DEFENDING Gwent Super League champions Pontnewydd closed the gap on leaders Chepstow FC to three points with a comfortable 6-1 win at home over the Dodger, with Wales internationals Mark Blandford and Nick Kenny leading the way, writes Morgan Barrell.

Nathan Treadgold, Jesse Heal, Patrick Aldoescu and Peter Johns all won for the Legion side, while Dodger’s Darron Crawford pipped Ray Hardwick in a narrow contest, as he claimed the only point for the visitors.

Hafodyrynys’ Carl Lloyd was back to his best as he hit his first 30+ average of the season, including a classy 14-dart leg, to overcome Gwent compatriot Mike Fleet of Gilfach.

But Lloyd could not prevent his team from going down to a narrow 4-3 loss at home against a talented Gilfach.

The visitors had Andrew Ashcroft to thank for winning the final point of the evening against Stephen Challenger.

Gilfach’s other points came from Paul Higgins, Dyfed Jones and Kevin Mills as they moved above the Hafod in the league table.

In a fixture between two sides at the bottom of the league, Crumlin’s experience proved the difference as Gareth Lewis and Bryan Cook led them to a handsome win over a Talywain outfit showing some promise.

Elsewhere, Ashley Jeremiah held his nerve as Pontypool beat Tredegar Cons at home.

Dean Lee continued his fine Super League form for Cross Keys in a win over visiting Abergavenny.

Aberbargoed returned from Cwmbran Workies with a win, and Andy Miller’s Baneswell won 6-1 at Chepstow.

In the women’s league, Cwmcarn closed the gap on leaders Golddiggers at the top of the table with a narrow win over St Joes, writes Hayley Matthews.

Cwmcarn took the two pairs points on offer thanks to Michelle Mellish and Nicky Bonner and Hannah Meek and Sharon King, before Rose Davies won the opening singles for a 3-0 lead.

Julie Moxham, Chelsea Thomas and Trisha Thomas levelled things up at 3-3, but Meek had the final say as she hit the winning double in the decider.

Pairs partners Stephanie James and Kaye Paul and Jackie Norman and Rachel Parnell set Legends on their way to a 7-0 whitewash of Garndiffaith.

Parnell, Rhian Griffiths, Norman, James and Paul all won their singles matches to complete the rout.

Elsewhere, Cwmbran’s partnership of Cheryl Jones and Amanda Willard secured the first point of their clash with Newport.

Newport’s Deb Ham and Megan Vodden made it 1-1, only for Cwmbran to edge in front again thanks to Willard.

Vodden and team-mate Mandy Cosslett then put Newport 3-2 up, Jones levelled it at 3-3, but Cheryl Vodden took the decider to give Newport the spoils.

Risca Top Club’s pairings of Mandy Irwin and Louise Cottle and Sarah Townsend and Sue George gave their side a 2-0 lead against Golddiggers.

Sarah Adams halved the deficit, but George restored Top Club’s two-point advantage.

Golddiggers fought back with Tracey Hickey and Jade Hickey making it 3-3, however, Top Club weren’t to be dined as Townsend held her nerve to clinch a 4-3 triumph.