Ponty post emphatic home friendly win over Bargoed

The Pontypridd team was led out by departing captain Dafydd Lockyer, to a warm reception from the crowd, to make a cameo twenty minute final appearance for the club. When the action got underway Ponty were quickly out of the blocks, winger Dale Stuckey rounding off a kick and chase foray to score a try which Ben Burnell converted from a wide angle.

It was scrum half Joel Raikes who then instigated and finished a try scoring move, taking a quick tap penalty then up in support to touch down, with Burnell again adding the extras. Bargoed had not yet been in contention but pounced for an opportunist try in the corner, scored by winger Dylan Williams and converted by Josh Prosser. It was Ponty who next applied concerted pressure, going close from two line-out drives and finally making a breakthrough as full back Morgan Richards rounded off a sweeping wide attack to score, Burnell’s conversion attempt rebounding off a post.

The home team kept ticking over in attack, winger Iwan Pyrs Jones weaving his way in for a fine individual try, then hooker Rob Jones burrowing over following a concerted forward drive, registering an interval lead for Pontypridd of 29pts to 7.

It was more of the same from Ponty as play resumed, Dale Stuckey again on hand to score following a wide attack. The visitors however kept in touch as winger Steff Thomas touched down from a kick and chase to the corner. There were numerous changes made off both benches, and some injury delays also slowing down the tempo of the game, but Ponty striking back as centre Morgan Sieniawski cut through by the posts to score with Burnell adding the conversion.

Having soaked up some pressure Ponty strove to regain momentum, aided by the sin binning of Bargoed flanker Craig Atwell for a high tackle. It was the visitors who were next up to score, against the run of play, a line-out drive setting up a try for hooker Wade Langley which Josh Prosser converted.

Ponty’s response was emphatic with two quickfire late tries, replacement backs Llywarch ap Myrddin and Lex Botha both cutting through in midfield to score, the first converted by James Dixon. Ponty had claimed enough possession and territory, and showed enough prowess in attack, to be well worthy of their 53pts to 19 victory.