Big relief as Arwel gets the all-clear after injury

YSTALYFERA – and Welsh rugby as a whole – were relieved to hear that Arwel Thomas was released from hospital after suffering what initially appeared to be a serious neck injury in the Admiral Championship clash against Pontypool.

The injury led to the game being abandoned at half-time. Thomas fell awkwardly attempting to take a high ball and the decision was taken to call an ambulance.

“It was a very unfortunate incident. He went to take an upand-under and fell awkwardly as a result,” said Ystalyfera team manager Damien James.

“He was taken to the hospital as a precaution as safety comes first, especially with neck injuries. It was the right thing to do to call the game off.

“It’s obviously never nice when you see a player injured in that matter, especially a friend, but both sides were excellent in dealing with the matter.

“Thankfully, after scans and tests, Arwel came home on Saturday night and all is good. Massive thanks to our physio Natalie, and the Pontypool physio who stayed at the pitch for three hours until the ambulance came. Great work by them both.”

At that stage, Pontypool held a 7-0 lead after Sam Scarfe had sliced through the Ystalyfera defence for the only try, with Matthew Jarvis adding the extras. But the game was halted prior to half-time as Thomas received treatment.

In One East Central, a try from Morgan Jones helped Mountain Ash to a crucial away victory over Cambrian Welfare which cements their position at the top of the table. Treorchy thrashed Rhiwbina 80-8, while St Peter’s beat Rhydyfelin 31-17 away from home.

Skewen remain at the top of One West Central but were held to a 15-15 draw by Dunvant. Bonymaen, who beat Birchgrove 27-19, now have the chance to nip in and take the title if they can manage two bonus-point wins in their final two matches.

Glynneath beat Waunarlwydd 28-8 to move into fifth.

Newbridge extended their unbeaten run to eight games in One East with a 33-16 at Blaenavon to stay within four points of fellow unbeaten club Penallta at the top. Brynmawr’s 27-17 win over Monmouth kept them in touch in third.

Newcastle Emlyn remain in control of their destiny in One West thanks to their 64-24 win at Pembroke to stay two points clear of Yr Hendy.