Pontllanfraith hosted West Mon in a league fixture at a soggy Welfare ground. The Pontypool based opponents had enjoyed a good start to the season picking up impressive wins over Hollybush and Rogerstone, but Pont put in their most complete performance of the year to pick up the bonus point win.
West Mon started poorly by being offside at the opening kick off. This enabled Pont to get into the visitors territory and force a penalty. The boys in blue opted for the kick to the corner and a well worked driving lineout saw Jarrad Hook cross for the opening try. Pontllanfraith dominated territory thanks to a strong set piece, winning their own ball comfortably and constantly disrupting their opponents. The pressure turned into more points when second row Luke Eatwell powered over from the base of a ruck. Ieuan-Rhys Beal who’d drilled both conversions, then missed a difficult Penalty chance to further increase Pont’s lead.
Shortly before half time, West Mon made a promising break down the flank, but outside half Simon Skinner produced a big hit to knock the opposition winger into touch. Unfortunately, Skinner dislocated his shoulder in the process which ended his day prematurely.
HT: Pontllanfraith 14-0 West Mon
Skinners injury meant a welcome return to action from the bench for Tom Haddock. Tom has missed most of the season with a knee injury and made an immediate impact from full back beating numerous defenders on a kick return, putting West Mon immediately on the back foot. A few phases later Ieaun-Rhys Beal was hurtling down the wing before unselfishly passing to winger Karabo Peachey to score Pont’s third try. Captain Nathan Meyrick scored his first try of the season to secure the bonus point try. Then a fifth try followed for No 8 Jake Bean from a pushover scrum.
Following some big carries from their loosehead prop who’d had a superb game. West Mon finished strongly with a try late on after bombarding the Pont line for the final 10 minutes.
FT: Pontllanfraith 31-7 West Mon
The win sees Pontllanfraith move into the top half of the table for the first time this season. Next week Pont host Penybanc next week in round 2 of the WRU shield before travelling to league leaders Bettws the following week for a rearranged fixture.
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