Dynamic duo in hunt for title

THE race for the Division 1 East title is turning into a two-horse race with Penallta leading the way after their latest bonus-point win.

The Pitmen bagged a 44-0 win at bottom side Hartridge to stay level on points with unbeaten Brecon, who dented the hopes of reigning champions Brynmawr in making it back-to-back titles with 34-19 home win over them.

It means Penallta and Brecon are currently locked together on 62 points at the top, with Brynmawr now nine points behind in third place. Brecon still have a game in hand, but still have to face Penallta home and away before the title race is decided.

Laurence Pritchard helped himself to 19 points for the Pitmen in their 13th win in 14 league outings and there were tries from Luke Purnell (2), Shaun Powell, Pat Lewis and Ryan Davies. The only team to beat them this season is Brynmawr (15-7) and they are still in the hunt for a third WRU National Bowl title along with Brecon.

Nelson moved up into fifth place thanks to a 35-10 home win over Ynysybwl. They have games in hand on the leading pack and will be hoping to finish even higher before the season ends.

■ Old Penarthians weren’t able to repeat their heroics of earlier in the month when they beat St Albans, but still gave unbeaten Division 3 East Central C leaders Canton the hurryup before going down to a 14-5 home defeat.

The power of the Canton pack played a big part in the victory that means the league leaders will go into their next game against the second placed ‘Buns’ with a 17 point cushion. If they can extend their unbeaten run to 16 games then they will be within touching distance of the title.

The top two still have to meet for a second time before the season ends, on April 6. One of their seven remaining games is against bottom of the table Glyncoch.

St Albans picked up a bonus point in their 31-27 home win over Llandaff to keep up the pressure on Canton.