Llanharan 23 Pontypool 17

PONTYPOOL RFC travelled to the Dairy Field to take on bottom of the table Llanharan and were beaten by a better side on Saturday, writes Ray Ruddick. The Llanharan players seemed to want it more than the visitors and lack-lustre Pooler came home with a losing bonus point.

Llanharan kicked off defending the clubhouse end of the ground on a very heavy pitch. The Dairymen were caught offside in midfield, 30 metres from their line and visiting full back Clayton Gullis kicked the penalty to put Pooler into an early lead (3-0). Llanharan were putting pressure on Pooler near the visitors’ line. The ball went left for full back Rhys Morgan to cross for a try which was converted by outside half Geraint Llewellyn (3-7).

Pooler were penalised for going off their feet just outside their 22, 15 metres in from touch and the successful kick at goal by Llewellyn stretched the home side’s advantage (3-10). Several phases later, tight head prop Garin Harris pirouetted over for an unconverted try so Pooler went into the break trailing by 2 points (8-10).

At the start of the second period, Matthew Prosser replaced loose head prop Keegan Bale and Jamie Edwards came on for Harris. Early in the half Pooler won a penalty for offside in the home 22 and Gullis slotted the kick at goal to put the visitors ahead (11-10). Llanharan went on the attack and Pooler were caught offside on their 22 to the left of the posts. Llewellyn stepped up and put the Dairymen back in front with a successful kick at goal (11-13).

Harry Davies, Llanharan’s left wing was shown the yellow card for being blatantly offside near his posts and Gullis put over the resulting penalty (14-13). Pooler were then penalised for offside in midfield, 30 metres from their line but Llewellyn was wide with his attempt at goal.

Llanharan lost the ball on the attack in Pooler’s half. The visitors kicked ahead and Pooler’s captain for the day Rob Nash was obstructed on Llanharan’s 22 to the right of the posts and Gullis put Pontypool further ahead with another penalty goal (17-13).

From a loose kick out of defence by Pontypool, Rhys Morgan gathered and counter attacked which ended in flanker Dafi Davies going over for a try to the right of the posts, which was converted by Llewellyn (17-20). Shortly after, Pooler were penalised for obstruction on their 10 metre line, 15 metres in from touch on Llanharan’s right and Llewellyn sealed a fine win for the home side with a well-timed kick near the end of the game. Final score – Llanharan 23 Pontypool 17.

Llanharan secured only their second and well deserved league victory of the season. Pontypool’s indiscipline and wayward kicking contributed to their downfall. There appeared to be little cohesion in the Pooler ranks and they must work hard during the next week to put these things right for the visit of Tondu at Pontypool Park next Saturday. Kick off is 2.30pm.

Pontypool: Clayton Gullis, Chris Laing, Marc Thorley, Sam Mills, Rhodri Usher (replaced by Ashley Norton), Tom Hancock, Aaron Quick, Keegan Bale (replaced by Matthew Prosser), Jamie Jeune, Garin Harris (replaced by Jamie Edwards), Jordan Williams, Josh Porter (replaced by Tom Organ), Elliott Goodman (replaced by Richard Bromley), Rob Nash (captain), Matthew Thomas.

Pontypool scorers: Try by Garin Harris. Penalties by Clayton Gullis (4).

Llanharan scorers: Tries by Rhys Morgan and Dafi Davies. Conversions by Geraint Llewellyn (2). Penalties by Geraint Llewellyn (3).

Referee: Mr David Cambourne (Nelson)