Champions Merthyr wrapped their triumphant Admiral Premiership campaign with a bonus-point win as they ran in seven tries to defeat Llangennech 45-22 at The Wern.
Outside half Ben Jones and Wales U18 wing wing Rhys Cummings were both at the double for the Ironmen with scrum-half Dafydd Land, prop Callum Dawe and back-rower Cerith Lloyd also on the scoresheet.
Jones added five conversions to end with a 20-point personal match haul. Merthyr end the season on 108 points having picked up 21 wins from 24.
Hooker Callum Jenkins bagged a brace for Llan with full-back Luke Davies and wing Louis Rees also scoring tries. Steff Marshall kicked a conversion.
Premiership Cup winners Pontypridd had already secured second spot before their trip to Bargoed, but they ended on a losing note after surrendering a 14-0 lead and eventually going down 28-19.
No 8 Rheims Handford, scrum-half James Leadbeater (2) and wing David Evans were the Bargoed scorers, all converted by Josh Prosser.
Wing Iwan Griffith, scrum half Lucus Welch and replacement hooker Jeff Young got the Ponty tries. Jaydan Pugh added two conversions. Ponty finish on 91 points ahead of Neath, Bargoed and Brecon.
Cross Keys secured sixth place at Llangennech’s expense by giving Ystrad Rhondda six of the best on their way to a 51-33 win. No 8 and skipper Corey Nicholls, full-back Ralph Miller, centre Duan Thomas, wing Rhys Cole, hooker Nathan Huish and replacement Iwan Dark got the tries for Keys.
Rhys Jones kicked four conversions and three penalties while Ben Murphy also chipped in with two conversions. Scrum-half Keian Richards (2), Kurtis Williams, Mccauley Rowley and Cavan Davies scored for Ystrad Rhondda, who finish in eighth.
Outside half Lewis Williams kicked two conversions, as did his replacement Rhys Truelove off the bench in what was his farewell appearance for Ystrad Rhondda. Prop David Webb also came on as a replacement for his final bow in Ystrad colours.
With Newcastle Emlyn already down, Bonymaen’s relegation was confirmed last Wednesday evening, although they bid farewell to the Premiership with a memorable 21-17 win over Merthyr at Parc Mawr.
Wing Luke Darnell, prop Lewys Bullock and flanker Brandon Owens got the Bony tries, all converted by full-back Lawrence Thomas.
Bony had needed an improbable five-point triumph by a 32-point margin to overhaul third from bottom Narberth. Bony finish one point behind the Otters – who stay up.
Although the result against Merthyr wasn’t enough to save them, it does mean Bony have beaten both of the top two sides at home this season, having picked up a memorable 24-22 win over Pontypridd back in March.
Bonymaen and Newcastle Emlyn will be replaced in the Premiership next season by Beddau and Llanelli Wanderers who have been promoted as champions of Championship East and West respectively.
The other remaining Premiership fixture was played last Wednesday night with Llangennech running out 33-26 home winners over Cross Keys.