Steelmen turn up the heat on rivals

Ebbw Vale turned up the heat at the summit as they cut leaders Bargoed's advantage in the Championship to just a solitary point courtesy of a bonus point 44-6 victory over Gwent rivals Pontypool.

The Steelmen hit the hosts for six with touchdowns from Wes Cunliffe, Josh Lewis, Spencer Gibson, Ronny Kynes and a brace from powerhouse Polu Uhi. The Steelmen now look in a strong position, a point off the lead with a game in hand over their rivals.

Many would have expected an easy ride for Bargoed at strugglers Bridgend Athletic but they were given an almighty scare by the relegation-threatened side, eventually edging to a 15-14 win.

The Blues raced into a 15-0 lead through tries from Lewis Protheroe and James Pizey, as well as five points from the boot of Josh Prosser.

However, with 20 minutes remaining, Athletic fought back with two scores of their own from Wayne Fooks and Liam Griffiths with Steve Lewis adding the extras to both, but with Bargoed rocking, they did just enough to hang on and seal the points.

Tata Steel bounced back from last week’s mauling at Ebbw Vale with a fine 21-11 defeat of third placed Newbridge, the men of steel getting five-pointers through Gareth John and a penalty try, while Gareth Walters landed a penalty hat-trick. Fly-half Neil Burnett scored all the Newbridge points with a try and two penalties.

At the other end of the table, Bonymaen picked what could prove crucial 19-13 success at relegation rivals Glamorgan Wanderers. The Swansea side crossed the whitewash twice through Richard Murphy and Richard Cunniffe, with the latter also adding three penalties.

 

Elsewhere, strugglers Whitland left the Dairyfield empty handed as they went down 27-19 to Llanharan, while Narberth edged to a 14-13 win over Blackwood.

Finally, Cardiff Met continued their impressive form as they ground out a 20-12 success over Beddau at Cyncoed, with fly half Matt O’Brien starring for the students.