photo by Ian Lovell

Newport go top of the Eastern Division of the Welsh Conference after an outstanding second half display against old rivals Torfaen Tigers at Pontypool United.

There was nothing between the teams at half-time as they went into the break level at 14-14.

Torfaen had their chances but the day belonged to Newport who join Cardiff at the top of the table at the half-way mark.

Blackwood Bulldogs opened up the Eastern division after sealing a hard fought 36-24 win over league leaders Cardiff Demons.

Blackwood took the lead in the third minute. Following a scrum attack on the Demons’ ten metre line, Byron Williams stormed over and Mark Birkby converted.

The teams traded tries with Cardiff edging a 15-18 scoreline at half time. Each side scored again before Blackwood scored three tries in the last 15 minutes to seal their second win in four days.

Bridgend Blue Bulls cemented their place at the top of the Western Division table with a 60-28 win over Swansea Valley Miners.

The Bulls took a 20-0 lead before Chris Roets hit back for Swansea. Two furhter tries from the Bulls gave them a 32-6 half time lead.

Swansea fought back in the second half but the Bulls once again pulled ahead to seal the win.

Aberavon, in their first home game of the season, are looking strong after a nine try victory over the West Wales Sharks.

Stand-off Gareth Lewis was the mastermind of Aberavon's success as he scored four tries and converted eight of the touchdowns.

Full reports here