Pontypridd 41-16 Aberavon

Pontypridd marched into the semi finals of the SWALEC Cup with an emphatic 41pts to 16 home win over Aberavon, but having to overcome an interval deficit to do so.

Ponty were stunned as a fired up Aberavon took a first minute lead, scrum half David Pritchard darting through for a try which Matthew Jarvis converted.

The game was being played at a high tempo as Ponty fought their way back into contention, centre Adam Thomas leading their midfield attacks. An exchange of penalties between home outside half Dean Gunter and his opposite number Jarvis kept the scoreboard ticking over, but with the contest being much of a stalemate. As the half time whistle blew it was Aberavon who had maintained their advantage and a lead of 6pts to 13.

Ponty’s early second half momentum was held up by their opponents’ infringing, with Aberavon flanker Darryl Thomas issued a yellow card. From the ensuing penalty lock Chris Martenko galloped over for a try under the posts, converted by Gunter. Ponty maintained a grip on possession and introduced some fluency into their game, but a Dean Gunter penalty cancelled out by a similar effort from Matthew Jarvis.

Achieving good continuity and continuously probing the gain line, Ponty sent winger Owen Williams in for a try, soon followed by another score for prop Ryan Harford, this time converted by Gunter.

Into the final quarter, Ponty were now dominant, capitalising on the forward platform which they had achieved throughout the game, with Dean Gunter sending another penalty between the posts. Aberavon’s response was deteriorating into a series of infringements and high tackles, with flanker Thomas sent off for a repeat offence, and Ponty rounding off with a last minute try scored by Chris Dicomidis and converted by Gunter.

A second half surge had seen Pontypridd through to victory by 41pts to 16, and through to the semi final draw of the SWALEC Cup.

Pontypridd:

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

1.Stuart Williams (Ken Knaggs). 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Ken Knaggs (Ryan Harford). 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Ryan Savage (Kristian Dacey). 6.Chris Dicomidis. 7.Wayne O’Connor (Darren Waters). 8.Nathan Strong – cpt.

“Golden Bob” Man of the Match – Chris Martenko

Scorers: