Ponty hang on for victory

JAMES Davies had the chance to be the hero for Swansea with a last-gasp conversion, but saw his attempt to improve half-back partner Owen Thomas’ second try of the game drift narrowly wide.

That meant Pontypridd got out of jail at the death and were able to leave St Helen’s with a single-point victory, 25-24, to make it four wins in the row. It also allowed them to move up three places into fourth in the Indigo Group Premiership table.

Ponty drew first blood with a try after Cally James had stolen the ball and quick hands created space for Jac Davies to cross. James Davies was quick to respond with a penalty for the home side, but the power of the Ponty pack told when Joe Miles was able to pick up at a five metre scrum and crash over.

Indiscipline then let down the visitors as James Davies landed three more penalties to make it 12-12, but Ieuan Morris went over for a third Ponty to put them back in front from a line-out. Dale Stuckey added the extras.

A scrum penalty for the home side saw Thomas make the most of a quick tap and go and his try was converted by James Davies to level things up once again at 19-19. It was nip and tuck all the way through, although when Tom Northy was shown the yellow card at the scrum it gave Ponty an opening.

Jake Lloyd kicked a long-range penalty and then added a second when the White strayed off side at a ruck. Then came Thomas’ last gasp score than gave Davies the chance to become the hero, but his aim wasn’t good enough and Ponty held on.

The game between Ebbw Vale and Bridgend at Eugene Cross Park was postponed due to front-row issues at the Ravens.

A statement from Bridgend said: “By mutual agreement of both clubs, the game at Ebbw Vale was postponed on health and safety grounds following frontrow unavailability at the Ravens. Bridgend have been left with no fit tight-head props, with all options exhausted with injuries and positive Covid cases hampering the Ravens’ selection.

“Bridgend are thankful to our local partner clubs, the Ospreys and our fellow Premiership clubs for their efforts in sourcing permit players to help fulfil the fixture. We’d like to thank Ebbw Vale for their understanding and we will announce a rearranged date for the fixture in due course.”