Neither side had played since 3 December, so there was bound to be some rustiness. The wet conditions didn’t help either, but that couldn’t stop Newbridge from bagging another bonus-point win to move even further ahead at top of the table
They ran in five tries as they crushed Brecon’s hopes of bridging the gap. Robbie Turley scored one of the tries and added four conversions and a penalty to finish with 16 points, while the other tries came from Cian Jones (2), Luke Morgan and Jonny Paynter.
In East Central, St Peter’s were able to take advantage of the fact second placed Rumney, who started the day level on 29 points with them at the top, had their game at Ynysybwl called-off. They went to Barry and moved four points clear at the top thanks to a 19-10 win.
In a tough battle n the mud, in which The Rocks put up a strong defensive display, tries from Isaac Marsh, Joel Coughlin and Jack Cooke swung the game in the visitor’s favour. March added two conversions to set-up a great home clash with Rumney on Saturday.
In the North, Nant Conwy were the only other team bringing an unbeaten record into the New Year and they had little trouble overcoming Dolgellau away from home. They ran out 24-0 victors to make it eight out of eight and move nine points clear of Ruthin at the top.
Caernarfon pulled out all the stops to score two tries in their 17-16 home win over reigning champions Llandudno, who have now lost twice this season. Pwllheli were 34-0 winners on the road at Dinbych to stay in third and will now host Nant Conwy this weekend in the game of the season to date in the north.
In Division 1 West, Crymych stayed on top of the table thanks to a 25-17 win at Penclawdd. The Hill brothers, Osian and Jon, scored first-half tries and there was also a penalty try for a collapsed maul.
Andy Phillips rounded off the scoring with the bonus point score and also kicked a penalty. Penclawdd picked up three tries of their own and gave their visitors a tough test ahead of their top of the table clash with Newcastle Emlyn this weekend.
Newcastle Emlyn are three points behind Crymych and have a game in hand following their 55-18 win at Pembroke. Third placed Llangennech were 24-13 winners at Gowerton, while Aberystwyth’s title challenge took a dent with a 1-15 draw at Llanelli Wanderers.
In Division 1 West Central, Bonymaen were able to move five points clear at the top thanks to their 20-9 win at Bridgend Athletic and the fact their two closest rivals both lost. Dunvant were beaten 9-7 at home by Kenfig Hill, for who Luke Griffiths was the hero with his three penalties, the last in the 72 minute.
Ammanford were also condemned to defeat at home by Waunarlwydd as they went town 22-12.
