Pooler’s top tribute

PONTYPOOL paid the perfect tribute to their former front-row legend Charlie Faulkner as they made it a dozen wins without defeat in the Admiral Championship with a 52-24 home win over Narberth.

The loosehead member of the Pontypool front row died on Thursday and there was a minute’s silence and black armbands at Pontypool Park.

The stage is now set for the biggest game of the season this weekend in the Championship when Neath host table-topping Pooler. Both teams warmed up with big wins – Neath triumphing 39-10 over Ystalyfera at The Gnoll.

There were eight tries for Pontypool, and full-back Matthew Jarvis helped himself to 15 points as he scored one and kicked five conversions. Other tries came from Deon Smith, Pat Lewis, skipper Scott Matthews, Mike Hallett, Garin Price, Amosa Nova and Mike Powell.

As for Neath, three tries in each half were enough to see them overcome a spirited Ystalyfera.

Former Wales wing Aled Brew, playing at full-back, was among the scorers for Neath, along with wing Louis Rees, hooker Sion Crocker, prop Gareth Lloyd, flanker Elis Hopkins and No. 8 Morgan Kneath. Steff Williams kicked two conversions and a penalty, while replacement Rhys Harris added a conversion.

The Ystalyfera tries were scored by prop James Williams and lock Glenn Owens.

Maesteg Quins made it three games without defeat as they beat Tata Steel 52-15, while Cardiff Met picked up an impressive 24-19 victory at Trebanos in a game of six tries, three to each side.

Bedwas went to Glamorgan Wanderers and picked up five points in a 46-17 win. Wing Aaron Billingham scored a hat-trick