This evening's matches were played in excellent conditions following a week of unsettled weather. Both sides were eager to spread the ball wide in two extremely engaging games of rugby.
This evening's matches were played in excellent conditions following a week of unsettled weather. Both sides were eager to spread the ball wide in two extremely engaging games of rugby.
This evening’s matches were played in excellent conditions following a week of unsettled weather. Both sides were eager to spread the ball wide in two extremely engaging games of rugby.
Pontypridd B 7 Cardiff B 38
Cardiff’s strength in depth was evident as the visitors took control from the outset. Jacob Hurley combined well with Charles Griffiths at half back in order to orchestrate wave after wave of attack and although the Pontypridd defence was resilient, it could not hold out for long. Tries from Max Thomas, Tyler Healin and James O’Discoll were the pick of the bunch. Special mention must go to the Cardiff front row of John Woodward, Owen Harvey and skipper Harry Gale for their excellent work rate; the three creating a formidable front row unit.
When Hurley left the field injured it was Max Thomas who picked up the tempo yet again. He, along with Connor Nagle, Callum Brown and Connor Loddo, showed their class with ball in hand.
Morgan Lovett and James Bartlett were the unsung heroes in providing much turnover ball and they were always in support, in their pivotal role between forwards and backs.
Hats off to a Pontypridd team who never gave in. The young half back pairing, blind side flanker and right wing (who scored a very well taken interception) were always looking for an opportunity to counter attack, but they were just not able to finish any moves on the night.
Man of the Match– Although the full Cardiff side must take credit for an excellent display it was Soloman Hutchings who was outstanding in both attack and defence.
Pontypridd A 0 Cardiff A 28
The score line did not do the home side justice as the majority of scores came in the second half once squad changes had been made. The two sides were eager to spread the ball wide following good forward work, where both packs provided a solid platform. Pontypridd were effective in picking and driving, but they were well marshalled by an aggressive Cardiff defence.
Pontypridd were camped in the Cardiff half for around 10 minutes having retained possession well, but following a knock on and ensuing scrum, the away side were able to make good ground through hard running centres Jake Hillman and Ioan Davies, to set up wing Deio Hughes for the opening score. Again Pontypridd rallied well, only to see a loose pass find the other Cardiff wing, Alex Morgan, who ran in from a distance, taking his try well. Half time saw the teams turn around at nil – 12.
Despite an effective defence for the first couple of minutes of the new half, it was Cardiff who began to assert themselves. The front five of Jack Watkins, Joseph Melhuish, Nathan Crothers, Osian Rogers and Lewis Jameson were in an abrasive and unselfish mood, ensuring good quality ball to their backs.
Although the impressive Pontypridd outside half tried at every opportunity to break the gain line, he was unable to breach the Cardiff defence and cracks in his own defence began to appear. Cardiff turned the screw and a further excellent team performance saw them gain a well deserved victory.
Man of the Match– Sam Brinkley for a superb defensive display, organising his backs so well and for his counter attacking ability.
Next game - Cardiff v Llwchwr – Saturday 16th October 2010