You had to go back four years to 25 March, 2017 for the last time the Gwent giants had lost a league game. That was a 30-22 defeat at Cardiff Met – the only loss they suffered that season.
Since then they had put together a run of 64 successive wins, but still came up short in a game of a mere four penalties in Neath. It was the first game involving Pontypool where neither side scored a try since 31 March, 2009, when Pooler beat Newport 12-9 at Pontypool Park.
Having opened the campaign with a convincing 42-3 victory over Maesteg Quins at Pontypool Park a fortnight ago, Pooler were aiming to send out a strong statement against one of their major title rivals.
The Welsh All Blacks, celebrating their 150th anniversary, also made a winning start with a 30-22 victory over Narberth. But everyone knew that what happened at The Gnoll was going to determine the destiny of the title.
Steff Williams delivered a kicking masterclass for the home side that saw the reigning champions’ unbeaten run brought to an end. Williams landed a penalty in the third minute to edge his side in front.
The home side’s task was made all the harder when they lost loose-head prop Jack Powell to the sin-bin 10 minutes later, but Pontypool failed to capitalise on the extra man. Neath then lost No 8 Dai Griggs to another yellow card and this time Kieran Meek equalised half an hour in.
On the stroke of half-time Williams kicked Neath back in front and then it was a case of the home defence standing firm as the Pooler forwards clattered into them looking for a point of weakness. Then a third Williams penalty made it 9-3 and the black wall stood firm to the end.
Beddau were beaten 23-0 at home by Cardiff Met, who raced into a 15 point lead in the first half. The students added a third try after the break, but couldn’t manage the bonus-point as they made it a hat-trick over the home side.
Cross Keys bounced back from their opening league defeat with a 22-16 home win over struggling Ystrad Rhondda. Chris Johnsey opened the scoring for keys with a try, but by the break the visitors led 13-12.
Rhys Truelove’s trusty boot added a penalty to two earlier tries for Ystrad to edge them in front and he added a second penalty after the break. But Keys came storming back into the contest and after Adam Tetley kicked a penalty a penalty try clinched it in the end.
Bargoed’s 38-18 win at Bedwas ensured they picked up a second bonus-point victory to keep them a point clear of Cardiff Met at the top of the table. The visitors scored six tries.
