Rampant Ironmen first into hat for last-four

MERTHYR lead the way in the Foster’s Challenge Cup after their 40-14 victory over Ebbw Vale saw them secure a place the semifinals.

The Ironmen are the only team through to the competition’s last four with one round of fixtures still to go.

Lee Jarvis’ side face Pontypridd next week having been too much for the Steelmen of Ebbw. They moved into a comfortable 19-7 lead at half time. Dean Gunter booted 10 points and Owen Howe converted a late effort from Jarryd Davies to seal a routine victory.

The other game in Pool C saw full-back Callum Jones rescue a dramatic win for

Bargoed over Pontypridd at Sardis Road. In a tight encounter with little between the sides, Jones stepped up with a last-gasp penalty to win it 17-14.

Cross Keys beat Bedwas 31-24, but it will be either the latter or Newport who progress from Pool A.

The Black and Ambers host Bedwas at Rodney Parade next week and whoever wins that game will make it through to the last four.

In Pool B there were plenty of points as

Swansea downed Llanelli 40-33 at St Helen’s and

Llandovery claimed a 34-12 scalp of leaders Carmarthen Quins.

The Drovers’ success means they can still qualify for the semi-finals. Quins, meanwhile, must now beat Llanelli next week to reach that stage.

Jack Price scored two of the Llandovery tries and Joe Powell and Jack Parkinson got the others with fly-half James Davies adding 14 points.

Cardiff have underachieved again this season and their latest reversal came to Bridgend with the Ravens coming out on top 24-15.

The Blue and Blacks will meet Aberavon in their final fixture after the Wizards edged a thriller with

Neath at the Talbot Athletic Ground. Wing Shaun Pearce crossed for two of Aberavon’s five tries as they came out on top 33-31.