BARGOED have been the forgotten men in the aftermath of the Welsh Rugby Union's decision to cancel the 2019/20 campaign but the Bulls intend to resume their bid to be Pontypool promotion party-poopers next season.

It was shaping up to be a fascinating end to the Specsavers Championship with Pooler in the box seat after 16 wins from 16 but by no means sure of a fourth successive title.

Bargoed were just five points back with both teams having 10 games to play – including a mouth-watering showdown on the planned penultimate weekend.

It was all to play for with every bonus point vital, but then came the governing body's decision to call off the season because of the coronavirus pandemic, a move that has been backed by all.

All clubs will remain in their leagues when rugby resumes and WRU chairman Gareth Davies singled out Pontypool for praise for their mature response to yet more agony in their hunt for the Premiership.

Yet Bargoed were quietly confident of ensuring Pooler would be in the second tier after keeping Leighton Jones' men within their sights.

After being forced to settle for a draw at Cardiff Met on opening weekend, the Bulls responded strongly to win every game other than their trip to Pontypool Park.

Bargoed denied Pooler in 2016 to go up to the Premiership along with Merthyr, RGC and Swansea and felt they could repeat the trick to swap places with the top flight's bottom team.

South Wales Argus:

"It was a bit frustrating that all we read about was Pontypool because it was looking likely to be a tight end to the season," said flanker Ronny Kynes.

"We had something to say about it all and it's sad that the season didn't finish for both teams, although there are much more important things at the moment even though we all love rugby.

"They are a good team and it still needed them to drop points, but we were confident of beating them at home because we were unfortunate at their place.

"The Championship is a long season and there were plenty of games to go. I remember a few seasons ago with Ebbw Vale when we lost to Whitland (in the final game when trying to earn a perfect season), so anything could have happened.

"I haven't heard much mentioned about us at Bargoed but we had every chance of going up. It was close and it would have been nice to see what happened but it's all done now. We get another crack next season and we're looking forward to it."

The tussle at Pontypool Park was one that got away for Bargoed, who led 7-6 in the closing stages courtesy of Josh Prosser's try.

Wales Sevens wing Lloyd Lewis crossed to retain Pooler's perfect record and leave the visitors having to settle for a losing bonus from a fierce contest.

"The game in Pontypool was brilliant and great to be a part of. There were so many people there – we had the whole club involved and Pontypool had a lot of support," said Kynes, a Premiership winner with Ebbw in 2016.

"Bargoed Park would have been absolutely rammed for the return game and it could have been the decider. Now will just have to have another battle next season."

Not that Kynes expects it to just be a duel when the green light is given to return to rugby.

"There is a big difference between the teams at the top of the league and the bottom but I'm sure Bedwas and Neath will have something to say about it," said the 33-year-old.

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens when we get back to normal life and return for training but we are not worried about anyone else.

"As soon as we get back together as a group we'll work towards that target of promotion. It will be great to get back out there and have another crack."