photo by Mark Harris

Valley Cougars head the conference table today after they inflicted a heavy opening day defeat on the West Wales Sharks running in 15 tries to register their first Conference victory since 2005.

Club captain John Breakingbury scored 26 points for the Ferndale-based side winning 74-12 against a developing Sharks side at a windy Llanelli Wanderers RFC.

Meanwhile in Pontypool Welsh champions Bridgend Blue Bulls started their quest for a fifth successive title with a stunning second half performance to beat Torfaen Tigers 54-24.

New signing, the reigning Man of Steel, Christian Roets and former Crusader

Lenny Woodard both added hat-tricks while Nathan Walters and Tylan Mafi tries rounded things off. John Williams kicked seven goals. Debutants David James and Matthew Morgan both had exceptional games

Cardiff Demons opened their tenth anniversary season by beating the newly named NPT Steelers 43-12. The Demons had never beaten the old Aberavon Fighting Irish side so this victory was extra special for the hosts.

Skipper John Byers led the way for the Demons with four out of their eight tries, the first in just the sixth minute.

In Newport the Titans pulled away in the second half against Blackwood Bulldogs to eventually win 51-36.

It was a see-saw match until Titans pulled ahead during the last quarter-hour with two tries from Kirk Johnston, one from Ben Morris and another form Tyrone Mahoney.

Full reports here