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| 3rd August 2008 - Second Round Play-Offs |
| Blackwood Bulldogs 26 - Cardiff Demons 20 |
| 26th July 2008 - First Round Play-Offs |
| Torfaen Tigers 26 - Cardiff Demons 34 Other Results Valley Cougars 44 Steelers 26 Bridgend Bluebulls 18 Newport Titans 50 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 12th July 2008 |
| Cardiff Demons 24 - Valley Cougars 30 Click here for the match report and pictures |
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| 12th July 2008 |
| Week 7 Reports TORFAEN TIGERS 42 NEWPORT TITANS 32 By Ian Golden at Pontypool United RFC Torfaen Tigers won an thrilling local Gwent derby on Wednesday evening as both sides entertained the large crowd at Pontypridd United RFC. Newport took the lead in just three minutes when Richard Davies rolled over in the corner. Torfaen hit back seven minutes later through a fine individual Matt Entwhistle try that Darryl Carter converted. Tigers could have scored a second on a couple of occasions but twice they knocked on as they were close to the line. But Titans did manage a second try, again through Richard Tucker after he was set up by Ieuan Morris. Scott Bessant converted. Torfaen levelled things on the half-hour through a Jacob Nash try. Newport took the lead again three minutes later as Morris was again the provider but this time for Adam Kidley to go over. Bessant converted again. But there were just two points in it at half-time after David Davies scored an unconverted try just before the hooter. They took the lead two minutes into the second half after Entwhistle scored his second which Carter converted. It was increased on 50 minutes when Dale Nash went over in the corner. Nolan Nicklin followed him over six minutes later which Entwhistle converted to make the score 30-16. Newport fought back. They scored on the hour as Tucker went over under the sticks for his second that Ross Palmer converted. And when Brett Green picked up an Entwhistle bomb and ran 90 metres to score which Palmer converted, they were just two points behind with 15 minutes remaining. Dan Horseman looked to have sealed things for Tigers when he ran through the Newport defence on 74 minutes. Entwhistle kicked the extras to make the score 36-28. However Newport weren’t finished yet. Jared Hinnem made a fantastic solo run to score to put them within four points. But Entwhistle sealed things on the hooter with a try under the sticks, converting it himself. BLACKWOOD BULLDOGS 82 - WEST WALES SHARKS 8 by Tony Evans Blackwood Bulldogs clinched the Welsh Conference Title with a 15 try demolition of bottom club West Wales Sharks. It was a record score for the Bulldogs and if the referee hadn't blown early then three figures were on the cards. On a day of records, surely another was created as young up and coming Irishman Des Reynolds made his debut for Blackwood at the age of 62. He also caught the eye with a couple of rampaging runs. In fact, on a day of such a high score, the Sharks battled well early on with no score after 15 minutes, but once Gareth Price opened the scoring the flood gates opened. Ryan Lee, Grenville Jones, Kelton Nicholls, Paul Young, and Anthony Symmonds all scored tries, and at half time the Bulldogs were 48-0 ahead. The Sharks kept battling with veterans Dai Price, Craig Clements and Al Borgese all rolling back the years, and they got the biggest cheer of the day from a sizable crowd when the Sharks got off the mark at 60-4.. The procession continued with Price adding a second whilst fellow Markham product Clark Morgan also got a pair. The James brothers Trevor and David even beat that when they put together a six shooter of tries, with Trevor getting four of them. He also converted one. Paul Emmanuelli topped that by getting ten conversions of his own. The only respite for the Sharks was when Roger Moore capped a "Saintly" performance by engineering a try. An excellent day for Blackwood Bulldogs, who picked up their first trophy. They now go on to the play offs with a guaranteed home semi-final, where the bustling runs of Reynolds are expected to figure a little less ! Cardiff Demons 24 Valley Cougars 30 by Simon Davies at St Peters RFC Valley Cougars and Cardiff Demons began the day second and third in the table respectively knowing that a win would guarantee home advantage in the play offs. In a seesaw first half the Cougars were ahead through Sam Coomber after just three minutes but the Demons hit back with a well worked Miles Davies try converted by Shayne Goddard. The Demons took a 12-4 lead on thirty five minutes through stalwart centre Rhodri Thomas who ran in a seventy yards interception try. Stephen Parry touched down for the Cougars just before the break and converted his own try to make the half time score 12-10 to the Demons. Early second half Demons pressure came to nothing but a Parry penalty on forty three minutes tied the scores. Then the Cougars Rhodri Thomas emulated his Demons namesake by going in under the posts for Parry to convert. A Scott Belmont try on fifty one minutes, again converted by Parry extend the Cougars lead to twelve, but a sixty yard kick return by Demons Andrew Bradshaw brought it back to 24-16. The complexion of the game changed radically on sixty two minutes with the sending off of Cougars Carl