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25 September 2017 / Club News

*Top of the League*

With the Swalec league returning to action this weekend, Pontllanfraith were prepared to set the league straight and return to winning ways against away rivals Abersychan. 

With the soreness of the Newport Saracens loss still in the air - training stepped up a gear and the squad physicality mind-frame followed. 

Still awaiting a few backline injury returns the   Strength in depth once again shone through with a new back three and the illustrious Michael wake starting at scrum half. The tried and tested combination of Andrew Deneen, Ben Walker and Rhys Powell took up 10, 12 and 13 respectfully. 

The pack consisted of the same consistent performers with captain Nathan Meyrick returning to his favoured hooker position looking to achieve his first league win as a starting captain.

From the first whistle the Pont pack showed its dominance with several driving line outs and solid scrum platforms which provided valuable gain line advantage for the backs. 

Flyhalf Andrew Deneen utilised the cannon ball Ben Walker to bust through the defence and the silky Rhys Powell was always there to support with an offload to support the direct running rugby Pont were striving for. 

Although leading 12-5 thanks to tries from centre partnership bensty, towards the end of the first half the game became a little scrappy; Pont deviated from the set game structure and silly mistakes penalised us which allowed the home team to stay within touching distance of the game.  Abersychan took advantage of this and continued to work short off the scrum half and tried to bump their way passed the gain line. 

Coach Neil Clarkey and maggsy had a few words to say halftime and the squad agreed it was time to step up a gear and gain the bonus point win. 

The second half consisted of Pont playing to their structure, carrying hard, tackling hard and running at space. Impact players Luke eatwell, Harri Miles and Pugsley added aggression to the pack and the backline saw the addition of Craig meader and Roy to the wings. 


Andrew Deneen shifted to scrum half and Tom Haddock slotted in at 10 and the pair worked together to speed the game up and tried to unleash the backline and add to the scoreboard. 
With the forwards Jay and Chris Price carrying hard and putting the defence on the back foot; Andrew Deneen was provided several opportunities to snipe and run at space and with Ben walker on the support a try soon followed. 
The backline looked sharp and saw Tom Haddock run the ball and use Rhys Powell to hit space which added further tries for both and the game started to open up. 

Forwards carried well and worked with the scrum half to get around the corner and pressure the defence. This tired the abersychan pack which provided a few penalties - one being quickly taken by backrower Joel parry and after a quick 10 yard dash the big man collapsed over for a try. 

Abersychan never gave up and we’re constantly trying to hit the gain line with some big ball carriers - number 8 standing out and soon found himself running down the wing from a scrum and landing over the try line for the home team. 

FULL TIME SCORE


Abersychan 12 : 41 Pontllanfraith

Try Rhys Powell 2
Try Ben Walker 3
Try Tom Haddock
Try Joel Parry
Conv Rhys Powell 2
Conv Andrew Deneen

Man of the match - rhys Powell

Dick of the day - Michael Wake



Pont are looking forward to the next challenge and welcome Cwmcarn RFC To war next Saturday. Come and support your team!! 

#F4L

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