Newport take over at the top

NEWPORT are the new leaders in the Welsh Premiership after they toppled Llandovery 24-6 to go four points clear.

- CARL FIELD

Tries from Che Hope, Matt O’Brien and Henry Palmer secured a 12th consecutive win – their previous 11 had all been with a bonus point – and ensures the Black and Ambers will have a home play-off semi-final.

O’Brien added the extras to all three tries and sent over a penalty.

Jack Maynard kicked two penalties for Llandovery, but this result ended their 17-match winning run. The double-chasing Drovers, who still have a game in hand on Newport, need just one more point from their remaining three regular fixtures to also secure themselves a home semi.

Llandovery now turn their focus towards next Sunday’s Premiership Cup final showdown with Merthyr at the Principality Stadium.

One more point from three games will also be enough for third-place Ebbw Vale to cement their play-off place.

Ewan Bowden, Dylan Bartlett, Ethan Phillips and Ryan Gardner scored for the Steelmen in a 24-17 win at Swansea. Evan Lloyd added two conversions.

Llien Morgan and Tom Florence scored Swansea’s tries, with Luke Scully kicking two conversions and a penalty.