Division One round-up: Players see red

Mar 2 2008 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

DIVISION One East leaders Pontypool, who have dropped points in their last two outings, returned to winning ways but had to battle hard to overcome Newport Saracens 18-6.

Nicky Coughlin and Gavin Donaldson ran in the all-important tries and Gary Wilkes added the extra eight points with the boot.

Darren Gregg was the Saracens’ scorer with two penalties but the match was marred by indiscipline, with two players red-carded and three more sin-binned.

Second-placed Caerphilly’s rich vein of form continued as they overcame Rhymney 24-15 though the visitors won the try count 3-2. Rhys Williams and Steffan Edwards crossed for the Cheesemen but hero of the day was Dean Watkins, who put over four penalties and a conversion.

Third-placed Bargoed, who had won their last six matches, came unstuck at Newbridge who handed out a 34-12 lesson.

Luke James ran in a brace of tries for Newbridge and, with tries from Martin Ackerman and Richard Powell, the hosts collected a bonus point.

Reigning champions Beddau, who stopped the rot last week after eight consecutive losses, won again yesterday in a narrow 11-10 victory over bottom club Fleur de Lys.

The pacemakers in division two both received a rude awakening. Leaders Tonmawr lost 19-17 at home to Narberth, who have now been unbeaten in their last six outings.

Andrew Davies ran in the Otters’ try and Aled Davies was in fine form with the boot, slotting over 14 points.

Second-placed Carmarthen Quins were held at home by Llangennech in a no-try 6-6 tie.

At the foot of the table, Waunarlwydd’s cause looks doomed as they went down 39-13 at Whitland, and they are now ten points adrift of the safety zone.

The Borderers scored five tries to earn themselves a bonus point.

Corus’ vastly improved form showed in their 19-15 success over mid-table Merthyr.

Mark Harvey touched down for the Steelmen and Rhys Williams secured victory by kicking four penalties and a conversion.

Dunvant are beginning to pull away from the red zone as they made it four consecutive wins with a 17-8 triumph over reigning champions Bonymaen, who have now lost their last five games. It marked the double for Dunvant.

Gary Lewis and Lloyd Harris both crossed for the Broadacre outfit and James Horner put over a penalty and two conversions.