With the scores locked at 17-17 and time running out it was Abercynon who held the upper hand as they only needed a draw to join champions Ystrad Rhondda in the higher division next season.
Merthyr piled on the pressure in those closing stages and man of the match Jason Price claimed the winning score with a late push over try. It was the No.8’s second touchdown of the match and centre Rob Downes and scrum half Ryan harries also went over for the winners. Leighton Winder and Daniel Hitchings crossed for Abercynon and outside half Matthew Turner drew them level with two conversions and a penalty but the final word went to Price.
Down in Five East, Cilfynydd were given the difficult task of notching up 22 tries to pip Porth for the second promotion place. Lowly Canton were the visitors but only nine tries were totted up by the interval. Cilfynydd spurned conversions to give themselves more time and it paid off because they won 110-10 and went over the visitors line for the 22 touchdowns needed. Jamie Edwards and Gavin Jones crossed for four apiece and there were doubles for Andrew Hazzard, Lee Griffiths and Rhys Chinnock. The most important try came right at the end from No. 8 Rhys Jones.
Division Two West had a tense title shoot-out with leaders Cwmllynfell playing host to second-placed Waunarlwydd. The home side looked home and dry when they raced into a 10-0 lead at the interval but Waunarlwydd stormed back to level it up at 10-10 only for Cwmllynfell’s Peter Davies to settle it 15-10 for his side with a try in the last five minutes.
Three East side Bargoed defeated New Tredegar 57-5 to finish a second successive season unbeaten. Their superb performances have been recognised by Rugby World who have made them the British Club of the Season, the first time this award has been won by a Welsh club. They have won 53 and drawn one of their last 54 matches and are sure to be a power to be reckoned with next season in Division Two. Wing Jeremy Lovell touched down for four of their nine tries and Jamie Howells converted five.
Ruthin ended their season in style with a 37-20 success at Tonyrefail. Eifion Roberts netted a brace of tries and veteran John Tudor landed three conversions, a penalty and a drop goal. Ruthin will be joined in Division Three next season by Four North champions Llangefni who destroyed Tredegar Ironsides 43-13 in a play-off decider at Newtown.
