Neath get maximum to stay in the hunt

Championship roundup

NEATH went into their game at Cardiff Met knowing they needed to pick up five points to try to keep up in the title race with unbeaten Bargoed.

The Bulls had a weekend off after they made it 10 out of 10 with their big home win over Pontypool which gave them the chance to put their feet up before the meet Neath in the Championship Cup final on April 24.

They came back from 21-15 down to win 29-21 and managed to pick up the four tries they needed.

James Roberts gave Neath an early advantage, but Roma Zheng's try, which Ethan Morgan converted made it 7-5 to the Archers. By half-time it was 14-12 to the students thanks to another try which Morgan improved after Steff Williams had converted a Chris Morris score for the visitors.

A third home try and conversion forced Neath to dig deep to stay in touch and they reverted to the power of their pack to get the four tries they needed. Dyfan Ceredig bagged both tries.

Glamorgan Wanderers lost their third game on the trot, and blew the chance to overtake Maesteg Quins, as they were beaten 29-20. Pontypool, however, were able to get back to winning ways after their 22-10 defeat at Bargoed as they put second placed Bedwas in the sword, 37-3.

The first half was highly competitive, and Pooler led 10-3 at the break thanks to the first of Gavin Price's two tries and a penalty and conversion from Matt Jarvis. Matt Bancofot kicked a penalty for the visitors.

It was a different story in the second half as Pontypool cut loose and added three more tries to pick up the bonus-point. Adam Stratton got the first, Price ran in his second and then Cameron Regan got the bonus-point try.

Ystalyfera travelled to Trebanos to complete their Championship Plate fixtures. They were bidding to reach the final, and the chance to face their hosts once again at the Principality Stadium, but they lost 18-10, a result that means Bedwas will meet Trebanos in the final.