The Ironmen Merthyr hammered out an early warning to their rivals that they mean business this season as they ran in seven tries in a comprehensive 45-19. Coming on top of their impressive pre-season victory over last season’s Premiership and Cup winners Llandovery the five-point triumph proved they are in good shape as they chase their first league title since 2019.
Neath, along with Merthyr and Pontypridd the only teams who didn’t go up into the new 10-team Super Rygbi Cymru competition, were stunned by the ferocity of the opening by the visitors as hooker Ellis Shipp ploughed over for two tries and Adam Hoskins and Finn Barrett ensured the bonus-point was in the bag by the break.
But having led 28-0 at half-time the Ironmen found themselves having to quell a home revival at the start of the second half. Matt Davies got the scoreboard moving for the home side with a try and then new scrum half Rhodri Cole scampered over for a second that was converted by Steff Williams.
The cut the gap to 16 points before Merthyr once again accelerated away. Daff Land and Jacob Lloyd crossed to make it 40-12 before a final flourish saw both sides add an extra score.
Former Dragons and Wales U20 scrum half Dan Babos scampered over for two tries to help Cross Keys kick-off their campaign with a 30-27 win over Bonymaen at Pandy Park.
Babos’ brace kept his side in the hunt, along with 15 points from the boot of Adam Tetley, but it was newly promoted Bonymaen who led 27-23 coming into the closing stages. Then Kieran Vodden struck with a third try and Tetley’s conversion completed the comeback.
There was a thriller at Gelligaled Park where Ystrad Rhondda pipped newly promoted Narberth 38-37. It was nip and tuck all the way as last year’s Championship West winners came to play and refused to go away after trailing 29-26 at the break.
Player coach Alex Webber and centre Cole Morgan both scored twice for the home team and outside half Rhys Trulove weighed in with seven points from the boot to ensure Ystrad kept their nose in front. Cavan Davies and Josh Williams got the other home tries, while the Otters at least left with two well-deserved points.
It was a case of many happy returns for Newbridge as they won their first game back in the Premiership after a gap of 19 seasons. After weathering an early storm from visiting Brecon, the home side led 10-7 at the break before going on to win 26-19.
Simon Veal picked up a chip and chase try, and the outside half also landed a drop goal. Replacement Luke Morgan scored the other Newbridge try and full back Robbie Turley kicked 13 points.
Brecon at least left with a losing bonus point after tries from Geraint Clarke, Sam Jones and Logan Mcintosh. Jake Newman added two conversions.
The students of Cardiff Met got off to a flying start at Newcastle Emlyn with a try in the first minute from Steff Crimp as he ran onto a kick from outside half Viktas Meijer. They added a second from skipper Ben Murphy to lead 14-10 at the break.
But that was as good as it got for them as the home side piled on the pressure in the second half to pick up two tries to take the game 24-14 on their debut in the Premiership.
