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There was disappointment for Caerphilly-based rugby clubs at the top of the pyramid, but more joy for those seeking promotion further down.

It was a tough afternoon in the Premiership for some, with last season’s National Championship East victors, Bargoed, on the road against Pontypridd.

The visitors would have been hoping to start their season with a win following a postponement last weekend, but the hosts were too strong and won comfortably, 34-19.

It was an even worse Saturday for Cross Keys, who were also away from home, up against Merthyr.

The hosts put on an absolute clinic, running-out 80-15 winners in a day to forget for the Keys.

There was good news for one Caerphilly-based side however; a 28-15 win for Newbridge against Llangennech meant they leapt-up the table into second.

Down in the National Division Championship East, Bedwas picked-up their first win of the season with a 54-7 victory over Treorchy. They move-up into third.

Penallta came out the wrong side of a close contest against Talywain. Looking for back-to-back wins, the visitors were edged-out 31-29.

With no League One East games played, we move down one league where an all-Caerphilly clash took place between Abercarn and Blackwood.

It was the visiting Blackwood who claimed the bragging rights on this occasion. Running-out eventual 28-14 winners.

Risca were the other side to get their season underway, they lost out on the road to Pill Harriers though in a low scoring 20-12 match.

It was a dream start for Caerphilly in League Two East Central, where they hosted Llantwit Fardre and secured a 27-13 win to move into third.

There was more good news in League Three East, starting with another derby between Fleur De Lys and Oakdale.

It was a tough afternoon for Oakdale however, who ended-up on the wrong side of a 58-12 thumping.

Another Caerphilly clash also took place between the Abertysswg Falcons and Rhymney. It was bragging rights to the visitors on this occasion; Rhymney coming out on top 48-26.

Machen were the other side to play, they hosted Newport Saracens where they recorded a 26-12 victory.

Only Crumlin were in action down in League Four East, but it was also a good afternoon for them. They celebrated a 34-19 win over Llanhilleth.

There were no League Five East matches played over the weekend.