Thomas and after a Cougars penalty on seventy minutes Andrew Bradshaw grabbed his second to make it 20-26. As the Demons looked to turn their man advantage into an equalising try, Ben Thomas applied a killer blow for the Cougars scoring in the corner to make it 20-30. A late Andy Lee try was not enough for the Demons to find a way back and the Cougars consolidated second place with a 24-30 win. Newport titans 36-38 Bridgend Blue Bulls by Simon Green at Pil Harriers RFC “Our Best Ever Victory”, that is how Bridgend Blue Bulls stand in Captain Lloyd O’Connor and coach Jon Purnell described their narrow 38-36 win over the Newport Titans in a thrilling game in which both sides scored seven tries. Decimated by injuries and late withdrawals Bridgend were forced to field five players from their U17s team while the Titans were without last weeks Wales A MOTM Mark Wheeler. The Titans almost took the lead early on after a break from scrum half Owen Jones but the ball was knocked forward. Bridgend then had a great six minute spell scoring three tries through Rhys Hawkins, Lewis Tutt and debutant Jamie Murphy with Lloyd O’Connor adding two goals for a deserved 16-0 lead. But the Titans hit back in style scoring four unanswered tries of there own through Matthew Dwyer, Mallick Alou, Owen Jones and Brett Green all scoring with Scott Bessant (2) and Ross Palmer adding goals to give Newport a 20-16 half time lead. Newport looked certain to claim their first ever victory over Bridgend when substitute Brett Green scored early in the second half and Bessant converted to give the home team a 10 point lead, and the Blue Bulls were left with just a single substitute with Shaun Owens, Gareth Rowlands and Andrew Fryer all off injured. But the young Bulls, spurred on by the superb Lloyd O’Connor fought back, firstly O’Connor squeezed over in the corer after good work from Terry Saunders and Matthew Rowe then wing Michael Daly intercepted a poor Titans pass and raced 90 metres to score under the posts and O’Connor converted to bring the scores level at 26-26. 16 year old centre Nathan Hawkins then set up a second score for Jamie Murphy to give Bridgend the lead and Murphy converted from the touchline to put them 32-26 up before a match winning 70 metre run from Craig Chalmers sent O’Connor over for his second score which John Humphreys converted to put Bridgend 12 points clear. With just three minutes remaining the game looked all but won but Newport, unbeaten at home this season came back again and Darrel Cooke scored out-wide with Bessant converting again, and in the final move of the game Dalton Grant broke free and sent Brett Green racing to the line to bring Newport to within two points. The conversion would have brought the scores level in a thrilling game which neither team deserved to lose, but Bessants kick went wide and Blue Bulls celebrated a 38-36 victory. NEWPORT TITANS SCORERS: TRIES: Darrel Cooke (2), Mathew Dwyer, Mallick Alou, Owain Jones, Brett Green, Jarrad Himmen GOALS: Bessant (3), Ross Palmer BRIDGEND BLUE BULLS SCORERS TRIES: Rhys Hawkins, Lewis Tutt, Jamie Murphy (2), Michael Daly, Lloyd O’Connor (2) GOALS: Lloyd O’Connor (2), Jamie Murphy (2), John Humphreys |
| 10th July 2008 |
| Week 7 Preview “Last Years Finalists Go Head to Head” Blackwood Bulldogs v West Wales Sharks - Blackwood RFC Cardiff Demons v Valley Cougars - St Peters RFC Newport Titans v Bridgend Blue Bulls - Pill Harriers RFC Torfaen Tigers v NPT Steelers - Pontypool United RFC All games K.O at 2:30pm Last years Welsh Finalists go head to head on Saturday when 2007 runner-ups Newport Titans host the Bridgend Blue Bulls at Pil Harriers RFC. Bridgend beat Newport 24-14 in last years final but not a single player who represented the Bulls that day is in the squad to face the Titans, and with Jon Purnell injured and Tevita Manaseitava unavailable scrum half Lloyd O’Connor will become the sides youngest ever captain at just 21. At Blackwood RFC there is a battle between the top and bottom clubs with the Bulldogs hosting the West Wales Sharks. Blackwood are so far unbeaten in this years competition and are firm favourites to finish top, that will see them receive a bye in the first round of the play-offs and a home draw in the semi-finals. The Sharks however will be desperate for a first victory as the bottom side will miss out on the play-offs. While Blackwood look odds on to achieve top spot up to four clubs could finish second, but the Valley Cougars could seal the runners-up slot if they beat Cardiff Demons at St Peters, but a Cardiff win could see them caught by the Demons, Titans and Blue Bulls. At Pontypool the Torfaen Tigers host the NPT Steelers, the Tigers have a busy schedule ahead of them as they will be at home again on Wednesday v Newport Titans then away to the Blue Bulls the following weekend. |
| 28th June 2008 |
| Torfaen Tigers 26 - Cardiff Demons 24 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 28th June 2008 |
