Wednesday night see reigning champions, and top of the table, Merthyr head to third-placed Llandovery, while Friday night at Sardis Road will see second-placed Cardiff attempt to keep their title challenge afloat against Pontypridd.
Steve Law’s Blue & Blacks came unstuck at Swansea last weekend where they lost for the first time this year and left with only a losing bonus-point after a 20-17 defeat. It was their first defeat in 15 games and couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.
Meanwhile, Merthyr came up with a hard-fought 26-18 triumph at Newport to move six points clear at the top. Llandovery stayed in third after a 43-21 home win over Cross Keys, while Ponty are in fifth following a 32-12 home reverse against Carmarthen Quins.
Cardiff assistant coach James Dixon had no complaints after his side lost at St Helen’s and admitted the title is now out of their control.
“We knew Swansea were playing well and we left a lot out on the pitch unfortunately. We lost the match at the collision area and Swansea just seemed to want it more on the day,” said Dixon.
“All we can do now is look after our own performances as the title is out of our hands. We need to bounce back from this, have a decent week ahead of the tough match at Pontypridd and hope that Merthyr slip up before the end of the season.”
Will Rees-Hole took his try tally in league and cup this season to 15 with two more touchdowns, but Swansea scored a hat-trick of tries to edge a tight contest. Their tries came from Duane D Eager, Josh Thomas and Ryan Griffiths.
Merthyr’s bid for back-to-back doubles took a real turn for the better with their bonus-point win at Rodney Parade. Cardiff Blues and Wales wing Tom James scored twice for his home-town team and there were further tries from front row men Matt Dwyer and James Howe.
“We got what we came here for. We targeted it all week, we just wanted to get the five points in the bag and thankfully we got them,” said Merthyr full back Matt Jarvis.
“We knew it was going to be tough. Newport are a good side and they beat us at The Wern before Christmas, so this win could be massive for us come the end of the season.”
Llandovery wing Aaron Warren also ran in two tries as the Drovers hit Cross Keys for six at Church Bank. The home side raced into a 19-0 lead and were 31-7 ahead on the hour mark as they picked up a full set of points.
