By Zippy
September 24 2004

For a match report on the Ponty - Camarthen game and a preview of Bridgend and Pontypridd's games in this weeks Welsh Premiership read on

Pontypridd 0 Camarthen 23(from IC Wales)

PONTYPRIDD'S Premiership ambitions took another backward step as they went down to early league pacesetters Carmarthen Quins.

Eager to overcome a narrow defeat away to arch rivals Cardiff in their first game, they failed miserably to secure a much-needed win.

It's premature to say there is a crisis at Sardis Road but failure to score a try in their first two games will be a major worry for coach Simon King.

For the Quins, the whole side stepped up to the plate and proved their dominance with another enterprising and skilful display to avenge a controversial injury-time penalty defeat last January.

For Quins' backs coach Anthony Dragone it was sweet revenge. "We had the right attitude and the defence was awesome. Team spirit is unbelievable and everything is coming together," he said.

"Competition for places is keen and this will benefit us throughout the season. It was a great achievement to shut them out completely."

The pain for the Sardis Road outfit was inflicted by prop Ben Grace and his pack. Veteran lock Paul Arnold used all his international experience to show the youngsters how to win line-out ball and steal turnovers in the loose.

The forward platform provided the backs with plenty of good ball and it was used superbly by man of the match Aled Thomas. The 19-year-old revelled in the space to run the show. He was the creative influence oozing class as he contributed 18 points.

Thomas kicked two first-half penalties but Paul John was denied a good try as referee Phil Connett over-ruled his touch judge.

The vital score came in the opening exchanges of the second half. The Quins took a scrum against the head and No 8 Stuart Jenkins combined with scrum-half Wayne Evans to send Thomas in for a try.

In the last minute of the game replacement centre Emyr Jones crashed over for his 93rd league career try

Caerphilly vs Pontypridd

Virginia Park, Caerphilly KO 1915

Wednesday 15th September

A must win game for Ponty who have yet to score a try during this seasons Premiership Campaign.

Llanharan vs Bridgend

Dairy Field, Llanharan KO 1915

Wednesday 15th September

An interesting fact about the Dairy Field, it was where the film "Up and Under" was filmed!!!!

Travel Info

Please could anyone wishing to travel to Llanharan on the supporters' bus on Wednesday 15th September contact Simon Green ASAP. We leave the Brewery Field at 6pm (Kick Off 7:15pm) and return 30-mins after the game. The price has not yet been fixed, as this depends on the numbers travelling, but it will be a maximum of £5 for Adults and £2.50 for Juniors.

Many of you have decided to drive, but this may not be a good idea as parking at the Dairyfield is not great and a big crowd is expected.

To book seats, please phone Simon Green on 07719 889364.