CRANE HOISTS BLACK AND AMBERS TO TOP
NEWPORT .......................... 27 PONTYPRIDD ................... 11
NEWPORT coach Sam Hobbs was delighted after the Black and Ambers went top of the Premiership Cup eastern conference with victory over Pontypridd.
Scrum-half Luke Crane played a starring role with two tries for Hobbs’ men as they made it five wins from six games in the competition so far.
“It was a really tough contest and very physical. There was a big wind which had a big effect on the game. We struggled to get out of our half in the first half,” Hobbs said.
“When we had chances, we managed to take them and what’s pleasing at the moment is we’re managing to score tries in a variety of different ways. We have a lot of depth in the squad. We’re building quite nicely.”
Newport led 14-6 at the break at Spytty Park despite the wind being in Pontypridd’s favour.
Bradley Roderick made an impressive start for the visitors with some powerful running and carrying and Ben Burnell gave Pontypridd the lead with a penalty in the 16th minute.
But Newport hit back through Crane, who scored a terrific try with a darting run which left the away defence all at sea. Will Reed converted.
Burnell booted a second penalty in the 24th minute and Reed missed with a penalty attempt before Crane
made it two for the afternoon. This time he benefited from some slick passing from his back line, the move featuring one lovely reverse pass. Reed added the extras.
Burnell missed a penalty attempt to narrow Pontypridd’s gap before the break.
Referee Jason Bessant had to be replaced by one of his assistants for the start of the second half after pulling a muscle, and Pontypridd players had to fill in to cover the touchline.
Reed missed another kick at goal but he finally got his radar working to make it 17-6 and leave Pontypridd with it all to do in their search of a comeback.
The visitors needed to do something quickly and they did. Wing Dale Stuckey continued his season of fine form by sneaking into the corner after multiple phases of play.
Burnell missed the kick, and a penalty from Reed and a late converted try from Josh Skinner made the game safe for Newport.
NEWPORT: Tries: Luke Crane (2), Josh Skinner. Cons: Will Reed (3). Pens: Will Reed (2).
PONTYPRIDD: Try: Dale Stuckey. Pens: Ben Burnell (2).