Pontypool paid the perfect tribute to their former front row legend Tony ‘Charlie’ Faulkner as they made it a dozen wins without defeat in the Admiral Championship with a 54-23 home win over Narberth.
The loose head member of the world renowned ‘Pontypool Front Row’ died on Thursday and there was a minute’s applause before kick off at Pontypool Park and he home side also black arm bands as fans remembered their former hero.
It means the stage is now set for the biggest game of the season this weekend in the Championship when Neath host table-topping Pooler. Both teams warmed up for the main event with big wins – Neath triumphing 39-10 over Ystalyfera at The Gnoll.
There were eight tries in all for Pontypool, and full back Matthew Jarvis helped himself to 15 points as he scored one of them and kicked five conversions. Other tries came from Deon Smith, Pat Lewis, skipper Scott Matthews, Mike Herbert, Garin Price, Amosa Nova and Mike Powell.
Pooler currently lead Neath by seven points having won all 12 games to date. They will be chasing a double over the Welsh All Blacks when they meet next week.
As for Neath, three tries in each half were enough to see them overcome a spirited Ystalyfera side. That got them back on track after they suffered a 21-18 defeat at Bargoed.
Former Wales wing Aled Brew, playing at full back, was among the try scorers for Neath, along with wing Louis Rees, hooker Sion Crocker, prop Gareth Lloyd, flanker Elis Hopkins and No8 Morgan Kneath. Steff Williams kicked two conversions and a penalty, while replacement Rhys Harris added a conversion.
The Ystalyfera tries were scored by prop James Williams and second row Glenn Owens as the visitors played their full part in an entertaining affair.
Maesteg Quins made it three games without defeat as they beat Tata Steel 52-15. Brandon Huntley scored two of their seven tries and ended with 17 points in the match. Andrew Healy, Jakob Williams, Alex Griffiths and Morgan Williams grabbed the other tries and there was also a penalty try.Fourth placed Cardiff Met picked up an impressive 24-19 victory at Trebanos in a game of six tries, three to each side.
Bedwas went to Glamorgan Wanderers and picked up five points as they notched five tries in a 46-17 win. Wing Aaron Billingham scored a hat-trick
