Ironmen extend lead at the top

CHAMPIONS Merthyr went six points clear in the Principality Premiership after edging out rivals Pontypridd 20-14 in their top-ofthe-table clash at the Wern.

The Ironmen led 14-8 at half time with Gareth Davies and Sam Hobbs going over and both converted by Matthew Jarvis.

Geraint Clarke scored for the visitors, with Lewis K Williams kicking a penalty before the break, while two more of his efforts from the tee after it, levelled things up 14-14.

However, two penalties from Jarvis secured a sixth straight victory for Dale McIntosh’s men.

Cardiff came from behind to beat RGC 25-19 at the Arms Park.

Tries from Will Rees-Hole, Adam Jones and Joe Tomlinson, plus 10 points from the boot of Steffan Jones, were enough to secure the victory.

The visitors scored three tries of their own courtesy of Evans Yardley and two from Aron Evans.

Elsewhere Carmarthen Quins heaped more misery on crisistorn Neath, beating them 41-14.

The Quins raced into a 20-0 first-half lead thanks to two tries from Gareth Rees, both converted by Aled Thomas who also kicked two penalties.

Then in the second half two penalty tries secured the Quins a bonus point before Thomas Ball set up Rees for his hat-trick, again converted by Thomas to make it 41-0.

Neath replied with tries from Garin Lloyd and Mike Evans, converted by Chris Morgans, but it was scant consolation for the Welsh All Blacks who are rock bottom with this a 10th defeat from as many matches.

At Church Bank, Llandovery came from 9-5 down to run out 15-9 winners over Ebbw Vale.

Marc Jones scored a first-half try for the Drovers, who trailed before Rhodri Jones went over on the hour mark, with the try converted by Jack Maynard.

Maynard added a penalty on 77 minutes.

The points were shared at Pandy Park where Cross Keys and Llanelli drew 5-5.

The Sospans led 5-0 at the turnaround with a try scored by Taylor Davies before Dylan Fidler hit back for Keys on 68 minutes.

Aberavon won for the seventh time this season – 19-5 at Bedwas.

Ashton Evans scored for the Wizards who were also awarded two penalty tries either side of half time.

Three Matt O’Brien penalties gave Newport a 9-3 victory over Swansea, while the scheduled clash between Bargoed and Bridgend was postponed.