PONTYPOOL took the first winning step towards lifting a third successive WRU National Championship title while Newbridge also won their opening fixture, writes Terry Daley.

Pooler visited Ystrad Rhondda’s Gelligaled Park for the first time since 2006/7 against hosts who were making their Championship debut following their Division One East Central success.

There were just two points in it at the break as the hosts held their own against big-spending Pooler, who led 5-3.

Right winger Lewis Protheroe had the honour of touching down for Pooler’s first five-pointer of the season, although the hosts' Corey Shephard reduced the arrears with a penalty.

The same player put his side ahead from the tee in the second half before Pooler found themselves 22-6 to the good.

They scored 16 points, all after lock Ben Sparks had been sin binned, through a penalty from outside half Matthew Jones, a penalty try plus one from Clayton Gullis that was converted by his co-centre Kieran Meek.

But the hosts rallied with left winger Jarad Llewellyn’s try converted by Shephard to make it 22-13.

Pooler, however, increased their lead when left wing Rhodri Usher crossed for his side’s bonus-point score with Meek kicking his second conversion.

Ystrad Rhondda had the last word with a try from replacement back Aaron Clarke to make the final score 29-18.

It was Pooler’s fourth successive opening-day Championship triumph and their 26th consecutive victory since going down 30-22 away against Cardiff Met on March 25, 2017.

Newbridge were at home against Rhydyfelin, who had completed a treble over the Pigs last season with two league wins and a National Cup success.

Hooker Stuart Vokes again skippered the team, which began with no less than nine new signings in their starting XV.

They got off to a tremendous start by playing some top-notch rugby and reached the end of the first period with a healthy 14-0 lead.

The visitors struck back with a try and suddenly Newbridge got sucked into an arm-wrestle type of game.

However they proved worthy winners and it was their first opening-day victory since beating RGC 1404 23-17 at home in 2015.

Tries for Newbridge were scored by scrum half Matt Davies, outside centre Lewis Hudd and outside half Sam Withers, who converted all three for a 21-12 triumph.

Principality Premiership: Aberavon 24 Swansea 10; Bargoed 22 Llandovery 62; Bedwas 23 Pontypridd 33; Cardiff 18 Merthyr 24; Carmarthen Quins 12 Newport; 29; Cross Keys 32 Bridgend 25; Llanelli 10 Ebbw Vale 43; RGC 1404 37 Neath 19.

WRU Championship: Beddau 17 Narberth 20; Cardiff Metropolitan University 44 Maesteg Quins 20; Newbridge 21 Rhydyfelin 12; Newcastle Emlyn 19 Trebanos 26; Tata Steel 69 Bedlinog 29; Ystrad Rhondda 18 Pontypool 29.

WRU National Leagues (East)

One: Brecon 25 Nelson 0; Brynmawr 53 Hartridge 10; Cwmbran 31 Caerleon 0; Penallta 37 Risca 27; Pontypool United 39 Blaenavon 7; Ynysybwl 21 Dowlais 8.

Two: Abercarn 22 Talywain 33; Abertillery B.G. 14 Blackwood 31; Caldicot 7 Caerphilly 12; Croesyceiliog 11 Monmouth 17; Senghenydd 37 Newport H.S.O.B. 30; Ynysddu 37 Pill Harriers 14.

Three A: Abergavenny 25 Abertysswg 10; Deri 21 Fleur-De-Lys 11; Machen 34 Nantyglo 17; Oakdale 22 Blaina 17; RTB Ebbw Vale 34 Garndiffaith 11; Tredegar Ironsides 15 Usk 8.

Three B: Blackwood Stars 0 New Panteg 50; Chepstow 29 Rhymney 27; Hafodyrynys 20 Whiteheads 31; New Tredegar P - P Markham; St. Julians H.S.O.B. 10 Llanhilleth 52.

Three C: Newport Saracens 35 Crumlin 23; Pontllanfraith P - P Tredegar; Trefil 31 Malpas 36; Trinant 30 Rogerstone 8; West Mon. 35 Crickhowell 33.

Three D: Abersychan 17 Cwmcarn United 20; Girling 12 Tref -Y-Clawdd 29; Old Tyleryan 10 Bettws 42; Rhayader 31 Beaufort 26; St. Josephs 6 Hollybush.