Pontllanfraith made the journey to Newport Fugitives club to kick off the 2019/20 Division 3 East C campaign against a strong Rogerstone side.
Pont started strongly with much of the opening possession and territory, however it was the home side that opened the scoring when their flyhalf made a clean break from around the half way line and finished superbly under the posts. Pont hit back quickly, good work from the forwards in the opponents 22 saw number 8 Jake Bean score. Andrew Deneen added the extras to level the scores. Once again the Rogerstone flyhalf proved to be the catalyst for another try for the home side. A beautifully weighted cross field kick put the Rogerstone backs in space and they capitalised to retake the lead. Pont once again responded well, but a driving maul from the lineout was held up over the try line.
Just before half time Pont suffered a trio of injuries. Tighthead Jay Williams who’d been carrying superbly limped off with an ankle injury, then Pont lost Dean Gregg to concussion and Martin Rush to a torn hamstring in the same play. Rush’s final act was to win a penalty and following a lengthy delay, Ieuan-Rhys Beal attempted a long penalty which was off target.
Half Time: Rogerstone 12-7 Pontllanfraith
Pont spent the first 15 minutes of the second half deep in Rogerstones territory. Jeff Williams powered over from 5 meters out to level the scores and Pont turned down a couple of opportunities to kick penalties in favour of going for the corner.
Then came the turning point. Hands in the ruck from Rogerstone resulted in a penalty for the home side. However, the travelling supporters were left furious as the player didn’t appear to on his feet and believe the penalty should’ve gone the other way resulting in an easy 3 points. Rogerstone cleared their lines and went down the other end to score a decisive try.
With substitutes made in Rogerstone pack, the home sides front 5 began to get the upper hand in the scrum and the final quarter saw Rogerstone dominate territory and they put the game to bed with a penalty kick, putting the game out of reach of Pont.
Final Score: Rogerstone 22-12 Pontllanfraith.
In a physical encounter, both sides suffered injuries and we’d like to wish a speedy recovery to the injured players on both teams. Pont can take plenty of postivies from the game, Rogerstone will certainly be candidates for promotion this year.
Pontllanfraith host Crumlin next week in a local derby, with both teams looking for their first wins of the league campaign.
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