Newport’s Victory Sends Clear Message As They Look For Revenge Against Cardiff in Playoffs



Harry Corish - Sportin Journalist

Cardiff secured top spot with a resounding 39-7 victory over Merthyr, guaranteeing them a home Play-Off semi-final against Newport RFC at Cardiff Arms Park on 14 May.

In the meantime, Llandovery suffered a 52-33 loss to Newport at Rodney Parade, but they will still host a semi-final against Merthyr next week. Pontypridd ended their season on a high note, earning a 29-10 bonus point win against Swansea.

At halftime, Cardiff found themselves trailing 7-3 against Merthyr at the break, but five second-half tries were enough to secure a home semi-final against Newport.

Dewi Cross scored twice for Cardiff, bringing his season total to 19 tries, matching the record for a 12-team league in the Welsh Premiership.

Newport won an exciting match at home against second-placed Llandovery, demonstrating their ability before the playoffs. The Black and Ambers secured a bonus point through Ioan Davies, who picked up a loose ball and ran unopposed for 65 meters.

Matt O’Brien added a penalty to extend their lead to ten points before Llandovery’s Lee Rees showed off his footballing abilities to reduce the deficit.

Aaron Warren then scored in the corner to give Llandovery the lead. However, two yellow cards left the Drovers short-handed, and Newport capitalized with three late tries to secure a convincing 52-33 victory.

This result will give the Black and Ambers confidence as they seek revenge against Cardiff, who defeated them in the WRU Premiership Cup last month.

Pontypridd, the Valley Commandos, finished the season on a high note, earning a bonus point victory to surpass Swansea in the league table.

Fijian Niko Matawalu helped his side take a 5-3 lead into halftime in a tight contest at Sardis Road. Pontypridd picked up the pace in the second half, with Nathan Huish, Kristian Parker, and Aled Ward all scoring tries to end the season on a positive note.

Swansea did manage to score a consolation try through Gareth Rees after some excellent build-up play from James Davies, but they finished the season with a defeat.