PONTYPOOL booked a Principality Cup sixth round place after avoiding a potential banana skin against the Division Three West minnows at Margam Sports Ground.

It was at the fifth round stage that Pooler bowed out last season, going down to First Division rivals Dunvant.

This time they secured a 31-15 points victory and a chance of a money spinning tie but had to dig deep to shake off the strong challenge of the Steelmen.

"I was pleased with the result and perhaps the margin of a victory flattered us. They deserve full credit for the way they played," said Pontypool coach Steve Jones.

"It was a Cup Final for them and they got amongst us, broke up our pattern of play and were generally well organised.

"As a player and now coach I hate visiting the so-called minnows because you're on a hiding to nothing. But in fairness their skill levels and fitness were impressive," added Jones.

As he pointed out Pooler's discipline was a big factor in the victory. The penalty count was 15-11 in favour of the hosts and it got the visitors out of jail particularly in the first half. Pooler were fortunate to lead 9-7 at the interval, courtesy of a Byron Hayward hat-trick.

The Steelmen were far more creative, snatching an early try by fullback Paul Bamsey after centre Jason Lowndes had made one of many dashing midfield runs.

Playing into the blinding sun Pooler resembled startled rabbits as their handing deserted them and the West Glamorgan team frequently exposed a shaky midfield defence. The tie took a dramatic twist when Hayward moved to fly half in a straight switch with Stuart Lawrence.

Within five minutes of the restart Hayward had landed a fourth penalty and triggered a sparkling move that led to the excellent Manu Tuituloto sending Joel Griffin over for a converted try.

It eased the pressure of the favourites but another incision by Lowndes set up Bamsey for a second touchdown. The Pooler response was emphatic as Lennie Woodard was worked free down the right to score and replacement Mark Jones stormed over near the posts following a perfectly flighted pass from Hayward who ended with 16 points.

*PICTURED: Lennie Woodward who scored in Pontypool's cup match.