East Divisions round-up

Jan 6 2008 Wales on Sunday

PENALLTA flexed their muscle at the top of Division Two East with an impressive 17-10 triumph at nearest rivals Abercynon to continue their march towards the title.

Outside-half Greg Callow was the match-winner as he weighed in with a try, two penalties and a conversion to finish with a match haul of 12 points, while livewire hooker Dale Powell added the other touchdown.

The victory sends Penallta six points clear of second placed Ystrad Rhondda, who leapfrogged Abercynon after a comfortable 30-11 defeat of Rhydyfelin.

Builth Wells’ John Thurston was also in fine form as the fullback defied the poor underfoot conditions to scorch over for a hatrick of tries against Newport HSOB.

The speedster also notched 13 points with the boot to collect 28 of his side’s points in the 43-7 drubbing.

Mountain Ash were brought back down to earth after buoyed by their recent surge up the table when Treherbert outside-half Gareth Roberts struck a penalty a minute from time to snatch an 11-10 result.

Meanwhile, Ynysybwl had to come from a try behind to edge past Pill Harriers but they finished with a clear victory at 13-5.

Abergavenny maintained their advantage at the top Division Three East as they crossed for six tries in a 40-8 hammering of lowly New Tredegar.

Will Johnson claimed a brace in the rout with Richard McCormack, Gareth Williams, James Williams and James Padgat also going getting in on the act.

In the close-knit chasing pack, Garndiffaith were too strong for visiting Pontypool United as they scored four tries in their convincing 24-12 win.

However, Brynmawr made life far more difficult for themselves at Croesyceiliog where they missed five kicks at goal before finally sneaking an 8-6 triumph.

There was also a priceless win for Pontllanfraith who prevailed 20-8 over Senghenydd in a dog-fight between the bottom two.

Lower down, Gwernyfed kept their necks in front in the Division Four East title race with a 17-3 win at Risca.

But Abertillery also remain in the title hunt as they powered past struggling Abercarn with an excellent 27-3 victory.