Llanelli 25-13 Pontypridd

Pontypridd failed to re-ignite their league campaign on the snow covered surfaces of Parc y Scarlets, going down to a disappointing defeat by 25pts to 13.

The opening exchanges of the game gave an indication of what was to come, as Llanelli enjoyed by far the greater share of possession and territory, and taking full advantage through two penalties struck by outside half Stephen Shingler. During the entire first quarter, Ponty only made one or two isolated incursions into the home half, struggling for parity in the set pieces and concentrating mainly on their defensive duties.

The visitors finally looked to move up a gear, showing aggression in the loose, but Llanelli centre Nicky Reynolds powering past some weak tackling to cross for a try which was converted by Shingler. Another decisive break by the home three-quarters saw full back Dale Ford speeding in for another score.

Ponty’s first half frustrations were summed up as they drove to the home line but prop Stuart Williams spilling the ball in the act of scoring, a spell of concerted pressure coming to nothing and Llanelli maintaining an interval lead of 18pts to 0.

Ponty came out fighting for the second period, upping their work rate and battling for a share of possession, with outside half Dean Gunter opening their scoring with a penalty on fifty-one minutes. A sharp break from scrum half Kristian Baller gave Ponty momentum upfield, with no 8 Nathan Strong up in support to claim a try, converted by Gunter.

The visitors seemed to have found a new lease of life, with winger Lewis Williams making a darting break through midfield, but Gunter off target with his penalty attempts. A triple whammy of set-backs then put paid to any hopes of a Ponty come back. Yielding possession through a knock-on, Ponty flanker Rhys Lloyd was sin binned for impeding off the ball, and Llanelli driving home their advantage as prop Shaun Hopkins crossed for a close range try, converted by Shingler.

The travelling Ponty fans raised a cheer as club icon Dale McIntosh came on for a ten minute cameo appearance, but his team conceding turnovers of possession and unable to threaten a comeback. A late penalty kicked by replacement outside half Matthew Hutchings was a consolation score only, with Ponty going down to defeat by 25pts to 13.

Pontypridd:

15.Matthew Nuthall (Gary Williams). 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dean Gunter (Matthew Hutchings). 9.Kristian Baller (Gavin Morris).

1.Stuart Williams (Jon Williams). 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko (Dale McIntosh). 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Wayne O’Connor (Darren Waters / Lewis Smout). 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.

Scorers: