RUGBY ROUND-UP

PENALLTA are heading back to the Principality Stadium to try and go one step further in the National Plate than last year after beating Nant Conwy 18-13 at Newtown.

The Pitmen were narrowly beaten 12-10 by Bedlinog in last season’s showpiece but will have another chance to claim the trophy after their semi final triumph.

In a repeat of the 2012 final, where Penallta won 21-15, Bridgend Ravens’ Joseph Scrivens inspired the Pitmen to victory.

The fly half notched 13 points, including a try, with Corey Tucker also crashing over.

One North leaders Nant Conwy replied through a Tom Oliver try and eight points from the boot of Delwyn Jones, but the Pitmen held on to set up a final clash with Ystalyfera, who edged past Abercarn 24-22 at Llanharan.

Steffan Castle kicked six points while Gareth James booted a further eight. Matthew Scott and Steffan Jones both crossed the whitewash to help seal the narrow win.

James Baker led the charge for Abercarn with 14 points from his boot. Abercarn were awarded a penalty try before Jason Evans kicked a drop goal to set up a tense finale, but Abercarn held on.

Meanwhile in the National Bowl, Matthew Hurley scored 15 points to help Caerphilly beat Cilfynydd 20-14 at Taffs Well and reach the final. Josh Haywood completed Caerphilly’s scoring with a try.

Lewis Meecham and Huw Williams claimed Cilfy’s tries with Delme King adding the conversions.

Caerphilly will play Amman United in the final, after they beat Cardigan 29-3 at Lampeter Town. Both finals will take place on Sunday, April 16.

Elsewhere, Pontypool’s 18-match unbeaten run in the National Championship was ended by a 30-22 defeat at lowly Cardiff Met.

Tyler Williams was in fine form as he kicked 15 points with Luke Northmore bagging a brace and Aled Evans also crashing over.

Gareth Rusby-Davies, Clayton Gullis and Ryan Harford responded with tries for the leaders with Matthew Jones kicking seven points, but the Met held on for a surprising victory.

Narberth took advantage of Ponty- pool’s slip up as they hammered basement boys Dunvant 73-17. Jack Price proved his value with a six-try haul with Dewi Williams bagging a brace and Liam Hutchings, Gethin Gibby and Joe Hutchings also on the scoresheet.

Jonathan Rogers booted nine conversions to add gloss to the scoreline.

Mark Robbins, Sam Evans and Adam Gregory all crashed over for Dunvant, with Evans adding a conversion.

The victory sees Narberth close the gap on leaders Pontypool to 12 points, but Pooler can seal the title with victory over Glamorgan Wanderers next weekend.

The Wanderers will go into that game full of confidence after they beat Tata Steel 29-21. Tom Penri-Ellis and Luke Fish claimed the tries for the Wanderers with the latter adding two conversions and five penalties.

Andrew Stowart and Brett Thomas replied for Tata with Liam Popham kicking 11 points.

Beddau leapfrogged Tata into third, despite losing 24-18 to Glynneath. Ashley Evans and Leon Ward added to a penalty try to give Glynneath control with Corey Jenkins adding nine points.

But Jay Harris and Marcus Jones claimed Beddau’s tries with Hywel Chatham kicking eight points to help secure a losing bonus point.

Elsewhere, Newbridge beat Skewen 29-13 while Newcastle Emlyn were 32-12 winners over Bedlinog.