Llanelli 25-30 Pontypridd

Pontypridd claimed a hard earned bonus point away win at Llanelli to reclaim top spot in the Principality Premiership.

Ponty were up against a Llanelli team defending a 100% home record in the league, and having conceded pole position in the table to Neath earlier in the week. The going was to be tough, but that is when the tough get going.

It was Ponty who drew first blood through a Dean Gunter penalty in the first minute of play. Llanelli struck back in emphatic fashion, firstly through a try scored by prop Shaun Hopkins and converted by outside half Owen Williams, and with two penalties then added by Williams to take the home team into a 13pts to 3 lead.

A pulsating encounter was in the offing as Ponty regrouped to hit back with two touchdowns in quick succession. Wing Owen Williams was the first to cross, then hooker Huw Dowden charging over from close range, his try converted by Gunter to edge Ponty back into a 13pts to 15 lead which they defended to the interval.

A typically fired up Pontypridd emerged from the changing room to carry out an early second half blitz. Winger Owen Williams went over for his second try of the evening, converted from a wide angle by Gunter. The Ponty outside half then sent through a well measured kick which centre Dafydd Lockyer gathered to cross for a fine try.

Pontypridd had by now shot into a 13pts to 27 lead, but the contest was by no means over. Llanelli showed their mettle by hitting back with two tries just into the final quarter of the game. Lock Dominic Day was first to cross the whitewash, his try converted by replacement Steven Shingler, then back rower Matt Gilbert touching down to haul the home team back within two points.

A tense finale was set up, but Ponty holding out for victory, and extending their lead through an injury time penalty converted by Dean Gunter. A 25pts to 30 win and a bonus point bolted on was an excellent return for Pontypridd from their trip to Parc y Scarlets.