Strugglers Pontypool put in an inspired first-half performance to blow away Bedwas and claim a 44-29 victory in the Principality Premiership on Saturday.
Pooler crossed the line five times in the first half thanks to some high-tempo running rugby. Wing Gareth Williams opened the scoring, finishing off an impressive backs move. Cae Trayhern gave a flanker’s master class in support play to go over after 16 minutes, before Bedwas hit back with a Luke Dyckoff try. However Pooler again picked up the tempo, and scored tries through Chris Macey, Geraint Morris and Gareth Williams. Tom Hancock converted all five tries and added a penalty to go in at halftime with a 38-10 lead.
Bedwas fought back with tries from Andrew McLaughlin and Adam Williams while they were also rewarded with a penalty try, to seal their own try-scoring bonus-point. But Tom Hancock added two further penalties to seal an emphatic win.
Second placed Swansea got back to winning ways to keep up the pressure on Neath after a 37-15 over Pontypridd at St Helen’s. A red-card after 10 minutes to Pontypridd prop, Stuart Williams, shaped the game and the All Whites ran in five tries. Fly half James Dixon opened the scoring after ghosting past two tackles. Sam Kiley and Ricky Williams also scored tries for the hosts to give them a 37-15 half-time lead.
Pontypridd recuperated at halftime and soon scored their first try of the game, when Chris Clayton raced clear but David Blyth put the game to bed with a well-worked try. Ponty then hit back with a consolation try through Ryan Harford before second-row Richard Kelly scored the try of the game to top of a fantastic performance by the All Whites.
League leaders, Neath, made it two wins in a week with a 27-10 win at Pandy Park. Two tries each from centre Gareth King and wing Kevin James secured the bonus-point for the visitors, and Gareth McCarthy contributed with seven points from the boot. Cross Keys’ only try came through Marcus Johnstone while fullback Gareth David added five points.
