Eight on the spin as the Ironmen eye another title

CHAMPIONS Merthyr took another step towards a third title in a row as they defeated Llandovery 34-24 at the Wern – an eighth victory on the bounce for Dale McIntosh’s men.

Lewis Williams, Jay Baker, skipper Craig Locke and a penalty try were on the scoresheet for the Ironmen with Matthew Jarvis – making his 100th appearance for the club – adding their other points from the tee.

Ryan Evans, Aaron Warren and Gavin Thomas scored for the Drovers with Jack Maynard converting all three tries as well as adding a penalty, but they left empty handed.

Pontypridd remain in second and seven points behind their big rivals after a 43-25 victory over Newport at Sardis Road.

Alex Webber and Dale Stuckey were both at the double for the hosts with Rob Jones, Will Davies-King and Corey Howells also dotting down. Lewis K Williams added four conversions.

Newport’s tries came from Johnny Morris, Elliot Frewen and Joe Bartlett but they would ultimately miss out on a bonus point. Matt O’Brien added the extras.

Third placed Cardiff, meanwhile, are still a point behind Pontypridd and eight off the summit after a thumping nine-try 59-17 win over basement boys Neath at the Gnoll.

Cardiff’s tries were scored by Joe Gatt, Will Rees-Hole, Max Llewellyn, Gareth Thompson, Martin Roberts, Morgan Allen, Tom Daley, Scott Gibson and Ed Howley – back at the club he left last week. Gareth Thompson added the extras to seven of them.

Elsewhere, Aberavon weaved their magic at Pandy Park to ease to a 47-19 bonus-point victory over Cross Keys with Rowan Jenkins, Andrew Waite, Jonathan Phillips and Jacob Flynn adding to a penalty try in a one-sided first half.

Dan Babos hit back, with Declan Williams converting, after the break but Rhys Henry and Joe TomalinReeves sealed an emphatic win for the Wizards while Chris Banfield struck four conversions and captain James Garland added a fifth.

Will Kelly and a penalty try restored pride late on for Keys.

Ben Cambriani helped himself to four tries as Swansea whacked Bargoed 50-7 at St Helen’s to make it backto-back wins. Tom Ham, Gareth Rees, James Ratti and J Rhys Williams were also among the scorers.

Tries from Toby Fricker and Dafydd Howells – plus 10 points from the boot of Rhys Jones – saw Ebbw Vale beat Carmarthen Quins 20-9 while a brace from Jordan Rees and one from Tom Hoppe helped Bedwas win 22-16 at Bridgend.