Pontypool 18 Bedwas 13

PONTYPOOL chalked up their first back-to-back wins on their return to the Principality Premiership when they emerged deserved 18-13 victors after a bruising battle against Bedwas at Pontypool Park.

Hooker Leighton Jones and his men followed up their 13-11 success against Llandovery with a performance full of pride and commitment – particularly in defence.

They could not stop their opponents from snapping up a losing bonus point in the fourth minute of injury time, however.

The late try by replacement flanker Robert Downes, converted by full back Stuart Thomas, earned Bedwas the bonus point for losing by seven points or fewer.

Thomas had also kicked two penalty goals in the 13th and 51st minutes.

Pooler centre Dan Robinson was named man-of-the-match after an outstanding performance in both attack and defence, although close on his heels was highly promising scrum half Tom Edwards.

Robinson crossed for a splendid try midway through the second half following a 75-metre attack started by full back Nathan Preece and carried on at pace by Edwards, left wing Dan Gravell and centre Dan Philips.

Sam Mills, who was an effective link at outside half, kicked the conversion to add to his brace of first half penalty goals.

Fittingly, it was dynamic Edwards who beat the Bedwas cover to cross for a 23rd minute unconverted corner touchdown after lock Daryl Cox and flanker Rhys Bowen exploited turnover ball on the visitors’ ten-metre line.

The score helped Pooler to a useful 11-3 interval lead and highlighted an aspect of the game where the home side were clearly superior.

Pooler regularly outfought their opponents in the contact area although some of referee Greg Morgan’s decisions in this area proved mysterious on occasions.

Mr Morgan also issued no fewer than five yellow cards. Opposing hookers Leighton Jones and Lee Pearce were the first to be sent to the sin-bin in the 28th minute followed by Bedwas flanker Brendon Lampitt (54 mins), home flanker Bowen (67 mins) and home right wing Tal Selley (80 + 1 mins).

Pontypool head coach Gareth Lintern said after the match: “We are pleased with the win.

“Bedwas have been established in the Premier division for quite some time and their recent win against Aberavon made us sit up and take note.

“My experience as a coach suggests it takes about six games to get a side into the right rhythm and for the boys to understand what is required.

“We have now reached that stage. We have been working on our defence and in this game it was absolutely first class.

“We were all over them, knocked them back and turned them over.

“I don’t think they had an answer to it.

“We are not taking anything for granted because there are not any easy games in this division.

“In fact, I’m amazed at the intensity of the games week in week out and I think it really is a good breeding ground for regional players.”

Disappointed Bedwas head coach Steve Law, said: “We put a lot of emphasis on this game after our good performance and win over Aberavon and we prepared well for it. I have to say that the players let the team, the club and the coaching staff down.

“I am not arguing with the result – Pontypool deserved to win because they were more aggressive in the contact area and everything else.

“I just believe our players have so much more to give than they did in this match.

“The game is about attitude and if you haven’t got the right attitude you won’t win rugby matches.

“We are happy to take the bonus point but we are still bitterly disappointed in individuals’ attitude and performance.

“It’s going to be a long, hard season unless the players pull their fingers out.”

Pontypool: N Preece, T Selley, D Robinson, D Phillips (P Price 74), D Gravell, S Mills, T Edwards (M Thomas 73), J Jeune, L Jones, capt (M Dwyer 46), M Lewis (S Maguire 40), D Cox, K Maiden (S Pailor 62), R Bowen, C Trayhern, N Coughlin (B Salt 52).

Tries: T Edwards (23 mins), D Robinson (63 mins). Pens: S Mills (4 and 16 mins). Con: S Mills.

Bedwas: S. Thomas, A Hughes, R Gomer Davies, T Williams, J Norris (F McLoughlin 67), J Welch, capt., S Jones (G Hutcherson 67), G Leonard (K Jenkins 67), L Pearce (G. Davies 66), G Long (M Pettit 38), R Edwards (J Ciaburro 65), A Brown, B Lampitt (R Downes 65), S Phillips, D Mattravers.

Try: R Downes (80+4 mins). Pens: S Thomas (13 and 51 mins). Con: S Thomas Referee: Greg Morgan (Swansea).