Defeats for Bridgend and Ponty


By Web Team
May 10 2003

Bridgend travelled to the Gnoll and Pontypridd travelled to Eugene Cross Park hoping for victories. However, both teams came away with defeats - Ponty's being far worse than Bridgend who to their credit batteld hard for the whoel match. For reports on both matches read on.

DEFEATS FOR BRIDGEND AND PONTY

Neath 32 - 24 Bridgend

Bridgend couldn't maintain their 100% record as they traveled to the Gnoll to face Neath on Friday evening. A win for the Ravens would have practically guaranteed them the Welsh league title but they will now have to go on and search for another victory to be more sure of landing the title.

Neath took the first half advantage with two penalties from Shaun Connor compared to one from Cull. However, Bridgend had many attacking opportunities early on but couldn't cross the tryline.

In the second half two tries from Shane Williams gave Neath a confortable lead but if it hadn't been for the boot of Shaun Connor which secured Neath a further 16 points in the second half Bridgend would have snatched victory.

Late tries from Ryan Jones, Cory Harris and Chris Horseman gave Bridgend some hope but Connor's boot prevented them from keeping up their 100% record.

 Ebbw Vale 25 - 6 Pontypridd

Pontypridd continued their dismal run of form in front of a crowd of no more than 400 as Ebbw Vale were the run away visitors in this match.

Ponty were camped in Ebbw Vale's half for long periods but all they could manage for their efforts was a Ceri Sweeney penalty and drop goal. Ebbw Vale scored tries through Rhys Shorney, Paul Matthews and Chay Billen which was improved further by two conversions and two penalties from Byron Hayward, on loan from Pontypool.

Ponty now have to play five more games this season - next up being Neath at Sardis Road but if Lynn Howells doesn't put out a decent side there is no way that Ponty fans will fork out £10 to see this team play again. What has been highlighted in the Bridgend, Newport and Ebbw Vale matches is that Ponty are just not interested in the outcome so why should us supporters be interested?

The only reason I will be attending the Neath game is because I have already paid £100 for a season ticket - if I hadn't then unless the team were going to put up a serious fight I would not be watching. SORT IT OUT PONT

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