The two teams were promoted from Division 2 West last winter with Aberystwyth taking the title by two points. They fought out two epic battles last season, both wining at home, and their first clash in Division 1 was another close affair in difficult conditions.
Home skipper Lee Evans picked up a classic No 8 push over try for the game’s opening try as Aber led 8-5 at the break. His back row colleague Paul Stubbs was then driven over from a line-out for the second try and outside half Matthew Hughes landed a first half penalty and second half conversion to complete the scoring.
Penclawdd, who were highly competitive from start to finish, had a try from lock Ed Curtis from a quickly taken penalty. The only other home win in the division was at Crymych, where Waunarlwydd were beaten by the boot as they went down 9-8, while it was all kicks at Llangennech, where Gorseinon won 9-6 after leading 3-0 at the break.
Aberavon Quins got off to the perfect start to their new life in Division 1 West Central as they proved too strong up front for Builth Wells. They won 17-6 on home soil with a try from scrum half Conor O’Callaghan and a penalty try that reflected the dominance of their scrum.
Maesteg were forced to hit back after conceding two tries at home against Trebanos, but were back on level terms thanks to two tries of their own by half-time. Then they won the match with a third try after the break to complete a 15-10 triumph.
Dowlais proved they could be a side to be reckoned with this season on their return to Division 1 rugby in 1 East Central. They had outside half Steve James to thank for their 19-15 win at Rhiwbina as he scored all the points with a try, conversion and four penalties.
Rumney scrum half Chris Milton grabbed a first-half hat-trick of tries at Heol y Cyw to pave the way for a 25-8 win for his team, while Llanharan picked up a priceless home win against Llantwit Fardre. Jeff Pick’s side won only once in the Championship last season, but took a bonus point in a 33-0 win.
In North Wales, Pwllheli gave notice they are in no mood to relinquish their Division 1 crown as they romped to a 50-0 home win over Bethesda to kick-off with five points. They are chasing a hat-trick of titles and stole a march on their nearest rivals last season, Nant Conwy, who saw their game at newly promoted Bro Ffestiniog postponed because of the rain.
Bala also picked up a bonus point in their 48-7 home win over COBRA, while last season’s Division 2 champions, Colwyn Bay, picked up where they left off with a 10-5 win at Ruthin. Colwyn Bay won all 16 league games last season.
Owain Davies kicked Abergele into a six point lead in the first half, but a try by Armando Morgan converted by Guto Pierce gave visitors Caernarfon a one point interval lead. The game went to uncontested scrums in the second half when Gele lost a prop through injury and two more Davies penalties gave them a 12-7 lead.
But Caernarfon picked up a share of the points when they worked a try from a quick tap penalty in the final move of the match. The conversion would have won it, but the pressure was too much and the game ended in an honourable 12-12 draw.
Harlech took the lead at Dolgellau, but were eventually beaten 16-3 as new coach Cellan Jones was able to celebrate in style thanks to three second half penalties from Dan Brazier and a try from prop Geraint Evans which Brazier improved.
Nelson gave stalwart winger Carl Maybank plenty to celebrate as he made his 250th appearance against newly promoted Caerleon as they ran out 14-0 winners at home, while new Brecon skipper Ewan Williams also celebrated with a win in his first outing in charge as his side went to Nantyglo and won 24-10.
There were eight yellow cards, four for each team, in a niggly contest, but an interception try from Eifion Jones, another from Davey Herdman and a penalty try. Gari Davies converted all three scores and kicked a penalty.
Abertillery BG’s step up into Division 1 got off to a successful start as they won 18-15 at Risca. They captured the Division 2 East title earlier in the year with only one defeat in 22 matches, won the Division 3 East title in 2013 and were promoted from the fourth division in 2010.
Tries from Jordan Legge and Mike Thomas were at the heart of the victory and Liam Crandon kicked two penalties and a conversion to make it a great start for one of the most famous names in Welsh club rugby.
Dale Stuckey struck twice as Ynysybwl picked up a bonus pint with a 36-15 win at Senghenydd. Corey James and Dewi Voyle got the other ‘Bwl tries and outside half Dion McIntosh kicked 16 points.
