Roberts upbeat after thrilling win

Jan 8 2007 Alan Home. Keyte, Western Mail

NEWBRIDGE boss David Roberts believe his team took a major step towards the Premiership after holding out to claim a thrilling 20-19 victory at title rivals Bargoed.

Roberts hailed his team's performance after edging the "biggest game of the season" between the top two clubs in the East division, though Newbridge were forced to withstand a stunning second-half comeback from their hosts.

Newbridge led 17-0 at the break following tries from Stuart Smith, Christian Perry and Luke Knight, but memories of last week's surprise defeat to Pontypool came flooding back as Bargoed rallied to within a point through Darren Humphries, Nicky Cochlin and Lee Meades.

Roberts said, "This was the probably our biggest game of the year and, thankfully, the game was won in the first half because Bargoed were superb after the break with their running off the ball.

"We slipped up against Pontypool and there were a few jitters when Bargoed started coming back, but the boys pulled together and we're back on the money."

Beddau and Pontypool both remained within touching distance with wins over Fleur de Lys and Uwic respectively, but while all eyes were on the top of the table, the relegation fight in both East and West divisions was blown open following a dramatic weekend.

Abercynon produced a last-minute try to snatch only their second victory of the season against Caerphilly and leap two places off the foot of the East Division.

Outside-half Matthew Turner dived over in the 80th minute before adding the conversion to secure a 31-27 win following tries from Scott Hughes (two), Leighton Winder and Dan Hitchings, having trailed 24-14 at half-time.

Team manager Neil Edwards said, "We weren't too clever at the start, but when you've got local lads playing for the team they will never give up and we got the rewards.

"We're trying to target certain games and this will give us a lot of confidence for the battle ahead."

Waunarlwydd are now just a win away from safety in the West Division following a remarkable 25-25 draw with Bridgend Athletic at Roseland Road, though team manager Tony Davies admits they should have taken all three points.

John Lewis saw his long-range penalty fall agonisingly short five minutes into injury time after Stuart Morris had levelled for Athletic following two tries by wing Robert Coles.

Davies said, "We would have taken a point beforehand, but not after the way we played. We dominated up front and had chances to win. It's disappointing because every point is crucial given the tight position we're in."

Bonymaen stretched their lead to three points with an emphatic 37-12 win over Lougher after second-placed Cwmllynfell's game at Llangennech was postponed.