Pontllanfraith travelled up the valley to face Beaufort with both sides looking for their first league win to kick start their seasons. However due to injuries and other commitments, Pont travelled with a much changed squad due to nineteen unavailable players of which included eight of the side that started the season against Rogerstone.
Beaufort got the game underway with a kickoff that didn’t go 10 meters, from the resulting scrum, scrum half Matthew Davis made a good break before off loading to Mark Counsell to take the ball deep into Beaufort territory. A few phases later Andrew Deneen crossed the tryline. Unfortunately, he was both held up and injured during the play. With Deneen off to hospital for stitches below the eye and no backs on the bench, veteran Hooker Martyn Caniff stepped up to play outside half. The opening try for Pont did come from the resulting scrum, with Mark Counsell touching the ball down after Pont drove the home side back over their own try line. Beaufort then reduced the lead with a penalty mid way through the first half before a strong line break and offload from Jeff Williams set up Jonathan Jones to score from close range.
HT: Beaufort 3-12 Pontllanfraith
The second half began with Jonny adding his second try with a beautiful weaving run from 40 yards off first phase ball. Ceri Garder slotted the difficult conversion to put Pont 3 scores up. Pont never really threatened to score a 4th try and claim a bonus point as Beaufort finished the game strongly. Their efforts were eventually rewarded when they scored their first try of the game with 10 minutes to go. Beaufort continued to pressure Pont, but a crucial interception from Bleddyn Williams and turnover from Kevin Price helped Pont close out the game.
FT: Beaufort 10-19 Pontllanfraith
With Rhayader dropping out of the league, Pontllanfraith have no game next weekend, so preparation will begin for the journey to Malpas in two weeks time.
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