News

Pontypridd went top of the Admiral Premiership but only after a dogfight at Newbridge – eventually prevailing 38-22 with a bonus-point after a high-risk game of cards.

The Valley Commandos held a narrow one-point lead when a crazy three-minute spell either side of the half-hour mark saw three Ponty players – scrum-half Lloyd Dennett, flanker Cai James and then wing Rhodri Smith – sin-binned for infringing.

Down to 12 men, the visitors were under intense pressure but limited their hosts to one unconverted try to go 19-15 up during that period

A penalty for Ponty cut the gap to a point by half time and, with the visitors back to full strength after the re-start, it was then Newbridge’s turn to have players – prop Harry Drane and centre Josh Thomas – dispatched to the cooler.

Ponty would go on to secure the spoils from what was a full-blooded encounter. Smith, hooker Connah Hughes and centres Stuart Floyd-Ellis and Callum Coxley were their try scorers.

In what was an eventful afternoon for him, Smith kicked a conversion and three penalties in addition to his early try and yellow card. Logan Jones also contributed seven points from the tee.

Full-back Reegan Davies, centre Harry Jarvis and scrum-half Matthew Davies all scored for Newbridge in the first half, with Davies converting the first two. His penalty goal after the break proved to be Newbridge’s only points in the second half.

Reigning champions Merthyr gave Ystrad Rhondda six of the best to run out 40-12 victors and move up into second. Hooker Ryan Hughes scored twice with Ben Jones, Tom Hughes, Jack Kathrens and Kodie Stone also going over for the Ironmen. Jones converted five of them.

Jack Rees and Liam Wiggins scored for Ystrad Rhondda. Lewis Williams kicked a conversion.
Merthyr are two points back on Pontypridd but do have two games in hand.

Beddau, who were not in action, dropped to third, but have the opportunity to reclaim top spot if they defeat Neath on Saturday, with that game at Mount Pleasant Park kicking off at 1pm.

At the other end of the table, basement boys Brecon recorded a second straight home victory to raise hopes they can complete ‘The Great Escape’ and beat the drop.

Tom Richards, Matthew Williams and Geraint Workman were the try scorers at Parc de Pugh as Brecon were victors 21-12 against Cardiff Met. Jake Newman (2) and Rhys Davies added the extras to claim a result means Brecon are now 14 points from safety with 11 matches still to play.

Llangennech gave their own survival hopes a boost after a 45-12 home victory over Llanelli Wanderers to move up a couple of places. Jordan Saunders, Luke Davies, Callum Jenkins, Lloyd Pike, Kalum Evans, Louis Rees and Tyler Davies all scored for Llan. Osian Evans (4) and Steff Marshall added the conversions.

The result leaves Wanderers three points from safety while Newbridge drop to third bottom.
Hooker Morgan Edwards bagged two tries for Bargoed as they edged out Cross Keys 22-19.
Dylan Williams also scored. Josh Prosser and Matthew Lewis added a conversion each while Prosser’s penalty proved decisive.

Elliott Martin-Drew, Chris Johnsey and Duan Thomas were on the scoresheet for Keys. Josh Malson added two conversions.