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Bargoed 21-18 Neath, WRU National Championship

Bargoed have knocked league leaders Neath off top spot in the table after a closely-fought duel at Bargoed Park on Saturday, January 14.

The Bulls were behind for much of the encounter, but a try from winger Dylan Williams four minutes from the end sealed victory, keeping Bargoed third in the table.

Neath were led out by hooker Sion Crocker for what was his 200th appearance in the famous all-black strip.

Despite early chances, Bargoed failed to get points onto the scoreboard – and soon found themselves a man down when captain Kieron Brown was sent to the sin bin.

Taking advantage of the extra man, Neath kicked to the corner and drove the lineout over the touchline for who else but Crocker to score the opening points of the game.

Bargoed weren’t behind for too long though, with Ashley Norton scoring in the corner and Steffan Jones converting the difficult kick – giving the hosts a 7-5 lead, which they took into the half-time break.

Soon into the second-half, Neath regained the lead through a try from second-row Matthew Davies after 45 minutes. Williams’ conversion increased the lead to 12-7.

Ill-discipline struck Bargoed again soon after, with Dai Evans becoming the second player to be sent to the sin bin.

Williams converted the ensuing penalty to increase the visitors’ lead by a further three points.

But Bargoed sprung into life and put pressure on their resolute opponents, who held on.

However, Bargoed soon found the breakthrough they were looking for when Wade Langley scored his side’s second try of the afternoon.

Jones converted to reduce the deficit to just one point with 64 minutes played.

But, with just eight minutes left, Bargoed conceded a penalty, which was turned into three points by Neath, who now led 18-14.

Bargoed were still firmly in the game though, and a loose kick saw Duane Dyer break into Neath’s 22.

Patient play from Bargoed was rewarded, with Steffan Jones and Rhys Thomas playing their part in setting up Dylan Williams to score in the corner four minutes before the end.

Jones converted from wide to give Bargoed a 21-18 lead before the hosts held firm and saw out the win.

Neath’s defeat meant Pontypool climbed to summit with a comprehensive 54-3 win over Maesteg Harlequins.

Bargoed’s next league fixture comes on Saturday, January 28, when they welcome Narberth to Bargoed Park for a 2.30pm kick-off.

Elsewhere in the WRU National Championship, Cross Keys recorded a strong 39-19 win against Ystalyfera at Pandy Park to remain fourth in the league, one point behind Bargoed having played one game more.

Meanwhile, Bedwas’ clash with Glamorgan Wanderers away from home was called off due to the weather. It means Bedwas remain eighth in the 14-team league following an inconsistent run of form in their first ten games.