| Week 6 Review VALLEY COUGARS 24 - BLACKWOOD BULLDOGS 50 by Tony Evans at Nelson RFC Blackwood came out on top in this battle of un-beaten sides in this Welsh RL Conference game at Nelson. The game was effectively over as a contest, at half time, after a stellar Bulldog performance which put them top of the table. In fact, they were 12 points ahead without the Cougars even handling the ball, as Dale Taylor and Gethin Price both returned kick offs for tries. The blitz continued as Taylor added a second, Jeremy Lloyd converted all three, and after six minutes of mayhem, Blackwood were 18-0 up. The Cougars were stunned, but a run of five successive penalties gave them some impetus, the Bulldogs were also reduced to twelve men after a yellow card, but the defence held firm, and eventually, Paul Emmanuelli intercepted and run 50 yards to score. This deflated Valley and David James added another try, Lloyd converted both. Cougars kept battling and Eddie Davies opened their scoring with a determined try, Carl Thomas added two points. It was only a temporary respite as Simon Skinner scored in the corner. The Price brothers then capped an excellent display by combining for Gethin to add his name to the ever lengthening try list. Lloyd converted and half time came with a score - an amazing 6-40. Unfortunately, the second half will be remembered more for an ever growing penality count against the Bulldogs. Their frustration grew as their rhythm was whistled out of them. Tempers were fraying and eventually captain Mark McKee and the Blackwood coach were both red carded. The Cougars were coming back into the game and Steven Parry and Ryan James both got tries, Thomas converted one. Trevor James restored order, and settled the bulldogs down with a well taken try, Emmanuelli converted. Full marks to the Cougars though, as they refused to give in, and Ryan James added his second try. Blackwood responded, and Skinner brought the half century up, with a good finish. Mark Jones completed the scoring with a try for the Cougars to give a final score of 24 - 50. Unfortunately, but perhaps inevitably the last word went to the referee, as he sent off one of the Cougars to even up the number of players left on the field. Torfaen Tigers 26 - Cardiff Demons 24 by Simon Davies at the Memorial Ground Pontypool Torfaen Tigers and Cardiff Demons, finalists in 2005 and 2006 respectively served up a classic at Pontypool’s Memorial ground with and outstanding Demons comeback overturned by a last minute breakaway try. Torfaen had dominated the first half with hooker Jason Hill scored two tries along with Matthew Davies and Gareth John Jenkins getting one each. Three of the four were converted by Gregg Jones. The Demons only response came from Andy Lee try that was converted by Shane Goddard taking the score to 22-6 up at the interval. Torfaen started to lose their discipline early in the second half and two sin binings in two minutes allowed Cardiff back into the game. Demons stalwart Gareth Jones, playing his first game of the season, capitalised on fifty one minutes with a try under the posts and with eleven minutes left Rhodri Thomas added another. Both were converted by Goddard bringing the Demons within four points. On seventy four minutes the Demons finally hit the front with a length of the field dash by Shane Goddard which he converted himself giving the away team a two point lead. An error in the last minute allowed the Tigers one final chance and a great interception by Matt Entwhistle was finished of by Gareth John Jenkins to seal the win. West Wales Sharks 40 Newport Titans 49 by Mark Harris at Furnace RFC The West Wales Sharks may still be winless in 2008 but it took an enormous effort from a big physical Newport Titans team to secure the points for the away team in a thriller at Furnace RFC. The two teams traded tries from beginning to end with the game hanging in the balance until the last few minutes. On his return from injury, Mark Cooke got the Sharks off to the start they were looking for with the first try and Jonathon Griffiths picked up the first of his six conversions. Newport responded immediately as Ross Bridgemont charged over followed on the next set by Josh Davidson. Alan Pope responded for the Sharks before Joe Burke picked up the first of his brace for the Titans. Scott Bessant converted all three for the Titans. Mark Cooke opened up a gap on the Titans with a seventy metre sprint to score under the sticks bringing the score to 24-18 at the half. The second half continued in the same vein with the Sharks scores coming with a second from Pope and Griffiths along with seventeen year old Rowan Jenkins. In the end the Titans proved to be too strong with tries from Martin Colley, Tyrone Mahoney, Ross Palmer a second from Burke and a pair from Scott Bessant to go with another three conversions and a drop goal. Bridgend Blue Bulls 46 - Newport Titans 22 by Simon Green at Porthcawl RFC The Bridgend Blue Bulls got back to winning ways at Porthcawl RFC with a 42-22 victory with MOTM Lloyd O’Connor grabbing 22 points with a hat trick and five goals. Wing Michael Daly scored in the opening minute after a great break from Luke Hole, Lloyd O’Connor converted before scoring an excellent solo try himself and adding the extras for an early 12-0 lead. a break from Lee Sims on his Rugby League debut then sent Andrew Fryer racing to the line to extend the Blue Bulls lead to 16. The Steelers then hit back with a fine try and conversion before hooker Shaun Owens claimed Bridgends fourth. But the final say went to NPTs Chris Cornelius to make the score 20-12 at half time. Just like in the first half Bridgend took less than a minute to score when O’Connor ran 60 metres for his second, then Bulls captain Tevita Manaseitava barged over and O’Connor also converted both to give Bridgend a 20 point lead. Lee Sims then had a try disallowed before the Steelers made a mini fight-back to cut the deficit to 10. But Michael Daly claimed his second and O’Connor grabbed a third before Michael John sprinted away and set up Tom Williams, son of Wales Legend JPR Williams to give the reigning Champions a 46-22 win, there first victory since the opening day of the competition. |
