Cardiff continue to lead the way in Super Rygbi Cymru after coming from 22-7 down to beat Ebbw Vale 32-29 in their top-of-the-table showdown at the Arms Park.
Full back Rhys Cummings held his nerve to send over a penalty on 77 minutes to settle the contest, secure a league double over the Steelmen and make it seven wins out of eight for the Blue & Blacks.
Wings Dewi Cross and Joe Goodchild – on his 100th appearance – hooker Ethan Coombes, No 8 Ben Fry and replacement back row Alfie Prygodzicz were the Cardiff try scorers. Ben Coomer kicked two conversions.
No 8 Ryan Jenkins had earlier scored a first half hat-trick for Ebbw, who also had replacement scrum-half Jon Evans on the scoresheet in the second, but they would ultimately have to settle for two bonus points.
Tom Howard kicked two conversions and a penalty while Dorian Jones converted Evans’ try to pull Ebbw back level at 29-29.
“I thought we controlled the game very well but made some rash decisions in the 22. After a slow start and gifting Ebbw 22 points we finally managed to get a hold in the game,” said Cardiff head coach Dan Fish.
“We were frustrated at half time but knew we could come out and throw some shots. Then second half we controlled the game, created a lot and took our chances well.
“The last play of the game summed us up as we kept knocking them back. Discipline was excellent and to come away with a five-point win after being 22-7 down is a testament to the players.”
Reigning champions Llandovery also came from behind to earn a 27-17 victory with a bonus point at bottom side Aberavon. First half tries from wing Corum Nott, scrum-half Scott Whitlock and hooker Luke Davies – on his 200th Aberavon appearance – had put Aberavon 17-5 up.
Charlie Thomas converted Whitlock’s try but that was as good as it got for Chris Davies’ Wizards, who went on to lose for the seventh game in succession. After centre Adam Warren’s earlier try, Llandovery full back Tomi Lewis scored a second unconverted Drovers try before the break to cut the deficit to 17-10.
The visitors then scored 17 unanswered second half points to leave the Talbot Athletic Ground with five points. Wing Aaron Warren and centre Gryff Watkins scored again for the Drovers, and Sam Potter and Tom Hughes added one conversion apiece before Hughes goaled a late penalty.
“It was important to finish the first block of games with a victory,” said Drovers head coach Euros Evans.
“It wasn’t a vintage performance, and we made far too many errors, which gave Aberavon plenty of opportunities to build a lead. Being 17-10 down at half-time tells its own story.
“In fairness to the players who came off the bench, they made a real difference, and we managed to get ourselves in front and hold on for the win.
“We know there’s plenty of work ahead of us, but considering the number of injuries and changes we’ve had to make to the squad, it’s been pleasing to see the young players coming through continue to improve.
“We’re also starting to build greater depth within the squad, which is a real positive moving forward.”
RGC paid the perfect tribute to their former player Jack Davies by recording a powerful 49-19 victory over Pontypool on an emotional day at Parc Eirias.
On a day dedicated to remembering Davies, who died last month aged just 24, RGC delivered a performance full of heart, resilience and attacking quality, ensuring their unbeaten home run continued in fitting fashion.
The Gogs were 28-0 up after half an hour courtesy of tries from prop Gareth Parry, full-back Dion Jones, wing Sam Jones and centre Delwyn Jones, all converted by Billy McBryde.
Flanker Ben Wiliams hit back for Pooler before the break, converted by Kieran Meek, but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when hooker Osian Burt and scrum half Tudur Jones added further RGC tries after the re-start. McBryde converted both to make it 42-7.
Marcus Jones, converted by Meek, and Jake Sheppard crossed again for Pooler either side of a second try for Sam Jones and seventh in total for RGC. McBryde again added the extras.
Swansea made it back-to-back wins at the revamped St Helen’s after recovering from 19-8 down at half time to eventually see off Bridgend Ravens 32-19.
The Whites scored first through a penalty from full-back Josh Phillips and an unconverted try for player head coach Joe Thomas, but Bridgend responded through tries scored by wing Mccauley Rowley, No 8 Ioan Davies and lock James Richards. Ben Burnell landed two conversions.
Swansea centre Callum Carson was shown a 20-minute red card – newly introduced in SRC for this season – after half an hour for a dangerous clear out, leaving the hosts with 14 men for 20 minutes.
He was replaced 10 minutes after the break by Luke Price once that period was up. The Whites scored 24 unanswered points after the break to secure victory.
Scrum-half Kai Inker scored twice alongside tries for flankers Sam Morgan and Callum Bowden. Outside half Luke Scully kicked two conversions.