Pontypool 27 v 24 Whites
06 Mar 2010 - Pontypool Park
Pontypool made a mockery of the league table with an outstanding 27-24 victory over leaders Swansea to keep alive their faint hope of survival and severely dent the All Whites’ title chances. Flanker Cae Trayhern was at the heart of everything for the home side as the Whites’ continued their horrendous start to March.
Pooler signalled their intent inside the first few minutes when centre Chris Macey was driven towards the line only to be held up just short. Moments later the home side’s pressure told as Trayhern crashed over for a try from close range. Tom Hancock, on permit from Bridgend, converted.
An excellent run by Nicky Jones forced the Pontypool defence offside. James Dixon kicked to touch with the penalty and hooker Andrew Joy was driven over from the lineout. Dixon added the extras. The home side took the lead five minutes later when Dan Connolly took a ball at pace and dummied his way past the Whites’ defence to score a great solo try. Hancock converted.
Offside in midfield gave the visitors a penalty chance and Dixon made no mistake. Good work by Trayhern and Richard Aylett set up an attack inside the Swansea 22 but Rhodri Wells stole possession and cleared.
The home side began to throw the kitchen sink at the Whites’ defence as Hancock orchestrated an attack with Trayhern, Geraint Morris and Phil Price going close before they lost possession forward. Winger Gareth Williams grabbed a third try for the home side when he took a pass at speed, powered past a weak Dixon tackle, and scored under the posts. Hancock converted. The fly half should have put his side further ahead but missed a penalty attempt after Steffan Jones was penalised for holding on after the tackle.
Half time:- Pontypool 21 Swansea 10
The Swansea coaching staff must have give their side a stern message during half time as they came out on fire after the interval. Good work by Andrew Clatworthy and Dixon set up an attacking platform from which Nicky Thomas bamboozled the home defence and eased over for a try. Dixon converted.
When Dixon sprinted out of defence it looked like Swansea would snatch the lead but his final pass went forward. Diving over the top by the Pooler forwards gave Dixon a penalty chance but he pulled his effort wide of the post.
A break by Ben Lewis sent David Watts on a dangerous run but he lost possession just short of the line. Dixon made a mess of a clearance allowing scrum half Calwyn Morgan to race up to the 22. The Whites’ defence killed the ball and Hancock duly converted the resulting penalty goal.
Nicky Jones was yellow carded for killing the ball after Williams picked up loose possession and raced down the wing with Morris providing support. To make matters worse, Hancock kicked the three points. The Whites scored a late try to secure a losing bonus point after Leigh Bevan juggled with the ball, and Scott Baldwin and Wells powered forward, before Clatworthy crashed over. Dixon converted.
Next up for Pontypool is a crucial home match against Bedwas while Swansea host Pontypridd.
Full time:- Pontypool 27 Swansea 24
Venue:- Pontypool Park, Pontypool
Weather:- Cloudy, 3C
Competition:- Principality Premiership
Referee:- Simon Harries
Pontypool scorers:- Trayhern (Try), Hancock (3 Cons, 2 Pens), Connolly (Try), Williams (Try)
Swansea scorers:- Joy (Try), Dixon (3 Cons, Pen), N Thomas (Try), Clatworthy (Try)
Man of the match:- Cae Trayhern
Swansea team:- 15 N Thomas 14 L Bevan 13 C Shelmerdine 12 D Watts 11 N Jones 10 J Dixon 9 R Wells 1 R Jones (rep: T Evans) 2 A Joy (rep: S Baldwin) 3 A Clatworthy 4 P Arnold (rep: D Blyth) 5 R Kelly 6 L Jones 7 B Lewis 8 S Jones
By Paul Hopkins
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