| 26th June 2008 |
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“COUGARS & BULLDOGS BATTLE FOR TOP SPOT”
Bridgend Blue Bulls v NPT Steelers – at Porthcawl RFC Torfaen Tigers v Cardiff Demons – at Pontypool United RFC Valley Cougars v Blackwood Bulldogs – at Nelson RFC West Wales Sharks v Newport Titans – at Furnace RFC There is a mouth-watering tie at Nelson RFC this Saturday when the only two unbeaten teams in this years Welsh Rugby League Conference go head to head when the Valley Cougars host the Blackwood Bulldogs. The Cougars currently top the table with four wins and a draw from their five games while Blackwood have won four out of four. The winners of this match will become firm favourites to finish top and gain a home draw in the semi-final play-offs. In the four previous meetings between the two sides the Bulldogs have won three but the Cougars won the last contest between Blackwood 40-10 in last years play-offs. At Porthcawl RFC the Bridgend Blue Bulls host the Neath Port Talbot Steelers, the Bulls will be without there captain and talisman Jon Purnell and wing Chris McGrath who are both out with long term injuries but welcome back backs Scott Robinson and Andrew Fryer. With Purnell absent Fijian International Tevita Manaseitava will captain Bridgend for the first time. The Cardiff Demons will be hoping to build on their first ever win over the Blue Bulls when they travel to Pontypool to take on the Torfaen Tigers and at Furnace RFC the winless West Wales Sharks will be hoping for there first win of the summer when they host the Newport Titans. |
| 14th June 2008 |
| Cardiff Demons 36 - Bridgend Blue Bulls 26 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 14th June 2008 |
| Week 5 Review Cardiff Demons 36 Bridgend Blue Bulls 26 by Richard Williams at St Peters RFC Cardiff recorded a 36-26 victory over Bridgend Blue Bulls with a spirited attacking display which resulted in seven tries. Man of the match Owain Jenkins played a key role throughout scoring a late brace which included a fantastic burst from dummy half, which secured the points. The Bulls were dealt a big blow early in the first half when they lost there captain and tallisman Jon Purnell with a facial injury. Demon Rhodri Thomas opened the scoring when he took the pass from Shane Goddard and went in near the left corner. Bridgend quickly responded when seventeen year old prop Rhys Hawkins charged in under the posts. Lloyd O’Conner converted to give Bridgend the lead, a feat they only achieved once more during the game. Further tries from Marcus Edwards and Andrew Lee with conversions from Shane Goddard and Curtis Cunningham extended the Cardiffs lead, before Bridgends Lloyd O’Conner crossed the line to reduce the deficit. Curtis Cunninghams sharp run from dummy half saw him cross unchallenged for the Demons fourth try taking the score to 20-10 at the break. Bridgend started the second half much better scoring through Michael John and Michael Daley. Shaun Owen converting both to give the Blue Bulls a two point lead. A penalty for offside resulted in Cardiff prop Graham Hughes barging his way through; and the conversion by Goddard gave Cardiff a lead they never surrendered. Owain Jenkins brace, with one converted by Goddard, ended the game as a contest; before a late consolation try for Bridgends hooker Shane Owen. The Demons thoroughly deserved their first ever victory over the reigning champions but the Bulls look to have found to future stars with teenager forwards Gareth Thomas and Rhys Hawkins excelling. Valley Cougars 40 Newport Titans 16 by Mark Harris at Nelson RFC The Valley Cougars maintain their unbeaten record and sit atop the Welsh Conference Premier after an impressive 40-16 win against a strong Newport Titans side. The first half was a pretty even affair as the teams traded opening tries with James Allen scoring for the Cougars and Joe Burke for the Titans. They were converted by Ceri Cummins and Ross Bridgemont respectively. The Cougars hit the front with Allens second and the try of the game as the Cougars showed some slick handling breaking from their own half for Allen to touch down under the sticks. Cummins added the extras. Lee Williams and Cummins stretched the lead before the Titans clawed a score back from Dalton Grant. A Cummins penalty brought the score to 22-10 at the half. The Cougars picked up the pace in the second with quick tries from Cummins and Ryan Jones, both of which were converted by Cummins. The Titans got on the scoresheet with Wayne Decruz before the Cougars wrapped up the game with a final try from Chris Watts. Conversions from Bridgemont and Cummins brought the final score to 40-16. Neath Port Talbot Steelers 40 West Wales Sharks 28 by Mark Harris at Little Warren A twenty six point blitz in the first half gave