If Ebbw Vale win their clash against fellow Gwent rivals Cross Keys next week in the final round of the first phase of the season, they will guarantee themselves the final spot available to make the top eight.
Before yesterday’s match, Cardiff also were in the reckoning for the final spot, but even if they beat Bedwas next week, they will be unable to usurp Ebbw Vale if the defending champions defeat Cross Keys – whose defeat against Pontypridd effectively ruled their chances of making the top tier.
Cardiff stung the home side in the first half on a heavy pitch, leading 13-6 at the break with outside half Gareth Thompson scoring all of the Blue and Blacks points.
But the home side’s experienced pack seized control in the second half and when No.8 Harri Keddie scored out wide early after halftime the tide began to turn. A penalty try and a haul of 14 points by outside half Josh Lewis proved enough to edge the home side into within touching distance of a top eight spot.
Ceri Young and Thompson bagged second half tries for Cardiff, with the latter adding two conversions and two penalties but the visitor’s lack of bulk and power went against them as their hopes of reaching the promised land slipped between their fingers.
The final 31-22 scoreline didn’t do Cross Keys any justice when they left Sardis Road. Pontypridd had to withstand an early onslaught from the visitors before coming away with the spoils.
Outside half Ben Jones, had an outstanding debut for Ponty, capping it with a brilliant individual try to final quell Keys hopes of an upset.
Jones opened the scoring with a penalty before Keys hit back with a well crafted individual try in a fast and furious contest.
Out of nowhere Ponty hit back with a wonderful try which Dane Blacker finished off under the posts for Jones to convert.
Jones’ boot took Ponty to a 19-8 interval lead and he effectively ended the contest after the break when he took a quick tap from 22m out, scampered through a retreating defence to score in the corner. That was soon followed by Blacker’s second try in the opposite corner.
A shell shocked Cross Keys rallied with Phil Williams barging over for a try which replacement James Thomas converted.
Flanker Rhys Fitzgerald then crashed over from close range, his try converted at the death by Thomas but that merely served as a consolation as Pontypridd claimed a deserved victory.
Results: Round 14
Bedwas 36 Llanellie 22
Bridgend 14 Aberavon 52
Ebbw Vale 24 Cardiff 20
Llandovery 40 Swansea 18
Merthyr 42 Bargoed 3
Neath 19 Carmarthen Quins 40
Pontypridd 31 Cross Keys 22
