Merthyr sealed their third consecutive Principality Premiership title with a dramatic victory over RGC 1404 on Friday.
Mark Jones’ side travelled to The Wern looking to spoil the Ironmen’s party, and got off to a flyer as tries from Rhys Williams and Evan Yardley gave the north Wales-outfit a 14-point lead in the opening five minutes.
Louis Jones replied for the hosts, but Sam Jones’ effort saw RGC head into the break with a 21-7 lead.
However, Dale McIntosh’s men displayed their never-say-die attitude in the second half, with prop Jones crossing for a second and centre Aaron Pinches touching down to level the scores.
Billy McBryde’s late penalty looked to have secured an unlikely victory for the visitors, but in the 84 minute, Matthew Dwyer crossed from the base of a rampant driving line-out.
National Cup winners, Cardiff, made it three bonus point victories on the bounce with a 47-26 victory over Bargoed, with full back Ed Howley the stand-out performer, crossing for four of his side’s seven scores.
Steve Law’s side, who have racked up an impressive 196 in the last three fixtures, will need a single point against RGC next week to secure second place in the league.
Pontypridd welcomed Bridgend to Sardis Road on Saturday, as the Ravens looked to secure their Premiership status for next season.
Despite tries from Alex Knott and Joel Raikes, it was Bridgend who went into half time with a 21-14 lead, with Nathan Edwards, Jamie Murphy and Gheorghe Gajion dotting down in the opening 40 minutes.
Following the interval, Knott crossed the whitewash for his brace, but Bridgend once again reacted in perfect fashion as a Michael Powell try and Owen Howe penalty gave the Ravens a 10-point advantage.
The drama continued as ill-discipline from Matt Silva’s side saw Pontypridd bounce back through Corey Howells and the boot of Ceri Sweeney.
With the clock hitting red, however, Bridgend were awarded a penalty in front of the stick, which was duly converted by Howe.
Ponty face Merthyr on the final day of the season next week, with their hopes of a second-place finish hanging by a thread.
Llanelli will take on Championship winners Pontypool at Aberavon, as both sides hope to book their place in the top tier next season.