Pontypridd 37-19 Cross Keys

It was yet another bonus point win to celebrate for Pontypridd as they rose above the potential mediocrity of this Premiership clash to outscore and outclass their opponents.

An early exchange of penalties between Gunter and David gave the Keys a 3pts to 6 lead, but Ponty already emerging as the more creative side, with full back Thomas going close to scoring in the corner. Working off a solid set piece platform Ponty were if anything overcomplicating their plays in their attempts to open up the game.

A surge to the line by Dafydd Lockyer broke the deadlock, with further tries coming in succession for Dean Gunter, following a neat break, and Chris Martenko - all converted by Gunter. A swift repost by Cross Keys saw winger Nathan Trowbridge scoring on the counter, but Ponty emphasising their superiority with another Gunter penalty to register an interval score-line of 24pts to 13.

Gareth David kept the Keys in contention with two early second half penalties, but the Gwent side increasingly showing a tendency to infringe, with no 8 Bridges sent to the sin bin. Following a lull in the tempo of the game, Ponty struck back with a try on the charge for Nathan Strong, converted by Gunter. The home pack were grafting hard in tight and loose, with flanker Darren Waters scavenging for possession, and young outside half Dean Gunter exhibiting plenty of confidence in orchestrating his side’s attacks.

Another Gunter penalty successfully converted sealed an emphatic win for Ponty by 37pts to 19.

Pontypridd:

15.Adam Thomas (Owen Williams). 14.Matthew Nuthall (Matt Hutchings). 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Lewis Williams. 10.Dean Gunter. 9.Rhys Downes (Kristian Baller).

1.Sam Hobbs (Pat Palmer). 2.Huw Dowden (Tom Hetherington). 3.Pat Palmer (Ryan Harford). 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Chris Dicomidis (Ryan Savage). 6.Rhys Lloyd. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.

Scorers

 “Golden Bob” man of the match – Chris Martenko