With only two matches to go until the East and West conferences merge, it is still tight at the top. Both sides are fighting for the eight points awarded to the conference leaders to kickstart their second half of the season.
Merthyr had to grit their teeth to fightback from behind to claim a bonus-point 34-30 triumph over Newport at Rodney Parade.
Hooker Richard Wilkes put the Ironmen on the front-foot before Matt O’Brien scored an opportunistic try to put the hosts 13-10 ahead at the break.
A penalty try edged Merthyr back ahead before scrum-half Justin James sniped home. Former Wales wing Kristian Phillips scored a solo try to seal victory before a late fightback from Newport was put to bed by captain Craig Locke.
Ponty kept pace with their rivals but were made to fight for every point of their hard-fought 26-13 win over Bargoed, who slipped to the foot of the table.
Outside-half Diggy Bird ghosted through to score the first before the forwards laid the foundations for Alex Webber to score out wide. Shane Lewis-Hughes put the game out of sight before Bargoed full-back Ashley Norton got a score back for the visitors.
Centre Dafydd Lockyer barged over for a late bonus point try which Bird again converted to earn a vital five points.
Bedwas kept themselves within touching distance of the top-two on Friday night when they overcame Cross Keys 32-24.
The boot of Bedwas kicker Steffan Jones proved the difference after no.8 Andrew Waite crossed for a second-half brace after Andrew Williams had snuck in at the corner.
Cardiff broke their seven year duck at the Eugene Cross Park to consolidate their mid-table position with a 23-21 triumph.
Ian Jenkins, who was a late replacement for Cardiff Blues front-rower Ethan Lewis, made the most of his chance to score.
Debutant Corey Howells went over to continue the comeback after a Dan Haymond brace, and Ben Thomas kicked Cardiff to victory.
