Penarth clinched a dramatic 26-19 victory over St Albans in a top-of-the-table Admiral League clash.
Sam Sully's last-minute try proved the difference for the Bears as they fought off their main rivals in the race for the Division One East Central title.
Harry Williams, Spencer Robinson and Owen Lloyd also went over for the visitors with Rhys Mottram adding three conversions.
Penarth's bonus-point win opened up a five-point gap at the summit on a day when only three games went ahead.
Barry slipped to back-to-back defeats after going down 24-19 at home to Abercwmboi, leaving them third bottom of the table and facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation with six games of the season to go.
Elsewhere, Caerphilly climbing into third place after beating bottom club Rhydyfelin 56-11.
The only other men's game in the Vale saw Old Penarthians' struggles continue with a 40-12 defeat at home to Tref y Clawdd in Division Five.
In the WRU Women's Championship on Sunday, Old Penarthians kicked off 2026 with a 32-0 win over Gwernyfed.
Next weekend's fixtures
Admiral National League
Division One East Central
Cambrian Welfare v Barry
Penarth v Abercwmboi
Division Two East Central
CR Cymry Caerdydd v Cowbridge
Division Three East Central
Llantwit Major v Gilfach Goch
Penygraig v Dinas Powys
Division Five East Central
Brecon Athletic v Old Penarthians
WRU Women's Championship
Gwernyfed v Old Penarthians (Sunday)
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