The Wales U20 outside half has been playing for Cardiff in the Indigo Premiership this season, which switched allegiance in the cup to return to Ponty’s ranks and inspire a victory that carried them into the final four – and a possible semi-final clash with Cardiff.
For Aberavon it was a fourth straight defeat in all competitions and stopped them from trying to return to the final to avenge their defat by Newport at Principality Stadium last season.
“It was a game we needed to win. After having a good run in the cup last season we felt we had unfinished business,” admitted a disappointed Wizards coach, Jason Hyatt.
After a slow start to the game, Pontypridd began to assert their dominance on an Aberavon side low on confidence. Ben Burnell was pulling the strings at fly half and almost helped the hosts to the game’s first points of the game finding Aled Ward, who was unable to keep hold of the ball.
The Valley Commando’s pressure did pay off eventually, when Burnell’s neatly struck penalty from 40 metres sailed through the posts. The Ponty half–backs controlled the game well, while.
The visitors were punishing any mistake and as half time approached, Burnell was able to add a second penalty, doubling the Ponty lead.
It had been a terrific first half for Pontypridd and it got even better when Dale Stuckey was able to finish off a lovely move in the corner. Burnell, whose pass had set up the try, added the extras, giving Ponty a comfortable 13-0 lead at the break.
The Wizards started the second half well, building through their forwards, and Joe Thomas was able to break and send Chris Banfield racing to the try line. Rhys Jones’ failed to add the conversion.
Pontypridd hit back immediately with another Burnell penalty and then added a fourth with just just five minutes left on the clock. Then Stuckey struck again with a stunning 60 metre interception try to secure a semi-final spot in the Premiership Cup.
Scorers: Aberavon: Try: C Banfield. Pontypridd: Tries: D Stuckey 2; Con: B Burnell; Pens: B Burnell 4
