Champs stunned as Hendy claim bonus-point victory
HENDY’S ability to upset the top dogs in One West shone through once again as they plundered four tries to add a bonus point to their stunning 32-23 home win over reigning champions Felinfoel.
It was a triumph that left director of rugby Dorian Jones full of admiration for the hard work put in by his players in what he described as a good old-fashioned derby clash.
“There were lots of old players from both clubs watching on and it was a classic local derby,” he said.
“This Hendy team has a lot of heart and spirit and that shone through on the day.
“We thought the heavier conditions would suit them, but we played in the right areas. Now we just want to build on this victory.”
Scrum-half Ifan Beynon-Thomas scored the first and wing Dyfan Williams, lock Richard Kinnear and No. 8 Aled Thomas followed suit.
Felinfoel used their powerful scrum to pick up a penalty try and then used their numerical advantage to conjure up a second after the break with the home side down to 14 men with a player in the sin-bin.
Gowerton closed the gap at the top to two points with their 14-12 home win over Aberystwyth, while Llangennech made it six wins in eight outings to stay in touch at the top with their 25-14 win at Llanelli Wanderers. They have two games in hand on the two teams above them.
Gorseinon lost 23-3 to Crymych and Kidwelly went down 18-10 to Whitland. Dunvant saw off Tenby United 20-13.
Penclawdd turned on the style in Two West as the league leaders put in a superb performance to seal a bonus-point 40-5 victory over Burry Port.
Kristian Corbisiero crossed twice and was joined on the scoresheet by Danny James, Tom Howell, Olly Smith and Dan Guarneri, who also kicked 10 points.
The victory opened up a sevenpoint gap between themselves and second-placed Pembroke, who lost 24-17 to Mumbles.
Carmarthen Athletic’s 24-6 win over Tumble and Pontyberem’s 24-17 success against Loughor saw them move on to 26 points.
Tycroes’s mixed form continued as they beat Fishguard 29-14, their fifth win from 10 games, and Pontarddulais claimed a third win in four outings with a 16-9 triumph at struggling St Clears.
Laugharne are still eyeing up promotion from Three West A following their 22-10 win over Neyland.
They have won five of their six games, with a 20-18 defeat by Llanybydder the only negative point in their season.
They trail leaders Haverfordwest, who beat Cardigan 17-10, by nine points and second-placed Neyland by six points but have three games in hand.
The only other team above them, Milford Haven, have won all six of their games.
Tregaron fell to a seventh consecutive defeat as they lost to Aberaeron 31-0, while Llangwm beat Pembroke Dock Quins 22-5.
The only other game in the division went in Llanybydder’s favour as they annihilated St Davids 52-3.
In the National Championship, Tata Steel’s mixed fortunes continued as they fell to a 19-14 defeat to Bedlinog.
Morgan Williams and Callum Bricknell bagged Tata’s tries, with Bricknell and Taylor Phillips adding conversions.
But Dan Parry notched up 14 points to steer Bedlinog to victory.
Trebanos’s fixture with Newcastle Emlyn was postponed alongside Newbridge’s trip to Rhydyfelin.
But Pontypool strengthened their place at the top with a 34-5 win over second-placed Ystrad Rhondda. Cardiff Met lost 25-20 to Maesteg Quins and Narberth edged past Beddau 14-13.