As the 2015/16 season winds to a close, several teams from across Caerphilly County Borough have plenty to play for in the Swalec national leagues.
Bargoed have already clinched promotion to the Principality Premiership, where they’ll join Bedwas and Cross Keys, who fell just one point short of the play-off semi-final.
In League 1 East, Penallta have been pipped to top spot by their Swalec Plate final rivals Bedlinog.
The Foxes harnessed the spirit of their Premier League football namesakes to come from behind to draw 19-19 with Nelson, but secured the point needed to ensure they remain out of reach of Penallta with two games left of the season.
The Ystrad Mynach side bested Brecon 48-17, but by virtue of having played a game more than Bedlinog, can no longer be promoted.
Penallta’s last remaining match is against bottom side Blackwood, who have suffered the ignominy of a second successive relegation, and will drop into League 2 East at the expense of Fleur de Lis.
The Flowers have accumulated just one point all season, having lost every match in a season to forget, and could be joined in relegation by Abertysswg.
There are four Caerphilly teams in with a shout of promotion across League 3 East.
In League 3 East A, Abercarn are three points behind leaders Caldicot with two games in hand and four left of the season.
In League 3 East B, Machen sit in third, just a single point behind leaders Hartridge, and face second place Usk in their final game of the season on Wednesday, May 18.
In League 3 East C, Aberbargoed lead the way by five points with three games left, while Markham secured promotion from League 3 East D after a resounding 100-0 hammering of Abersychan Alexanders RFC.
After the club failed to put together a full side for two seasons, it’s a dream come true for the Caerphilly side who only needed one point to seal the deal.
Captain Gavin Price said: “It’s been a great season for us and this win means everything. I’ve played here since I was a kid and I’m so proud to be captain.
“We all play for the love of the game and we’ve got our eyes set on the Swalec Bowl next season.”
It’s been a difficult season for all clubs involved in the league, with appalling winter weather seeing many games called off, but first team coach Peter Carpenter said his side had excelled: “A lot of hard work has gone into this season and we’re ecstatic to be where we are today.
“We’ve got a great bunch of players and we can’t wait for next season.”