ASDA LEAGUES ROUND UP
Division 0ne
Life in Division 1 of the ASDA Leagues started well for two of the newly-promoted teams but not so well for another two on the opening weekend of fixtures. The stand-out performances in the first round of matches came from Cwmllynfell and Merthyr who beat Builth Wells 45-7, and Llanharan 24-11 respectively. Neil Burnett’s 14-point haul proving the catalyst for Merthyr.
New boys Waunarlywdd felt the wrath of Chris Davey’s UWIC team who ran in six tries for a 41-17 win, while Ystrad Rhondda’s spirited fight against Beddau couldn’t prevent them going down 25-11 in their first match in the division. Newly relegated Caerphilly squeezed past Narberth 30-21 while Newbridge overcame Llangennech 21-16 and Whitland shut out Fleur de Lys for a 32-0 win.
Division Two
In Division 2 East, Abercynon got off to an impressive start with a 41-24 home win over Rhydyfelin. Matthew Turner’s 26 points proving the difference. Pill Harriers recorded a notable 26-12 victory at Rumney and Llantwit Fardre made it an away-day double as they scored three converted tries and a penalty in a 24-3 win at Nantymoel.
In Division 2 West, Corus sneaked past Carmarthen Athletic 17-10 and Maesteg Quins suffered defeat by the same margin going down 15-8 at Kidwelly.
Division Three
Top scorers in Division 3 East were Fairwater with their 55-31 triumph at Risca. However, the rest of the matches in the division were closely contested. Away wins for Abercarn, 22-15 over Blaina, Rhymney, 12-7 against Pontllanfraith, and Senghenydd, 23-13 over Old Illtydians could be a reflection of how tight the division is likely to be.
Haverfordwest got their Division 3 West campaign off to a great start with a 57-19 home win over Hendy. North Wales side Llangefni made a winning start to their season as they beat Pembroke Dock Quins 31-10.
In Division 3 South East, Brecon edged out newly-promoted Aberdare 27-21, Gareth Dodd and James Davenport each scoring a try and two penalties. In the South West, Resolven and Kenfig Hill fought out a 28-28 draw.
In Division 3 East, Cwmbran’s Carl Moore kicked 17 points in his side’s 22-19 victory over Llanishen.
Division Four
Penarth, after just missing out on promotion last season, got off to a good start with an emphatic 42-7 win at Dinas Powys in Division 4 South East. Chris Redcliff top scored for the visitors with 18 points. Promoted Penallta went down narrowly to Bedlinog, 14-9, and Taffs Well ripped through the Llantwit Major defence on numerous occasions, winning 27-3.
In Division 4 East, the stand out performance came from Cardiff HSOB with a 39-3 win at home to Crumlin. In the West, Pontarddulais came through a tight encounter with Fishguard 19-14.
Division Five
The East Division saw narrow wins for St.Josephs at home to Abertillery BG, 23-17, and Gwernyfed, 18-10 over Blaenavon.
In the West, Betws put Llangwm to the sword 65-19 and in the South West Ystradgynlais went even higher, hammering Pyle 68-8. Richard Davies starred with four scores.
The one match in the South East division saw Bridgend Sports beat Ogmore Vale 22-8, with the home side running in three scores for a comfortable win.
