Dewi Cross Scores 20th Try Of The Season As Cardiff Cruise Into Final
Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist
Cardiff and Llandovery will battle it out in next week’s Indigo Premiership final after both teams secured wins in their respective semi-finals over Newport and Merthyr respectively. The two sides took full advantage of their home ground to seal their places in the grand finale.
The Cardiff vs Newport game was an even contest up until the 36th minute, with both teams struggling to assert their dominance. However, two quick tries from Cameron Winnett put Cardiff in a commanding position.
Newport had their chances, but missed two penalties, while Cardiff continued to dominate, taking a comfortable 14-0 lead at half-time.
Newport came out fighting in the early stages of the second half, and Elliot Frewen scored their first try, converted by replacement outside-half Carwyn Penny.
Newport continued to push for another try but were held up by Cardiff’s defense. Dewi Cross then ran over for his 20th try of the season, extending Cardiff’s lead. They eventually won 21-7, with Harrison James adding another conversions.
Llandovery dominated the opening exchanges of their semi final clash against Merthyr in front of the S4C camera’s at the Church Bank , taking a 13-3 lead into half-time.
Merthyr, however, fought back and closed the gap to just three points with 15 minutes left on the clock. But the Drovers held their nerve to secure a 16-13 victory and book their spot in the final.
It promises to be a thrilling encounter next week when Cardiff and Llandovery go head-to-head for the Indigo Premiership title at Cardiff Arms Park.
Both teams will be looking to end the season on a high note and lift the trophy in what is sure to be an exciting and closely contested final.
Pontypool were crowned the WRU Championship champions this weekend, securing the league and cup double with a commanding 66-24 victory over Cardiff Met at Cyncoed.
The team had already secured promotion but were in need of a bonus point win to cement their title triumph, and they duly delivered with an emphatic ten-try display.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Bargoed temporarily moved into second place with a 54-21 win over Glamorgan Wanderers.
However, Neath are lurking just four points behind and have three games in hand on the Bulls as they look to secure the second promotion spot to the Indigo Premiership.
There were also wins for Ystrad Rhondda, who secured a 48-29 victory over Bedwas, and Maesteg Quins, who picked up a significant result with a 34-24 win over Cross Keys. Despite playing their fifth game in 15 days, Keys showed tremendous fighting spirit in defeat.
Finally, Narberth enjoyed a comfortable 38-3 win over bottom side Tata Steel, rounding off a successful weekend of action in the WRU Championship.