Rugby Union: Perfect record in place: Round-up
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BEATING Swansea may not be such a good idea if the fate of their last two Heineken conquerors is any guide. Yesterday's win avenged defeat last season by Pooler, who have won only three league games out of 16 since. Bridgend, the last team to beat them, are on the menu next week and have won only two of 11 games since. A 24-5 home defeat by Newport drops them into the bottom three.
NEAR-NEIGHBOURS Neath look as threatening as any of Swansea's challengers - a 38-16 victory in the derby against Aberavon keeps them tied with Llanelli and Cardiff in second place. In the Second Division Narberth, winners 13-6 at Tenby United, have still to concede a try, Cross Keys 50-19 thumping of Llandovery maintained a 100 per cent record, and the free-scoring Glamorgan Wanderers stayed on top by beating Tredegar 44-9.
INTIMIDATING Edge Hall Road held no fears for London Irish as they ended Orrell's 18- month Courage League ground record by 12-8. Four Tainton penalties saw off Saracens as Bristol prevailed 12-7 and the boot of John Liley was similarly crucial to Leicester, landing 16 points in the 21-7 beating of West Hartlepool. Newcastle Gosforth are early Second Division favourites after beating Nottingham 28-6 in the clash of the last two 100 per cent records.
The Scottish champions, Melrose, became the first Border club to lose in nine McEwan's First Division meetings with clubs from other districts this season when they lost 13-9 at Stirling County.
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