Neath 48-23 Pontypridd

Going down to defeat by 48pts to 23 and shipping seven tries in the process, Pontypridd’s endeavours to consolidate a top four position in the Premiership suffered a set-back at the Gnoll.

Ironically Ponty enjoyed by far the greater share of possession early on, but finding it hard to break the gain line and rewarded only with a Dean Gunter penalty from forty-five metres out. Seizing a turnover, Neath countered effectively, wing Kevin James cruising past some weak defending to score in the corner. That was the shape of things to come, two successful Gunter penalties for Ponty interspersed by a close range try for Neath prop Anthony Lott.

The visitors still gained their share of possession, but lacking the direct approach of their opponents, who had centre Nathan Brew spearheading their midfield attacks. Capitalising on the pressure applied, Neath extended their advantage as wing Krisitian Phillips hoisted over a drop goal, and scrum half Kevin Farrell then sniping over for a try, converted by Arwel Thomas, for a 27pts to 9 interval lead.

Any hopes of a Ponty second half revival were dented as Neath wing Kevin James once more broke through some lack lustre defending to touch down, the score improved by Thomas’ conversion. Ponty responded with a series of drives upfield, grafting hard to send lock Grant Harrington over for a try which was converted by Gunter.

A mass brawl in the Neath half diverted attention from the on-going play, the result being a yellow card issued to Neath prop Martin Jones and a straight red to his Ponty counterpart Ken Knaggs. As Neath again countered and drove into the visitors’ twenty-two, centre Steve Thomas went over for a try, converted by replacement Gareth McCarthy.

Ponty were at least persistent in their attempts to be competitive, flanker Krisitian Dacey up in support to cross for a try which Gunter converted. Inevitably Neath had the last word, striking back from a Ponty twenty-two drop out with hooker Gerwyn Price galloping over for a try, converted by McCarthy.

What had overall been a black day at the Gnoll ended in a comprehensive defeat for Pontypridd by 48pts to 23.

Pontypridd:

15.Aaron Bramwell. 14.Owen Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas (Gary Williams). 11.Matthew Nuthall (Krisitan Baller). 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes (Gavin Morris).

1.Ken Knaggs. 2.Tom Hetherington. 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage (Grant Harrington). 6.Rhys Lloyd (Kristian Dacey). 7.Wayne O’Connor (Jon Williams). 8.Chris Dicomidis.