Pontypridd 19-13 Llanelli

Pontypridd hauled themselves back to the top of the Premiership following a hard fought win over Llanelli in difficult conditions at Sardis Road. This bonfire night event could easily have been a damp squib, but the sheer endeavour of both sides maintaining the contest’s vital spark.

The game came to a shuddering halt just as it began, a lengthy delay ensuing as Llanelli wing Luke Morgan was stretchered off. It was his replacement Craig Jones who capitalised on the visitor’s bright start, cutting through for a try which outside half Owen Williams converted. Ponty battled back into contention, Simon Humberstone putting through a speculative grubber kick which full back Gareth Wyatt just grounded to score.

The game remained competitive although struggling to find its flow in the constant downpour. Ponty were now taking the initiative, Locke and Waters leading their charges and twice driving over the line but no try given. It was Llanelli however who extended their lead through a Owen Williams penalty, but Ponty taking advantage of their opponents infringing tactics as outside half Humberstone hoisted over three penalties  to achieve an interval lead of 14pts to 10.

The home team maintained its forward momentum into the second period, with Llanelli flanker Matt Gilbert sin binned as his team continued to impede. Ponty pressed into their opponents twenty-two, their pack grafting hard and again driving over the line but no score given.

Against the run of play, Llanelli struck back through a Owen Williams penalty, cutting their deficit to just one point and setting up a tense finale to the game. Ponty were looking nervous, kicking away possession and driving up blind alleys, their efforts blighted by handling errors in the greasy conditions.

Picking up the tempo into the final minutes of the game, the home team’s hard work finally paid off as centre Adam Thomas powered through for a late match clinching try, securing Pontypridd’s victory by 19pts to 13.

Pontypridd:

15.Gareth Wyatt. 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Adam Thomas. 11.Owen Williams. 10.Simon Humberstone (Dean Gunter). 9.Garyn Lucas (Kristian Baller).

1.Lewis Smout (Ken Knaggs). 2.Tom Hetherington (Huw Dowden). 3.WillGriff John. 4.Craig Locke (Chris Martenko). 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Ed Siggery. 7.Darren Waters. 8.Chris Dicomidis.

“Golden Bob” man of the match:- Ed Siggery.

Scorers: