PONTY SHOW CLASS AHEAD OF DERBY DAY
A FIRST-HALF brace from Joel Raikes ensured resurgent Pontypridd notched up a fourth win in a row to get in perfect shape for their big Christmas derby with Cardiff at the Arms Park this weekend.
Raikes’ brace was accompanied by tries from Ryan Wilkins and Aled Ward, with Arthur Lennon and Pedr Jones scoring for the North Walians.
The bonus point added to Ponty’s joy, while Ceri Jones and his side headed home with nothing.
“We talked about keeping the momentum rolling after three wins and we were delighted to make it four on the bounce,” said Ponty lock Macauley Cook.
“The bonus point, and stopping them from getting anything, was another positive.
“That will help us going into a big game at the Arms Park against Cardiff.
“We got a draw against them at
PONTYPRIDD .................... 29 RGC ..................................... 17 the start of the season, but we know how dominant they have been in recent years. It will be an interesting game.
“We know they will be strong, especially at home.
“We owe Ebbw Vale one after the start of the season.
“We aren’t happy where we are in the league and we want to push on and keep on winning games.
“We’ve improved our defence. We have worked hard on it in training and we are working hard for each other and the collisions are much better. If we can keep teams out we have attacking players who can score tries.”
Ponty opened the scoring through Raikes following neat offloads from No 8 Joe Miles and openside flanker Sion Parry. The visitors replied a few minutes later as fly-half Lennon pounced on an error from his opposite number Joe Scrivens.
Raikes crossed for his second try after a break from full-back Josh Phillips. The driving maul was in use for the third try before the scrum-half passed to centre Ryan Wilkins, who crossed in the corner as the hosts led 19-7 at the interval.
RGC started the second half with a penalty from Sam Earl-Jones before blindside flanker Ward sealed the bonus point following sustained pressure.
There was a second try for the visitors with replacement prop Jones scoring from close range. Home full-back Phillips then kicked a penalty to seal victory for the hosts.
Pontypridd – Tries: J Raikes (2), R Wilkins, A Ward; Cons: J Phillips (3); Pen: J Phillips. RGC – Tries: A Lennon, P Jones;