Pontypool 29 Lllanharan 9

JASON Strange was undoubtedly the hero for Pontypool last night as he kicked 19 points inspiring Pooler to victory over Llanharan last night.

The result at Pontypool Park brings to an end the Torfaen side's dismal two-match losing streak, keeping them in the hunt for the prize of promotion to the Welsh/Scottish league.

Strange is on a dual-registration contract with Pontypool and Gwent rivals Newport - and his impact on the struggling side was immediate.

The Wales A star was given the go-ahead by Black and Ambers coach Ian McIntosh to play for Pooler in place of injured Byron Hayward.

In a game that will never be remembered for its quality of backline attacks, the stand-in fly-half used his deadly boot to kick Pontypool into an early 15-0 lead.

Strange was at the heart of the first try, which ended in wing David Manley touching down.

Llanharan did attack with a series of breaks themselves, but Pooler's dogged defence meant they could only muster three points from the boot of full back Chris John for a half time score of 22-3.

Llanharan missed with a number of penalty opportunities in the second period, but when they finally broke into the Pooler 22 they scored a deserved try through lock Ben Thomas.

The score did inspire Llanharan, but Pooler were about to have the final say with a well executed try by substitute Mike Powell.

Swift and patient forward movement allowed Powell to cross the line with ease to wrap up the game.