Pontypridd 36-51 Neath

A Dean Gunter penalty struck with only three minutes on the clock, followed by a dynamic break from winger Matthew Nuthall, gave Ponty some early hope, but flattering to deceive as Neath then began to control the game.

A Gareth McCarthy penalty for the visitors levelled the scores before winger Alec Jenkins broke through for a try which McCarthy converted. With the game now being played exclusively in the home half Neath continued to apply pressure, flanker Adam Whitney next up to score with McCarthy again adding the conversion. Guilty of yielding possession in contact, Ponty allowed Neath centre Nathan Brew to pick up and burst through for a score which was converted by McCarthy.

Just as the game seemed to be drifting out of reach, Ponty showed great resolve to strike back, full back Aaron Bramwell breaking through for a try which Dean Gunter converted to register an interval score-line of 10pts to 27.

It was Neath once more who piled on the pressure from the restart, with the Ponty defence putting body and soul on the line to hold their opponents at bay. A period of incessant Neath pressure eventually told as replacement Steve Thomas surged through, Gareth McCarthy up in support to score a try which he then converted.

Ponty responded with a foray upfield, scrum half Gavin Morris leading the way and supplying hooker Rhys Williams with a scoring pass, with Dean Gunter adding the conversion with sixty minutes gone. Despite conceding another penalty, kicked by McCarthy, Ponty were now in battling mood, and having patiently played through numerous attacking phases, set up a position for Aaron Bramwell to cross for a try, converted by Gunter.

Just as a home comeback seemed possible, Ponty then gifted a try to the visitors, a loose throw-in gathered by Neath flanker Adam Whitney who broke through for a try which was converted by McCarthy. From the restart Ponty launched a snap offensive with replacement wing Chris Clayton darting in for a crucial fourth try.

There was no let up in the action as Neath flanker Adam Whitney crossed for his hat-trick try, with McCarthy’s conversion taking his team over the fifty point mark, but Ponty then finishing strongly, battering their way into the visitors twenty-two and awarded a penalty try for a deliberate trip off the ball, the score converted by Bramwell.

A high scoring and eventful contest came to an end with Ponty going down to a heavy defeat by 36pts to 51 but having salvaged no little pride and a valuable bonus point in the process.

Pontypridd:

15.Kristian Baller (Chris Clayton). 14.Lewis Williams. 13.Aaron Bramwell. 12.Gary Williams (Adam Thomas). 11.Matthew Nuthall. 10.Dean Gunter (Gavin Dacey). 9.Gavin Morris.

1.Jon Williams (Ryan Harford). 2.Rhys Williams – cpt. 3.Ken Knaggs (Gavin Powell). 4.Craig Locke. 5.Chris Martenko. 6.Matthew Rees. 7.Tom Hetherington. 8.Ryan Savage.

“Golden Bob” man of the match: Aaron Bramwell

Scorers: