Pontypool add sorry Cardiff to their Cup collection

PONTYPOOL beat Llanelli in the last round and the Championship leaders added the scalp of another Principality Premiership side to their collection as they put Cardiff to the sword in the second half to claim a fine win.

Trailing 19-17 at the break at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, Pontypool, who had former Tonga international Sione Tuipulotu in fine form, gave their army of fans plenty to shout and sing about as they won the second half 19-13 to send the home side’s miserable season into further freefall.

Everyone knew this was going to be a banana skin for Luke Ford’s men.

They had won only once in their last ten competitive matches, and had lost six of their last seven games at home, but they more than met their match in the power-packed Pooler.

The first half was nip and tuck as Gareth Thompson grabbed all 19 points for the home side with four penalties, the last in the seventh minute of added time at the end of the opening 40 minutes, a try and a conversion.

An interception try from Nathan Brooks sent Pontypool on their way and Josh Hurley also squeezed in at the corner.

Former Wales outside half Matthew Jones converted both and kicked a penalty to cut the gap to two points at the break.

It didn’t take long, though, for the visitors to assert their authority after the re-start and a Clatyon Gullis try gave them a lead they would never surrender.

Jones ended up with 23 points, Rob Nash added a third try and there was no way back for the Blue & Blacks. Star man Sione Tuipulotu - Pontypool