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The 2023/24 rugby season got underway over the weekend, with teams from across Caerphilly County Borough returning to action.
In the WRU National Championship East, which is the second tier of Welsh club rugby, newly-promoted Newbridge made a dream start to their season – beating Islwyn rivals Cross Keys 39-28 at home.
Elsewhere in the division, there was a win for Penallta, who were also promoted last season. The Pitmen beat St Peters 43-36 in a high-scoring affair.
Bargoed also racked up the points in their opener, seeing off Rumney 52-25.
However, there was no such success for Bedwas, who were beaten 28-16 at home by Beddau.
Going down a tier to League One East, Nelson swept aside Abergavenny in a bruising 56-10 victory at home.
There were also wins for Senghenydd, who beat Monmouth 29-13, and Ynysddu, who defeated Blaenavon 26-15.
But it was a losing start for Risca, who were narrowly beaten 33-29 away to Dowlais.
It was a day to forget for Oakdale in League Two East. The Dale were crushed 67-5 away to Garndiffaith.
But across Chartist Bridge it was a different story, with Blackwood getting their League Two East campaign underway with a 26-10 win at home to Caldicot.
There was also success for Caerphilly in League Two East Central, with the Cheesemen cruising to a 49-10 win against Taffs Well at Virginia Park.
Down in League Three East, there were two Caerphilly County Borough derbies to kick off the new season – with both Machen and Abercarn coming away from the Upper Rhymney Valley with wins.
Machen saw off Abertysswg Falcons 17-14, while Abercarn defeated Rhymney 34-21.
Fleur de Lis‘ away clash with Chepstow was postponed.
There was another all-borough clash in League Four East, with Blackwood Stars recording a 33-24 win against New Tredegar at home.
Fresh off last season’s treble-winning campaign, Crumlin also tasted victory in League Four East, defeating St Julians 24-5.
Honours were shared in Bedwellty‘s tie with Crickhowell, with the teams finishing level with 29 points apiece, while Hafodyrynys‘ season began with a 30-24 loss at home to Bettws.
In League Five East, Pontllanfraith enjoyed a 42-21 win over West Mon. However, there wasn’t much to celebrate in League Six East. Cwmcarn United lost 41-22 at home to Hartridge, while Trinant were beaten 34-7 away to Tredegar Ironsides.
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