In SWALEC League Division Two East, table toppers Gilfach Goch held on for a 13 – 6 win against Mountain Ash to stay on top of the pile. Craig Davies crossed for a well earned try while fly half kicked eight points.
A second half comeback saw second placed Treorchy storm to a 20 – 18 win at Ynysybwl. Third placed Ynysybwl raced to a 13 – 0 lead at halftime with Sean Ireland and Kevin Lloyd both crossing for tries.
In a blistering second period, Treorchy scored 20 points through tries from fullback Andrew Malling and flanker Ben Hughes, and 10 points through the kicking of Celyn Ashton and Lee Stone. Ynysybwl could have snatched a draw in the dying moments but were unable to convert a penalty opportunity.
Team Manager Howard Lazarus, said: “It was a fantastic win for us, away from home in a really tough Valleys derby and a tough place to come. It really was a game of two halves. They had a chance to draw at the end but missed two shots at goal. We did well to hang on for a good win.”
Elsewhere in the division Abercynon claimed a bonus point win against Llantwit Fardre. Tries from Geraint Turner, Meirion Withey, Gareth Davies and 15 points from Matthew Turner ensured a 29 -5 home win.
In Division Three East there was an individual masterclass from Fleur De Lys outside half, Paul Emanuelli, who scored all the points in a 22 – 15 win. Emanuelli crossed for the game’s only try and kicked 17 points thanks to four penalties, a conversion and a drop goal for the full house.
Second placed Rhymney drew level at the top of the table thanks to a bonus point victory against Croesyceiliog. Steve Klein grabbed two tries for the home side and was joined on the score board by Matthew Chard and Steve Lang.
Meanwhile lowly Newport HSOB sprang a surprise on fifth placed Nelson with a 23 – 14 victory.
But it was Division Four East bottom team Crumlin sealed the biggest shock of the day with a 18 -13 win against table topping Talywain. No.8 Matthew Lawrence and wing Robert Vaughan scored the crucial tries for the home side and the boot of Greg Jones ensured the shock victory.
