Brynmawr keep heat on Penallta with treble for Gardner

Welsh leagues roundup

RYAN Gardner ran in a hat-trick of tries for title chasing Brynmawr in Division 1 East as they cruised to a 45-17 bonuspoint win over Risca.

It was a win that kept the ‘Mawr in touch with unbeaten league leaders Penallta and set-up a great clash with second placed Pontypool United in two weeks. Pontypool United pipped Dowlais 15-13.

United have played three games more than both Penallta and Brynmawr and will have to travel to face Gardner’s side in their penultimate game of the campaign. Penallta lead with 29 points, United have 22 and Brynmawr are now on 21.

The only other game played in the division saw Blaenavon win by a single point at Bedlinog, 11-10, and move up from 11th to sixth in the table.

In Division 1 East Central, Rumney stayed top of the table thanks to a 12-10 home win over Rhydyfelin. Tries from No.8 Charlie Barrett and full-back Ryan Bevan, the first converted by Chris Maton, allowed the home side to edged into a 12-5 lead, but they couldn’t add to their tally in the second half.

An interception try from Rhydyfelin cut the gap to two points, but that was as close as they got. Rumney now lead by five points from St Peter’s, who were 22-18 winners over Porth Quins. There are still two unbeaten team in the division, Mountain Ash and Treorchy.

Treorchy were involved in the WRU Plate quarterfinals and took another step nearer to the final with an impressive 23-15 win at Aberystwyth. Joining them in the semi-finals will be Brecon, who won 45-22 at Gowerton. Newcastle Emlyn, who triumphed 27-10 at home against Kenfig Hill and Penallta, who ran out 27-10 winners over Newbridge.

Aberavon Green Stars, Fairwater, Bryncethin and Llanharan all made it through to the last four in the WRU Bowl, while Crumlin, Ferndale and Pontardawe joined Tonna in the semi-finals of the WRU Shield.