to draw 20-20 with relegated Bargoed while the other two relegated Indigo Group Premiership sides meet at the Bridge Field this afternoon (Sunday) as Bedwas welcome Cross Keys, kickoff 2.30pm.

After back-to-back promotions, Birchgrove made a dream start to life in One West Central with a 14-8 win over Tondu at Pandy Park.

Nathaniel Llewellyn and Curtis Davies grabbed the tries, both converted by Adam Rowlands, for Birchgrove, who were playing Division Three rugby just two seasons ago.

Double defending One West champions Felinfoel started their bid for a hat-trick of titles by defeating Yr Hendy 34-29.

Rhys Evans, Connor Ford, Aled Roberts and Josh Edwards were among the try scorers.

Another side gunning for an immediate return to the second tier are Bedlinog, who opened their One East campaign with a 17-9 home win over Pontypool United.

First half tries from Owen Jenkins and Craig Davies provided decisive.

Both were converted by captain Dan Parry, who also booted a second half penalty.