Pontypool 18-29 Pontypridd

An evenly balanced opening to the game, where Pontypool applied pressure in their opponents’ half, but Pontypridd willing to counter at pace, was reflected in the scoring of a penalty apiece, Dean Gunter kicking the first for Ponty and Geraint O’Driscoll responding for Pooler.

The referee’s whistle was dominating proceedings, the contest pretty much a stalemate but with the odd flash of inspiration such as home centre Dan Robinson’s break which took his team right up to the visitors’ line.

Pontypridd eventually began to dominate possession and territory, with flanker Darren Waters leading their forays, but a long period of pressure yielding no points reward. The breakthrough came from a Pontypool overthrow at a line out, Waters seizing the loose ball and finding outside half Gunter in support to cross for a try which he also converted. The first half ended with a phase of fast and loose play, a series of turnovers, attacks and counter attacks, with Ponty holding on to their advantage of 3pts to 10.

Ponty struck again right from the restart, centre Dafydd Lockyer rounding off a concerted attack with a close range try in the corner. A penalty for the home team kicked by full back  O’Driscoll provided only a brief respite as a dynamic break from Ponty scrum half Garyn Lucas was rounded off with another touchdown, this time converted by Gunter.

Just as Pontypridd seemed to be pulling away, the game changed course again, their flanker Jake Thomas consigned to the sin bin and Pontypool fighting their way back into contention.

A long period of Pooler pressure was held up by a stubborn Ponty defense, in a contest that was by now often scrappy and sterile. Pontypool kept hammering away into their opponents’ twenty-two and were eventually rewarded as replacement Ron Keynes burrowed over for a try.

Ponty responded emphatically with a foray up the flank instigated by full back Matthew Nuthall and finished off with a try for replacement wing Gareth Wyatt, the bonus point score converted from a wide angle by Gunter. Not to be outdone a spirited Pontypool side claimed the last word as flanker Tom Organ crossed for a late consolation try, converted by O’Driscoll.

A game that had been competitive throughout, never reaching the heights but with plenty of endeavour from both teams, ended in a valuable away win for Pontypridd, bonus point added, by 18pts to 29.

Pontypridd:

15.Matthew Nuthall. 14.Lewis Williams (Gareth Wyatt). 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer (Gary Williams). 11.Chris Clayton. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Garyn Lucas (Dan Povey).

1.Stuart Williams (Chris Phillips). 2.Huw Dowden (Tom Hetherington). 3.Ryan Harford. 4.Craig Locke. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Jake Thomas (Calum Thomas). 7.Darren Waters. 8.Chris Dicomidis – cpt.

Scorers: