An afteoon of fine sunshine across the county proved to be perfect setting for the opening weekend of the 2026 season. Let's hope this is a good omen and we will have a good season of weather. Out on the greens, there were a number of close games, as well as some convincing wins for others as teams got their league campaigns underway.
MBA Division 1
The start to life in Division 1 proved difficult for Ynysddu, who cruised to the Division 2 title last season, as visitors Bedwas & Trethomas took 12 of the 14 points on offer, recording a 31 shot win. Last season's Division 2 runners-up, Blaina, fared better but fell agonisingly short in their retu to the top-tier, losing out by a single shot at Pontymister Athletic. Meanwhile, Defending Champions Crosskeys made the perfect start to their title defence with a 13-1 (21 shots) win at home to Croesyceiliog, whilst Blackwood also started the season with a 10-4 win at St. Julians.
MBA Division 2
RTB Ebbw Vale made the perfect start to the season following their drop from Division 1, as they came away with an emphatic 48 shot (14-0) win at newly promoted Bedlwellty Park. The other relegated side from Division 1, Cwmbran Park, also enjoyed a comfortable start, defeating Newbridge 86-69, also picking up maximum points. A close encounter at Rhymney Gwent saw them come away with a narrow 78-74 (10-4) win over Blaenavon, whilst Pontnewydd, last year's Division 3 runners-up, were the sole bright spot for the newly promoted teams across the upper divisions, starting their season with a 23 shot (12-2) win over Caldicot.
MBA Division 3
Panteg House, who narrowly missed out promotion last season, showed they are hungry for promotion this season as they opened their campaign with a convicing 31 shot (14-0) away win at Chepstow. It was a tough week for last year's Division 4 champions New Tredegar who fell to a 90-69 at Llanhilleth, whilst the two teams who dropped from Division 2 last season, both picked up away wins to start their campaigns. Pontypool Park beating Beechwood 82-68(12-2), and Rhymney Royal edging out Abertillery in a tight 71-67 (10-4) win.
MBA Division 4
Machen made a clear statment of their intent to bounce back from relegation last season, as they recorded the biggest win of the week across all division, with a devastating 114-53 (12-2) home win over newly promoted Crickhowell. However, they don't occupy the top spot after the 1st week of games as Aberca took all 14 points at home to Six Bells with a 30 shot win. Newport Athletic, who finished second in Division 5 last season, met a similar fate, losing 89-68 to Oakdale, as all 3 of the newly promoted sides had a difficult start to life in Division 4. In the Final match of the week, Beaufort opened their campaign with an 11-3, 16 shot win at Abergavenny.
MBA Division 5
The teams falling from Division 4 wasted no time showing they intend to make their stay in Division 5 a short one. Whiteheads claiming a commanding 93-61 (12-2) home victory over Belle Vue. Firbank matched that intensity on the road, securing a 90-69 win over Caerleon to bag their own 12 points. Elsewhere, Gadiffaith edged out Gilwe in a 76-75 (10-4) thriller, while Oakdale Welfare, starting their 2nd season as a club, started with victory on the road at PILCS, picking up a 69-53 (10-4) win.
GBL 3 Rink - Division 1
Life in the top flight proved difficult for last year's Division 2 runners-up, Newbridge, as they were handed the toughest possible start to their Division 1 campaign, hosting last season's champions, Croesyceiliog. The defending champions showed exactly why they lifted the trophy last year, as they came away with all 12-point, recording a 61-53 win. In the only other game of the week Blackwood, who finished 4th last year, also started their season with maximum points as they won 60-48 at home to Crosskeys.
GBL 3 Rink - Division 2
In the open game of the season, the 2 relegated teams from Division 1 Bedwas & Trethomas hosted Caldicot. It was Bedwas & Trethomas who successfully took their first step toward redemption, picking up all 12 points with a 58-43 win. Elsewhere in the division, There was a close battle between Blaina and Abergavenny, with the home side coming out on top by 3 shots, 50-47 (8-4) despite only winning on 1 of the 3 rink.
