The top flight of community club rugby has been in full swing since the beginning of September. There has been plenty of action in the opening rounds of the Indigo Group Premiership, including a dramatic Gwent derby between Pontypool and Ebbw Vale in front of around 2,500 spectators.

Clubs like Swansea and Cardiff have given important opportunities to academy players to feature at semi-pro level, including Wales U20s internationals Morgan Morse, Dan Edwards, Mackenzie Martin and Lucas De La Rua.

Meanwhile, Welsh international Scott Williams featured for Carmarthen Quins to gain some match fitness ahead of his return from injury for the Scarlets.

With the Indigo Premiership approaching the mid-way point of the season, how have clubs fared during the opening block of fixtures?

Llandovery leading the way

Defending champions Llandovery are leading the way this season with eight wins from their first nine games, picking up seven try bonus points along the way. The only team to beat the Drovers so far this season have been Ebbw Vale, who are in fourth place.

Newport sit in second but are only a point ahead of Ebbw, with promoted side Pontypool enjoying life back in the Indigo Premiership in third.

Pooler have returned to the top flight following an 11-year absence and have only suffered defeat against the top two so far.

A fighting mid-pack

Whilst there is a 10 point gap separating Ebbw Vale in fourth and Merthyr in fifth, the Ironmen are only eight points ahead of 11th placed Swansea.

The Whites have struggled for consistency during the start of the season, only winning two out of their nine games. Yet they did pick up a shock away win at Newport in September but are still searching for their first home win of the season.

Last season’s finalists Cardiff are in sixth alongside Bridgend and Pontypridd on four wins each.

Following a 19-19 draw on the opening day of the season between Ponty and the Blue and Blacks, neither side have been able to maintain an extended winning run, although Ponty have won their last two home fixtures.

RGC have won all three of their matches at home but have struggled to find an away win this term, despite coming close against Bridgend, who beat them 14-10 at the Brewery Field last time out.

After flying out of the blocks last season, Aberavon are down in ninth following a 16-10 defeat to Pontypridd at the Talbot Athletic Ground on the weekend.

Struggles for Quins and Neath

At the foot of the table, it hasn’t been an easy ride for Neath on their return to the Indigo Premiership. The Welsh All Blacks are yet to win a game, yet they did run Pontypridd and Bridgend close at the Gnoll.

Carmarthen Quins have only won one out of their eight matches, which was a 49-14 win away at Neath.

The Indigo Premiership returns on Thursday at Sardis Road as Pontypridd look for a third home win in a row against Carmarthen Quins, with the game being shown on S4C Clic.

Elsewhere, the league’s top two clash at Church Bank as Newport travel to Llandovery. Merthyr head to RGC as Pontypool will look to continue their good run of form away at Bridgend.

Finally, Cardiff welcome Aberavon to the Cardiff Arms Park and Ebbw Vale host Swansea.