Loots scores four but Ironmen within point of title

With a game in hand on second-placed Swansea, who were beaten 24-11 at the home of reigning champions Bargoed, Merthyr have a five point cushion at the top with games to come against Newbridge away and Glynneath at home on 21 May.

First-half tries from Alex Howman, Terry Gee, Osian Davies added to a penalty try all-but sealed the victory for the Ironmen. Full-back Matthew Jarvis continued the try-scoring trend before Beddau hit-back.

Replacement Tom Daley then dived over to seal for a sixth home try, although Beddau’s Adam Court had the final word with a last-gasp effort. Nothing, it seems, can now stop Merthyr from adding the title to their promotion to the Premiership.

But will the champions of 2015 be joining them and Swansea in moving on up next season? With four of the top five sides heading for the Premiership, Bargoed kept their second half of the season surge going thanks to two tries from Ashley Norton as they downed second-placed Swansea.

Moreover, Bargoed picked up the four tries they needed to stay ahead of RGC 1404 in the battle for one of the final two promotion places. Grant Rogers and Keiron Brown chipped in with the other tries to keep the gap between Bargoed and the north Walians at four points.

Third-placed Pontypool also moved a step nearer promotion with a convincing 35-11 away win at Bridgend Athletic. Derryn Jones set the tone with a try after 45 seconds before Josh Hurley, Garin Harris, Marc Thorley and Jamie Edwards all crossed.

But both Bargeod and RGC 1404 have a game in hand on Pooler, who have to play both clubs in their final two fixtures. They currently lead Bargoed by six points and hold a 10 points advantage over RGC 1404.
RGC 1404 ran in 15 tries in their 86-15 annihilation of bottom of the table Llanharan in their final home fixture of the season. South African wing Tiaan Loots ran riot, scoring four tries on his own.

Phil Davies’ side now have to travel to Pontypool Park next week for a game that could well determine whether or not they go up, or are condemned to three more seasons in the Championship. A draw will be good enough for
Pontypool to ensure they make the top four as that would keep them ahead of RGC 1404 on wins.

Cardiff Met booked their place in the Championship for next season with a bonus point win against Newbridge. Alan Dombrandt scored a hat-trick for the students who had to hold off a second half fightback to secure their 41-32 win.

Tata Steel put worries over the future of steel in the country to one side to overcome Narberth 32-27. Tata captain James Locke and Ross Pritchard both crossed for doubles before hooker Owen Thomas crashed over. Nick Gale, James Stephenson and Patrick Roberts replied for the hosts, but it was not enough.
 
Glynneath leapfrogged Newcastle Emlyn in the table with a 22-10 win over their relegation rivals. James Pike, David Jones and Ben Jones scored the tries with Jack O’Reilly adding seven points from the boot. In reply, Shaun Leonard crossed over with Dan Davies kicking five points.