THE result turned out right for them in the end but Pontypool had a major attack of the jitters before clinching this important Division One top of the table 25-21 victory.

Leading 19-3 at the interval the home side looked both comfortable and capable enough to notch up a big score against last season's Division Two champions.

Then Pooler seemed to press the self destruct button by conceding far too many penalties and over-complicating their attacks when more direct methods would surely have brought greater rewards.

That is to take nothing away from Bedwas who staged an excellent second half display and crossed for a couple of blistering tries to indicate that they will continue to be a major force in Division One this season.

Ultimately the sure goal kicking of experienced fly half Byron Hayward proved decisive because he followed up his two first half conversions with two penalties, the second coming at a crucial stage just seven minutes before the end of normal time.

No doubt Pooler's coaches will be drumming home the message this week that the team must play with more consistency for the full 80 minutes if the club is to realise their ambitions of regaining their place in the Welsh rugby's top flight.

To be fair there were some positive apart from the victory. Left wing Stephen John scored two fine tries and Lennie Woodard was always a threat on the right flank. Up front prop Uniati Moa gave Pooler just the start they needed with a first minute touch down while his fellow Tongans, lock Kuli Faletau and flanker Manu Tu'ipulotu, were formidable in attack and defence.

Referee Nigel Owens did not please the home fans with some of his decisions but the truth is that Pooler eased up and lost momentum after establishing a lead.

But Pontypool coach Stephen Jones was not happy with referee Owens: "I am not in the habit of attacking referees but in my opinion if games are handled like that then it's no wonder fans are turning away from Welsh rugby. In the second half the penalty count against us was 11-1 and I felt the game was spoiled."

He admitted that Pontypool went off the boil, saying: "I was disappointed with our display. We became tired but the referee had a lot to do with what went on."

Bedwas had an excellent half back pair in skipper Wayne Bray and Gavin Samuel while Deri Mattravers was a real force at No 8. They also scored by far the best try of the match, left wing Matthew Pizey outsmarting and outpacing the home defence in a superb solo run which started just 10 metres from his own goal line.

Two Pontypool players were sent to the sin-bin - skipper and No 8 Mark Jones for throwing a punch in the 14th minute and lock Mike Powell for persistently killing the ball on the ground.