Rugby round-up: Caerphilly promoted, Cross Keys reach cup final

With no Six Nations over the weekend, the focus was back on the club game as teams from across Caerphilly County borough took to the field on a dry, sunny weekend.

There was action in both the leagues and cups, as promotion and relegation battles heated up for some, while others battled it out for the chance to play a cup final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.

League

Starting in the WRU Premiership, there was disappointment for Bargoed, who were beaten 42-26 away at Brecon.

The Bulls remain fifth in the division, with nine wins, one draw, and six defeats after 16 games.

Down in the National Championship, Ynysddu were also beaten on their travels. They fell 27-14 to Mountain Ash and remain 11th, three points off bottom-placed Brynmawr – who were beaten by Penallta.

The Pitmen secured a 21-13 away win at Brynmawr, and move back up to second, overtaking Bedwas having played five extra games.

In Division 1 East, Nelson climbed to the top of the table after a 26-10 win over Abertillery. However, Senghenydd stay sixth after they lost 38-13 away to Pontypool United.

One tier below, in Division 2 East, Blackwood‘s lead at the top of the table remains strong. They beat Caldicot 34-22 at home to continue their promotion push.

Meanwhile, Abercarn are up to seventh after a comprehensive 32-3 home win over Garndiffaith.

However, bottom-place Risca‘s wait for a first league win of the season will go on, after they lost 18-12 at home to Cwmbran.

Elsewhere, there was jubilation for Caerphilly, who clinched promotion from Division 2 East Central after earning their 14th win in 14 league games this term.

The Cheesemen beat Cilfynydd 32-10 at Virginia Park to move 21 points clear at the top – meaning they can look forward to Division 1 rugby next season.

Over in Division 3 East, Rhymney‘s march towards the title continued with a 48-23 win away to New Panteg. The Brewers are now 18 points clear at the top, having lost just once in the league all season.

Elsewhere in the division, Fleur de Lys are up to third after a 26-22 victory over Chepstow, while Abertysswg Falcons stay ninth after beating winless Oakdale 32-17 at home.

It means Oakdale stay bottom of the league after 12 defeats in 12 league games so far this season.

There was also disappointment for Machen, who drop to fifth after losing 32-24 to Caerleon, who move above them into fourth.

Over in Division 4 East, there was an all-Caerphilly County Borough clash as Crumlin hosted Pontllanfraith.

Crumlin came away with the bragging rights in that one, winning 38-8 to move up to third, while Pontllanfraith stay seventh.

In League Five East, Deri are back up to second after destroying struggling Beaufort 52-0. They are behind only the league leaders Tredegar Ironsides – who inflicted a 17-6 defeat on hosts Hafodyrynys, who drop to fifth.

Taking their place in fourth are Hollybush, who beat Hartridge 34-29 away from home.

In other results, struggling Cwmcarn United stay second from bottom in Division 6 East A, having lost 36-10 at home to Old Tylerian.

Finally, in League Six East Central, Penallta Athletic slipped to a 27-12 home defeat to St Peters Athletic, and remain sixth out of eight teams.

Keys reach cup final

Cross Keys are into the Premiership Cup final after beating Merthyr 36-31 at Pandy Park.

However, Newbridge were denied the opportunity to join them at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, having lost 53-14 at home to Pontypridd in the other semi-final.

Cross Keys will meet Pontypridd in the final at the home of Welsh rugby on Saturday April 5.

Elsewhere, Bedwas’ dreams of a trip to the Principality were dashed. They lost 32-29 at home to Tondu in the Championship Cup semi-finals.