the Neath Port Talbot Steelers a much needed first win of the season against the West Wales Sharks as the eventually won 40-28. Tries came from Dean Scully, Mark Harvey a pair from Aaron Bray and the pick of the bunch from Chris Cornelius. This along with two conversions from Peter Smigs and one from Lee Drabble gave the Steelers a 26-0 lead at the break. Mark Harvey stretched the lead for the home team before seventeen year Owain Jenkins scored and unanswered hat trick for the Sharks. Three Conversions from Jonathon Griffiths and the game was beginning to look interesting again. The Steelers however struck back with tries from James Davies and Simon Bailey. The latter converted by Drabble effectively killed the game off for the Steelers. Griffiths and Dai Norman picked up consolation tries for the Sharks and with Griffiths conversion the Sharks won the second half 28-14 but it wasn’t enough as the Steelers won the game 40-28. BLACKWOOD BULLDOGS 26 - TORFAEN TIGERS 20 by Tony Evans at Blackwood RFC Winger Gareth Dare, was the hero of this match, as his pair of tries at the death was enough to edge this tough local derby at Glan-yr-Afon Park. Even though Blackwood came into this game undefeated, the Tigers showed they meant business as their big side started strongly. They opened the scores with a Matthew Davies try, which Greg Jones converted. This added to the fact that the rain was hammering down, made for the fact that the Bulldogs were in for their hardest game of the season. But they responded well, and following on a fiesty spell, when a couple of yellow cards were handed out, Grenville Jones broke through to score. Paul Emmanuelli converted. Blackwood took the lead for the 1st time, when Simon Skinner found the room to beat the Torfaen cover, Emmanuelli converted and a tight first half ended 12-6. At this time both sets of supporters were spoilt for choice having this and the South Africa vs Wales game in the club house to choose from. The Tigers came right back into it, as the second half began, and Darryl Carter made the most of defensive indecision, to touch down. The game of nip and tuck continued when Gareth Price side stepped a couple of defenders to score under the posts. Emmanuelli converted. The game then swung Torfaens way, as tries by Dave Horseman and Jessie Farthing, one converted by Jones, put the Tigers ahead. With time ticking away, the Bulldogs threw everything at the visitors and it paid off with the pair of Dare tries. Blackwood held on, to the end, for a 26-20 victory. Both teams know that they should both be in the hunt come play off time. |
| 12th June 2008 |
| “Bulldogs & Cougars aim to continue unbeaten run”
The two unbeaten teams in this years Welsh Rugby League Conference both have home advantage this weekend with the Blackwood Bulldogs facing the Torfaen Tigers and the Valley Cougars hosting the Newport Titans at Nelson RFC. The Bulldogs now look favourites to finish top of the table with three big wins as they get ready for the Tigers and there spokesman Andrew Smith said “we are very pleased with the season as it has gone so far and we are looking forward to Saturdays game. We are also hoping we can get a few picked for the Wales A game in Scotland on the 21st. The coaching staff are working very hard & the players a responding well, and we must not forget the backroom staff here at Blackwood who have been brilliant”. But the Cougars will also be a huge threat and are still unbeaten after their 32-32 draw against Bridgend last Saturday, they face a Titans team who narrowly beat the Demons last week. At St Peters RFC the Cardiff Demons welcome the Bridgend Blue Bulls hoping for their first ever win over the reigning Champions. Bridgend welcome back Simon Mustoe, Michael John and Craig Fox for the clash and hope scrum-half Lloyd O’Connor continues his fine form that has seen him score four tries in the opening three games. The Bulls will also be hoping that Pencoed product Andrew Fryer will be available after impressing on his debut last weekend and are again likely to select 17 year olds Rhys Hawkins and Tom Johnson. The final game sees the NPT Steelers do battle with the West Wales Sharks at Aberavon Green Stars ground, and with both teams yet to record a win a victory will be vital as the bottom placed team will miss out on the play-offs at the end of the season. Sharks Chairman Gareth Govier said “despite a difficult opening match against the Cougars we haven’t been too disappointed with our performances to date. Over two thirds of the squad are new to the club this year and also to Rugby League, so we appreciate we will have to be patient as players develop and improve”. |
| 6th June 2008 |
| Newport Titans 18 - Cardiff Demons 16 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 6th June 2008 |
| “Bulldogs get another big win while Blue Bulls & Cougars in thrilling draw”
