Cardiff’s title push took a blow as they went down 23-17 against Newport at Rodney Parade. The home side appeared to be cruising after a try from Michael Poole and 11 points from the boot of Chris Wannell gave them a 16-3 half-time lead.
Cardiff hit back through a Ryan Howells try and three Gareth Davies penalties but a try by hooker Michael Leaman sealed the win for Newport.
Bedwas kick-started their season with a fine victory over Glamorgan Wanderers at Bridge Field.
The home side were forced to come from behind after three Scott Sneddon penalties gave the Wanderers a 9-6 half-time lead. Lock James Murphy led the Bedwas comeback, scoring two of his sides four second-half tries. There were also scores for centre Kristian Owen and full-back Andrew McLaughlan and eight points from the boot of Gethin Worgan as Bedwas sealed the bonus-point victory, 28-9.
Carmarthen Quins hammered lowly Ebbw Vale after a magnificent second-half performance produced six tries. Two Gareth Cull penalties had given Quins a narrow 6-3 lead at the break, but the floodgates opened thereafter.
A hat-trick from the superb Darren Daniel did the damage for the home side. There were also tries for wing Richard Harris and centre Jason Harries, plus a penalty try, as Quins eased to a 42-3 triumph.
Friday night’s game between Aberavon and Cross Keys saw the home side come out on top in a messy affair at the Talbot Athletic Ground.
Centre Chris Tossell and lock Gavin Ronan scored the tries for the Wizards as they won 17-9 in the pouring rain.
