PONTYPOOL again paid a heavy price for “switching off” immediately after the restart of a game and they crashed to a disappointing 30-12 defeat against ever-improving Pontypridd, writes Geoff Champion.

Hooker Leighton Jones and his men had put in a creditable performance against the wind to restrict the lively visitors to a 13-5 interval lead.

Hopes must have been high that Pooler could upset the form book as they turned around to play ‘down the slope’ in the second half.

Sadly, those hopes were blown away like the falling autumn leaves as Ponty hooker Rhys Williams pounced for a try after exploiting a Pooler lapse in concentration at the front of a lineout near their 22-metre line. Then strong centre Gavin Dacey cut the home defence to ribbons with a midfield burst to cross for his second try of the match.

In effect that was game, set and match to the Sardis Road men with 30 minutes of play still remaining.

Pooler’s agony was made worse by outside-half Dai Flanagan, who popped over three conversions and three penalties to ensure his side marched on to their fourth Principality Premiership win in a row in front of the S4C cameras.

But it was not all gloom and doom for Pontypool.

They have already shown this term that they are building a useful platform for future success at this higher level and they have a couple of young stars in the making in the shape of full back Tom Hancock and inside- half Tom Edwards.

Edwards crossed for a splendid 37th- minute try after bursting away from a ruck on a sharp solo run while Hancock, who also made a couple of telling breaks, capped a useful display by converting a late try by replacement No 8 Nicky Coughlin.

Two other home forwards to shine were flanker Cae Trayhern, who made his 150th appearance for Pooler in the previous match at Cross Keys, and big lock Dale Critchley.

Pontypool forwards coach Jared Lougher said after the match: “Pontypridd are a good side but we also had our moments in this game.

“We worked well and kept them under pressure in the first half.

“The key problem for us at present is that we are switching off at crucial times and we did it again against Ponty, conceding two quick tries after the interval.

“That said, I believe we are building nicely and, hopefully, if we continue to do that the results will come our way.”

Pontypridd senior coach Paul John said: “I’m very pleased we won and we played really well in the second half.

“Fair play to Pontypool, they showed great spirit throughout. It’s nice to see them back in the top division.”

Pontypool: T Hancock; W Kershaw-Naylor, D Robinson (P Price 6), D Phillips, N Preece; S Mills, T Edwards (C Morgan 68); J Jeune (A Williams 61), L Jones, capt. (M Dwyer 53), M Lewis, K Maiden (S Pailor 56), D Critchley, R Bowen (B Salt 61), C Trayhern and A Brake (N Coughlin 61).

Tries: T Edwards (37 mins) and N Coughlin (75 mins); con: T Hancock.

Pontypridd: M Hutchings; K Baller (L Price 70), G Dacey, A Thomas (M Davies 55), L Williams; D Flanagan, A Jenkins (R Downes 67); S Williams (O Cotton 40), R Williams (H Dowden 70), P Palmer, C Martenko (R Savage 40), G Harrington, G Lewis, W O’Connor and N Strong, capt. (K.Dacey 67).

Tries: G Dacey (22 and 48 mins) and R Williams (42 mins); pens: D Flanagan (2 , 40+4 and 56 mins); cons: D Flanagan (3).

Referee: Neil Ballard (Cardiff).