Rugby clubs back in action as 2024/25 season kicks off

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Newbridge and Cross Keys got their seasons off to a winning start as club rugby returned for the 2024/25 season over the weekend.

Newbridge beat Brecon 26-19 at home on Saturday September 7, while Cross Keys saw off Bonymaen 30-27 at Pandy Park.

Last season’s National Championship East victors, Bargoed, will have to wait to begin their season however, after their clash with Llangennech was postponed.

Down in the National Division Championship East, Penallta edged local rivals Bedwas by a point to get their season off to a winning start in the National Division Premiership on Saturday September 7.

The sides shared four tries apiece, but just a point was the difference as Penallta won 32-31 at the Centre for Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach.

Elsewhere in the division, Ynysddu were beaten by just a point on their travels, with Treorchy earning a 32-31 win in the Rhondda Fawr Valley.

Meanwhile, Senghenydd claimed bragging rights in their Division One East derby at Nelson, coming away with a 30-10 win.

In Division Two East, Abercarn, Blackwood RFC, and Risca will all get their seasons underway on Saturday September 14, the same day Caerphilly begin their Division Two East Central campaign.

But there was plenty of action in Division Three East over the weekend. Rhymney made the short trip to local rivals Abertysswg Falcons, coming away with a 48-26 win.

There was also derby delight for Fleur de Lys, who cruised to an emphatic 58-12 win over Oakdale.

Machen also won on the weekend, seeing off Newport Saracens 26-12 at home.

Down in Division Four East, Bedwellty‘s short trip to Pontllanfraith was postponed, while Crumlin must wait until September 14 to kick-off their league campaign against Llanhilleth.

Four Caerphilly County Borough sides will be competing in League Five East this season, and all four were in action over the weekend.

Deri hosted Hollybush, with the home side winning 40-22. Elsewhere in the league, Blackwood Stars began their season with a home victory over Hafodyrynys, winning 25-12.