In a cruel twist of fate Blackwood coach Nigel Way masterminded the downfall of former club Abertillery at a sun-drenched Dairy Field on Saturday.

It was arguably Blackwood's most complete performance in a season of huge under achievement as they despatched a weary Llanharan 45-20 to secure their first division status.

A relieved Way had some stern words for his former club at the end of an emotionally-charged week.

"I warned Abertillery five years ago that they needed to sort out the commercial structure to stop the decline and today they are paying the price. "Relegation will cost them between £60,000 and £70,000.

"I feel sad for Abertillery as their future is uncertain. "But I'm delighted that our players did everything we asked of them and earned the right to stay in the division."

But Way also had strong words for his own club, who failed to build on last season's top three finish.

"Blackwood have to sell the club on a commercial basis if it is to move forward.

"Mark Thomas and I have been working with demotivated players for much of the season and the club needs to take stock of its position."

In a constant heat of 26 degrees C Blackwood showed clinical finishing to match a steely resolve. Llanharan, who could have secured a top six finish had they won, wilted badly in their seventh game in just two weeks.

Lock Wayne Sims crashed over for his 14th try of the season, appearing on the shoulder of Martin Jones to cross in the fifth minute.

Brother Jamie softened up the home defence for Wayne Bray to work the blindside and send Roger Bidgood over for a second converted score.

Although Llanharan worked Richard Radford free for a spectacular 70-metre try superbly converted by Wayne Jervis, Blackwood struck a firm blow when Matthew Veater spotted a gap to force his way over in the corner.

A Jervis penalty at the start of the second half reduced the visitors lead to 13-9 but there was to be no let up and a moment of magic by Bray put Blackwood firmly back on course.

The lively scrum half sold an audacious dummy before racing down the touchline and delivering an inside pass to the supporting Darren Starr. At 3.42pm precisely Abertillery were condemned to Division Two as Jamie Sims blasted off the back of a scrum to run 22 metres to the line without a hand laid on him.

The rampant visitors signed off in style as Bidgood tormented the home defence to put Rhys Potter over with Starr brushing aside defenders to cross for the final touchdown.

Jervis added a late converted try but by then Blackwood's victory celebrations had already begun as Abertillery drowned their sorrows.