PONTY EXIT BIG STAGE IN SOME STYLE
PONTYPRIDD player-coach Garyn Smith paid tribute to his team after they signed off from the Indigo Premiership with a dramatic late win in Colwyn Bay.
It was likely to be Ponty’s last trip to Parc Eirias for some time, with their decision not to apply for a licence to join the Elite Domestic Competition meaning a visit to RGC will not be in their fixture list next season.
The Sardis Road club will instead be playing their rugby in the new 13team community Premiership alongside Merthyr, one of Neath or Cardiff and the top five teams from this season’s Admiral Championship East and West divisions.
Trailing 27-17 as the match entered the closing stages, two tries in as many minutes – first from inside centre Ryan Wilkins, converted by Joe Scrivens, and then replacement Curtis Greenslade – snatched victory and gave Pontypridd’s travelling support something to celebrate.
Smith, who partnered Wilkins in the centre, has been doubling up as backs coach since the beginning of March alongside head coach Chris Dicomidis and forwards coach Kristian Parker.
Having been appointed initially on an interim basis, all three have now been confirmed in their roles permanently.
Pontypridd have won four out of five matches under the guidance of the trio.
“The boys’ efforts to keep them out in the dying moments was outstanding,” said Smith after the win over RGC. “We were really up against it, but we managed to grind it out in the end.
“Our forwards were outstanding in the second half and a couple of driving line-outs got us over the line.
“I can’t thank the boys enough for their efforts over the past six weeks since we’ve stepped in.
“They’ve been outstanding and really bought in and made the job easy. We haven’t really changed anything, we’ve just tried to give the boys a bit of freedom and clarity on what we’re trying to do.
“There are a few boys moving on at the end of the season, so it’s been great to enjoy each other’s company for one last time.”
Right wing Liam Lloyd put Pontypridd ahead after seven minutes with the try unconverted.
RGC responded with a penalty from Sam Earl-Jones, who then converted prop Gareth Parry’s closerange try. But it was the visitors with their noses in front 12-10 at the break thanks to the first of Wilkins’ two tries. Ben Burnell added the extras.
The hosts hit back again after the restart. Earl-Jones kicked his second penalty to nudge RGC back in front before right wing Rhys Tudor scored their second try, again converted by Earl-Jones.
Flanker Sion Parry scored a third
Pontypridd try on 55 minutes but moments later RGC skipper Afon Bagshaw was over again at the other end, converted by Earl-Jones.
But Ponty would not be denied and went on to snatch it thanks to the efforts of Wilkins and Greenslade.
RGC – Tries: G Parry, R Tudor, A Bagshaw; Cons: S Earl-Jones (3), Pens: S Earl-Jones (2). PONTYPRIDD – Tries: R Wilkins (2), S Parry, L Lloyd, C Greenslade; Cons: B Burnell, J Scrivens.