TREDEGAR'S fight for survival in Division Two was hampered when they suffered a 27-3 defeat at the hands of Ynysybwl who are gradually climbing the table.

Following their forward demolition of Builth Wells last week, the Tredegar pack could not repeat their magnificent efforts from the previous week and were out muscled by the Bwl in the tight and loose.

In atrocious conditions, an 11 o'clock pitch inspection favoured the home side whose narrow pitch, sloping at either end, ensured Tredegar were always at a disadvantage.

After an early exchange of penalties, a Nathan Ellis try saw Ynysybwl steal ahead with both sides trying to play expansive rugby but succumbing to the elements.

Although Tredegar competed, Jack Dawson's 10 minutes in the sin bin ensured they were constantly on the back foot and a Jamie Richards try left the visitors with no option but to chase the game and make errors on the way.

Tredegar's lack of discipline cost them a stream of penalties and when Sean Wigfall and former Tredegar fly-half Richard Tibbs scored tries, the home team secured a bonus point as well as the home win.

This was a game that Tredegar lost rather than the Bwl won and the home side showed a gritty determination that Tredegar could do well to emulate.

Tredegar now need to get to grips with winning rugby with the next few games vital in order to avoid relegation.

RISCA travelled to play Tredegar Ironsides last Saturday and came back with a fine 18-3 win, the foundations laid by an outstanding pack performance.

The pitch was in excellent condition, considering the atrocious weather and both sides tried to play some rugby.

The opening quarter was all played in the Risca half but after 15 minutes Gareth Evans, Risca's coach playing at outside half, pushed a good kick into space, turned Ironsides defence which forced a penalty which Jason Evans kicked.

Straight from the kick-off Evans received good ball, kicked a high up and under, Ironsides fullback fumbled and Graig Thomas was on it in a flash to score a good try which went unconverted.

Just on the stroke of half-time, Risca lost Martin Jones to the bin and the Ironsides took their chance with a penalty.

After the interval the Risca pack took over and standout performances by Martin Williams and Richard Evans turned the game for Risca.The Ironsides lost their blindside flanker to the bin and Risca pushed to the corners at every opportunity.

Rob Talbot came on as substitute for Martin Jones, and a driving maul took Talbot over for the try.

Right on 80 minutes Gareth Evans switched the play from left to right, moved the ball quickly out to Thomas who took a very difficult ball over his head to skate over for his second try.

Both second half conversions were missed under very difficult conditions.

cwmcarn united made the short journey to new panteg and, despite the atrocious conditions, both sides managed a thrilling game which ebbed and flowed from first whistle to last.

Panteg took the lead with two tries.

The conversion of the first try was charged down by Jeremy Parsons but the second went over.

Cwmcarn replied with a try by Gareth Jianikos after a well controlled driving maul.

Panteg then scored another fine converted try.

Cwmcarn were undaunted and defended like Trojans before breaking out and scoring with a length of the field try which flowed from one touchline to the other with backs and forwards handling as if it were a sunny spring day.

The scoring pass was taken by Jianikos for his second try.

The second half continued in the same vein with the large crowd entertained by some superb rugby from both sides.

Scrum half Keiron Gilchrist scored after another driving maul but crucially all three conversions were missed leaving Panteg the 19-15 victors on a day when attacking rugby from forwards and backs was the winner.

Cwmcarn have recruited a number of new players this season and all are performing well.

Novices Rhys Williams, Lee Goodall, Luke Carter, Keiron Gilchrist and James Hillier improve with every game and in recent weeks these raw recruits have been assisted by the experience of Gareth Jianikos who has been influential.

The star performer on Saturday, for a committed driving game from both prop and then blindside, was Neal Molby' Hopkins.

On Saturday the St Julians HSOB Seconds team played their fourth game of the season against Malpas, keeping up the club's ambition of having a regular fixture list in the near future.

It was a hard and well fought game with Malpas coming out well deserved winners 34-21, thanks to the experience in their back line.

St Julians fielded a mixture of youth, inexperience and old guard (including Ken Young, 50, and Sean Duggan, 42) and Malpas took full advantage of that inexperience in the St Julians back three by creating three chip and chase tries. St Julians never gave up and showed excellent spirit, scoring a hard-earned but well deserved forwards' try in the dying seconds.

Anyone interested in playing should phone 07974 116642 (evenings only). A warm welcome will be given to all on training nights, Tuesday and Thursday. Meet at clubhouse 6.30pm.