Win keeps Trefyclawdd in line for title honours

Jan 27 2008 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

TREFYCLAWDD remain in line for Mid Wales League title honours after prevailing 17-8 at Newtown seconds.

Both sides had gone into the encounter in good shape, but it was the Knighton side who picked up their fifth win of the campaign.

There was little to separate the sides in a closely fought affair, with neither able to break the deadlock in the first half.

But high-flying Trefyclawdd powered ahead soon after the interval courtesy of two pushover tries, both touched down by Russell Jones and converted by Rhodri Lewis.

Newtown refused to surrender, and boosted their hopes with a try from Phil Jacques, while Steve Rowlands added a penalty.

However, Trefy were not to be denied and wrapped up the win in the dying moments when Lewis landed a penalty from distance.

Llanidloes seconds, who have lost twice to Newtown, saw their recent slide continue after going down 19-7 at home to Aberystwyth University. Second row Nathan King grabbed Llani’s try, which was converted by Anthony Jones to keep their side in the hunt.

Llandrindod Wells, last year’s Mid Wales League champions, remain in the lower reaches of the Welsh National League division six (central) after going down 30-7 at Bryncethin.

A first-half try from Tom Bradley, converted by Danny Davies, gave the Wellmen some early encouragement but the Bryncethin backs were too hot to handle as they were breached five times, with Gareth Pierce crossing for one try while also providing a conversion and penalty. Jimmy Smith (2), Mike Richards and Ross John also went over for the hosts.

Newtown’s under-19s ran out 17-0 winners against Trefyclawdd in the North Wales Youth League, Llanidloes lost 10-0 to Bala in the same league while COBRA’s young guns ran out 31-0 winners against Harlech.