Title-winning Birchgrove secure their second promotion in succession
BIRCHGROVE are champions of Two West Central.
Despite the fact that nearest challengers Nantyffyllon won 3616 at Cwmavon as well as having two games in hand, the Robins knew victory at Taibach in their final game would secure them the title regardless.
And that is exactly what happened as they ran in seven tries in a 50-12 win to make sure.
Josh Key, Liam Richards, Mathew Edwards, Lee Harris, Nathanial Llewellyn, Adam Rowlands and Chris Weightman were the try-scorers. Edwards added four conversions and a penalty while Rowlands also kicked two conversions.
It gives Birchgrove an unassailable 13-point lead over Nantyffyllon, who have two games left, and makes it back-to-back promotions for the east Swansea side.
Despite missing out on the title, Nantyffyllon’s win at Cwmavon secured them a top-two finish and promotion to division one alongside Birchgrove for next season.
Corey Harris, Connor Griffiths, Tom Cadogan, Jonny Phillips and a penalty try were their tryscorers. Nigel James kicked two conversions and a penalty while Phillips converted his own try.
One West Central champions Ystalyfera won for the 17th time in the league this term as they put Skewen to the sword 52-15 in their penultimate regular game.
Fera, who won the title the previous weekend without even playing when Bonymaen lost at Maesteg Celtic, ran in eight tries at the Ynysydarren Ground to run out victors in style.
Left wing Bowdy Davies helped himself to a hat-trick while there were also tries from right wing Luc Caines, No. 8 and captain Steffan Jones, second row Paul Davies, centre Ryan Lee James and fullback Steff Castle, who also added six conversions.
Gareth James’s side finish the season on Saturday with a home fixture against Ammanford before turning their attention to the twoleg play-off with One West Central winners Felinfoel with a place in the WRU National Championship for next season at stake.
Elsewhere in One West Central, Waunarlwydd, who have finished in the bottom three, gave their followers something to cheer with a 20-16 win at Glynneath in their final game.
The only other outstanding fixture in the division is also on Saturday when Glynneath, who will finish third, go to Brynaman.
In Three West Central A, Bridgend Sports are three points clear of Pyle with three games left for both. By coincidence, the sides meet in what could be a title decider on May 18, the very last game of the season.
The race for the Three West Central B title and also promotion will go right to the wire.
Baglan (83pts) currently lead the way from Bryncethin by five points with one game left for both sides.
Then come Cwmllynfell on 77 points with two left. Glyncorrwg, in fourth, have 64 points with four games left.
Penygroes have won Three West Central C, while Penclawdd have won the Two West title. They secured it last Saturday with a 53-6 home win over Pontyberem.
Danny James’s hat-trick led the way, while Matt Evans, James Snell, Rob James, Lee Gunnell, Tom Howell and Kristian Corbisiero all dotted down. Howell added four conversions.
Milford Haven have taken the honours in Three West A, while Nantgaredig are kings of Three West B.