Pontypool 24, Newbridge 18

PONTYPOOL stumbled to second in Division One after a less than convincing victory over Gwent rivals Newbridge.

In a game dominated by bruising forward play, both sides took credit from patches of brilliance from their front eight. Pontypool's forwards bossed most of the break down play in the rucks and mauls, but once again their lineout was scandalous and nothing short of an embarrassment for coach Steve Jones.

"Our lineout was terrible and cost us possession throughout much of the 80 minutes," Jones reflected.

"Newbridge can feel very disappointed they didn't win. We were well beaten up front."

Dejected after a close encounter, Jones was probably being a little too harsh on his players. True they were dismal in the lineout and more surprisingly the scrum, but in defence and attack they set Pontypool Park alight.

And this was undoubtedly where the game was won. Pooler's pack work rate is second to none. Their one crucial failing is their pathetic ability in the lineout. With international class jumpers like Kuli Faletau Pontypool have to ask themselves why they can't win their own ball at least.

It was clear on Hayward's face that he wasn't relishing kicking the ball into touch, because the Pooler flyhalf knew he was almost guaranteeing Newbridge possession.

They are a class act in the set play and know how to do the basics right.

For all their faults, though, Pontypool won, scoring two electric tries. Manu Tu'ipulotu touched down with less than a minute on the clock, after scrum half Gareth Taylor caught Newbridge sleeping with a quickly taken tap penalty.

Hayward converted and stretched the lead with two penalties to Newbridge's one before Stephen John crossed for Pooler's second score. Debutant full back Stuart Lawrence sliced through the defence with a delicate chip kick for wing Joel Griffin to pounce on. The ball was then moved wide with great vision for John to net his eleventh try of the season.

Another Hayward penalty saw Pooler cruising but they soon began to splutter as Newbridge clawed their way back from 21-3 to 24-18. Scrum half Matthew Taylor scored Newbridge's first try before fly half Jason Williams touched down. Newbridge nearly stole the game only for Paul Collett to spill the ball.

Our picture shows Pontypool's Mark Jones putting the brakes on Newbridge's Damion Cooper.