Newport Titan 18-16 Cardiff Demons NPT Steelers 10-38 Blackwood Bulldog Bridgend Blue Bulls 32-32 Valley Cougars Bulldogs star Andrew James scored 22 points as Blackwood continued there great form with a 38-10 win at Aberavon against the NPT Steelers. James scored a hat trick of tries and kicked five goals while centre Gareth Price also crossed for a brace. Blackwood’s other scores came from Andrew Symonds, Dale Taylor and Byron Williams At Porthcawl the Bridgend Blue Bulls and Valley Cougars served up a 12 try thriller in a game at ended all square at 32-32. The Cougars ran into an early lead and scored tries through Tom Rees, James Allen and Rhodri Thomas with Carl Thomas converting two. But Bridgend came fighting back with scores from Tevita Manaseitava, Ken Morris, Lewis Tutt and Michael Daley and Lloyd O’Connor added two goals to put the home team four points clear at half time Teenage prop Rhys Hawkins came just inches away from giving the Blue Bulls the lead at the start of the second half and the Cougars made Bridgend pay as they ran in three quick tries from Rob James (2) and Carl Thomas, with Thomas converting two to give the visitors a 32-20 lead. But Bridgend came fighting back again with tries from Lloyd O’Connor and Andrew Fryer with O’Connor converting both, and they almost snatched game at the death with some great passing play from Fryer, Tom Williams and Phil Price, but the ball was knocked on and the teams had to settle for a draw, which was a fair result as neither team deserved to lose At Pil Harriers ground the Newport Titans maintained their perfect start to the season with a tough 18-16 win against Cardiff Demons. A second half try from winger Molik Alou proved to be decisive, as both teams fought out a physical battle. The game was marred by an injury Demons full back, Jamie Iles, who suffered a serious leg injury when bravely attempting to kick on and beat the fullback. Newport began the game well scoring first after a Ben Morris pass sent Scott Morasco through a big gap to score near the posts. Morascos try seemed to have a positive effect on Cardiff. A continued period of pressure in the Newport half, forcing numerous repeat sets, eventually paid off when Mark Devine powered his way over. The teams exchanged tries in the closing moments of the first half, with Newports Richard Davies scoring before a wonderful close range chip from Shane Goddard allowed Curtis Cunningham to give Cardiff a 10-12 lead at the break. An immediate second half response from Newports Martin Cowley provided the home team with the impetus to force a victory in a largely even game. Cardiffs Mark Dando weaved his way through for a great individual effort, before Alou finished off a smooth passing sequence to score the winning try in the corner. By Simon Green & Richard Williams |
| 5th June 2008 |
| “COUGARS WANT TO ADD TO BLUE BULL MISERY” Bridgend Blue Bulls v Valley Cougars – at Porthcawl RFC – K.O 12:30pm Neath-Port Talbot Steelers v Blackwood Bulldogs – at Aberavon Green Stars - K.O 3pm Newport Titans v Cardiff Demons – at Pil Harriers RFC – K.O 2:30pm West Wales Sharks v Torfaen Tigers – at Furnace RFC – K.O 2:30pm The Valley Cougars will be hoping to inflict more misery on the Bridgend Blue Bulls this weekend and make it four wins out of four when they travel to Porthcawl RFC to take on the reigning Champions. The Bulls suffered there heaviest ever defeat at Blackwood last Saturday while the Cougars remain unbeaten after a 40-34 win over the Steelers. The Bulls will welcome back there captain Jon Purnell and fullback Matthew Hutchings for the clash while Pencoed RFC centre Andrew Fryer is expected to make his first start. Bulls Team Manager Simon Green said “we had a big wake up call last Saturday, every team in Wales is improving and if we are to have any chance of re-gaining our title we are going to have to train harder and play better than ever”. The game at Porthcawl will kick off at 12:30pm with the Union International between Wales and South Africa being shown in the clubhouse after the game. Blackwood hope to continue from where they left off against Bridgend when they travel to Aberavon to take on the Neath-Port Talbot Steelers. A Blackwood spokesperson said “we were delighted with the big win over the Blue Bulls but we now need to concentrate on the next game and we hope to keep up the momentum with a win over the Steelers”. Steelers Chairman James Davies said “we are looking forward to welcoming the Bulldogs and hope to improve on our last three results. We lost by just two points to the Demons and six to the Cougars but we are pleased with the way we have been playing. The majority of our squad are under 24 and we getting better with every game and we are just delighted that we have introduced a new group of youngsters to Rugby League” There is a local derby at Pil Harriers where the Newport Titans host the Cardiff Demons. Like all matches involving teams from the neighbouring cities the annual Titans v Demons clash is always a close and fiery encounter and Saturdays game will be no different. Meanwhile at Furnace the West Wales Sharks will be hoping to pick up there first win when they host and Torfaen Tigers. Since losing heavily to the Cougars in the opening weekend the Sharks have come close to beating both the Blue Bulls and Demons and a win is not too far away. |
| 31st May 2008 |
| Cardiff Demons 48 - West Wales Sharks 32 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 31st May 2008 |
