Wales’ best rugby team outside of the regions crowned after bonus-point win decides dramatic title race

Cardiff have been crowned Indigo Premiership champions after they crushed Merthyr at the Arms Park.

Just a month ago the prospect of Steve Law’s finishing top of the pile seemed inconceivable with Newport holding what looked like an unassailable 12-point lead at the top of the Premiership having beaten Cardiff 38-6. But an injury crisis in the Newport squad saw the Black & Ambers’ season fall apart, and Cardiff took full advantage winning their final four games.

They were far too powerful for a Merthyr side who had nothing tangible to play for with No 8 Morgan Allen catching the eye with a superb all-round performance, while their potent back-line tore the Ironmen to shreds at times. Cardiff came out of the blocks firing with Wales under 20s full-back Cameron Winnett showing tremendous pace to beat two defenders on his way to the try line.

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Jacob Beetham added the extras, but Merthyr hit back when Aaron Pinches crossed at the far right-hand corner after some lovely handling from his inside backs. Cardiff had a try disallowed when former Ospreys and Scarlets No 8 Morgan Allen knocked the ball forward as he crossed the line off the back of a dominant scrum.

But the hosts didn’t have to wait long to claim the second try with James Beale scoring two minutes later from short-range. The Cardiff pack were in complete control, and their third try came when hooker Alun Rees touched down off courtesy of their dominant driving lineout.

Beetham kicked the conversion to give Cardiff a 19-5 lead at the interval. The Blue & Blacks had the bonus point in the bag early in the second-half when the ball was moved