Leaders defy waether to stay clear

Jan 21 2007 Graeme Gillespie, Wales on Sunday

BONYMAEN ground out a hard-fought 29-17 Division One victory over visitors Llangennech in a game marred by high winds and driving rain.

Andrew Llewellyn, Neil Wilcox and James Davies ran in tries. A penalty try was also awarded and Gareth Jones added eleven points with the boot.

The Parc Mawr side retain their five-point lead at the top of the table and, with the second and third-placed clubs both winning, the promotion race could go down to the wire.

Bridgend Athletic have not fared well on the road but they made amends at Loughor in dramatic style, snatching victory with the last kick of the game in an exciting 15-14 battle.

Nick O'Kelly and Peter Smiriglia crossed for the hosts, both tries being converted by Ben Davies.

Tom Goodwin touched down for the Athletic and, with the clock ticking down, Nick Hinton dived over for their second try.

Steve Lewis, who had previously landed a penalty, slotted over a difficult touch-line conversion to grab the all-important three points.

Third-placed Carmarthen Quins staged a second-half comeback to win 26-23 at Narberth.

Lloyd Philips, Andrew Jones and Mathew Davies all ran in tries for the Otters - Nick Jones added a conversion and Steve Williams was successful with two penalties.

Substitute Wayne Price and Griff Jones crossed for the Quins and the ever-reliable Mark Jones landed two conversions, three penalties and a dropped goal for a personal tally of 16 points.

Merthyr achieved their first double of the season as they won 5-3 at Dunvant thanks to a Greg Plant try. Lee Copner landed a penalty for Dunvant and was unlucky to see his last-minute drop goal effort just glance off the post.

Builth Wells won their first match last week - doubling their season's points with a surprising 20-3 victory at fourth-placed Cwmllynfell.

The much-awaited clash of the top two in the east - Newbridge and Beddau - fell victim to the weather.

Third-placed Bargoed took the opportunity to close the gap as they beat Ystrad Rhondda 27-17.

Nicky Couchlin was top scorer with a brace of tries.

Abercynon shocked Llanharan, beating them 31-14.