FLEUR-DE-LYS coaching duo David Roberts and ChristianWills were singled out for praise following their side's 6-6 Asda League Division East draw at Newbridge.

On a playing surface which deteriorated from the very start, home outside-half Richard Powell and visiting centre Ieuan Morris swapped a couple of penalties each, and while the Flower remain bottom, secretary Alan Evans says there is a new mood of optimism sweeping through the club.

"We knew Newbridge have struggled this season and we actually went there with some hope," revealed Evans.

"A lot of that confidence has grown since the appointment of ourcoachesDavidRoberts and ChristianWills, who are both very positive people and that's rubbing off on everyone.

"I thought we deserved to win at Newbridge because we had the upper hand in most phases of play.

"However, we still picked up two points for the draw and that's a good start to the new year for us.

"We entertain leaders Pontypool on Saturday, and while that's a massive task for us, our coaches will prepare the side well and we're looking forward to the match."

Powell slotted over his second penalty to level matters 10 minutes into the second period, but missed another soon afterwards.

But Newbridge head coach Mark Thomas said the pitch condition was the real winner: "We had a chat with the referee beforehand and we went ahead, but it soon became a bit of a lottery.

"I thought the ref should have penalised them at a late lineout, but in fairness to him he couldn't distinguish one player from the next and I think he blew up a couple of minutes early."

The result keeps Newbridge in ninth position and they are next in action on Saturday when they visit sixth-placed Rumney.

In Division Two East, there were home defeats for both second-from-bottom Newport HSOB and the team immediately below them, Pill Harriers.

The Old Boys had only a Tom Diggle try to show in a surprising 43-5 loss at the hands of eighth-placed Builth Wells, while Pill took the lead through a touchdown from Craig Lloyd against visiting Ynysybwl, who went on to win 13-5.

Newport Saracens' home match against UWIC and Tredegar's away game at Llanishen both fell foul of unplayable playing surfaces and were postponed.

In Division Three East, Abergavenny remain top following a six-try, 40-8 away victory over New Tredegar.

Abergavenny's touchdowns came from Will Johnson (2), Richard McCormack, Gareth Williams, James Williams and James Padgat, while second-placed Garndiffaith defeated visiting Pontypool United 24-12.

At the bottom, Pontllanfraith secured their first win of the season at the ninth attempt, winning 2-0 at home against the only side below them, Senghenydd.

Abertillery won 27-3 at home against struggling Abercarn to move above Nantyglo, who were beaten 12-6 at home by Rhiwbina, into second place in the Division Four East table.

Talywain remain firmly fixed to the bottom following a 29-5 home reverse at the hands of sixth-placed Monmouth.

Caldicot beat Blaenavon 23-12 at home and leapfrogged them to the summit of the Division Six East table, while basement outfit RTB Ebbw Vale were not in scheduled action.

In Division Six East, promotion favourites Caerleon won again, this time 31-7 at St Julian's HSOB, but bottom-placed Whiteheads lost for the sixth successive league outing since the start of the season in going down 17-0 at home to Beaufort, who are in second position.