But the home side were in no mod to be overrun and instead fought back to notch an admirable 19-17 triumph. Skipper Josh Male kick started the fightback with a driving line-out try and by the break things were all-square on the scoreboard.
It was Morgan Williams who set up the play that led to the second Wanderers try. The ball was moved wide with George Cottrell, Aron Arthur and Ned Bennett all involved before Jamin Hodgkins hit the ball at pace and crashed over or a try he also converted.
A third try to the Pitmen saw them hit the front again after the break before Rob Weston stretched to convert another driving line-out score for the home side. Hodgkins added the extras and it was 19-17 – and a great start to the New Year for the Wanderers.
Ross Edwards on the move for Penallta
The top three sides in Admiral Championship East all began 2024 on a winning note. Leaders Ystrad Rhondda remain five points clear after seeing off Beddau 21-10 at Gelligaled Park.
Kurtis Williams and Cobi Green grabbed the tries with Rhys Truelove kicking three penalties and one conversion. Nearest challengers Bargoed won 23-11 at Cross Keys thanks to tries from Jordan Howells and Dylan Williams, with Josh Prosser added two conversions and three penalties.
Nathan Huish scored for the home side with Adam Tetley kicking two penalties for Cross Keys – their first match since the tragic passing of team manager Mark Prangell on 29 December.
Cardiff Met won 54-19 at Treorchy with Ewan Guy and Jake Thomas both at the double. Gethyn Cannon, Tom Weekley, Benji Williams and Chris Johnson were the other try scorers, and Sam Berry successfully improved all but one of them.
Newbridge jumped into fourth but were made to work hard for a 12-10 home win by gutsy visitors St Peter’s. Josh Thomas and Cian Jones scored the Newbridge tries, with Sam Watkins adding a conversion, while a try from centre Morgan Bowen, converted by Che Thomas, and a penalty by Lloyd Smith, were the visitors’ scorers.
Jacob Wright bagged a brace for Bedwas who edged out Rumney 34-33 in a thriller. Dale Rogers and Rhys Morgans also scored with James Dixon adding four conversions and two penalties.
In Admiral Championship West, leaders Narberth made it 12 from 12 as they recorded a 48-18 victory at Dunvant. Hat-tricks for both centre Joseph Hutchings and wing Eray Wilson inspired second place Llangennech’s 69-7 win at Maesteg Quins.
Jordan Saunders, Harrison Button, Steff Marshall, Luke Davies and Kalum Evans were also on the scoresheet. Marshall kicked six conversions and Davies one.
There were two tries apiece for Sam Jones and Tomos Davies as Brecon beat Trebanos 49-28. Carl Blacker, Osian Davies and Ryan Davies also chipped in with Dion Mcintosh successfully converting all seven.
Iestyn Lewis, James Clegg, Sam Davies and Steff Lewis scored for Trebanos, all converted by Rhys Harris.
Steffan Pryce-Griffiths, Rhys Lewis, Gareth Andrew went over for Bonymaen in a 22-13 triumph at Crymych, while Ammanford won 32-17 against Ystalyfera. Kai Richards, Elis Lewis, Harrison Griffiths and Zac Phillips were the Ammanford try scorers. Ryan Williams kicked three conversions and two penalties.
Newcastle Emlyn were victors 33-18 at Tata Steel.
