Admiral Premiership leaders Pontypridd made it nine straight league wins with a 35-19 triumph over Cardiff Met at Sardis Road.
Tries from hooker Rob Jones, centre Ioan Evans and wing Louis Rochefort-Shugar, all converted by Jaydan Pugh, put Ponty 21-0 up. Met got themselves back into the contest with scores either side of the interval from Jacob Willmott and Louis Perreira, both converted by Ross McKay.
But further converted home tries in the second half from Garyn Daniel and George Thorrington secured five more points for the Valley Commando. Dylan Scott grabbed a late third unconverted try for the Archers.
The win for Ponty also marked a successful first defence of the John Pugh Memorial Shield – which was first contested between the two clubs when they met at Cyncoed back on 19 October when Ponty won 42-12.
It is in honour of Dr John Pugh, who was chairman of Cardiff Met RFC for over 30 years and who was made Life President in 2022, before his sad passing in October 2023. He also proudly represented Pontypridd as a player in his younger days, as did late brother Vernon – who went on to become chairman of the WRU and World Rugby.
Ponty remain nine points clear of rivals Merthyr, who recorded a five-star 32-3 victory at Bargoed. Ben Jones, Finley Baker, Adam Hoskins, Jacob Lloyd and Lennon Greggains all scored for the Ironmen – Jones also added two conversions and a penalty, while Josh Prosser kicked a penalty for Bargoed.
Ystrad Rhondda got the better of third place Neath 26-19 at Gelligaled Park courtesy of two tries from Kurtis Williams and one for Ryan Evans. Rhys Truelove kicked one conversion and two penalties while Lewis Williams also sent over a penalty, while Owain Morgan, Steff Williams and Ben Uphill scored for Neath.
“It was a fantastic day,” said proud Ystrad Rhondda club secretary Alan Sinclair. “Great performance by our players, especially Lloyd Matthews, Joe Buckle and Kelly Jones in the pack and our two wingers, Kurtis Williams and Cavan Davies, who caused the Neath backs problems all afternoon.
“And a big thank you to the Neath supporters who spent so much time in our club before and after the match – a great bunch of people.”
Elsewhere, a second hat-trick in as many weeks from wing Ralph Miller inspired Cross Keys’ 47-21 win at bottom side Newcastle Emlyn, who are now eight points from safety.
Captain Corey Nicholls scored twice with Kiaran Lewis and Laurence Donnelly also going over for Keys. Adam Tetley and Ben Murphy shared kicking duties from the tee.
Two tries for Gareth George and one each for Shaun Edwards, Jordan Saunders and Finn Thomas helped see Llangennech to victory 39-24 over Bonymaen. Steff Marshall added four conversions and two penalties. Rhys Leonard bagged a brace for Bony with Nathan Brooks and Brandon Owens also scoring tries.
Newbridge were victorious 28-24 against second from bottom Narberth with Ross Edwards, skipper Garin Price, Luke Morgan and Josh Thomas their scorers with all four tries converted by Robbie Turley.
