Pontllanfraith travelled down to Malpas for a league encounter. Despite Malpas’ winless start to the season, Malpas always provide a stern, physical test and this game was to be no different.
The first half started with an early score for the visiting team. From the Pont scrum 10 meters out, centre Matthew “Klunk” Williams brushed off the first tackler, evaded another two and scored under the posts. Malpas responded well, kicking a penalty to reduce the lead. With both sets of forwards engaged in a tough even battle, it was the Pont backs who proved to be the difference. Ieaun-Rhys Beal got outside the Malpas defence around midfield and sidestepped the last defended to cross for Pont’s second try. An improvised volleyball-esque pass from flanker Chris Kelly set the backs in motion again allowing Pont to get outside the home defence again, this time Andrew Deneen touched down for the score. Ianto added his third conversion to give Pont a comfortable half time lead.
HT: Malpas 3-21 Pontllanfraith
The second half was a much scrappier affair with both teams causing the referee to become irritable, brandishing yellow cards to the Malpas winger and Pont captain Nathan Meyrick. Two converted tries brought Malpas back into the game before winger James Clarke looked to have sealed the bonus point score for Pont, only for it to be ruled out for a forward pass. A moment of madness from a Malpas back rower during a maul saw him brandished a straight red card for deciding to throw (and land) a punch right in front of the referee. James Clarke did eventually get the bonus point try for Pont, earning himself a trip to A&E in the process. The home side finished the game with 13 men, as the winger earned himself a second yellow card shortly after returning from the first one.
FT: Malpas 17-26 Pontllanfraith
Next week Pont travel to Cwmcarn in the newly formed WRU Shield before returning to league action a week later against Hollybush.
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