DIVISION 3 WEST CENTRAL A
PONTYCYMER ............ 16 NANTYFFYLLON ........ 15
THE final league game of 2016 saw two evenly matched sides produce a real pre-Christmas cracker at Lawrence Park.
It was the home side’s outstanding defence that took the plaudits.
Pontycymer’s outside half Tom Davies opened the scoring with an early penalty. This was cancelled out by his opposite number Tadhg McGuckin. Pontycymer beefed up their pack by playing three props in the front row and this set up the perfect platform giving the Garw Valley outfit the lion’s share of possession. From a lineout in the famous “Tubb’s Corner”, flanker Nathan Silverthorne crashed over for the opening try. Back came Nanty again with a try by scrum half Jonny Phillips making it 8-8. Then right on half time came a carbon copy of the first try, another strong driving lineout resulted in flanker Silverthorne completing his try brace and at the interval Ponty led 13-8.
The visitors started the second half the stronger but the Green and Ambers were up to the task tackling like Trojans to keep Nanty at bay. Huge second half performances from the Lawrence Park outfit came from No 8 Rhys Hosey, winger Billy Bishop and replacement flanker Dylan Phillips. The Llynfi Valley side then took the lead for the first time with a try by Tyla Dawe converted by McGuckin. With four minutes left, Pontycymer were handed a penalty right on the halfway line. Up stepped Tom Davies who fired the ball over to take the spoils and round off a great day at the office for Ponty.
Next up for Pontycymer is the annual Boxing Day fixture when they welcome Llangeinor AFC to Lawrence Park, kick off 11am.