| “Bulldogs hammer Champions while Cardiff Vanish their Demons” by Simon Green & Richard Williams The Bridgend Blue Bulls suffered there heaviest ever defeat last Saturday going down 66-18 to a well-drilled and rampant Blackwood Bulldogs team. The reigning Champions were again forced to field a host of new players giving eight players their debuts and they had no answer to the Bulldogs power and pace. Things were looking bleak early on for Bridgend as Blackwood raced into an early 20-0 lead with tries from Gareth Ware, Grenville Jones, Paul Young and Trevor James with Jeremy Lloyd adding two conversions, but the Blue Bulls hit back brilliantly with scores from Paul Smithson, Lloyd O’Connor and Tevita Manaseitava. Chris McGrath and Shaun Owen both came close to giving Bridgend the lead but the final say of the half went to Blackwoods Byron Williams and Lloyd again converted to give his team a 26-18 half time lead. The Blue Bulls felt confident going into the second half as they had been in this situation against the Bulldogs in both previous encounters and gone on to win the game, but Blackwood were rampant in the second half with tries from Byron Williams (2) Kristian Gay, Trevor James, Lloyd Hamer, Gareth Price and Gareth Ware to run out 60-18 winners. Despite the heavy loss Bulls teenage duo Rhys Hawkins and Ton Johnson played well beyond there years while forwards Mark Orpin, Idris Hanmer and Lewis Tutt never gave up and tackled till the end. Meanwhile at St Peters RFC the Cardiff Demons banished the memories of West Wales Sharks dramatic comeback in last fixture to record a 48-32 victory. Stand out performances from Chris Holcombe and Shane Goddard who scored two tries and six goals led Cardiff to their second win of the season. As well as Goddard, Andy Lee, Curtis Cunningham and Kyle Blake all scored twice with Chris Holcombe also crossing. Cardiff blitzed the Sharks defence in the early stages, scoring three tries in quick succession. The Sharks responded through Joe Bedden and Dylan Evans bur additional tries from Blake and Goddard’s brace saw the Demons lead 34-10 at half time. With last years 33 to 32 defeat after leading 30-6 at half time fresh in the memory Cardiff were aware of the Sharks second half capabilities. Despite losing the second half 22-12 Cardiff managed to hold on for the win. Second tries apiece from Andy Lee and Kyle Blake were followed by Curtis Cunningham’s second. The debutant winger shone throughout, and his second came after he supported a fantastic break from Lawrence Roycroft. Cardiff’s best performance of the season, with nine tries scored, set’s them up perfectly for next weeks local derby at Newport Titans. The final game saw the Valley Cougars record there third successive victory with a 40-34 home win over the West Wales Sharks and the Nelson based team now sit proudly at the top of the table. It is a great turn around for the Cougars who were winless in this competition two years ago and aim to go improve on last summers Wales semi-final spot, and it is something they are more than capable of if they continue the fine form they have shown in the opening three weeks of the season. The match between the Torfaen Tigers and Newport Titans was postponed and will be played at a date to be announced. FINAL SCORES: Blackwood Bulldogs 60-18 Bridgend Blue Bulls Cardiff Demons 48-32 West Wales Sharks Valley Cougars 40-34 Neath-Port Talbot Steelers |
| 29th May 2008 |
| Welsh Conference Match Previews (Week 3) by Simon Green COUGARS AIM FOR THIRD SUCCESSIVE VICTORY WHILE BULLDOGS WANT FIRST BRIDGEND WIN Blackwood Bulldogs v Bridgend Blue Bulls – at Blackwood RFC Cardiff Demons v West Wales Sharks – at St Peters RFC Torfaen Tigers v Newport Titans – at Pontypool United RFC Valley Cougars v Neath-Port Talbot Steelers – at Nelson RFC all games K.O at 2:30pm The Welsh Rugby League Conference goes into its third week on Saturday with all eight teams again in action. The Valley Cougars currently lead the way with two big victories and they welcome the Neath-Port Talbot Steelers to their Nelson RFC home. The Steelers will be hoping to claim there first win after consecutive loses to the Demons and Titans. At Blackwood RFC the Bulldogs host the Bridgend Blue Bulls. Blackwood have never beaten Bridgend but their last two encounters have been close affairs and it will be the first time the Bulldogs will have home advantage. The Blue Bulls will be without there inspirational captain Jon Purnell but they welcome back forwards Ross Megraw and Tevita Manaseitava, and are expected to give a first start to 17 year old prop Rhys Hawkins who impressed when coming off the bench last week. There will be a tense local derby at Pontypool when the Torfaen Tigers host the Newport Titans, the Titans had a big win over the Steelers last week and contain lots of good youngsters in there team while Torfaen will hope to bounce back after last weeks home defeat to the Cougars. The final game sees the Cardiff Demons play the West Wales Sharks at St Peters RFC, both the Demons and Sharks made late comebacks in there games last week but just failed to overall there opponents leads and both will be desperate for victory. Despite having both lost last week both teams contain talented players with Demons wing Andrew Bradshaw having scored three tries in the opening two games and the Sharks will travel with speedsters Dai Norman and Christiaan Roets, both of whom are capable of scoring tries from anywhere. |
| 24th May 2008 |
| Cardiff Demons 20 - Blackwood Bulldogs 26 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 22nd May 2008 |
