Unbeaten Newbridge book their place in Cup final

NEWBRIDGE clung onto their unbeaten record for the season as they edged Ammanford 43-35 in an epic Division 1 Cup semi-final at Llanharan.

They will have to wait to see who they meet at Principality Stadium after the game between St Peter’s and similarly unbeaten Nant Conwy, due to be played at Aberaeron, was called off.

Ammanford simply wouldn’t go away despite Newbridge leading from the first play of the game when they crossed for the first of their six tries. Where Cian Jones led with the first of his two tries, so hooker Stuart Vokes, No.8 Michael Preece and full-back Eamonn Rees followed.

Newbridge also had a penalty try and Rees added four conversions and a penalty to make it 16 points on the day. The Gwent side built up a 15 point lead in a helter-skelter first half that saw them change ends 33-18 ahead.

Ammanford outsidehalf Ryan Williams helped himself to 15 points with the boot. The west Walians scored two first half tries through Ceri Rees and Zac Phillips, while Williams converted one and added two penalties.

He then improved a Marc Dalavalle try at the start of the second half to cut the gap to eight points, but that was a close as Ammanford got to Newbridge.

While Newbridge were away on cup duty, Brecon posted their biggest win of the season in Division 1 East as they thumped Nelson 76-5 to move into third. In Division 1 East Central, Rumney moved five points clear at the top thanks to a 18-17 home win over Rhydyfelin.

Despite falling behind to an early penalty by the visitors, tries from Tom Rogers and Liam Free, as well as eight points from the boot of Chris Maton earned the home side the victory that keeps them ahead of St Peter’s and Treorchy.