Banfield penalty ends Ponty’s unbeaten start

ABERAVON ended Pontypridd’s perfect league record with a battling victory.

The lead changed hands numerous times in an entertaining first half that sparked into action in the fourth minute with Shaun Pearce’s try for the hosts.

Pontypridd responded well through winger Alex Webber and Dale Stuckey added the conversions to give the visitors the lead.

The Wizards dominated possession and territory and went back ahead through Sam Williams, who showed his strength to hold off a number of challenges before touching down.

However, Ponty hit back again, against the run of play, with try-scorer Webber turning provider to set-up fly-half Ceri Sweeney.

Ponty tightened up at the back and Aberavon couldn’t find a way through, despite seeing almost all of the ball.

And as the clock ticked down to half time, the Commandos started to dictate.

But they were given a taste of their own medicine as sloppy play handed the ball back to the Wizards and they produced a dazzling team move to put Matthew Jenkins on the scoresheet. Chris Banfield added the conversion.

Flanker Morgan Sieniawski put Ponty back in control shortly after the break but Ieuan Davies hit back to hand Aberavon a bonus point.

And in the dying seconds the result was confirmed thanks to a Banfield penalty.