Pontllanfraith travelled to Deri aiming to do the double over the hosts. Deri who have been struggling to fufill their fixtures lately resembled a valleys barbabarian side with players from Aberbargoed, Rhymney and Nelson turning out for them.
Unsure what to expect, Pont just had to concentrate on their own game and started well with Mark Counsell opening the scoring after collecting a beautiful chip from Tom Haddock. After taking the lead Pont went through a very indisciplined phase where they gave away numerous penalties and allowed Deri back into the game with a converted try and Penalty giving them a 10-7 lead. Fortunately Pont cut out the indiscipline and re-took the lead when Chris Price bumped off the opposition winger to go over in the corner which was soon followed by a try by outside centre Clarkey who hit a beautiful angle.
After Half Time Chris Price scored again and Pont's dominant scrummaging was causing Deri problems. Pont should have put the game to bed in the 15 minutes following half time but lacked composure whilst in good positions. Hari Miles was then sin binned for a high tackle but Pont did well to slow the game down and coped well for the 10 minute period the winger was off the field.
Poor lineout defence from Pont then gifted Deri a try to bring them within 7 points with 10 minutes left to play but Pont kept the ball well and captain Justin Preeces decision to turn down an kickable penalty in favour of kicking for the corner paid off when good lineout ball sent inside centre Chamberlain over the try line after a nice sidestep.
Final Score
Deri 15-27 Pontllanfraith
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