LLANELLI denied Pontypridd the league and cup double by upsetting the odds to run out 24-18 winners in the Premiership playoff final this evening.

The visitors were good value for their win at Sardis Road, running in three tries to two.

Llanelli, who had hammered Neath at the Gnoll in the semi-final, held a commanding 17-6 lead at the break thanks to tries by full-back Dan Newton and centre Nic Reynolds.

Table-topping Pontypridd, who had finished 16 points clear of the west Walians, were hindered by the usually prolific fly-half Simon Humberstone having an off day with the boot and a red card for flanker Wayne O'Connor.

The experienced openside was sent off after dropping his right knee onto a Llanelli player at ruck.

The visitors looked to have sealed the win when wing Lee Williams went over in the second half but tries by Ponty prop Huw Dowden and scrum-half Rhys Downes made it a nervy finale.

Referee David Jones played 10 minutes of injury time but the hosts were unable to grab the converted try that would have snatched the win.