Bridgend started brightly scoring a try within the first two minutes after Ponty spilled the ball behind their own twenty two and allowed Bridgend to pick up and drive. Ponty failed to score after applying pressure from a good restart, but eventually lost possession and found themselves pinned back in their own half for the rest of the half. Several decisions went against Ponty that saw the forwards getting frustrated, but it was good back play and excellent movement of the ball that saw Bridgend score three more tries before the break. The forwards were driven off the ball throughout the half, with the score kept down by excellent defending by Joel Raikes, Liam Williams and Dale Hughes amongst the backs. Half time score 24-0.

Following some positional changes and substitutes, the second half saw a rejuvenated Pontypridd side and the game remained an even contest for a good fifteen minutes with neither team managing to break down the other. It was only late in the half that Bridgend’s sharper passing and movement resulted in three more tries that was harsh on what was a good Pontypridd defensive effort. But by this time the Pontypridd players were struggling with fitness after a long period of having tackled their hearts out. Evident in Pontypridd’s second half defensive effort were the forwards, particularly Gareth Cleaver, Nathan Payne, Alex Knowles and Ben Larsen. Bridgend Athletic were deserved winners, being the much more disciplined and inventive team, but the score does not reflect the team effort put in by Pontypridd particularly in the second half. Though the first half was reminiscent of the Ystrad game, the second half saw a determination, along with a team effort that was pleasing to the coaches and bodes well for future development. Full time score 43 - 0.

Preece Removals Man of the Match: Liam Williams

Team: 1. Will Thomas, 2. Jordan Jevons, 3. Johnathan Griffin, 4. Michael Connor, 5. Gareth Cleaver, 6. Steffan Jenkins, 7. Nathan Payne, 8. Alex Knowles, 9. Chris Jones, 10. Joel Raikes, 12. Dale Hughes, 13. Liam Williams, 14. Morgan Rees, 11. Mickey Jones, 15. Garin Rossiter.

Subs: Joshua Whiles-Pritchard, Oliver Dalley, Oliver Bailey, Dan Williams and Ben Larsen.

Sponsors: Preece Removals Pontypridd and Tonyrefail Upholstery