PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP

MERTHYR bagged the derby bragging rights with a crushing 50-21 win over valleys rivals Pontypridd at the Wern to go top of Principality Premiership East.

Kyle Evans was at the double for the Ironmen with Arron Pinches, Rhys Downes, Osian Davies, Kristian Phillips and a penalty try also on the scoresheet, while Matthew Jarvis booted their other points.

It was a seventh straight victory for the champions and took them above Pontypridd on try count while the result also ended Pontypridd’s own seven-match winning run.

The other game in the East section last night saw Cross Keys beat Cardiff 35-27 at Pandy Park.

Lewis Barnett, Rob Jones, Nathan Trowbridge, Lee Evans and Owain Leonard were Keys’ scorers in the bonus-point victory while Josh Prosser converted all five of them.

In the West section, leaders RGC 1404 made it 10 games undefeated as they picked up a thrilling 30-27 victory at Aberavon.

Harri Evans, Will Bryan and a Tom Hughes brace inspired the North Walians, with Jacob Botica adding their other points from the tee while the Wizards, who actually outscored their visitors five tries to four, did at least bag two bonus points.

James Garland scored twice for Aberavon.

Meanwhile, Jack Rose helped himself to five tries as Carmarthen Quins beat Swansea 43-21 at St Helen’s to make it five wins on the bounce.

Lawrence Reynolds and Gavin Thomas were the Quins’ other try scorers on the night while Aled Thomas booted four conversions.

Elsewhere Neath ended a run of eight straight defeats as they beat Llandovery 19-5 at the Gnoll.

Matthew Davies, Leon Ward and Rhys Jones were the Neath try scorers with Ed Howley adding two conversions.