STERN defence and the aid of the crossbar took Cwmbran Hockey Club into their first final in a decade.

And it also set up an end of season showdown with arch-rivals Bridgend who pipped them to the league title on goal difference.

The Crows travelled to Swansea on Sunday to face an in-form university team in the semi-final of the Welsh shield.

Matthew Stollery's short corner flick struck the last man on the chest to earn a penalty flick, which he confidently placed high in the centre of the net.

From then on it was mostly Swansea, as the students' possession passing game became increasingly urgent. Chris Silvester saved a few good chances, and saw another ping off the crossbar.

Cwmbran adopted an increasingly defensive outlook, but still managed to create the occasional break. The best chance fell to Stollery who intercepted a cross field pass and saw his first time shot well saved.

A scuffle near the end saw both sides reduced to ten players, but by then the game was won.

Cwmbran will face Bridgend - 3-2 winners over favourites UWIC - in the final on Sunday April 21. The two sides finished level on points in the league, Bridgend taking the title on goal difference.

The clubs have met three times already this season - twice in the league and one pre-season friendly - with a win each and a draw the results.

Newport's attempt to topple Whitchurch from their reign as South Wales premiership champions ended in spectacular 5-3 defeat.

Whitchurch will now play Northop Hall at Wrexham on April 7 for the Welsh Championship and a place in next season's European Cup.

It was double disappointment for Newport who had slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Lydney the previous day ending their outside hopes of promotion for another season.

* Newport Ladies' promotion bid was ended resoundingly by Whitchurch Saints who won 3-0. Cwmbran's excellent end of season run saw them pick up another win 4-2 over Cardiff University.