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With storms and frozen pitches getting in the way of club rugby in recent weeks, teams were back on the turf on Saturday January 18 as promotion battles and relegation scraps begin to heat up.

It was a good weekend for Bargoed, who stay fourth in the WRU Premiership table after a big 36-5 win away at Narberth.

One place behind them is Cross Keys, who beat Brecon 30-20 on the road.

However, Newbridge remain tenth following a 28-22 defeat away to title-chasing Neath.

Down in the National Championship East, Penallta stay top of the tree after beating Mountain Ash 36-19 away from home.

Title-challenging Bedwas were not in action over the weekend, but are currently third – seven points off top having played four games less.

But it was a disappointing result for Ynysddu, who fall to ninth after losing 26-15 at home to Cambrian Welfare.

In Division 1 East, Nelson move up to third following a high-scoring 48-26 win at Pontypool United, while Senghenydd fall to fifth after a 20-10 loss in Dowlais.

In Division 2 East, Blackwood‘s 100% record came to an end by slightest of margins. They lost 11-10 away to Cwmbran, but maintain their grip at the top of the table.

There were also defeats in the division for both Abercarn and Risca.

Abercarn fell 36-12 at Caldicot and stay eighth in the table, while winless Risca remain rooted to the foot of the division after losing 34-19 at home to Croesyceiliog.

Over in Division 3 East, Machen were the only Caerphilly County Borough side in league action. They were beaten 22-21 at Nantyglo but stay third in the table.

However, Fleur de Lys‘ trip to Abertysswg Falcons was postponed – while winless Oakdale had no fixture scheduled.

Meanwhile, Crumlin are up to fifth in Division 4 East following a 38-26 win over struggling Bettws.

Pontllanfraith were also on the rise, moving up to seventh after edging Whiteheads 31-30 away.

Down in Division 5 East, Hollybush picked up a win on the weekend, beating Abersychan Alexanders 38-20 away.

Meanwhile, Hafodyrynys picked up points in a 27-27 draw at home to Beaufort.

In Division 6 East A, league leaders New Tredegar claimed the spoils in an all-Caerphilly County Borough clash, beating Trinant 14-10.

Elsewhere, Cwmcarn United picked up their first league win of the campaign to climb off the bottom spot. They beat Girling, who now sit bottom, 27-14.

And finally, Penallta Athletic are up to fifth in Division 6 East Central following a 22-19 home win against Tondu Athletic.

Cup runs

While teams battled it out in the league over the weekend, several teams were focused on their respective cups.

Rhymney booked their spot in the next round of the Division 3 Cup after a big 41-17 win over Llangadog at home.

But there was no such luck for Deri, who crashed out of the Division 5 Cup after a 22-0 loss at Bonymaen.

Caerphilly, who are unbeaten league leaders in Division 2 East Central, were due to play Llantwit Fardre in the Division 2 Cup, but the match was postponed.