DIVISION 3 WEST CENTRAL A

PONTYCYMER ............. 0 BIRCHGROVE ............. 34

PONTYCYMER welcomed table-topping unbeaten Birchgrove to Lawrence Park, for their first fixture of the New Year, and the final score line flattered the promotion pushers.

It was Birchgrove that drew first blood with a try on the 10-minute mark.

The rest of the half was a game of cat and mouse with the Pontycymer pack well and truly to the fore, gaining the upper hand at scrum time.

Huge first-half performances for the Green and Ambers came from prop Jimmy Benbow, hooker Owen Whittingham, lock Zack James and back row stars Scott Hampton and Rhys Hosey.

On the stroke of half-time the visitors scored a converted try, making it 12-0 at the interval.

The second half started well for Birchgrove with another try, and it was not till about 12 minutes to go, that Ponty gift wrapped a few late tries for the visitors.

The Lawrence Park outfit were well served by classy pivot Ieuan Evans, centres Steve Lacey and Bridgend Blue Bulls rugby league star Gareth Howells and replacement wing Dave Upton.

Pontycymer’s man of the match award went to Scott Hampton for his barnstorming runs up the centre of the field.

On Saturday Pontycymer travel to Ynysymaerdy Road to face Britton Ferry.