Pontllanfraith hosted local rivals Hollybush in the final home fixture of the season. The Bush and Fraith have found themselves in the same division for 7 of the last 8 seasons and every encounter is always a tight, hard fought, and physical affair. Pont are looking to avenge last years defeat at home to the Bush. Coach Neil Clarke made just 3 changes to the side that defeated Abersychan, with top try scorer Ieaun Beal unavailable, the versatile Josh Morill switched to full back and Matthew “Dunnin” Davies made his first start at hooker following some impressive cameos from the bench.
Hollybush kicked off and after Pont knocked on, Hollybush had a scrum on Pont’s 22. After a few phases Hollybush were awarded a penalty straight in front of the posts which their second row Geraint Conlon slotted to give the visitors an early lead. Pont responded well with some big carries from Matthew Morgan setting the tone. Fraith were rewarded for their territory with two kickable penalties and the reliable left boot of Andrew Colwill slotted them both to give Pont the 6-3 advantage. A poor clearance from Hollybush gave Pont an opportunity to counter attack and some good hands from flankers Nathan Meyrick and Richie Meyrick-Parker allowed their fellow back rower Jake Bean to slide over in the corner for the opening try. Captain Bean soon doubled his try tally after driving over from close range after some good lineout work from the Fraith forwards. Hollybush ended the half strongly, with a series of lineouts deep in Pont’s 22. But the blue line defended resolutely up until the half time whistle.
HT: Pontllanfraith 18-3 Hollybush
The heavens opened after the break and the large contingent of supporters headed for the shelter of the grandstand. On the field with conditions worsening, the second half was a more scrappy affair. A quick lineout on halfway from Hollybush saw them trundle deep into Pont’s territory. Hollybush bombarded Fraith’s A and B channels for numerous phases, with Pont’s defense holding strong with some superb tackling from prop Tom Hamer and replacement backrow Matthew “Klunk” Williams. Eventually Hollybush decided to spin to ball wide and were rewarded with a try in the corner for Ben Nash. Pont finished the game the stronger of the two teams though, but the solid Hollybush defence thwarted anymore Pont tries. Andrew Colwill put the game to be with a late penalty to give Pont their 6th win of the season.
FT: Pontllanfraith 21-8 Hollybush
The victory means Pontllanfraith will finish the league campaign with a perfect record at home and now face four consecutive away trips to finish the season as Pont look to secure promotion. Next up in two weeks a trip to Abersychan.
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