NATIONAL PLATE: Pitmen safely through thanks to Tucker

The game was played on the 4G pitch at Ystrad Mynach and the home side got off to a blistering start, scoring two quick tries. The home hero was definitely back row man Corey Tucker, who has been playing Premiership rugby with Cardiff this season, as he helped himself to a hat-trick of tries.

It was 17-7 to the Pitmen at the break, but Risca, who had already been beaten 27-14 by their hosts in Division 1 East this season, hit back to keep the game in the melting pot. Division 1 East leaders Brynmawr were also pushed all the way before coming out on top 21-6 at Hartridge.

The top two teams in Division 1 North, reigning North Wales champions Pwllheli and Nant Conwy, both eased into the second round with convincing wins. Nant ran out 34-8 winners at home to Bro Ffestiniog, while Pwllheli were 45-5 winners at Caernarfon.

Division 1 East Central leaders Treorchy made light work of St Peter’s, winning 38-15, while it didn’t worry Rhiwbina when they went down to 13 men with two yellow cards as they scored two tries against Barry. The Squirrels eventually progressed into the next round with a 36-16 win.

Ystrad Rhondda ran in eight tries in their 52-16 home win over Llanishen, six of which were converted by Rhys Truelove. Callum and Gerwyn Davies both grabbed two tries and the others came from Jack Lawthom, Aron Clarke, Ben Langford and Josh Williams.

Last season’s runners-up, Ystalyfera, kicked-off their campaign to return to the Principality Stadium with a convincing 38-0 home win over Cwmavon. Skipper and No 8 Steff Jones led by example with two of his side’s five tries and Steffan Castle ended up with 18 points as he crossed for a try and kicked 13 points.

WRU National Bowl champions Amman United fell to a second defeat of the season to Division 2 West rivals Carmarthen Athletic as they were beaten 24-19 at home. It was a similar story for last season’s Bowl runners-up, Caerphilly, who went down 29-26 at home to Croesyceiliog.

Division 1 West Central leaders Maesteg Quins completed an early season double over Kenfig Hill as they followed up their 34-7 league triumph with a 25-10 home triumph in the Plate.

There were six games in which home sides were given a walk-over – Aberavon Quins, Abercarn, Cambrian Welfare, Dolgellau, Llantrisant, Maesteg, Pencoed and Whitland.