WHETHER they know it or not, the students of Bath University were the most popular men in Cwmbran on Saturday night.

The University's 3-2 win over North Somerset in the final re-arranged fixture in North division four of the Gerrard League, ensured that Cwmbran finish second.

News of the surprising defeat - North Somerset would have been promoted as champions had they won - spread by telephone in the early evening, triggered celebrations in player's homes from Hereford to Swansea.

The result duplicates last year's finish to South Wales division one with Bridgend as champions, Cwmbran second.

Cwmbran's next fixture is against Swansea University in the Welsh Shield semi-final on Sunday March 24.

On the same day, Newport take on Whitchurch for the South Wales Premiership at Whitchurch High School at 1.30pm. The winners play off for the Welsh championship with the North Wales winners.

While other teams league programmes have finished, Newport - in the 11-team premier division three - still have some way to go.

A 2-1 win over Marjons of Plymouth thanks to goals from Chris Simm(OK) and Marc Redfern keeps them in mathematical contention for second place in the division.

Bridgend and Penarth have booked places in the men's veteran's cup final. The final will be held on Sunday April 21 at the Welsh Institute of Sport.

Top of premier division 3: P Gd. Pts Yate 19 +44 44 Lydney 19 +12 36 ECV Hornets 19 +5 34 Wooton-u-Edge 18 +22 33 Newport 18 +12 33

Gerrard League results Premier Division 3: Yate 4, USHC Plymouth 3; ECV Hornets 4, Firebrands A 4; Newport 2, Marjon of Plymouth A 1; USHC Plymouth 6, Dawlish 4; Wootton-u-Edge 3, Hereford 0; Yate 4, Whitchurch A 0. South Wales Division 2: Newport B 1, Cwmbran A 1; Men's Veterans Cup semi-finals: Bridgend 3, Swansea Bay 1; Penarth 5, Plas Coch 3. Welsh Women's Shield semi-finals: Clwb Hoci Pwllheli 1, Pontypridd 5; Howardian 3, Whitchurch Saints 0.