Jones is the hero as Pooler spring surprise
PONTYPOOL were the heroes of the round as the only Championship side to topple Premiership opponents with a famous 19-11 victory away at Llanelli.
Pooler had two internationals in their back-line in the shape of Matthew Jones and Sione Tu’ipolotu, and it was Jones who stole the show with his controlling influence.
Aaron Quick crossed for the opening score for the undefeated visitors with Jonny Lewis replying for Llanelli before he traded penalties with Jones for an 11-11 scoreline before a late Ben Sparks try and another Jones penalty sealed victory. Reigning champions Llandovery used the magic of the cup to overcome Premiership pace-setters Aberavon 34-10 away from home. The Drovers scored tries through Scott Gibson, Aaron Warren, Duane Eager, Craig Woodall and Jack Parkinson (2).
Bedlinog came closest to a second Premiership scalp, but strugglers Bargoed held on to win 23-15.
The biggest victory went to RGC 1404 who demolished Dunvant 81-7. The North Walians scored 13 tries in all, including a hat-trick for Josh Leach. Ben Ley supplied the consolation try for the visitors.
Cardiff comprehensively defeated Tata Steel 76-22 despite going 17-14 behind. Among the nine try-scorers was fly-half Gareth Thompson, who scored 27 points including a hat-trick.
A hat-trick from Arron Pinches was the highlight of
Merthyr’s 61-12 win at home to Newbridge, fly-half Matthew Jarvis adding eight conversions and a try.
There was also a hat-trick for Nathan Preece as Ebbw
Vale defeated Skewen 57-7. The hosts’ other scores came through Gareth Maule, Dan Haymond, James Lewis, Jack Goodey (2), and Dawid Rubasniak, while Matthew Billett crossed for Skewen.
Josh Prosser converted all seven tries for Cross Keys in their 49-3 win away to Glynneath. Carmarthen Quins despatched with Newcastle Emlyn 63-12, Pontypridd won 43-12 at Cardiff Met and Bedwas defeated Glamorgan Wanderers 40-3. The victorious sides will be joined in the second round by Newport who beat Swansea 21-18 on Wednesday.