By Zippy
September 27 2004

A review of this weekends games in the Welsh Premiership. Pontypridd made it 3 on the bounce against Ebbw Vale but Bridgend Ravens lost at Newport

Pontypridd 25  Ebbw Vale 17

From The Western Mail 27th Sep

PONTYPRIDD produced an inspired second-half to condemn Ebbw Vale to Sardis Road defeat.

Vale coach Chay Billen was happy when last week's conquerors of Llanelli led Pontypridd 17-9 at the break.

But they were shut out in the second period as Ponty cruised to an impressive triumph.

The second half was only a minute old when Richard Fussell pounced to score a superb try and when hooker Ben Phillips crossed with 15 minutes left, the home team were assured of victory.

The boot of the always reliable full-back Jason Pocock was crucial as he landed five penalties - three in the first half and two after the interval.

Vale had looked good when Steve Horner gave them the lead with a third-minute try which kicking ace Byron Hayward converted.

And Kuli Faletau got another try before the interval with Hayward again on target with the kick.

Hayward also landed a firsthalf penalty, but one of the secrets of the Pontypridd success was their excellent discipline which did not allow him many chances to kick at goal.

On the evidence of this display Pontypridd, who have now won three of their five matches and lie in sixth place in the table, will enjoy a relatively comfortable season.

But Vale will certainly need to make more of their opportunities if they are to climb the table from their present position just two places off the bottom.

Pontypridd		(9)25-17(17)		Ebbw Vale	FT
Tries: Fussel Phillips				Tries: Horner Faletau
				Cons: Hayward 2
Pens: Pocock 5				Pens: Hayward

Newport 40 Bridgend 17

By Simon Green

REIGNING champions Newport maintained their unbeaten record with a comfortable victory over a spirited Ravens team.

Both teams had chances to score early on with Gareth Chapman coming close for Newport.

But it was Bridgend who scored first in the tenth minute when a free kick was quickly taken by scrum-half Brendan Roach, and hooker Andrew Joy dived over in the corner .

Gareth David converted from the touchline to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.

Daniel Griffiths hit back with a penalty before Gareth David landed a penalty of his own to restore the seven point advantage.

The scoreline stayed 10-3 to Bridgend until the thirtieth minute, when Newport had an easy penalty right under the post but they decided to kick for touch and their endeavour was rewarded as hooker Kieran Crawford was driven over the line for an unconverted try.

But Bridgend looked as if they were going into the second half with a slender lead but former Celtic Warrior Nick Kelly scored under the post late on.

This was much to the annoyance of the Bridgend team who claimed the ball had been knocked on.

The Ravens had looked sharp in both defence and attack in the first half but failed to take advantage of the strong wind, and any hope of a surprise win evaporated early on in the second half after Newport open-side flanker Paul Williams claimed their third try.

Daniel Griffiths added the extra from the touchline and kicked two penalties in as many minutes to put his side 28-10 up.

Newport's day then got even better when centre Richard Payne charged down a sloppy kick from replacement fly-half Paul Smithton and won the race to the line to claim the Black and Ambers' fourth try.

Some woeful tackling from the Bridgend backs then led to wing Gareth Chapman going over for a superb solo score, and Daniel Griffiths kick put the home side on the 40-point mark.

With ten minutes to go Newport seemed certain to pile on a half century of points but Bridgend managed to hold them out and claimed a late and well-deserved try through prop Gareth Alexander. On this form Newport could well retain their title and while the scoreline flattered the home team they more than deserved the victory.

Wings Will Kershaw-Naylor and Gareth Chapman were excellent and their pack dominated the whole of the second half.

Chris Stephens will be hoping his young Ravens can tighten their defence with two tough games against Aberavon and Pontypridd coming up.

However, despite the heavy defeat, he can take some heart from the spirit shown from his young side and from the good displays by full-back Anthony Carter and hooker Andrew Joy, while flanker Dean Fitzgerald was a live wire and must surely claim a regional contract soon.

Newport		(15)40-17(10)		Bridgend	FT
Tries: Williams 2 Payne Chapman Evans				Tries: Joy Alexander
Cons: Griffiths 3				Cons: Smithson David
Pens: Griffiths 3				Pens: David

The Table

Bridgend and Ponty find themselves in the top half, but both will be feeling they could be doing better.

Camarthen????

Welsh Premiership September 27, 2004
		P	W	D	L	PTS
1	Newport	5	5	0	0	15
2	Carmarthen	5	5	0	0	15
3	Swansea	5	3	0	2	9
4	Neath	3	3	0	0	9
5	Cross Keys	3	3	0	0	9
6	Pontypridd	5	3	0	2	9
7	Bridgend	4	2	0	2	6
8	Newbridge	4	2	0	2	6
9	Cardiff	5	2	0	3	6
10	Llanelli	4	2	0	2	6
11	Aberavon	3	2	0	1	6
12	Bedwas	5	1	0	4	3
13	Llanharan	5	1	0	4	3
14	Pontypool	4	1	0	3	3
15	Ebbw Vale	4	1	0	3	3
16	Llandovery	5	1	0	4	3
17	Caerphilly	4	0	0	4	0

Travel News - Bridgend vs Pontypridd, Sat 2nd October