SWALEC League Division One East champions posted a third successive victory in continuing to shrug off the effects of a summer player drift.

After gaining the scalps of Caerphilly and Merthyr, Blackwood this time won 31-23 at mid-table Ystrad Rhondda to move up one position to fifth in the table.

The Gwent side scored tries via Jamie Jones, Gavin Rees, Ross Cornwall, David Brake and Gareth Price, who also landed a couple of penalties.

Blackwood were the only local club to secure a victory as both fifth-placed Newbridge, down from third, and Tredegar, still eighth, lost on the road.

Newbridge only had a trio of penalties from outside-half Danny Ellis to show for it in a 22-9 reverse at Bargoed, while Tredegar went down 32-30 at Llanharan.

“We missed four kickable penalties and they also had a dubious try awarded,” revealed Newbridge team manager Chris Jones.

“We’ll knuckle down in training now this week in preparation for our home game against Merthyr on Saturday.”

Tredegar’s tries were scored by number eight Dai Ford, second row Wayne Sims, centre Luke James and wing Wes Cunliffe, while James kicked a penalty and a conversion – as did full back Darren Pearce.

“The opposition had much more of the possession and considering that fact, this was a heroic display from us because they clinched the win with a very late try,” said Tredegar director of rugby Robert Johnson.

“We had to soak up all the pressure and they threw everything at us and it was nice to see us throw the ball about when we had it.”

In Division Two East, Brynmawr beat visiting county rivals Garndiffaith 23-6. Centres Matthew Banner and Alex McCarthy, plus right- winger Joe Powell crossed for five pointers, with Nathan Preece slotting over two penalties and a conversion. Jordan Davies kicked two penalties for the Garn.

“Our forwards laid the platform for us to score some nice tries, although Garn proved very difficult opponents and credit must go to them,” commented Brynmawr coach Carl Martin.

Newport Saracens gained a point from a 16-16 draw at Mountain Ash, but secretary Mark Leverson said it was the home side that was the happier with the game’s outcome.

“We asked the players to put some pride back in the jersey and they responded magnificently,” remarked Leverson.

The Sarries had right- winger John Burgess scoring a try and outside-half Darryl Carter booting two penalties, a drop goal and a conversion.

In Division Three East, Fleur-de-Lys are top following a 37-20 victory at bottom-placed Cwmbran.

The Division Four East table continues to be headed by Talywain, despite their 11-11 draw at home to Nantyglo, but Crumlin climbed off the basement and sent hosts Chepstow down to it as a result of a 27-12 success.

Oakdale are still Division Five East leaders following a 15-13 home win over Ynysddu, while at the bottom, hapless Pontllanfraith were beaten 56-0 at Caldicot. Beaufort head the Division Six East section thanks to a 43-0 away success at Aberbeeg, with Blaina United continuing to prop up the table following a 40-5 reverse at Aberbargoed.

Hafodyrynys still lead the way in Division Six South East, this time they were 54-0 victors at Abertridwr, while bottom-placed Cwmcarn were not in action.