Reigning champions Merthyr closed the gap on current leaders Beddau to four points with a 22-3 bonus-point victory at Cardiff Met in the Admiral Premiership.
A penalty from Matt Bonds put the Archers into an early lead, but unconverted tries from wing Jack Kathrens and No 8 Aled Evans put the Ironmen 10-3 ahead at half time.
A second try for Evans and one for scrum-half James Soanes after the break completed a bonus-point win on the road for Merthyr. Ben Jones kicked one conversion.
It was a 12th win from 13 league matches this season for Merthyr and moved them on to 59 points. Ian Evans’ men also still have two games in hand on both Beddau (63) and second placed Pontypridd (61).
Merthyr’s WRU Premiership Cup final opponents Neath, meanwhile, were also victorious – beating Narberth 24-19 in difficult conditions at The Gnoll. Neath did not make the most of their chances but still staged another bonus-point win.
Hooker Sion Jones led the way with two tries, No 8 Casey Williams got another for the Welsh All Blacks, who were also awarded a penalty try. Debutant outside half Charlie Thomas added a conversion.
No 8 Roy Osborne scored for Narberth. The try was converted by Nico Setaro, who also kicked two penalties – as did replacement Jonathan Rogers.
Rogers’ second penalty goal rescued a bonus point for the Pembrokeshire side in the dying minutes and moved the Otters a point further – now three clear – of the relegation zone on 25 points.
There are five Premiership fixtures scheduled for Saturday, with Merthyr travelling to Ystrad Rhondda and Pontypridd heading to Newbridge.
There is a key clash at the bottom of the table with Llangennech hosting Llanelli Wanderers. With both sides on 22 points, Llan are only above second bottom Wanderers courtesy of having won one more game – and were 34-0 winners in the reverse fixture back in October.
Bottom side Brecon have been much improved in recent outings, but still only have one win and seven points to their name as they prepare to face Cardiff Met.
Bargoed entertain Cross Keys.
Beddau are back in action the following Saturday (21 February) at home against Neath.