| WELSH RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE WEEK TWO PREVIEWS by Simon Green Matches to be played Saturday 24th May 2008 “COUGARS BACK YOUNG GUNS AS THEY GO FOR SECOND VICTORY” The Welsh Rugby League Conference goes into its second week this Saturday with all eight teams in action. Just two games were played last week with the Cardiff Demons pipping the Neath-Port Talbot Steelers 18-16 at Aberavon and the Valley Cougars hammering the West Wales Sharks 60-12 at Nelson RFC. The Cougars will be hoping to continue that good form when they travel to Pontypool to take on the Torfaen Tigers. Cougars Chairman Mark Rowley said “I was really proud of the boys last week, we have a very young team and I was delighted with the way they performed, especially our two 16 year olds Lloyd Ford and Tom Rees. I would also like to thank Nelson RFC who hosted us for the first time and treated us brilliantly” Meanwhile the Demons also hope to get a second victory when they host the Blackwood Bulldogs. The Demons have never beaten the Bulldogs but are confident after a fine opening victory. Demons Andrew Bradshaw, a double try scorer last week said “We had a good hard fought victory last week against a Steelers side that has recruited very well over the off season. But we also got some great new players who performed well last week and we are looking forward to our first home game”. Reigning Welsh Champions Bridgend travel to Trimsaran to take on the West Wales Sharks and they are a much changed side from the one that lifted the title last August. With many players unavailable the Bulls are likely to hand up to eight players there debuts with Lewis Tutt, Idris Hanmer and 18 year old prop Rhys Williams all expected to make their first starts. The team will be lead once again by the inspirational Jon Purnell with Bulls stalwart Gareth David and former Crusader Dean Fitzgerald also expected to play. The Bulls will however be wary and are expecting the Sharks to bite back after there heavy defeat against the Cougars and there side includes former Bull Christiaan Roets who was Bridgends top try scorer last summer. The final game of the day sees last years runners-up Newport Titans tackle the Steelers and the Neath-Port Talbot side will be desperate to get back to winning ways after there narrow loss last week. Cardiff Demons v Blackwood Bulldogs at St Peters RFC Newport Titans v Neath-Port Talbot Steelers at Pil Harriers Torfaen Tigers v Valley Cougars at Pontypool Utd RFC West Wales Sharks v Bridgend Blue Bulls at Trimsaran RFC |
| 17th May 2008 |
| Neath Port Talbot Steelers 16 - Cardiff Demons 18 Click here for the match report and pictures |
| 11th May 2008 |
 Scott McRorie's 9s Tournament Cardiff Demons successfuly defended their Scott McRorrie nines title on Sunday after beating Torfaen Tigers 28-10 in the final after a day's worth of matches at Port Talbot on Sunday. |
 Pictures by Ian Lovell |
| 22nd April 2008 |
| Rugby league returns to Merthyr Tydfil this Thursday (24th April) with the official launch of the Tydfil Wildcats junior rugby league team. After discussions between local volunteers and Wales Rugby League, it has been announced that the Wildcats will run teams at U13 and U15 age groups.
Merthyr Tydfil was the first place in Wales to ever stage a rugby league match when on September 7th 1907, the new Merthyr side hosted Oldham losing 25-6. Merthyr’s rugby league side also became famous for actually beating the full Australian national side 15-13 in a tour match in February 1909, just a month after Wales beat Australia 14-13, also in Merthyr Tydfil. The launch night for the new side will take place on Thursday 24th April at the Grove Fields in Aberfan at 6:30pm. The news of a junior team starting in the Merthyr area was warmly received from the WRL as this has traditionally been a strong area for the junior game in Wales. Development officer Dan Clements said: “Merthyr Tydfil has always been a strong area for us in terms of development, numerous schools take part in the champion schools programme and on the back of this several players have been identified and made the next step to representative rugby. With the formation of the Wildcats we will definitely see more and more players make that step up to representative rugby as they will be playing the sport more regularly.” The junior season in Wales is now starting to take shape with several new age groups being run at sides throughout the conference. The Tydfil Wildcats will no doubt add to this and Ian Gwynne, the driving force behind the Wildcats, added: “As a new club we are really looking forward to the start of the new season. We are encouraging everyone in the area to get on board with us. This includes players and volunteers, as this is an exciting time for the sport in Wales.” The Wildcats will compete with Cardiff, Newport, Blackwood, Torfaen, Valley Cougars, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and West Wales Sharks for the chance to play in the inaugural U13 and U15 grand finals. |
| 20th April 2008 |
| Player profiles in process of being updated, pictures and information courtesy of Mark Harris Click here to view |
| 12th April 2008 |
 Cardiff Demons 20 - London Skolars 14Click here for the match report and pictures |
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