TORFAEN Tigers continued the preparations for life in the national leagues with a comfortable 44-14 victory over Welsh Premier newcomers Cardiff City RL on a wet Wednesday night in Cwmbran last week.

The opening half was a tight affair as both sides struggled with the wet conditions, writes Ian Lovell.

The score was locked at nil all after 30 minutes, although the Tigers could have and probably should have been in front but for Sam Hancox having a try ruled out for a forward pass and Liam Silver dropping the ball over the line following a fine 40 yard run.

Torfaen made amends shortly after though when Jack Watkins crossed before stand off Dai Thomas danced through to score. He added the extras to give the Tigers a 10-0 half time lead.

The second half started with a try for Cardiff's Josef Davies following a Tiger mistake deep in their own half. Dan Henderson added the goal. The Tigers struck back immediately when Andrew Barlow squeezed in at the corner. Dai Thomas converted splendidly from the touchline to take the score to 16-6.

The Tigers then scored twice in quick succession as Ryan Evans raced in from halfway before Thomas added his second, converting both to give the Tigers breathing space at 28-6.

The two sides exchanged scores then as Owain Davies crossed for Cardiff before, Torfaen replied through Corey Clarke, Callum McCabe crossed for the Demons to bring the score to 32-14.

Sean Haszard showed the Cardiff defence a clean pair of heels to cross for the Tiger's seventh score before Jordan Thomas rounded off an impressive debut to finish a fine Tigers handling display down the left edge. Barlow converting on the final hooter to make the score 44-14.

Torfaen travel to Leicester Storm to make their Conference League South bow on Saturday (March 21) before playing host to Llanelli based Raiders Rugby League eight days later on Sunday March 29.