Pontllanfraith travelled to West Mon for the final league game of the season needing 1 point to secure promotion and 5 points to secure the Division 5 East league title. As they have done all season, the supporters filled the bus for the trip to Cwmbran.
With West Mon’s field out of action currently, the game was played at Girlings RFC, the same location where Pont sealed promotion out of division 6 back in the 2017/18 season.
Pont kicked off and immediately found themselves on the front foot with a series of penalties and lineouts 10 meters out. But a Pont infringement allowed the home side to clear their lines. Soon after it was West Mon that opened the scoring, Josh Meacham went down injured after being tackled near midfield, allowing the home side to break away and score. Pont lost another starting centre when Matthew Morgan was yellow carded when trying to thwart another dangerous West Mon counter-attack. Down to 14men, down on the scoreboard and with Meacham off injured, things were starting to get a bit nervy on the blue sideline.
The power of Ponts pack soon eased the nerves though as they started to turn the screw at the set piece. Firstly a push over scrum from 5 meters out allowed Captain Jake Bean to score Ponts opener, then a well drilled driving lineout maul saw hooker Kevin Price touch down to give Fraith the lead. Kev got on the score sheet for a second time just before half time, providing a good support line after a superb line break from Huw Meyrick.
Half Time: West Mon 7 – 19 Pontllanfraith
Rather fittingly, in was Lee Butcher who snagged Fraiths all important bonus point try. Lee was part of Fraith last league winning side back 20 years ago. Matthew Morgan (who’s father was also in that team 20 years ago), was having a huge game since returning from the yellow card, making meters with every carry, and with the bonus point secured Fraith opened up and put West Mon to the sword. Jake Bean added another couple of tries to complete his hat trick, Ieaun-Rhys Beal bagged a pair and Matthew “Klunk” Williams also crossed the whitewash.
Much credit has to be given to the home side. Having struggled all year, many teams wouldn’t have fulfilled the fixture. And even when they were given the option of the game ending early, they insisted on playing the full 80 and in particular, their front row put in a hell of a shift under tough conditions. Their efforts were rewarded with a consolation try near the end and they could've added a third if not for a heroic last ditch ankle tap tackle from Josh Morrill. Lewys Lippiet then rounded off the scoring after a good break from Rhys Collier.
Full Time: West Mon 12-60 Pontllanfraith
The bonus point win meant Pontllanfraith secured the Division 5 East title and promotion to division 4 next season. Once again, a massive thanks to the supporters for the whole campaign, the sideline has been blue week in, week out without fail.
Next up for Fraith, Tredegar Ironside in the cup, May 11th.
Processing