The Principality Premiership season got underway in spectacular fashion with 35 tries flowing in the opening round.
The pick of the tries came at Rodney Parade where Llanelli scrum half Justin James raced 80 metres for a brilliant solo try as the champions got their defence off to flying start with a bonus point triumph away from home.
Their 37-25 triumph over Newport came in the first competitive game played at the new Rodney Parade and the fans were treated to nine tries in all. Llanelli had secured their bonus point by half-time with four first-half tries, but the home side never gave up and scored four of their own to take one point out of the game.
While James stole the limelight, his half-back partner Jordan Williams also shone with 14 points as the pair forged a highly promising half-back partnership that looks like serving the champions well this season.
But if James’ try was the dramatic, the most crucial was the first-half effort by Carmarthen Quins outside half Gareth Morgan, who skipped over for the only try of the game against Swansea. James Stephenson added the conversion and Quins went on to win 7-0 to give new coach Steve Williams, the former Swansea, Neath, Cardiff and Wales No 8, a winning start.
Last season’s top side in the regular league season, Pontypridd, made light work of Tonmawr as they ran in six tries in a 46-6 away win. Dean Gunter helped himself to 17 points for the visitors, who were 25-6 ahead at the break.
There were no happy returns to the top flight for Bridgend as they fell 33-12 to Aberavon at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Dai Flanagan landed four penalties for the visitors, but two tries from hooker Marc Breeze, and 13 points from the ever reliable boot of Jamie davies, steered the Wizards to a bonus point triumph.
Bedwas managed to outscore Neath by two tries to one, but still found themselves coming up short as they fell to a 28-20 home defeat. Dai Langdon was the hero for the visitors as he kicked 17 points with four penalties, a drop goal and conversion.
The other two games in the Premiership ended in home wins as Llandovery mounted a major second half revival to power past Cardiff to win 27-19. Cardiff has led 16-9 at the break, but could only manage to add a fourth Rhys Patchell penalty to their score in the second half.
Llandovery, meanwhile, piled up the points as they added 18 to their tally, including two tries, to get their season off to the near perfect start.
Cross Keys also had plenty to celebrate as they won the big Gwent derby against Pontypool 47-32. As well as being served up 79 points, the fans at Pandy Park also witnessed nine tries in one of the most free-flowing and competitive games of the day.
There were two tries apiece for wing Nathan Trowbridge and centre Leon Andrews and outside half Sam Mills converted all five of the home tries and also added four penalties for a match tally of 22 points that proved the difference between the two teams.
Full back Geraint O’Driscoll kept Pontypool in touch with a 15 point contribution that included a try, two penalties and two conversions and a fourth try from skipper Geraint Morris at least allowed the visitors to head home with a much deserved bonus point.
