Championship Review - 12th October

Ebbw Vale extended their lead at the top of the Swalec Championship after seeing off a spirited Pontypool outfit.

The Steelmen won 19-13 at Pontypool Park in a game many thought they would have run away with.

But the hosts produced a superb display and will be disappointed at losing a game that they could have just as easily won.

Flanker Ronny Kynes struck late on for Ebbw Vale after scoring from a trademark driving maul from a close range line-out that fly-half Carl Meyer converted to give Jason Strange’s men the result.

After trailing 12-0 just before the break, Pontypool managed to claw their way back to lead 13-12 thanks to a Steve Taylor try and eight points from Sam Mills.

But any hopes of a surprise victory were dashed late on thanks to Kynes’ effort.

Meyer and winger Wes Cunliffe also crossed for Ebbw Vale who are now eight points clear of second placed Pontypool and remain on course for promotion to the Premiership.

Llanharan moved into third place after their 34-17 defeat of Tata Steel away at the Margam Sports Ground.

Codey Rees was prolific as usual from the tee notching 19-points with five penalties and two conversions.

The Dairymen managed to score three tries with prop Simon Collins, openside Scott Malone and centre Gabriel Davies all crossing.

Tata responded through two tries for Ross Pritchard against his former club and Paul Bamsey and Andrew Collins efforts.

Bargoed gained a morale-boosting win at Cardiff Met winning by the narrowest of margins 17-16.

Wingers Gavin Ferguson and Lee Pearson scored tries for the visitors with Josh Prosser adding the extras from the boot.

Beddau beat struggling Bridgend Athletic 17-15 for their third victory of the season.

The Green and Golds only managed to score two tries, both from flanker Glenn Slater but will feel disappointed as they spurned numerous opportunities to score more at Mount Pleasant Park.

RGC 1404 continued their impressive away form as they romped to a 46-12 win at Tondu.

The Waterwheelers had no answer to the pace and power of their North Wales counterparts and will have to shape up before they travel to Eugene Cross Park on Saturday to take on Ebbw Vale.

RGC scored eight tries including a hat trick for winger Carwyn Ap Myrddin, two for Richard Hopkins and skipper Kelvin Davies, Harri Evans and James Grundy all crossing for one.

Narberth beat Blackwood 30-28 in an entertaining fixture at Glan-Yr-Afon Park with fly-half Ianto Griffiths scoring a try and kicking 10 points.

Elsewhere, basement boys Bonymaen suffered a big 31-0 defeat at the hands of Newbridge with centre Stefan Morgan scoring twice and second row Daniel Mock and Rhys Williams all crossing.