Clare's flair shows in local derby

Mar 27 2005 Wales on Sunday

PENARTH are making a brave bid to regain former glories as they surge up the table in Division Four South East.

Mid-season saw them idling in mid-table, but, after winning their last eight matches, they now lie in joint second place, tied with Fairwater.

Yesterday they brushed aside local rivals Llandaff North 40-15, captain Mike Clare leading the way with a hat-trick.

Leaders Aberdare thrashed bottom club Pontyclun 86-7. James Furry, Martin Lewis and captain Mark Brennal all grabbed hat-tricks, while player-coach Nick Davies scored two.

Fairwater are slipping away from the top spot and a second successive defeat, 22-12 at home to Bedlinog, sent home fans heading to the bar in frustration.

In Division Four South West, Tonna only need one more point to secure promotion after hammering lowly Pyle 62-12. Warren Thomas, Carl Banzie and Luke Serokin emulated their Aberdare counterparts with another hat-trick of hat-tricks.

Morriston's promotion hopes took a dive as they went down 22-12 at Briton Ferry. Gavin Pucket, Adrian Griffiths and Lloyd Griffiths touched down and Chris Jones landed two conversions and a penalty.

In Division Three South East, unblemished Rhydyfelin look almost certain for promotion after disposing of third-placed Ruthin 29-13.

Anthony Lloyd and Jordan Rees crossed for two tries each and Rhys Godwin scored the fifth.

Second-placed Mountain Ash won 20-10 at lowly Pontycymmer and there is now a 12-point gap between them and the chasing pack.

Matters are much tighter in Division Three South West, as only nine points separate the top eight clubs. Current leaders Maesteg Quins won an exciting encounter at Alltwen 38-27, while Aberavon Quins cruised past Ammanford 39-9. Jamie Lean was the star of the show with three tries.

The top match in Division Five South East saw new boys Penallta win 12-5 at South Wales Police. Steve Richards ran in a try, and Gareth Davies added a try and conversion. Darrell Thomas scored for the police.

In Division Five South West, leaders Abercrave ran in 11 tries in a 67-12 victory over BP Llandarcy.

Edward Morgan scored three as Birchgrove put Cwmgwrach to the sword 68-0, Justin Evans notching 23 points.