UNBEATEN Newbridge’s credentials as promotion prospects will come under extremely close scrutiny on Saturday, when they travel to the Wern Field to face the only side above them in the Swalec League Division One East table – Merthyr.

The Welfare Ground outfit took their 100 percent record to a sixth successive league victory with a five-try, 33-16 home triumph over Llanharan, who dropped to fifth place.

At the same time, Merthyr were heaping more woe on bottom-placed Newport Saracens – a result which means Newbridge still trail the leaders by only a single point, but with a game-in-hand advantage.

“We played very well to beat Llanharan and now we look forward to a couple of good training sessions in preparation for what we are sure is going to be a tough task at Merthyr,” said Newbridge team manager Chris Jones.

“This win was based on our forwards, who gave us a solid platform and in all honesty we were outstanding at times.

“The scrum and the line-out both went very well and we were always in command. Now, however, comes the acid test at Merthyr.”

In-form right winger Ceri Young continued to get among the tries, touching down twice while flanker Nicky Tucker, centre Ross Coombes and left wing Tom Watkins also crossed – outside half Richard Powell kicking a couple of penalties and one conversion.

Also going well are Blackwood, who stay fourth after a 14-10 home win over Ystrad Rhondda – their fifth win from six league games.

“We faced dogged opposition and were forced to work very hard for the victory,” admitted joint Blackwood coach Jeremy Lloyd.

“Although I don’t normally criticise referees, this one had a poor match – but at least he was so for both teams.

“That said, he can’t be blamed for our lacklustre performance and in the end we were just grateful to get over the line.

“There were a few good individual displays, but it’s a team game and we came up a bit short in certain areas.”

The Sarries crashed to their seventh straight defeat since the start of the season and in comments Newbridge should be aware of, secretary Mark Leverson spelled out exactly where Merthyr’s strength lies.

“We were out-gunned by what can only be described as a jumbo pack,” said Leverson, who saw centre Chris Vitalini score a try and outside half Tom Hancocks a conversion.

“We competed well and showed good spirit and determination, but they were simply too strong up front.

“It’s no reflection on those players currently with us, but our new coach Matthew Back has been tasked with recruiting fresh faces.”

Tredegar still top Division Two East, Brynmawr recorded a big home success while Fleur-de-Lys landed a last-kick-of-the-game penalty to see off visiting Abergavenny.

After Tredegar’s 29-15 home win over bottom Treherbert, club secretary Tony Lewis said it was a solid all-round display which earned the club a fifth win in six league matches.

“We played well enough for the win and credit to Treherbert for making us work hard throughout,” added Lewis, who said left wing Jamie Henthorne (2), flanker Steve Knight and scrum half Matthew Taylor scored tries and outside half Gregg Jones three conversions.

Brynmawr hosted Rhydyfelin and sent the visitors packing with a 44-3 triumph which maintained their fourth position in the table.

“We dominated from start to finish and it was a great all-round display,” remarked Brynmawr official Robert Kershaw.

Crossing for tries were left wing Richard Dennington (2), inside centre Matthew Penny (2), number eight Gareth Morris and outside centre Rod Thomas with outside half Matthew Bow successful with the boot in landing five conversions and a penalty.

There was high drama at Fleur-de-Lys, where visiting Abergavenny looked poised to pick up a much-needed win over their county rivals.

They led 20-19 thanks to a try from winger Tom McPherson and five penalties from outside half Steve Lang deep into time added on.

However Flower found a hero in outside half Brett Green, who stepped forward to deliver the cruelest of all blows – a successful last-kick penalty.

However according to Flower secretary Alan Evans, the home side should have been out of sight by that stage.

He said: “Unfortunately, the normally reliable Will Hook had an off-day with his kicking and missed for or five very kickable attempts at goal.

“That helped Abergavenny stay in contention and although we enjoyed some 60 percent of the possession, credit to them for being in it at the end.

“I felt we did enough throughout to deserve the victory and I’m pleased to see it lifts us up three places to sixth”

While Evans expressed his delight at the game’s outcome, Abergavenny chairman Mike Aylett was not impressed with the referee’s time keeping.

“He played eight minutes of added time and I’m not sure how he managed to see that much to be fair,” said Aylett.

In Division Three East, Garndiffaith, 22-17 winners over visiting bottom-placed Abertillery BG, still trail leaders Nelson, who won 27-17 at Rhymney.

Nantyglo won 21-8 at Crumlin to remain Division Four East top-dogs with basement outfit Pontllanfraith losing for a fifth successive match – this time 46-3 at home to Rhiwbina.

Abercarn continue to lead the way in Division Five East, a 59-5 home win over Trinant being their sixth consecutive since the start of the season, but struggling Bettws are still bottom after a 37-17 away reverse at the hands of Oakdale.

It’s five out of five for Division Six East table-toppers Blackwood Stars, thanks to a 24-10 success at Crickhowell, but bottom club New Panteg have lost all four of their matches – the latest 19-9 at Abertysswg.