Hat-trick hero Luke keeps Met on the trail of Pooler

Welsh Championship round-up

CARDIFF Met took advantage of Pontypool’s postponement as they thrashed Tata Steel 40-14 to narrow the gap at the top to 11 points.

Captain Luke Northmore bagged himself a fine hat-trick while centre Jack Wright, scrum-half Ellis Bevan and prop Dan Thurston backed him up. Fly-half Harry Johnston booted the rest.

Tata offered some resistance through tries from flanker Scott Malone and full-back Geraint Llewellyn, while Dan Guarneri smacked over four points.

Despite Met’s victory, Pooler are still in full control of the title race as they boast three games in hand.

Ystrad Rhondda also took advantage, seeing off

Newcastle Emlyn 28-14 to sit on 50 points, three points behind Cardiff Met with a game in hand.

Sion Summers, Kurtis Williams, Jay Harris and Adam Lewis helped deliver the bonus point for Ystrad, with Corey Shephard adding the conversions.

Narberth beat Bedlinog 19-11. Nick Gale proved to be the difference with four penalties and a conversion. Rhys Lane’s try was cancelled out by Bedlinog’s Rhys Walker.

Elsewhere, a hotly contested battle between

Trebanos and Beddau saw the former edge to a 29-26 victory.

In a see-saw encounter, Nathan Trowbridge’s hattrick helped Trebanos to a fifth win of the season.

The rest of the points came from the boot of Kristian Jones – four penalties and a conversion.

James Davies’ brace and tries from Matthew Howells and Cody Baker helped Beddau to two bonus points. Hywel Chatham’s boot added six points.

There was a welcome win for Maesteg Quins who beat Newbridge 20-19 to climb even further away from the relegation fight.

Promoted Quins have only played 10 games.