Neath ran in tries at will to record their second victory over Maesteg in a week, including a hat-trick to centre Stephen Thomas and doubles to hard-working prop Andrew Howell and winger Gareth James. Former Wales international Arwel Thomas scored a try and kicked eight conversions for a personal tally of 21 points.
Pontypridd, Neath’s opponents in the Cup final, came from behind to pip Glamorgan Wanderers in a thriller at the Memorial Ground. If talismanic lock Dale “the Chief” McIntosh misses next Saturday’s final, No.8 Nathan Strong looks set to wear the captain’s armband. He scored one of his side’s five tries yesterday as they stole a 37-34 victory. Centre Gavin Dacey scored two tries for the winners, and cemented the man-of-the-match honours with three conversions and two penalty goals for a haul of 22 points.
Wanderers led 27-26 at the break, with tries to outside backs Jeff Hobbs, Gareth McCarthy and Jamie Hawthorn, but could add only one more in the second spell. McCarthy added 14 points with the boot, but time ran out for the home side.
Principality Premiership Results:
Aberavon 35 Bridgend 24
Carmarthen Quins 17 Swansea 50
Cross Keys 10 Ebbw Vale 35
Glamorgan Wanderers 34 Pontypridd 37
Llanelli 19 Llandovery 21
Neath 66 Maesteg 14
Pontypool 24 Newport 35
