Times are getting tougher and tougher for Admiral Championship club Tata Steel, but they are determined to keep trying to strengthen their squad to fulfil their playing commitments this season.

A week on from their 100-6 thrashing at Cross Keys, they were forced to pull the plug on their home game against Pontypool due to lack of numbers brought about through injures.

Taking to social media to explain their current plight, a club spokesman said: “We’ve worked hard to build up our squad, welcoming new signings this week and have more lined up in the coming weeks.

“A tough game last week meant we currently have eight players who are out due to injury, some quite serious. We wouldn’t want any of them to play until they are fit enough to do so – our players must come first.

“We expect to fulfil our postponed fixtures and have the facilities for these to take place on a weekday at home if necessary.

“We would like to thank the rugby community for an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the recent statement from our team, along with messages of support directly from other clubs. It’s great to see a community coming together when times are tough.

“We are making progress behind the scenes, so bear with us. That said, we could still benefit from new signings so anyone interested in playing in the Championship please get in touch – young talent and experience are both needed for us to thrive.”

Neath took full advantage of the fact Tata Steel couldn’t raise a side to host Pontypool as they clinched a dominant 43-15 win over struggling Trebanos to take over at the top of the Admiral Championship.

Trebanos opened the scoring before Neath mounted a comeback that saw them secure a try bonus point before half time. Two tries from James Roberts and a try apiece from Ryan Griffiths and Sean Wilcox gave Neath a comfortable 26-8 interval lead.

Penalties either side of the break by Rhys Harris and Ellis Evans boosted the Trebanos effort, but Neath went on to add three more tries through Josh Clark, Ben Atkins and Tim Ryan to seal the victory.

Trebanos remain rock bottom, after falling to their fifth consecutive defeat of the season, and are due to face fellow strugglers Tata Steel this weekend in what will be a crucial tie for both sides.

Cross Keys were unable to continue their impressive form as they fell to a 15-12 defeat, at the hands of a fantastic Ystrad Rhondda side. Keys had scored 100 points the previous weekend, but quickly found themselves up against it at Gelligaled Park.

Tries from Garyn Davies and Rhys Dawney gave Ystrad a 12-6 lead at half time. Adam Tetley’s boot kept Cross Keys in the game, as he kicked four penalties, levelling the score late on at 12-12, before a late Jacob Symes penalty sealed a crucial win for the home side.

Bedwas clinched an impressive 34-28 victory over Cardiff Met at home to move themselves above the Archers into fifth place in the table. The Bridge Field side led 15-6 at half time, before securing a bonus point in the second half on their way to a seven try victory.

Narberth clinched a crucial 23-12 win at home against Beddau. The visitors took an early six point lead through the boot of Mitch Jones, before the Otters hit the front with a penalty try. Nick Gale then converted a Lewys Gibby try and added a try for himself that he also converted before Beddau fought back through a late try from Oli Hughes, which Cody Baker improved.

Bargoed clinched an excellent 48-8 victory over Maesteg Quins at Bargoed Park, as they continued their charge up the table. They scored five tries in the first-half to lead 31-8 at the break and then held the Quins scoreless after the break as they added gthre more tries.

Glamorgan Wanderers got their second win of the season after defeating a battling Ystalyfera side 32-12 at home.

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