02 Aberavon V Pontypridd - League Game 4th April 2009

Jamie Davies inspires Pontypridd victory
Apr 5 2009 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

Aberavon 21-17 Pontypridd


ABERAVON just edged a splendid game thanks to the golden boot of fly-half Jamie Davies.

Pontypridd scored 3-1 on tries, yet Aberavon were far more dangerous behind the scrum and Davies outkicked his opposite number Gareth McCarthy.

There was a shock start as wing Lewis Williams charged down Marc Bennetts kick to score and McCarthy converted, but Aberavon levelled when wing Richard Thomas intercepted and Davies converted. A Davies penalty put the Wizards ahead only for the outstanding Ponty captain, No 8 Nathan Strong, to force his way over for a 12-10 lead.

Davies gave Aberavon back the lead with a penalty, and after 50 minutes Pontypridd again led as Williams nipped in to take a bounce that eluded Bennett on the home line.

Davies landed a penalty on the hour and seven minutes later put Aberavon in front for the final time after Grant Harrington became the second Ponty player to be yellow-carded.

Ponty came out with a great effort but Aberavon drove back downfield led by Richard Morris. Sustained pressure saw scrum-half Andrew Jenkins offside and Davies kicked the penalty.

Aberavon: Try R Thomas; Con J Davies; Pens J Davies (5)

Pontypridd: Tries L Williams (2), N Strong; Con G McCarthy.



Jamie Davies has the edge

Apr 6 2009 by Anthony Woolford, Western Mail

A SPLENDID game saw Pontypridd lead 3-1 on tries, yet Aberavon looked smarter behind the scrum.

In the end it was the six goals from as many shots by outstanding home fly-half Jamie Davies that gave his side the win.

Pontys cause was not helped by the yellow cards to scrum-half Andrew Jenkins and lock replacement Grant Harrington, especially the latter at a crucial stage.

Dale McIntosh, in charge of Ponty, said: You cant win with two yellow cards and Jamie punished us for indiscipline.

Aberavon backs coach Nicky Lloyd commented: I am absolutely delighted with the win and the way we played. We could have turned it in, behind and against the wind.

But the effort was magnificent and, though the backs did well, I was elated at the efforts of our pack.

Head coach Simon King nodded his approval against his old club, stating: That was a really good win for us. It was a very good game.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Pontypridd
• RFC
• Ponty
• Rugby
• Wales
• Aberavon
• Nathan
• Strong
• Paul
• John
• Dale
• Mcintosh