Prem Review 18th Sep
By Zippy
September 24 2004
Bridgend and Pontypridd both enjoyed wins this weekend against Bedwas and Llandovery respectively. For match reviews and the league table read on
Bridgend 36 Bedwas 15
By Simon Green
A much better performance today after last Wednesdays poor result at Llanharan. Bedwas had the better start and looked far more dangerous with the ball in hand, and they were rewarded with a try in the 15th minute through number 8 Deri Mattravas.
But Bridgend hit back in fine style with 2 quick tries from scrum half Brendan Roach and number 8 Nathan Strong before Grant Epton intercepted a loose pass and sprinted 40 metres to claim the Ravens 3rd. The Ravens then got a 4th just before the break thanks to wing Dan Hitchins who side stepped 2 players to score in the corner. Fly-half Gareth converted 2 of the 4 tries to give Bridgend a 24-5 half time lead.
A well worked try from Bedwas wing Steffan Sankala and a conversion and penalty from Andrew James gave the visitors some hope of a come-back but a 2nd try for Epton and score for replacement Dean Fitzgerald secured a much needed 36-15 home win.
But the biggest cheer of the night occurred when after an absence of more than 3 years Chris Stephens entered the field in the 2nd half and the cheer would have been even bigger had a pass from centre Richard **** found the former Wales captain when the a try seemed certain.
It was an all round much display and the older heads of Roach and Strong helped steady the ship while many of our new youngsters again shined.
| Bridgend |  |
(24)36-15(5) | |
Bedwas | FT |
| Tries: Fitzgerald Epton 2 Roach Strong Hitchings. |
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Tries: Sankala Mattravers |
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| Cons: David 3 |
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Cons: James |
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Pens: James | |||
Pontypridd 15-3 Llandovery
The Western Mail
THE last time Pontypridd played three successive halves without scoring was in March 1988, but they have equalled that dubious distinction with a mediocre opening period against Llandovery on Saturday.
The fact that the Drovers failed to register a point either sums up a dreadful 40 minutes for the spectators.
When Ponty were held up on the line in the opening minute by a defence which had leaked 42 home points the previous week, the Sardis Road faithful settled back for a points spree which never transpired!
The next moment worth a mention didn't come until the 40th minute, when winger Richard Fussell saw a tremendous 70-yard run halted on the line by a scrambling Drovers defence.
The second half started on a brighter note as passes found colleagues and defences were finally breached.
First blood went to Llandovery with a Gareth Morgan penalty as Ponty strayed offside. This was the signal for Pontypridd to put together their best passage of play.
The creaking Drovers rearguard was breached on 55 minutes when, following a forward onslaught, Carl Thomas touched down for his side's first try.
Ponty resolved to press home their advantage and five minutes later, some slick handling gave Dan Godfrey acres of space to run in unopposed from twenty yards.
This virtually killed the game and with a Jason Pocock penalty on 75 minutes, Ponty ultimately ran out comfortable winners, to the delight of head coach Simon King.
"Llandovery are a good side," he said. "They have a big pack and they deny you possession. I was pleased with the way we took our chances.
"We have a lot of things we can improve on, but at the end of the day three points are three points."
Drovers' coach Iestyn Thomas acknowledged a poor first half but was pleased with his side's second half commitment.
"But we have work to do," he added.
| Pontypridd | |
(0)15-3(0) | |
Llandovery | FT |
| Tries: Godfrey Thomas |
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| Cons: Pocock |
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| Pens: Pocock |
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Pens: Morgan | |||
League Table
| Welsh Premiership September 20, 2004 | ||||||||
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P | W | D | L | PTS | | |
| 1 | Carmarthen | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | | |
| 2 | Newport | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 12 | | |
| 3 | Swansea | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | | |
| 4 | Cross Keys | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | | |
| 5 | Bridgend | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | | |
| 6 | Neath | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | | |
| 7 | Llanelli | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | | |
| 8 | Aberavon | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | | |
| 9 | Pontypridd | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | | |
| 10 | Bedwas | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | | |
| 11 | Newbridge | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | | |
| 12 | Cardiff | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | | |
| 13 | Llanharan | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | | |
| 14 | Ebbw Vale | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | | |
| 15 | Llandovery | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | | |
| 16 | Caerphilly | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | | |
| 17 | Pontypool | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | ||
Next week Bridgend travel to Newport and Ponty are at home to Ebbw Vale.