NEATH RFC: Short’s last kick snatches 34-33 thriller as Beddau fall a point short

Paul Short’s conversion with the last kick of the game gave Neath a 34-33 Admiral Premiership win over Beddau, after the Welsh All Blacks had watched a 20-point lead disappear.

Hooker Sion Jones had just crossed at the Gnoll to leave Neath a point behind, and Short’s kick settled it.

The two clubs are making a habit of it. According to the WRU, three of their last four meetings have now been decided by a last-gasp kick.

How Beddau wiped out Neath’s 27-7 lead

Neath had looked comfortable. Centre Sam Harris, wingers Morgan Meaclem and Lachlan Barron and prop Mason Morgan all crossed for the home side.

Short added two conversions and a penalty before the kick that won it.

Beddau’s fightback was driven by scrum-half Callaghan Smith, who scored two tries and kicked four conversions.

Back rower Sam Gibson, full-back Cody Baker and wing Iwan Griffith also went over for the Green and Golds, who came within a kick of a remarkable comeback.

Instead they went home with two bonus points and a first defeat of the season.

For Neath, it was a second win from three in a campaign that only got under way this month, and a response to their defeat at Cross Keys in round two.

Llangennech beaten by a 78th-minute Pontypridd try

Llangennech were also undone late on. Centre Ethan Williams scored two minutes from time, and Logan Jones converted to give Pontypridd a 21-17 win.

Hooker Callum Jenkins and wing Kieran Edwards scored the home side’s tries, with Steff Marshall converting both and adding a penalty.

Captain Cally James and lock Logan McIntosh also crossed for Ponty, with Jones converting all three tries. The visitors have now won all three of their games.

Llanelli Wanderers fall at the champions

Llanelli Wanderers left the Wern beaten 38-21 by champions Merthyr, despite two tries from captain Jake Baker.

Nick Gale scored the Wanderers’ other try and kicked all three conversions.

Wing Ryan Davies scored twice for the Ironmen, with Ben Jones, Amosa Nove, Jacob Lloyd and Aled Evans also crossing, as Merthyr made it two wins from two.

Bonymaen sit out as Narberth keep up their perfect start

Bonymaen’s game against Bargoed was postponed.

Narberth made it three bonus-point wins from three with a 38-24 win over Cross Keys at the Lloyd Lewis Ground. Wing Harrison Burke scored a hat-trick for a side that was fighting relegation last season.

Newbridge edged Bedwas 33-31, leaving Bedwas still waiting for their first win since returning to the Premiership.