Pontypridd 28 vs Ealing Trailfinders Academy 12

Pontypridd had a pool of forty players, ranging from seasoned club stalwarts to fresh faced trialists, standing by for action against the Trailfinders Academy.

The game got off to an explosive start as Ponty capitalised on a mix up in their opponents’ back line, outside half Ben Burnell cruising in for a try which he then converted. The home team were keen to attack from all angles and to put width on their play, working off a dominant set piece, a well judged cross kick by Burnell gathered by winger Dale Stuckey to touch down in the corner, the score expertly converted by Burnell.

Against the general run of play the Trailfinders countered wide out for lock Josh Taylor to canter over for a try. The Ponty response was emphatic, full back Morgan Richards attacking from deep and Dale Stuckey maintaining the momentum with a run down the tram lines. Another breakthrough came from a quick tap penalty taken by scrum half Joel Raikes, Richards up in support to arc in for a try which Burnell converted. The home team were competent in defence when required and always eager to counter at pace, their play controlled from the hands and boots of pivot Burnell. Another blow was struck, again from a tap penalty, as no8 Joe Miles crashed over, the conversion by Burnell registering a well earned interval lead for Ponty of 28pts to 5.

There were numerous changes made for the second period, the English visitors now seeing more of the ball and gaining more in terms of territory. Ponty were able to respond with a period of concerted pressure but the contest now more evenly balanced and remaining scoreless for over a quarter of an hour. It was the Trailfinders who broke the deadlock, setting up a series of drives from a line-out take for hooker Samson Adejimi to cross under the posts, an easy conversion added by outside half Matt Dalrymple.

Ponty for a while laid siege to their opponents’ line but failed to cut through, the merry-go-round of changes off the bench continuing. The game was often fast and loose, errors committed and both sides attempting to capitalise in attack. The home team again surged forward, stealing line-out ball for prop Joe Popple to charge upfield, then injecting pace to their play out wide but winger Cavan Davies hauled into touch. Ponty retreated late on as back rower Cai James was yellow carded, but holding out in defence for a well earned victory, albeit with all the points coming in the first period, by 28pts to 12.