Rugby round-up: Derby delight for Bargoed as Bedwas win nailbiter

Big wins for Bedwas, Bargoed, and Newbridge in the WRU National Championship

Big wins in the WRU National Championship for Bargoed, Bedwas, and Newbridge, puts pressure on league leaders Ystrad Rhondda at the halfway point of the season.

A derby clash between Cross Keys and Bargoed proved comfortable enough for the visitors, who went on to win 23-11 to move within five points of top with three games in hand.

Newbridge won in a low scoring clash against St Peters. They continue to creep up the league table and now sit in fourth.

Bedwas too moved-up a spot into fifth after their nail-biting 34-33 win over Rumney. They’ll face a derby next weekend when they visit Penallta.

As for Penallta, they were the only Caerphilly-based side to lose in the Championship over the weekend. They were edged out 19-17 on the road to The Wanderers.

League One East

There was yet more success in the division below. Nelson ran-out 31-17 winners away to Dowlais, and Senghenydd beat Bedlinog at home 25-20 to bounce back from their loss last week.

Ynysddu hosted Risca in a derby match, with both sides at the opposite end of the table. Ynysddu came out on top 31-12 meaning they strengthened their grip on third place, whilst Risca continue to lose sight of the teams above them in last.

League Two East

There was a clean sweep of victories for both Caerphilly sides in the division below. Blackwood are just three points from top after a 24-12 win over Cwmbran, whilst Oakdale won 8-3 in a low scoring game on the road to Caerleon.

League Two East Central

Caerphilly are the only side from the borough in this division, and were faced with the tough task of travelling to leaders Llanharan on Saturday January 6. Caerphilly managed to score some points, but couldn’t stop the hosts for the full 80. 42-24 in the end.

League Three East

There was just one match played in this division over the weekend between Fleur De Lys and Chepstow. The Caerphilly-based side won comfortably 28-11 to move within three points of second.

League Four East

It was generally a good weekend for sides in this division, Crumlin remain well in the hunt for promotion after their 39-19 victory over Crickhowell, and Bedwellty look comfortable in mid-table following a 38-10 win on the road to Hafodyrynys.

It was an afternoon to forget for New Tredegar however. They were thrashed 55-0 by top of the table Panteg. New Tredegar are yet to win a game this season.

Blackwood Stars’ trip to Newport Saracens was postponed.

League Five East

Just the one game in this division. Hollybush played host to Forgeside in a very small league, made up of only six sides.

Unfortunately for Hollybush, they lost their first game of the season in another low scorer; 7-11 it ended.

League Six East

A great day for both Caerphilly sides as Deri extended their lead at the top following a 66-0 whitewash over Magor. Cwmcarn were celebrating too after a 19-5 victory against Girling.

Ian Lovell