Wyatt relieved as Ponty win ‘classic’ derby
GARETH Wyatt hailed Pontypridd’s late 20-18 win over Cardiff as a derby “classic” as the Valley Commandos finished second in the Principality Premiership’s East Conference.
Cardiff were heading for a famous victory with just minutes to go but Ceri Sweeney kicked a last-minute penalty to ensure Ponty snatched the win.
“It could have gone either way and we are fortunate it has gone our way,” said Ponty assistant coach Wyatt.
“We played a lot in the middle third and didn’t make a dent in their defence. They defended really well.
“In hindsight maybe we could have kicked in behind them a little more but they looked threatening when they had the ball.
“They had a really strong scrum, which gave them a good foothold at time.
“In fairness to our boys they put a lot in and hopefully they can go off and enjoy Christmas now. From a derby point of view it was a classic.
“A tremendous crowd turned up, which added to the occasion.”
Llywarch ap Myrddin’s converted try gave the Blue and Blacks an early lead but three penalties from former Cardiff fly-half Diggy Bird put Ponty in control.
Alex Webber’s seventh try of the season extended Ponty’s lead but Jim Botham hit back in the finale seconds of the first half.
Two Gareth Thompson penalties in the second half, either side of a Sweeney kick, saw Cardiff close in on victory until Sweeney’s late heroics.
But the victory was only enough for them to take seven points through to the next phase of the season with Merthyr coming from behind to beat Bargoed 33-23 to take top spot.
Rhys Downes was at the double while Alex Howman, Josh Martin and Craig Locke also darted over. Matthew Jarvis added three conversions with Richard Powell kicking the other.
Ashley Norton and Ieuan Jones got the Bargoed tries while Calum Jones kicked 13 points.
And Ebbw Vale picked up a rare victory, beating Bedwas 33-17.
Dorian Jones kicked a superb 18 points with Dai Langdon, twice, and Dan Haymond going over.
A late Scott Matthews try helped Cross Keys to a 32-24 derby victory over Newport.
Meanwhile, in their final West Conference clash, Bridgend lost 24-10 to RGC.