PROLIFIC try-scoring winger Lenny Woodard is the toast of Newbridge after grabbing the two touchdowns he needed to reach the 150 milestone in SWALEC League games, writes Terry Daley.

Woodard is the league’s top try-getter and achieved the feat in the Welfare Ground’s away 37-31 Division One East success at Rumney, a result that maintains third position for last season’s runners-up.

“We are delighted for Lenny (Woodard), who has been absolutely superb for us in the three seasons he’s been here,” remarked Newbridge team manager Chris Jones.

Woodard and his team-mates got off to a poor start at Rumney, who took a 14-0 lead before the break.

“This ended being a right nail-biter and we are grateful to have come through it with a win and a bonus point,” continued Jones.

“We had to dig deep before eventually gaining the upper hand. We’ve a break now for the international and that gives us some breathing space to prepare for our local derby with Blackwood on November 14.”

Besides Woodard, left-winger Mark Thorley, lock Scott Marrasco and back-row forward Gavin Knapp also crossed for five-pointers, while outside-half Danny Ellis kicked a couple of penalties and three conversions as Newbridge won for the eighth time in 10 league starts.

Blackwood, too, are on a roll and their 46-7 away victory at Beddau was their fifth successive league win and they remain fourth.

The defending champions ran in six tries, three coming from right-winger and captain Kristian Perry, plus one each for Joe Baddaja, a 70-metre effort, Mark Birkby and Gareth Price, who also slotted over two penalties and five conversions.

“We were 34-0 at the interval after playing down the slope, although Beddau made life difficult for us in the second period,” revealed Blackwood joint coach Jeremy Lloyd, who shares the duties with Jason Rogers, “But it was a superb start for us and we produced some great passing movements in scoring several fantastic tries.

“Our forwards were in fine form and that, of course, set up the platform for us to play some brilliant rugby.

“It was a lot tougher after the break, when Beddau had their turn in using the slope. But we defended well and that was also very pleasing.”

Tredegar are having a tough time and falling foul of Lady Luck since being promoted and lost out narrowly again, this time 22-20 at Merthyr.

However, there were several positives to come out of the match, not least the debut of 18-year-old wing forward Jordan Williams.

“We blooded 19-year-old Darren Hughes recently and Jordan’s appearance gives much credit to our youth policy and to those who are running our junior section,” said Tredegar director of rugby Robert Johnston.

Williams was one of several substitutes to make an impact on the match as Tredegar continued to play catch-up after at one stage trailing 14-3.

On another day, they may have snatched an unlikely win, although they did manage to secure a losing bonus point to maintain ninth position.

During the break for the Autumn internationals, Tredegar are seeking mid-week friendlies and interested clubs can contact Johnston or the club’s fixture secretary.

For Tredegar, skipper and number eight Dai Ford and right-winger Jamie Henthorne touched down, with full back Gary Wilkes booting two penalties and as many conversions.

Because of SWALEC Bowl and Plate matches, there were no games outside the top division.

Garndiffaith were the only Division Two East side in Plate action, defeating Division Three East outfit Pill Harriers 37-19.

Garn’s four tries were scored by centres Gareth Jones (2) and Craig Sulaway plus lock forward Gareth Lear, with Clayton Gullis netting 17 points from various place kicks.

“A good win and it’s always nice to gain a cup victory,” said Garndiffaith coach Dorrian Green.

“The feature of this game was the outstanding display for prop Lee Courtney. He was immense in both set play and the loose.”

Garndiffaith are next in action on Friday night, when they entertain Division Four East leaders Talywain in a Floodlit League fixture, kick-off 7.30pm.

In the Bowl, Division Four East side Risca had it all their own way in thrashing hapless Division Six East visitors Blaina United 100-0, with winger Luke Savigar-Jones and full back Leighton Jones scoring four and three tries respectively.

Another winger in try-scoring form was Oakdale’s David Smith, who crossed three times in the Division Five East outfit’s 18-11 home win over Division Three East Crumlin.

Chris Brunston (2), Shane Hughes and Lloyd Parks scored tries in Talywain’s 29-18 home success over Usk, of Division Five East.