Burnell holds his nerve as Ponty snatch a thrilling win
A LAST-GASP long-range penalty from Ben Burnell denied RGC a famous win and got Pontypridd out of jail at Sardis Road.
The hosts were trailing with just seconds left, but up stepped the Wales Under-20s outside-half to land a monster penalty from halfway and secure victory for Pontypridd.
“It was a strange game,” said experienced Pontypridd openside Rhys Shellard.
“We’d go into the lead, but then give stupid points away.
“Simple mistakes let us down and we need to cut them out.
“Defence was optional for both sides at times and we got caught between two structures with boys drifting and jamming in.
“We knew Ben had the legs with his kicks and he stepped up to slot it over. He’s been a really good find for us this season.”
RGC came out of the blocks firing with Llan Evans touching down in the corner for a try which Danny Cross converted.
Ponty hit straight back when Dale Stuckey took advantage of a cross-kick from Burnell to score, but the visitors extended their lead with Sam Williams touching down from close range.
Burnell was yet again the architect for Pontypridd’s second try when he took a penalty quickly for Morgan Bosanko to score to give the hosts a 17-14 half-time lead.
Joe Miles was next to score for Pontypridd, but RGC hit straight back with a try from Dan Owen in the corner. Spectators just couldn’t take their eyes off this game with Morgan Bosanko smashing his way over from close range for Pontypridd’s bonuspoint try.
Pontypridd’s Lloyd Rowlands looked to have sealed the win with their fifth try, but RGC wouldn’t go away with Rhys Tudor hitting back with a score.
Ethan Fackrell and Williams touched down to put RGC ahead, but a Joe Davies try – and Burnell’s late heroics – secured victory for Pontypridd.
PONTYPRIDD – Tries – D Stuckey, M Bosanko (2), J Miles, L Rowlands, J Davies; Cons: B Burnell (2); Pens: B Burnell (2).
RGC 1404 – Tries: L Evans, S Williams (2), D Owen, R Tudor, E Fackrell; Cons: D Cross (4).