In the last game of the season, Cardiff had the final say with a narrow victory over local rivals Pontypridd at the Arms Park.
In a season that will be remembered more for political wrangling than for classic rugby, this match provided entertainment aplenty for the 3,500 fans that enjoyed a summers evening of good old fashioned rugby.
In all they were treated to six tries, and a come-from-behind victory that leaves Cardiff in third spot in the final rankings, and consigns Ponty to a lowly sixth.
The game started brightly, with Cardiff youngster Nicky Robinson calling the shots.
Cardiff were rewarded for their attacking play with the game’s first try midway through the first half.
The Blue and Blacks opted to take a tapped penalty rather than a certain three points, and following good work by Robinson, lock Dan McShane fed Dean Dewdney and the Zimbabwean winger raced through unopposed to the posts.
But within five minutes full-back Brett Davey, making his farewell appearance for Pontypridd before joining Gwent, had caught the home defence similarly wrong-footed.
Ponty went ahead when lively flanker Richard Parks – who must be keen to impress having missed out on a place in Steve Hansen’s touring party – broke free of a succession of tackles, spun the ball right and wing Emyr Lewis found centre Shaun James inside him to score.
Cardiff hit back shortly after the break. Fly-half Nick Macleod caught his own kick ahead, Nick Walne and Jim Brownrigg moved the ball on and scrum-half Richard Smith went under the crossbar.
With Robinson and Neil Jenkins adding the conversions, the scoreline reflected an even match.
But Cardiff were now taking matters seriously and Robinson kicked a penalty before forcing his way over for a try which he then improved.
Ponty were not finished, however, as wing Richard Fussell raced in after good work by veteran number eight Dale McIntosh. Jenkins converted brilliantly from the touchline.
Another Robinson penalty nudged Cardiff further in front and they wrapped things up with a magnificent 45-yard drop goal from Macleod.
The home fans went home happy, and will now ready themselves for regional rugby next
year.
Cardiff Tries: N Robinson, D Dewdney, R Smith. Cons: Robinson (3). Pens: Robinson (2). DG: N Macleod.
Pontypridd Tries: B Davey, S James, R Fussell. Cons: N Jenkins (3).
Att: 3,500
Cardiff: N Robinson; L Abdul, N Walne, P Muller (capt), D Dewdney; N Macleod, R Smith; J Yapp, T R Thomas, T Payne, D McShane, J Goode, J Brownrigg, J Malpas, R Sowden-Taylor.
Replacements: D Young, L Collins, A Jones, N Hampson, G McCarthy, M Allen, L Andrews.
Pontypridd: B Davey; E Lewis, S James, J Bryant, R Fussell; N Jenkins, P John (capt); G Cox, M Rees, D Bell, B Cockbain, G Harrington, R Parks, D McIntosh, W O’Connor.
Replacements: G Baber, J Lewis, M Nutthall, L Phillips, N Hennessey, L Verling, L Beach.
Ref: Nigel Williams (Bryncoch)
