Smith late try hands Pooler a final shot

Championship round-up

FORTY years on from their first WRU Challenge Cup win at the old National Ground, Cardiff Arms Park, Pontypool will be back seeking more silverware after beating Neath in the semi-finals of the WRU Championship Cup.

Their 26-9 triumph at Ebbw Vale’s Eugene Cross Park ground set up a final shoot-out against Ystrad Rhondda at Principality Stadium on Sunday, 16 April.

A try on the stroke of time from wing Deon Smith made victory safe.

Steff Williams kicked three out of four penalty shots for Neath in the second half after the opening 40 minutes had ended 6-0 in Pooler’s favour.

Two penalties from Matthew Jarvis edged the unbeaten Championship leaders ahead, before Garin Price scored five minutes after coming on as a second-half replacement. His try from a driving line-out was improved by Jarvis to make it 13-0.

Williams’ three penalties then cut the gap to seven points to set up a nail-biting finish. Neath’s Morgan Thomas was penalised for a high tackle and Jarvis kicked a penalty to stretch the gap to ten points.

Neath went for broke, but Smith was put over by Joel Mahony for a try that Jarvis converted.

Back in the Championship, thirdplaced Bargoed saw their home game with Ystalyfera fall foul of the weather, but cup finalists Ystrad Rhondda beat local rivals Beddau 19-12.

Cole Morgan, Josh Williams and Jarrad Llewellyn all came up with first-half tries as Ystrad burst into a 19-point lead.

Glamorgan Wanderers had to come from behind at home against Cross Keys before winning 32-26.

Bedwas were comfortable 45-17 winners at home over Maesteg Quins, while Narberth beat the students of Cardiff Met 31-12. Bottom side Tata Steel went down 22-7 to Trebanos.