Ashley Sweet was delighted to mark his 50th Pontypool appearance with a victory over Cardiff.
Pooler hadn’t won since the last game of 2023 but second-row Sweet was full of praise for his teammates as they battled hard to complete a league double over their capital city opponents.
Sweet joined Pontypool in the summer of 2021 after leaving Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale and was integral in last season’s unbeaten league and cup double-winning season.
The lock has touched down 12 times during his half-century of appearances, winning 41 games.
But the latest victory coinciding with a big milestone has ensured this game will live long in the memory.
The Blue and Blacks, sporting a red and black kit, got things up and running at Pontypool Park when winger Dewi Cross touched down.
Matthew Jarvis hit back with a penalty before Scott Matthews sent Morgan Lloyd over the whitewash. Jarvis added the extras.
Harrison James struck a penalty before the break to keep Cardiff within touching distance.
The second half was an evenly contested battle but a second Jarvis penalty gave Pooler a bit of breathing space before Peter Lloyd sealed the win in the latter stages, although Cardiff salvaged a losing bonus point thanks to Cross’ second try of the afternoon in the dying seconds.
“I am extremely proud to hit 50 at my age,” explained Sweet.
“I’m a Pontypool boy and it means an awful lot to get to that milestone and the boys put a shift in to get a win as well so it’s one I’ll remember.
“We knew we needed to get back on the horse and put a performance in first of all and with performances, results will come and that showed today.
“We had a good run of form before Christmas and we’ve hit a sticky patch but it hasn’t been down to a lack of endeavour or want from the boys.
“We’re always within touching distance of teams and there has just been a turning point or a few errors.
“So it’s pleasing to see, in those conditions, that we stuck together and got the result.”
The squad came into this game on the back of a two-week break and they now face the same wait before reigning champions Llandovery visit Pontypool on Friday 8th March, with the S4C cameras also visiting.
“At my age it is probably a good thing,” Sweet said of the break.
“It gives us time to work on a few things and get bodies back and build from there.
“We know we want to expand our game and the break gives us an opportunity to do so.
“Llandovery are a good side and they showed that against us up there.
“But this time it’s at the Park and anything can happen.
“It’s easier going off the back of a win and there are things to work on as well but we’ll take the positives.”
