NATIONAL LEAGUES ROUNDUP
PONTYPOOL went six points clear in the WRU National Championship with a 29-24 bonus-point victory at Trebanos.
The victory made it nine out of nine for Leighton Jones’ men but they certainly did not have it all their own way in west Wales and were pushed all the way by an impressive Trebanos outfit.
However in the end Pooler’s power and physical prowess saw them home.
The league leaders led 12-10 at the turnaround thanks to Scott Matthews’ unconverted score along with a penalty try.
Sam Davies scored in the first half for Trebanos, who led at one stage, with Matthew Edwards converting as well as kicking a penalty.
Then in the second half Lloyd Lewis scored for his eighth try of the season, converted by Matthew Lewis to make it 19-10 before Craig Attwell secured the bonus point and Jordan Thomas darted over for a fifth Pontypool try.
A late rally from Trebanos, who were awarded two penalty tries, saw them take something from the clash.
Now on 44 points, Pooler’s day was made even better with the news that nearest challengers Cardiff Metropolitan University had slipped to a surprised 17-16 defeat at home by Bedlinog – a second straight loss for the Students.
Andrew Murphy scored the Bedlinog try while Dan Parry booted four penalties.
Met’s try was scored by Andrew Nurse, converted by Russell Bennett, who also added three penalties.
Pontypool have also have game in hand on Met who are now on 38 points.
Elsewhere third-placed Ystrad Rhondda moved to within a point of Met as they beat Narberth 20-13 at Gelligaled Park
Ryan Howells and Kurtis Williams scored a try in each half for Ystrad with both scored converted by Corey Shephard who also booted two penalties.
Elsewhere Newbridge won for just the second time this season, 25-20 at Beddau.
Matthew Davies was at the double with Chris Francis also going over. Sam Withers kicked two conversions and a penalty while Eamonn Rees also slotted a penalty.
Tata Steel edged Rhydyfelin 26-25 while the scheduled match between bottom club Newcastle Emlyn and Maesteg Quins was postponed due to the weather.
Rhiwbina made it six wins out of seven in One East Central with a narrow 13-10 success at Dinas Powys.
After two penalties from Lewis Pearce, Loren Quick then produced what proved to be the decisive moment in the match as he intercepted and dashed fully 50 yards to the line to touch down. Pearce also added the extras. Corey Imperato got the try for Dinas, which was converted by Sam Middlemiss who also kicked a penalty as they bagged a losing bonus point.
The result for the Squirrels also saw them extend their lead at the top after chasing sides Mountain Ash and Porth Harlequins both lost.
Mountain Ash, who began the weekend just a point behind Rhiwbina, were narrowly beaten 16-15 at Rumney – who jump from fourth to second.
Lewis Mills and Harry Jarret scored Rumney’S two unconverted tries while Regan Mahoney did kick two penalties.
Porth Harlequins, meanwhile were defeated 36-17 at five-star Glamorgan Wanderers.
In One East, leaders Brynmawr’s 100 per cent winning record is over after they went down to a 32-14 home defeat against Brecon – in a match switched to Nantyglo.
Eifion Jones was the star of the show for Brecon with a hat-trick with Ewan Williams also going over. Dean Gunter added three conversions and two penalties.
It ended Brynmawr’s bid for an eighth league win on the bounce and also took Brecon up into second above Penallta who were not in action after their scheduled opponents – bottom club Hartridge – were unable to raise a side.
Brynmawr, on 34 points, are now just one ahead of Brecon.
Ystalyfera are the new leaders of One West Central after edging Bonymaen 18-17.
Jonathan Bayliss and Paul Davies got the tries with Steff Castle and Bowdy Davies sharing duties from the tee.