Penarth referee Barry Gregory was in charge of a Division One match last week between Dunvant and Whitland that was settled in the final seconds, but he rated his previous match between Newbridge and Llandovery as the best match he has been involved in this season. Both sides played magnificent rugby and though Llandovery lost, Gregory
rated centre Tracey Lewis as an outstanding performer in the division.
Congratulations to Phil Fear of Llanharan, who made it from Newbury to Bournemouth as the England-New Zealand under-19 Schools match was switched due to frost. Phil then had to travel again for his next job, running the line with Lyn Davies of Porth as Colin Saunders controlled the Valladolid-L’Aquilla Parker Pen Shield match.
Scrum half Jamie Churcher won Wales Youth caps and played for St Peter’s and Newbridge, but last Saturday he ran in three tries to help Fairwater maintain their lead in Division 7 East. Also in the Fairwater squad is the former Great Britain Rugby League star Phil Ford, who has moved down the divisions after appearing for Rumney.
Rumney gave a debut to Tongan star flanker Paoli Mosoe against Bedwas, having played one second team match since travelling from New Zealand. In their previous match, Rumney gave a debut to centre Shane McIntosh, formerly of the King Country and several Welsh clubs. Shane, brother of Pontypridd skipper Dale, is now a police officer, and he opened at
Rumney with a debut try against Blackwood. This week, prop James Alvis, formerly of Pontypridd, Newport and Bristol, has joined the East Cardiff-based club from Exeter.
There were some outstanding performances in the league matches, but none more so than Pyle’s 31-18 win over Heol-y-Cyw in Division 5 Central. Well done to them and also add Cwmtwrch for their first point – a 20-20 draw away to Cwmgwrach; Ogmore Vale in upsetting Tonna 17-15; Gilfach Goch who beat Dinas Powys 21-11 and Briton Ferry with a 17-16 win at Nantymoel.
Lastly, a mention to the unbeaten clubs. We are down to four – Llantwit Fardre (13 wins in 3 East), Brynamman (12 wins in 5 West), Maesteg Quins (12 wins in 5 Central) and Nant Conwy (eight wins in 6 North).
