Ponty Youth impress with Aberdare win

Pontypridd Youth were back in league action on Saturday 14th October with a notoriously difficult away game against a strong Aberdare team.

Ponty Youth knew that they needed to start well and set their stall out early if they were to gain any traction in this match. Both sides played with commitment and a great deal of enterprise trying to stretch each other’s defences to create chances.

The early breakthrough came Ponty’s way with a well worked try in the corner converted by Rhodri Smith. Aberdare struck back, pushing the visitors on to the defensive and keeping the game deep in their half. As Ponty strayed off-side at the breakdown Aberdare took the chance to kick at goal and reduce their deficit to 3pts to 7.

It was then Ponty’s turn to exert pressure with Aberdare resolutely defending their line. The deadlock was broken from a quick tap penalty taken by Ponty second row Joss Middle who crossed the line from short range to extend his side’s lead.   Aberdare were not to be out done and were rewarded for their efforts with a penalty and a try created through sharp passing that put man and ball in space, registering an interval score line of 13pts to 14.

The second half saw both teams stick to their open style of play and the crowd were entertained by the enterprising rugby being played. Coming to the end of the third quarter both teams made numerous changes off the bench.

Aberdare gave a penalty away at the breakdown and their opponents took their opportunity for a line-out deep in the home twenty-two. Ponty opted for the driving maul and worked the ball over the line for a try by replacement hooker Aneurin James.

Less than five minutes later Ponty had a line out in a similar position and another well worked maul saw James cross for his second try of the match. Again, Aberdare came back strongly but Ponty’s defensive effort was brutally effective, led by man of the match Dafydd Smith who turned over Aberdare ball at crucial times and carried hard, driving play back up field. It was one of these driving runs that set up the last try of the game, scored out wide to extend Pontypridd’s impressive winning margin to 13pts to 31.