A win for Pooler (From Free Press Series)

A win for Pooler

PONTYPOOL RFC gave their hopes of avoiding Welsh Premier Division relegation a massive boost with a tremendous win over depleted champions Newport at Pontypool Park.

They totally dominated the game through a dynamic pack and the only surprise was that they did not win by more and left it until the 70th minute before getting in front.

They trailed 14-0 after 30 minutes, Newport scoring tries on their only two visits into the Pontypool 22.

But a Mills penalty and then a break which put centre Neil Lewis over gave Pontypool fresh heart, and 12 minutes into the second half they drove a maul 12 metres for flanker Dean Gibbs to score.

Pontypool pulled back to 14-8 at the interval and the second half Newport hardly passed the halfway line as they were put under constant pressure. Newport flanker Will Waldron was yellow carded for illegally stopping a quick penalty ten minutes from time and Pooler again piled on the pressure. A minute before Waldron returned, Pacific Island centre Duane Luki burst through for the winning try which replacement outside-half Andy Egford converted.

"It was a massive win. We totally dominated," said Pontypool backs coach Nigel Callard. "It would have been a travesty had we lost but we now have to carry this forward into the second half of the season."

It was Pooler fourth win of the season and Newport's fifth defeat, the victory ensuring Pontypool stay out of the bottom three.