Birmingham & Solihull 24-27 Pontypridd

An early lead for Pontypridd courtesy of a Dean Gunter penalty was soon cancelled out as the Bees struck back with a try scored by flanker Adam Clayton and converted by wing Simon Hunt.

An error strewn encounter at least offered plenty of scoring opportunities, with Ponty winger Chris Clayton going over for a well worked try in the corner, the score converted by Gunter. As centre Lee Thorne powered through for another touchdown, Ponty were looking good for their 8pts to 15 advantage.

The visitors were however anything but dominant, and the Bees striking back with two tries in the run in to half time, scored by full back Tom Foden and centre John Holtby, both converted by Hunt to hoist the home team into an interval lead of 21pts to 15.

As another Simon Hunt penalty sailed through the posts, an attack minded Birmingham team looked geared up for their first British & Irish Cup win of the season. Pontypridd however had other ideas.

Ponty fought their way back into contention, repelling all home attacks with some big hit tackles in midfield, and exerting more pressure themselves. As lock Grant Harrington claimed a try from a forward drive, a comeback seemed likely.

With sixty-two minutes on the clock winger Chris Clayton went over for a close range try – his fiftieth for the club – with Dean Gunter adding the conversion.Despite a late yellow card being issued to Ponty lock Harrington, there was no way back for the Bees as the visitors held out for a well earned bonus point victory by 24pts to 27.

Pontypridd:

Matthew Nuthall. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Adam Thomas. 12.Lee Thorne (Gary Williams). 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Gavin Morris (Kristian Baller). 1.Stuart Williams (Jon Williams). 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Grant Harrington. 5.John Barley (Dale McIntosh). 6.Ryan Savage. 7.Wayne O’Connor (Greg Williams). 8.Chris Dicomidis.