WELSH PREMIERSHIP NEWS
In a surprising day of Premier rugby, the top two clubs both lost. Leaders Neath fell 26-13 at Carmarthen in a match that the Quins always led, while Llanelli failed to take advantage of Neath’s slip by also losing 26-13, at Newport. The Quins outscored Neath 3-1 on tries, including a 99th in league rugby for centre Emyr Jones, while teenage scrum halves Alex Walker of Newport and Lee Williams of Llanelli both scored tries at Rodney Parade.
Cross Keys remain in third after a dour 22-10 encounter with Caerphilly in which Gethin Worgan kicked 17 points, but was a match of yellow cards. Swansea came from behind to defeat Aberavon 32-26 with Luke Richards placing eight goals and though the Wizards scored 3-2 on tries, they still have not won at St Helen’s since 1990. Ebbw Vale were routed 38-17 by Llandovery, for whom Adam Jones of the Scarlets had a big match and Gareth morgan landed seven goal attempts. Pontypool won an important battle in the bottom half, getting home 20-15 at Llanharan, despite a 3-2 try-count in favour of the Dairymen.
Bedwas turned aside bottom club Newbridge by 31-23 with fly half Andrew James leading the way with two conversions and four penalty goals.