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Page 2 of 2 Konica Minolta Cup: Pontypridd 50 - 0 Narberth Bridgend out having lost to Neath 11-3, Unlucky Rhydyfelin exit 10-9 at the hands of Nant Conwy
From Ponty.net Pontypridd were bristling with attacking intent from the off, showing excellent handling skills in taking play right up to the visitors’ line. For all their early efforts, the home team failed to register a score, and were issued a warning as Narberth broke away on a counter offensive which required some last ditch tackles to stem its flow. Ponty struck back with serious intent, again showing faultless handling and support skills, allowing winger Chris Clayton to cut inside for a well taken try, the score converted by Dai Flanagan. Ponty were now in rampant mood, centre Gavin Dacey just hauled into touch short of scoring. An effective combination of angles in midfield between outside half Dai Flanagan and his centres Matthews and Dacey again allowed Ponty to cut loose, the beneficiary being Chris Clayton, crossing for a try out wide. A quickly taken tap penalty kept up Ponty’s momentum, once more relentless in their attacking endeavours. Some sublime handling skills kept the home team in forward gear, full back Morgan Stoddart scything in for a try, converted by Flanagan. Claiming clean line out possession, Ponty drove up to the visitors’ line, maintaining intense pressure, but just unable to push through for another score. A couple of uncharacteristic handling errors saw Ponty for once conceding ground, but their commitment in defence matching their ability in attack. Setting off on another offensive, Ponty forged a path down the flank, for winger Chris Clayton to claim his hat trick of tries, a wide angle conversion added by Dai Flanagan. Launching another forceful foray off the back of a scrum, Ponty set Morgan Stoddart up on a midfield break, his pass allowing winger Dan Hitchings to sprint clear for a try, rounding off a fine first half performance for the Valleys team, with a lead of 31 pts to nil to their credit. Andy Parkinson came out for the second half in place of Morgan Stoddart, with Dai Flanagan reverting to full back and Paul Matthews to outside half. A series of hard drives by the Ponty pack took them over the visitors’ line, a try claimed by prop Gerald Cox and converted by Dai Flanagan. A dramatic kick and chase up the flank saw home winger Dan Hitchings going desperately close to scoring, Ponty remaining totally dominant in a one sided encounter. The Valleys outfit were still totally committed to all out attack, a gallop by lock Chris Martenko taking them upfield, Dan Hitchings launching an opportunist chip and chase foray to claim a try, a slide rule conversion to follow from Flanagan. A triple substitution saw Ian Poley and Lee Evans coming on for Gerald Cox and Rhys Shellard , followed by Dafydd Lockyer in place of Dai Flanagan, and with Andy Parkinson slotting to full back. Despite all the changes made, Ponty remained dominant, but not the potent attacking force that they had been. A charge from Dafydd Lockyer saw the centre going close to scoring, but the ball recycled for back rowers Adam Powell and Nathan Strong to combine well, the latter crashing over for a try, Flanagan’s conversion attempt just rebounding off a post. Going into the final quarter of the game, another spate of substitutions saw Ben Phillips coming on for Leighton Davies, Grant Harrington for Nathan Strong and Wayne Evans for Gareth Jones. To their credit Narberth put in a big effort to compete the game, but hitting a brick wall of home defenders. With the odd injection of pace from the likes of Wayne Evans, and a phenomenal work rate shown by Ben Phillips, Chris Dicomidis and Chris Martenko, Ponty remained the dominant force as the cup tie wound down to a close. The final whistle blew on a good afternoon’s work for Pontypridd, cruising through to the next round of the Welsh Cup on the back of an emphatic 50 pts to 0 victory. Try Scorers: Chris Clayton (3), Morgan Stoddart, Dan Hitchings (2), Gerald Cox and Nathan Strong.
Dai Flanagan kicked five Conversions. Pontypridd: 15.Morgan Stoddart (Andy Parkinson.) 14.Chris Clayton. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Paul Matthews. 11.Daniel Hitchings. 10.Dai Flanagan (Dafydd Lockyer). 9.Gareth Jones (Wayne Evans). 1.Gerald Cox (Ian Poley) 2.Leighton Davies (Ben Phillips) 3.Scott Roberts. 4.Chris Martenko. 5.Chris Dicomidis. 6.Adam Powell. 7.Rhys Shellard (Lee Evans) 8.Nathan Strong – cpt. (Grant Harrington). “Golden Bob” man of the match – Chris Dicomidis
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