Top two warm up for main event

Championship round-up

THE stage is set for the biggest game of the season next weekend in the Championship when

Neath host table-topping

Pontypool.

Both teams warmed up for the main event with big wins, Pooler’s 54-24 home triumph over Narberth being the perfect tribute to their former star Charlie Faulkner.

The loosehead member of the world renowned Pontypool front row died on Thursday and there was a minute silence and black armbands from the home side as they remembered his exploits at Pontypool Park.

There were eight tries in all, and full-back Matthew Jarvis helped himself to 15 points as he scored one of them and kicked five conversions. Other tries came from Deon Smith, Pat Lewis, skipper Scott Matthews, Mike Hallett, Garin Price, Amosa Nova and Mike Powell.

Pooler currently lead Neath by seven points having won all 12 games to date. They will be chasing a double over the Welsh All Blacks when they meet next week.

As for Neath, three tries in each half were enough to see them overcome a spirited Ystalyfera side at The Gnoll to get back on track after their 21-18 defeat to Bargoed.

Former Wales wing Aled Brew, playing at full-back, was among the try scorers for Neath, along with wing Louis Rees, hooker Sion Crocker, prop Gareth Lloyd, flanker Elis Hopkins and No.8 Morgan Kneath.

The Ystalyfera tries were scored by James Williams and Glenn Owens as the visitors played their full part in an entertaining affair.

Maesteg Quins made it three games without defeat as they beat Tata Steel 52-15, while fourth placed Cardiff Met picked up an impressive 24-19 victory at Trebanos in a game with six tries.

Bedwas went to Glamorgan Wanderers and picked up five points as they notched five tries in a 46-17 win, with Aaron Billingham scoring a hat-trick.