Ayr v Pontypridd - match report

Pontypridd kept the flickering flame of their British & Irish Cup campaign alive with a dramatic last gasp win away at Ayr.

This was a game of two halves and one which Ponty seemed destined to surrender after being under pressure for most of the first forty minutes, but once again showing a depth of character that saw them through to victory.

The Scottish champions elected to play with a strong wind behind them, and made the most of that advantage by dominating territorially. A succession of penalties converted by fly-half Frazier Climo edged Ayr into a nine point lead without reply. As flanker Paul Burke crashed over for a try following a driving maul, the home side seemed to be well on top.

Hopes of a Ponty come back were however kept alive as lock Grant Harrington claimed a try from a forward drive in injury time, with outside half Bramwell adding the valuable conversion for an interval score of 14pts to 7.

A Bramwell penalty successfully converted within ten minutes of the restart narrowed Ponty’s deficit, but Ayr striking back through a try scored by flanker Wilson and converted by Climo.

The Welsh team were however resurgent and not ready to surrender their hopes of a win. As winger Owen Williams went over for a try wide out, a dramatic last quarter to the game was in prospect. Despite having outside half Bramwell stretchered off, Ponty were by now applying all the pressure. The contest built up to a dramatic climax as Kristian Baller rounded off an attack from full back with a touchdown and added the crucial conversion with the last kick of the game.

Urged on by a huge and vocal travelling support, Ponty had done enough to deserve their narrow win by 21pts to 22.