Pooler now boast a perfect record of 15 wins from 15 games and despite being out of action since December 17, Leighton Jones’ men showed no signs of a festive period hangover as they sealed a five-try win.
Kieran Meek ran the show for from full-back, going over for a brace of tries and adding two conversions. Rhodri Usher added a double of his own, with Jordan Williams and Dan Robinson also getting in on the act.
There was drama in the west as Beddau recovered from a 15-0 half-time deficit and scored a try in the final play of the game to snatch a dramatic 20-15 win away at Newcastle Emlyn.
Tyler Wells was the hero as he crossed at the posts in the 86th minute to give Beddau the perfect start to the new year.
Kyle Scrivens, Simon Veall and Trevor James went over for tries as Newbridge held on for a tight 21-15 away win against Bedlinog for just their fourth win of the season.
Skewen threw away a narrow half-time deficit as they lost 15-12 away at Glamorgan Wanderers in their mid-table battle.
Adam Rowlands scored the opening try before Jonathan Lewis replied. Alex Edwards put the hosts ahead but Mark Harvey scored the visitors’ second and Anthony Buselli converted for an interval lead.
That wasn’t the end of the drama though as Robert Dudley-Jones’ score midway through the second half ensured the Wanderers kicked 2017 off on the right note.
Narberth came out on top in a bruising encounter against Cardiff Met who are beginning to show signs of recovery after their recent struggles.
Scrum-half Rhys Lane, Oliver Reyland and Jack Price scored the tries for the Otters.
Nick Gale and Jonathan Rogers scored two penalties each as Narberth brushed off a late unconverted score from the students to keep tabs with Tata Steel in the contest to be the best of the rest in the Championship.
A last-gasp penalty from Tata’s Jack O’Reilly snatched a losing bonus point from strugglers Dunvant.
Tata remain two points ahead of Narberth in second, with their 30-21 win coming thanks to tries from Andrew Spowart, David Griggs, Andrew Jenkins and Bleddyn Davies.
Dunvant momentarily led 13-12 after 30 minutes with Adam Williams Parry adding a converted try to his two early penalties and Aled Jones’s cheeky drop goal, but Tata did enough to ensure they got over the line.
Results January 7:
Bedlinog 15-21 Newbridge
Cardiff Met 24-27 Narberth
Glamorgan Wanderers 15-12 Skewen
Newcastle Emlyn 15-20 Beddau
Pontypool 34-13 Glynneath
Tata Steel 30-21 Dunvant
