Pontypridd 21-24 Cardiff

There was not to be a fourth successive Abercynon Sevens title for Pontypridd, losing to the eventual winners and rivals Cardiff in a nail biting semi final.

On a day when the weather at best could be described as changeable, Pontypridd opened up their campaign with a scrappy 19-7 win over Dunvant. Next up were Beddau and an improved performance saw Ponty win convincingly 33-5. That ensured top spot in the group and a match against Glamorgan Wanderers in the quarter finals. With some scintillating handling, Ponty scored 7 converted tries in a 49-7 thumping.

The win meant a semi final against Cardiff, who Ponty defeated in last year's final - unfortunately, there was not a repeat scoreline. Pontypridd went into a 14-0 lead with 2 well worked tries from Owen Jenkins and Chris Clayton. Cardiff hit back with a try just before half time.

Cardiff opened the scoring in the second half with a converted try, only for Ponty to respond with their third converted try from Lewis Williams. The referee’s whistle played a big part during the second period with Ponty repeatedly punished. This only increased the pressure on the defending champions, Cardiff hitting back with their third try.

With the game poised at 21-19, it was Cardiff who sealed the win, scoring with the last move of the game.

Cardiff beat Merthyr 31-17 in the final to win the 2011 Abercynon 7’s Tournament.

Pontypridd RFC Squad

• David Barry
• Chris Clayton
• Gavin Dacey
• Chris Dicomidis
• Dean Gunter
• Kayne Hendrickson
• Tom Hetherington
• Owen Jenkins
• Garyn Lucas (replaced Jordan Sieniawski after the quarter finals)
• Jordan Sieniawski
• Lewis Williams

Pontypridd were drawn with Dunvant & Beddau in their Group.

Match 1 vs Dunvant RFC

Match 2 vs Beddau RFC

Quarter Final vs Glamorgan Wanderers RFC

Semi Final vs Cardiff RFC 

Pontypridd Tournament Statistics

• Played 4
• Won 3
• Lost 1
• Pts Scored 122
• Pts Conceded 43

Points Scorers

• Dean Gunter 34
• Owen Jenkins 26
• Lewis Williams 22
• Kayne Hendrickson 15
• Chris Clayton 15
• David Barry 5
• Chris Dicomidis 5