As the game kicked off Ponty immediately went on the offensive. Owen Jenkins and Rhys Shellard each made breaks through the London Scottish defence but fell short of the try line.
Simon Humberstone put the first points on the scoreboard in the 8th minute when Pontypridd were awarded a penalty due to scrum infringements by the visitors.
London Scottish soon brought the score level when they were also awarded a penalty from the scrum in the 11th minute. Full-back Peter Lydon kicked for the three points.
Pontypridd responded with a sustained assault on the London Scottish defence. The constant pressure showed as the Exiles began to concede penalties. At 13 minutes Simon Humberstone kicked a penalty and brought Ponty back ahead. A strong performance in the set pieces also worked in Ponty’s favour, as Owen Sheppeard scored from a line out drive in the 16th minute. The try was converted by Humberstone.
London Scottish staged a counter attack, but were held back by a consistent Pontypridd defence. Several line-out drives were prevented from crossing the try line before captain James Phillips managed to score 25 minutes into the game. Lydon converted the try, after which the pace of the game was slowed by discipline issues disrupting play.
When the whistle blew at half-time the score remained 13-10 to Ponty, accurately depicting a close half with the home team having a slight edge over their opponents.
Both teams remained unchanged as the second half began, however referee Mark Connelly was replaced by first Touch Judge Chris Williams due to injury. Another official was provided by the visiting team.
Ponty immediately put more points on the scoreboard as Humberstone scored another penalty at 41 minutes. The home team searched out more points as Chris Clayton went for a try but slid into touch. The Valley Commandos were rewarded for their persistence in the 54th minute with a try from Owen Jenkins, which was then converted by Humberstone.
Pontypridd had another chance at the try line, but Dafydd Lockyer and Owen Sheppeard narrowly missed out on the five points. The pace of the game then slowed, as minor injuries and replacements interrupted play.
However, as the game came to a close London Scottish increased the momentum. Despite the home side’s best efforts to keep them at bay, Connor Braid grounded a kick into the goal area to earn the visitors five points.
Lydon made the conversion, earning the visitors a well-deserved losing bonus point and bringing the game to a close at 23-17.
