The Wanderers, who last won the title in 2016 and who were second last season, opened up a crucial lead at the top of Division 1 East Central thanks to their latest bonus point victory – a 52-7 win over Llantrisant. That took them 18 points clear at the top of the table.
The Ely-based club are looking to crown their 125th anniversary season celebrations with some significant silverware and their delight at picking up another full house of points last weekend was doubled when they heard the score from across the city, where Rhiwbina went down 9-5 at home to Bridgend Athletic.
That result allowed Bridgend Athletic to jump into second place behind them in the table, with the Squirrels dropping to third. Rhiwbina’s title challenge has faltered badly in recent weeks and it was their fourth league defeat in their last five outings.
It means that while they still have three games in hand over the table-toppers, they are now 18 points behind and have lost control of the race to the finish line. With three games to go, one of which is against Rhiwbina at home this weekend, the Wanderers merely need to keep on winning to take the title.
It’s much tighter at the top of Division 1 West Central, where Bonymaen’s 8-7 triumph over Ammanford saw them move to within a point of leaders Ystalyfera. At the other end of the table, Aberavon Quins’ heavy 35-5 defeat to Glynneath ensured they will finish in the bottom three and will therefore be at risk of relegation to Division 2.
There is no such threat for Felinfoel as they continued their dominance in Division 1 West with a 36-29 win over Hendy. They now lead second-placed Llangennech by 16 points.
The top two teams in Division 1 North, Llandudno and Pwllheli, will meet in what could be a season defining clash this weekend. The Goats currently lead by two points despite having lost their first game of the season, 18-7, at Bala last month.
Since then it has been business as usual with a 36-5 home win over Bro Ffestiniog and last weekend’s 76-5 victory at Llangefni . It will be the first time the two sides have met this season this weekend and their clash at Pwllheli comes on the final day of the league campaign on 27 April.
Bala, in fourth place, have also beaten Pwllheli this season. The only other defeat Pwllheli have suffered this season in the league came at Ruthin, although they warmed-up for the game at Llandudno with a 57-7 win over Mold.
