Aberavon Fighting Irish kicked off their defence of the JES Group Rugby League Conference with a 34-24 win at home to South Wales Jets, who had won the title the year before.
In a repeat of last year’s Grand Final, the home side outscored their opponents by seven tries to four, giving the Jets their first ever regular season loss.
Leading the way were Morgan Meaclem and new signing Cody Rees who both got a brace of tries. Liam Evans, Morgan Hines and Tristan Walters all went over once, with Ioan Evans kicking three goals.
For the Jets, there was a debut appearance try for Rhys Gant, with Ieuan Sims, Craig Lewis and Matthew Jacobs also crossing. Another debutant, Morgan Raison, converted all four tries.
At Glyncoch, 2021 champions Bridgend Blue Bulls were 52-32 winners over their hosts, the 2022 champions Rhondda Outlaws.
It was a solid team effort from the Bulls with Lewis Ingram, Chadd George and Scott Walker, who also landed a goal, all crossing twice. Ben Rees, Juris Kesans and Jacob Wallace each scored a try with Corey Harris converting seven of the tries.
The Outlaws were always in the game and never threw in the towel. Jack Griffiths scored a hat-trick of tries with Calum Jones and Tyler Wasley each scoring once. Lloyd Miller and Mason Apsee landed two goals apiece.
