A ROUSING first half performance and dogged determination in the later stages enabled Pontypool to pull off a crucial 26-18 victory over Swansea last night.

The victory means Gavin Lucas and his men still have a chance of survival and, hopefully, everything to play for when they take on champions Neath at the Park next Tuesday in their final game of the season.

First half tries by full back Dave Smith (two) and his replacement Craig Jones put the home side on the victory trail as they established a commanding 20-3 interval lead.

But Swansea, although looking decidedly off colour, staged a dangerous late rally to set alarm bells ringing among the home fans.

Outside half Sam Mills had a good night setting up Jones' 29th-minute try with a diagonal kick to the corner. Mills also kicked three penalties and a conversion.

Swansea's tries came from full back Nicky Thomas and replacement threequarter Rhys Jones while outside half Stuart Thomas popped over two penalties and a conversion.

Pooler enjoyed the services of two Dragons - centre Sione Tuipulotu and flanker Andrew Hall - and both made a big impression.

Powerful Tuipulotu showed his skills with his quick hands and clever off-loading in the contact area. He certainly gave the home side the edge in midfield as did the energetic Hall in the back row.

Swansea were generally disappointing and rarely looked like avenging the 45-29 defeat they suffered at home against Pontypool on December 10.

But the visitors' flanker Richard Hibbard put in a dynamic performance and did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Pontypool coach David Gray said: "To be honest, I was disappointed with the final scoreline because we had played so well in the first half and then really made hard work of things in the second half.

"We missed a couple of scoring chances that added to our problems. But we got the win in the end and that was the important thing.

"The boys picked themselves up after the disappointment of Newport and really showed how much character there is in the team.

"Let's hope the other results go in our favour and that we will still have everything to play for when we take on Neath."

Pontypool: D Smith ( C Jones 19); A Sliczny, S Tuipulotu, S Williams, M Poole; S Mills, O Jones; N Giles, L Meades, N Blake, D Rosser, M Amos, A Hall, Donaldson, G Lucas (capt). Tries: D. Smith (2) and C. Jones. Pens: S. Mills (3). Con: Mills

Swansea: N Thomas; L Bevan, C Shelmerdine, A Thomas ( Rhys Jones 52), A Lawson; S Thomas, R Wells; Roy Jones ( L May 64), D Colclough, A Clatworthy, S Kiley ( D Bligh 64), N Thomas (capt), R Hibbard, H Singh ( R Gallagher 70), S Edwards Tries: N Thomas and R Jones. Pens: S Thomas (2). Con: S Thomas.

Referee: Neil Ballard ( Cardiff )