Newport took the spoils in tough derby

Pontypool welcomed old adversaries Newport to Pontypool Park on a very wet Friday evening in the Super Rygbi Cymru with both clubs having an inconsistent first three months of the season, writes Ray Ruddick. In difficult conditions, with rain falling for most of the match, Newport finished the stronger and sealed the win to gain the bragging rights in this derby.

Before the game started, a minute’s applause was held in memory of former Newport and Wales captain Mike ‘Spikey’ Watkins who had passed away earlier in the week, aged 73. Everyone at Pontypool RFC sends their sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to ‘Spikey’s’ family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.

Pontypool kicked off attacking the scoreboard end of the ground. In the 8^th minute Pontypool were awarded a penalty inside Newport’s half and decided to kick to the corner. From the ensuing driving line-out flanker Scott Matthews scored a try about 10 metres in from the corner. Outside half and captain Kieran Meek slotted a fine conversion (7-0). Newport were putting the Pooler defence under some pressure with play inside the home 22 and in the 14^th minute that pressure told when flanker Hunter Ward scored a try, 5 metres in from the left corner. Outside half Jac Lloyd kicked a good conversion (7-7).

Eight minutes later play was outside Newport’s 22 and a great break by loose head prop Jake Wisniewski. He then offloaded to the supporting Kieran Meek who glided over for a try under the posts, and he duly converted to put the home side back in front (14-7). With around 15 minutes to go to the interval, Pooler were penalised for handling in a ruck in the shadows of their posts and Jac Lloyd slotted the kick to reduce the deficit to four points. There was no further scoring and at the break, the score was Pontypool 14 Newport 10.

Six minutes after the restart the Black and Ambers were penalised inside their 22 near their pots and Kieran Meek extended his side’s advantage to seven points with a successful shot at goal (17-10). In the 53^rd minute again Newport put Pooler under pressure inside the home 22. A cross kick to the left corner was gathered by left wing Noah Morgan who crossed for a try near the flag. Again, Jac Lloyd slotted the conversion with a good kick to bring the scores level again (17-17). Pontypool flanker Callum Davies was shown the yellow card for an offence leading up to the try. In the 66^th minute Pooler made a couple of changes in the back row with Ryan Jones taking over from Callum Davies and Morgan Allen was replaced by Evan Minto.

Soon after Newport took the lead as replacement hooker Wade Langley wriggled out of a tackle deep inside Pooler’s 22 and crossed for a try, 10 metres in from the right corner. Jac Lloyd added the extras (17-24). Pooler made more changes with Owen Popple replacing tight head prop Kelvyn Williams and Lloyd Riley taking over from second row Ieuan Jones. With just under 3 minutes remaining Pooler were caught offside on their 22 to the right of the posts and Jac Lloyd made sure of a Newport victory with a successful shot at goal, which took away Pooler’s losing bonus point (17-27). Harri Ford, George Tuckley and Evan Wood were late replacements for centre Pat Lewis, Jake Wisniewski and hooker Anuerin James respectively. Although Pontypool rallied at the end it was too late, despite being awarded a penalty inside Newport’s 22 with an opportunity to take three points and gain a losing bonus point, they turned it down and nothing came of it so Newport claimed a hard-fought victory, despite having former Pooler winger Lloyd Lewis yellow carded as the clock went over the 80 minutes. Final score – Pontypool 17 Newport 27.

Considering the poor conditions, both sides contributed to a decent game. Newport seemed to have turned the corner and are starting to be more consistent. They have now recorded their fourth win in a row having started the league season with five straight defeats, so congratulations to the Black and Ambers on their deserved win at soaking wet Pontypool Park. For Pontypool, it was a frustrating evening, having started quite well, they seemed to have struggled towards the end as their opponents gained momentum. Game management needs to be addressed, and discipline again was not good as needless penalties were given away. Pontypool’s next match is next Friday evening when they make the trip to Broadacre, home of Dunvant RFC to face Swansea, as St Helen’s is being re-developed. Kick off will be at 7.30pm.

Pontypool: Carrick McDonough, Ioan Duggan, Pat Lewis (replaced by Harri Ford), Joel Mahoney, Marcus Jones, Kieran Meek (captain), Morgan Lloyd, Jake Wisniewski (replaced by George Tuckley), Aneurin James (replaced by Evan Wood), Kelvyn Williams (replaced by Owen Popple), Joe Davies, Ieuan Jones (replaced by Lloyd Riley), Scott Matthews, Callum Davies (replaced by Ryan Jones) and Morgan Allen (replaced by Evan Minto).

Newport: Carwyn Penny, Lloyd Lewis, Chay Foster-Smith, Harrison James (replaced by Joe Salter), Noah Morgan, Jac Lloyd, Dafydd Buckland (replaced by Lucas Welsh), Harry Fry (replaced by Tom Workman), Henry Palmer (replaced by Wade Langley), Garin Harris (replaced by Ollie Drake), Josh Skinner, Cerrig Smith, Josh Reid (replaced by Kyle Tayler), Hunter Ward (replaced by Kobi Rees) and Ben Roach (captain).