It was the final chance for local clubs to head into Christmas on a high, with a mixed weekend of results and widespread postponements across the divisions on Saturday December 20.
In the WRU Premiership, Bargoed delivered some festive cheer at Bargoed Park as they cruised to a commanding 55-7 home win over Brecon. However, it was a tougher afternoon for Newbridge, who had to settle for a losing bonus point following a 25-18 defeat away to Llangennech. Cross Keys were not in action, with their home fixture against Merthyr postponed.
Down in the National Championship East, winless Penallta endured another difficult outing as they suffered their 11th consecutive league defeat, going down 26-7 away at Treorchy. Despite not playing, league leaders Bedwas will enjoy Christmas at the top of the tree after their all-Caerphilly County Borough clash away to Ynysddu was postponed.
In Division 1 East, Nelson and Blackwood head into the festive period sitting third and fourth respectively, with both sides having won five of their opening six games. Neither team was in action over the weekend, with Nelson’s derby against Bedlinog postponed, as was Blackwood’s trip to Dowlais.
Caerphilly were in action in Division 1 East Central, but slipped to a narrow 14-7 defeat away at Abercwmboi. That result leaves them fifth in the table, having recorded five wins and two defeats from their first seven matches.
Down in Division 2 East, unbeaten Abercarn remain top of the standings ahead of second-placed Rhymney, though neither side played as their match against each other was postponed. Bottom club Senghenydd also saw their trip to Pontypool United called off.
There was a positive result in Division 3 East for Machen, who pulled clear of the relegation zone thanks to a 13-10 away victory over Caerleon. Elsewhere, Risca remain rooted to the bottom without a win after their home fixture against Chepstow was postponed, while Fleur de Lys sit just one place above them following the postponement of their match with RTB Ebbw Vale.
Postponements also brought Division 4 East to a standstill, with two all-Caerphilly clashes called off. League leaders Deri, who boast a perfect record of eight wins from eight, were due to host bottom-placed Abertysswg Falcons, while Bedwellty’s short trip to Oakdale was also postponed. Crumlin’s derby with Llanhilleth suffered the same fate, while Pontllanfraith were without a scheduled league fixture.
In Division 5 East, Trinant pulled clear of the relegation places with a narrow 8-7 win over Hafodyrynys, who missed the opportunity to move to the top of the table. Blackwood Stars remain in pole position despite their clash with Bargoed Athletic not taking place, while Hollybush, who sit one place and five points above the drop zone, didn’t have a game scheduled.
Finally, in Division 6 East, Penallta Athletic continue to occupy top spot despite not being in action, while fourth-placed New Tredegar were denied the chance to temporarily move top after their fixture against Hirwaun was postponed.