Co-operative Welsh Conference Match Reports

DYFFRYN DEVILS 34 NPT STEELERS 30

By Chris Davies

Dyffryn Devils made a winning start to rugby league after a close game with local rivals NPT Steelers.

It was Steelers' Lee Jenkins that crossed the line within the first five minutes with an easy breakthrough try leaving the home side a taster of how physical the game can be played.

A mistake by the Steelers from the kick off gave the Devils posession and Trystan 'mazean' Morgan broke the defence and side stepped his way over for the first, Jamie Gimblett converting. The Devils then grabbed their second when centre Phil 'the power' Saunders left the Steelers line and made a beeline over the whitewash for a further try also converted by Gimblett. Some good hard play got the Steelers back into the game and with Richard Lewis showing good ball skills he grabbed a try then set one up for Craig Hitchins.

Then came the try of the match when Morgan intercepted the ball deep inside Devil territory and sprinted 95 metres to cross the line.

Ten minutes from halftime, quick hands saw Devils Sean Haycock go through the gap for the their fourth to lead 20-18 at the interval.

The second half saw a switched on Steelers side play some quick rugby to cross for a further two unanswered tries as Shaun Tenant and Alan Gawlsworthy crossed and Jenkins completing his 100% record with the boot.

But the rest of the game belonged to the newcomers as they stormed to a maiden win with three further tries. Devils' stand-off Matthew James bagged the next score showing excellent pace and side step followed by further tries from Nathan Jenkins and winger Dan Williams.

Devils coach Chris Davies said "I am really pleased with the turnout for the first game and must thank all the players involved. Simon Stonham and Damien Rowe put some huge tackles in and lead the team to victory. Congratulations to Emyr 'tarw' Thomas on being made captain and getting the team a win. It has been a huge success with over 100 supporters watching and a cracking barbeque and entertainment put on by Penybanc RFC - well done."

VALLEY COUGARS 54 BLACKWOOD BULLDOGS 48

By Ian Golden

Valley Cougars kept up their 100% record at the top of the Welsh Conference Premier but were pushed all the way by a Blackwood Bulldogs side who are battling to keep their place in the top four.

Troy Brockbank led the way for the Cougars with four tries, Rhodri Morris and John Sanniger each got a brace while Sam Studley and Carl Thomas, who kicked six goals, also crossed.

Cougars took the lead in the first half but were 30-22 down at the interval in a see-saw match which saw the lead change hands on a number of occasions.

Byron Williams and Andre Soroko scored a try in each half to help Blackwood along while Howie Walsh scored his brace of touchdowns before the interval. Ethan Jones also scored a first half try but it was Keiron Broen's touchdown and Soroko's sixth conversion that gave them a late lead and the visitors looked like they'd be heading back to Blackwood with both points.

But Saniger's unconverted second set up a grandstand finish and with the game poised at 48-all, the Nelson crowd went into raptures as Brockbank's fine run sealed the win. Neil Sloan converted the try, his only goal of the day, to complete the scoring.

CPC BEARS 10 BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS 72

By Simon Green

In a game cut to 30 minutes each way the Bridgend Blue Bulls picked up a 12-try victory over the CPC Bears at Carmarthen Athletic RFC with scrum half Shaun Owens scoring four tries and Gareth David kicking 12 out of 12 goals.

Gareth Howells opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a fine solo effort before a break from prop Connor McDonald sent Shaun Owens over for his first.

Craig Fox was then held up just short before former Crusader Karl Hocking scored after a great cross field kick by David.

Then before the break Howells and Owens each grabbed a second and with Gareth David converting all five first half tries the Blue Bulls lead 30-0 at half time.

Just seconds into the second half Owens claimed his third after fine play from teenage fullback Huw Rosser with David again converting before Alan Pope hit back for the Bears, the wing showing great strength to get to the line, and Pope also converted to make in 36-6.

Dave Norman then scored a great solo try before a Tevita Manaseitava break set up a score for Sean Haren, David again converting both.

Haren should have claimed a second but couldn't quite make the line after breaking through the Bears defence but moments later Dave Norman got his second and Bridgend's ninth.

The excellent Owens then grabbed a fourth and prop James Elton crashed over before Aled Jones got one back for the home team.

But the Blue Bulls finished of in style when Lindsey McCausland went on a great run to set up a score for his fellow debutant Ben Thomas and Gareth David completed his a successful day with the boot.

CARDIFF DEMONS 42 NEWPORT TITANS 28

By Mark Harris

Cardiff Demons got back to winning ways by completing the double over local rivals Newport Titans with a 42-28 victory at St Albans RFC.

In an error strewn first ten minutes the Titans took advantage of a Demons knock on near their own line and Dale Tucker touched down under the posts. Scott Bessant converted to give the Titans an early 6-0 lead.

As things began to settle down the Demons showed some quick hands passing the ball from one side of the pitch to the other and Adam King touched down in the corner. The teams traded tries again first Adam Davies scored for the Titans before Paul Bartlett crossed the line for the Demons. Conversions from Bessant and James Thatcher made the score 10-12.

This would be the last time the Titans would score in the first half as the Demons began to apply the pressure. Graham Hughes provided an offload for Jason Mathias who ran 60 metres to touch down and the Demons took the lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the game. Further scores from Lee Drabble and Josh Rogerson along with two conversions from Thatcher and another from Doug Hann made the score 28-12 at the break.

Newport put pressure on themselves by conceding back to back penalties on their own line which eventually told as Doug Hann made a quick inside pass for Mike Rowe to score. Chris Holcombe added the extras. Each side scored again as Rhys Meredith picked one up for the visitors and Rogerson picked up his second for the Demons giving them a 38-16 lead.

The Titans had a mini revival with tries from Mark White and Jamie Igo but this was snuffed out by as the Demons' Mike Hurley got the last score of the day.