THE CRAWSHAYS WRU President's XV emerged victorious in a tough encounter with Emerging Georgia on Wednesday evening.

The tourists, whose squad of Welsh players are largely from the Principality Premiership, took the spoils 24-17 thanks to tries by Neath scrum-half Tom James, Pontypridd pair Rhys Shellard and Daf Lockyer and a penalty try.

- MOSELEY-BOUND centre Aaron Pinches was a double winner at Bedwas' 125th anniversary dinner.

The 26-year-old, who has been snapped up by the Championship side after catching the eye with a series of powerful midfield displays, was named as player of the year and players' player of the year.

Lock Phill Rees won the supporters' award while centre Mike Callow was named most-improved player.

Full-back Stuart Thomas was given a special award following his retirement while Brian Howells was named as clubman of the year.

- PONTYPOOL have bolstered their management team by bringing in Tom Dickens as head of strength and conditioning.

The 28-year-old, a former scrum-half with Pontypridd, Bristol, Merthyr and Bedwas, has been brought to Pooler by new head coach Louie Tonkin to replace Simon Church, who is now with Newport Gwent Dragons.

- FORMER Newport hooker Dale Rogers has signed for Bridgend. The 24-year-old, who has also played for Bedwas, Machen and Pontypool, made 20 appearances for the Black and Ambers last term.