Tonmawr back on track

Jan 7 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

TONMAWR got their Division One West bandwagon back on track with an emphatic 29-0 drubbing of Bridgend Athletic at the Memorial Ground.

The leaders had their ominous march to the title rudely interrupted last time out when they crashed to at home to Whitland, but that lull in form was to be shortlived as they coasted in for five tries against their hapless visitors.

Winger Richard Johnson led the way with a brace, while James Donovan, Adrian Phillips and Rob Hill added one apiece to seal a convincing bonus-point victory.

Carmarthen Quins refuse to give up the chase, however, and still have top spot firmly in their sights after a deserved 29-13 derby victory over Whitland.

Josh Freeman touched down for the Quins to add to a penalty try, but it was outside-half Mark Jones who was Whitland’s chief destroyer as the points machine knocked over four penalties, two conversions and a dropped goal to finish with a haul of 19 points.

Third-placed Llangennech lost ground on the pacesetters when they went down to a shock 16-15 defeat against 14-man Dunvant and now have Narberth breathing down their necks in fourth position after they recorded a fine 22-13 win at Bonymaen.

Corus remain bottom after a 16-11 reverse at home to Cwmllynfell and Waunarlwydd’s struggles also continued as they went down 28-8 at Merthyr.

Pontypool’s Stuart Lawrence kept his side on course for the Division One East title with 16 points from the boot in a 26-12 triumph over visiting Blackwood.

Skipper Leighton Jones led the way for Pooler with the opening try and Nicky Coughlin followed suit, while Blackwood’s points all came from the trusty boot of fly-half Jeremy Lloyd.

The win keeps Pooler six points ahead of second-placed Bargoed, who were made to fight for their 31-25 bonus-point victory by a spirited Rumney side.

Outside-half Gethin Worgan slotted over 13 points in Llanharan’s impressive 28-0 whitewash of Beddau, while Fleur de Lys will be happy with the torrid 6-6 draw they nanaged to salvage in treacherous conditions at Newbridge.

The games between Llantrisant and Caerphilly and Newport Saracens and UWIC both fell victim to the weather.