■By IAN GOLDEN
Merthyr …33 Bargoed …23
MERTHYR took the East Wales Premiership honours after a hard-fought battle at home to Bargoed, where the result was in doubt right up until the end.
The reigning champions will now go into the second half of this season with a maximum eight bonus points.
A Callum Jones penalty gave Bargoed a 3-0 lead and they extended their advantage after Ashley Norton forced his way over for the opening try, which Jones converted.
Merthyr soon hit back when Josh Martin fed Alex Howman to go in under the sticks. Matthew Jarvis converted.
Jones kick...