Match Report Taibach 18 Ponty 15

🏉 MATCH REPORT | TAIBACH v PONTRHYDYFEN

A performance full of heart, determination and plenty of positives, but one that leaves us wondering what might have been.

Ponty showed huge character from the opening whistle, defending with immense heart against a strong Taibach side. The hosts took an early 6–0 lead through two penalties, but we responded in style when Kurtis Davies finished a well-worked move out wide to get us right back into the contest.

As the first half developed, our systems really started to click. We continually created space out wide and began putting Taibach under sustained pressure. The hosts conceded penalty after penalty as Ponty pushed forward, and could perhaps count themselves fortunate not to see a yellow card.

The pressure eventually told late in the half, with Lee Britton crossing for the try to send us into the break with a deserved 10–6 lead.

The second half didn't start the way we wanted. Kurtis Davies was shown a yellow card for foul play, and Taibach took full advantage of the extra man, scoring two tries during the period to turn the game around.

But this Ponty side refused to go away.

The final 20 minutes belonged to Pontrhydyfen. We piled on the pressure and Tom Frost powered over with a huge carry to reduce the deficit to just three points.

Then came the moment that could have won it.

With only five minutes remaining, Freddie Seagrave powered through the Taibach defence and suddenly the winning score looked on. He found centre partner Ruben, but the final pass couldn't quite be gathered and the opportunity was gone.

That moment summed up a game of incredibly fine margins.

The result may not have gone our way, but there was so much to take from the performance. The defensive effort, attacking shape, determination and togetherness were there throughout. On another day, we come away with the win.

Heads up. We build from this. 🖤💛

#UPPABONT 🏉🖤💛