When travelling away to face the league leaders, ideally you'd like to be a full strength. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case when Pontllanfraith took to the road to face Crickhowell. Pont travelled with a squad of 16 which included 6 Props and only 3 backs.
With forwards scattered along the backline, the game kicked off with a severe crosswind, which ultimately benefited Pont who were looking to keep the game tight and narrow. Pont started like a team that hadn't played in weeks and some sloppy defense allowed Crickhowell to go under the posts for the fist try. However, Pont fought back almost immediately. Some nice set piece ball just outside the opponents 22 allowed Tom Haddock to jink over the line for Pont's only try. The remainder of the half was a war of attrition fought mainly inbetween both 22's with both teams kicking lots of ball and struggling to string phases together. The Pont backline of forwards was defending well against their speedier opponents with back rower Chudd Meyrick-Parker puting in some big hits from the 12 position and second rower Mark Counsell made the most of running at a winger half his size.
HT: Crickhowell 7-5 Pontllanfraith
The second half was a much more one sided affair. Pontllanfraith struggled to get any form of territory. Crickhowell were much more direct and with the help of some fresh legs they ran in four second half tries as Pont tired.
FT: Crickhowell 38-5 Pontllanfraith.
The scoreline doesnt reflect the massive effort the boys put in, it was the boys who didn't turn up at all who ultimately let the side down. Next week Pont travel to Cefn Forrest for a big local derby looking to get back to winning ways.
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