Pontypool 33 Blackwood 21

PONTYPOOL were clearly lacking their feared vision and bite against a dogged Blackwood outfit who proved stiff competition in this less than thrilling Gwent derby encounter.

But the victory put Pooler level on points with Welsh First Division leaders Aberavon.

Only try difference now separates the two clubs on the promotion trail.

After a try feast at Glan-yr-Afon Park when these two sides met last, only in the last ten minutes did the game really spice up when Blackwood launched a cheeky comeback.

Down 26-7 with less than seven minutes to go, they patiently crafted their assault on the scoreboard with some slick rugby.

Tries from Chris Lay and substitute Kevin Lewis, who touched down after a lightening break by scrum half Owen Jones, split the sides by just five points.

It was typical of Pooler's heart-stopping season, though, that they dug deep to have the last laugh as Stephen John crashed over to seal victory.

Yet throughout they lacked that final killer touch, especially in the midfield where Blackwood's defence never really crumbled.

A succession of missed passes and dropped balls littered Pontypool's game.

Too often Pooler took the wrong options. They had the territory and possession, but, on countless occasions with men on the outside, they opted to switch the ball back in field.

"We should have won by 40 points, but tried being too clever. We had runners on the outside and came back on the inside, which was annoying. But still it's the right result," said team manager Tony Clarke.

"I was happy with some facets of our game. We aimed to keep the ball away from their pack and that worked, but I'm disappointed we didn't use it to the best effect."

Yet, for all their wrongs, Pooler did score four mouth-watering tries including John's winner.

Flanker Arthur Howarth got his second of the season when he blitzed through the Blackwood defence for the first try.

Lock Mike Powell added anotherwhen he took full advantage of a quick tap penalty, and substitute scrum half Gareth Jenkins looked just as impressive with a close range effort from a ruck.

Fly half Byron Hayward chipped in with three penalties and two conversions to take his season's tally to 320 points.

* In the picture: Pontypool flanker Arthur Hoarth on his way to a try.

Pontypool: S Lawrence; I Woodard, S John, J Hawker (B Jefferies 75), J Griffin, B Hayward, N Lloyd (G Jenkins 70), A Phillips, L Jones (G Gunter 66), L Mustoe, K Faletau, M Powell, G Taylor, A Howarth, S Waldron.

Scorers: Tries - A Howarth, S John, G Jenkins, M Powell; Conversions - B Hayward (2); Penalties - B Hayward (3).

Blackwood: D Brown, S Rees (D Starr 60). J To'o, D Morris, G Rees, C Lay (I Jones 70), O Jones, J Price, A Peacock, P Harriman, D Hallman, M Tucker, J Powell, I Hammer, J Simms.

Scorers: Tries - J To'o, C Lay, K Lewis. Conversions - C Lay, M Jones (2).