Match Report: Ponty 21 - 16 Newport

Ponty get win!
By Webmaster
September 8 2002

Pontypridd got their first win of this seasons Celtic League after beating Newport 21 - 16 at Sardis Road. For a full match report read on...

PONTY FIGHT FOR THE WIN

   In a tough battle against Newport, Pontypridd got a well deserved win at Sardis Road last night. The match started well for Pontypridd with the early pressure leading to 2 penalty attempts for Brett Davey. Both were struck over leaving Ponty 6 - 0 up before Newport tried to get some points of their own. Unfortunately for them Andy Marinos's woeful drop goal attempt landed in the hands of Gareth Wyatt who punted the ball up field where Jon Bryant gathered before popping the ball up to Ceri Sweeney who ran over for the games first try.

   After 20 minutes, Ponty found themselves in a comfortable 11 - 0 position but then Newport began to create a few chances. A penalty for Jason Strange followed by a touchdown for Palmer in the corner made the score 11 - 10 to Ponty. However, it was Newport who were to end the half in front. A drop goal for Strange made the score 13 - 11 at half time.

   Ponty came out more determined in the second half and within a minute of the restart Jon Bryant crossed over near the posts for Ponty to go back in front. Daveys conversion was good and Ponty held a five point lead. 

   Newport then had chances of their own to score a second try, however a combination of good defence work and luck kept them at bay until they rewarded with a kickable penalty attempt which Strange slotted over.

   This left the scores at 18 - 16 in Pontys favour before a slight injury to Ceri Sweeney meant the introduction of world record international points scorer Neil Jenkins. His first home appearance for Ponty for three seasons pleased the home crowd and lifted the Ponty players. They immediately got a penalty out wide which Davey took but he saw his attempt hit the post. Ponty still remained upbeat and when they got another penalty midway through the second half Davey made sure that his attempt went between the uprights.

   With Ponty leading 21 - 16 all that was left to do was to hold Newport out for the remaining quarter which they managed, leaving them with their first victory of this seasons Celtic League campaign.

Ponty scorers:

Tries - Sweeney, Bryant

Con - Davey

Pens - Davey (3)

Ponty team: Davey, Wyatt, Parker, Bryant, Nuttall, Sweeney, John, G.Jenkins, Davies (C), Bell, Cockbain, Sidoli, Owen, Parks, G. Lewis.

Reps used: N Jenkins, Kelly.