Ash on fire to thrash challengers

Jan 9 2005 Staff Reporter, Wales on Sunday

MOUNTAIN Ash, front runners in Division Three South East started 2005 in fine style by thrashing promotion challengers Ruthin 31-5.

Dale Keepins, Ricky Evans, Chris Edmunds and Gavin Roberts all ran in a try.

Co-leaders Rhydyfelin kept their 100 per cent record intact but were given a fright by hosts Abercwmboi before recording a 19-10 victory.

Gilfach Goch kept their slim promotion hopes alive by winning 16-5 at Brecon but Barry's hopes were dashed when they went down 21-9 at Ynysybwl.

At the wrong end of the table Pentyrch notched their second win of the season overcoming Tylorstown 21-5. Darren Berry, Craig Moss and Mark Baan all touched down and Hywel Williams kicked nine points.

In contrast to Three South East, the South West Division remains a dogfight with six teams on 21 points and only six points dividing the top 11 clubs. And only two of the leading pack won yesterday.

Maesteg Quins are the new leaders after beating Aberavon Quins 24-5. Adrian Lewis scored a brace of tries and there was one apiece for Rhodri Milson and Nicky Flay. Gareth Lewis kicked two conversions.

Alltwen jumped from sixth place to second by beating previous leaders Bryncoch 21-8. Glynneath stay rooted to the bottom after Seven Sisters beat them 29-5. Richard Lewis scored a hat-trick of tries.

In Division Four South East Fairwater's unblemished record was maintained as they overcame Dowlais 32-22. Alan Robinson ran in a brace of tries and there was one apiece for Howard Fox and Mike O'Brien. Brendan McAlloon added 12 points with the boot.

Aberdare, nine points behind the leaders, won an exciting and vital encounter against Llantwit Major 22-14. Mid-table Taffs Well routed Pontyclun 61-22 with centre Kevin Dodd scoring four tries.

In Division Four South West leaders Resolven stay six points clear after winning 25-15 at Maesteg Celtic while second-placed Tonna kept up the pressure by recording a 27-3 victory at Glais.

In Division Five South East Cilfynydd took advantage of leaders South Wales Police's rest day by putting Old Penarthians to the sword 58-0. Jamie Edwards crossed for three of the 10 tries. Porth, in their first home match since October, disposed of Rhiwbina 31-13 but Bridgend Sports suffered a humiliating 87-0 home thrashing by Penallta.

In Division Five South West leaders Abercrave overcame Baglan 33-8 with tries from Edward Morgan, Wilson Roderick, Gareth Thomas and Lyndon Osborne. Second-placed Crynant won 18-8 at bottom club Pontardawe in a match marred by the conditions.