A controversial last minute converted try helped Caerphilly complete a deserved victory over Pontypool Utd at Virginia Park Sunday January 5.
The win was celebrated by the home side, their first against the visitors since joining League 3 East, and the only league match that survived the weather, a testament to the hard work performed on the ground by the club.
Pontypool enjoyed the majority of the first half as they dominated the set pieces, pushing the home side backwards and winning countless scrums and lineout’s against the head and constantly pushing the home side backwards.
A penalty by second row Josh Harris on nine minutes gave the visitors the lead, quickly followed with a try from Mark Parfitt and conversion from Harris as the centre broke through a gap in the Caerphilly defence to cross under the posts.
Caerphilly responded quickly with two penalties from outside half Luke Williams on 20 and 22 minutes respectively as the home side enjoyed some possession.
The half belonged to the visitors, however, as they closed out with a try in injury time, winger Matthew Power going over in the left corner after Caerphilly had capitulated in the scrum on the right of field, giving the visitors a strong lead of 15-6 at the interval.
Some stern talking by the coaches must have hit home for the young Caerphilly side as they dominated the second half, turning the tie on its head, reversing the wrongs of the first half and finally building platforms for the backs to run.
Caerphilly battered away at the Pontypool line, but the defence held firm for the whole 80 minutes.
With an additional five minutes added – courtesy of a mass brawl midway through the half, Caerphilly made their strike.
The Pontypool defence were under immense pressure and were forced to concede a series of penalties in injury time.
The referee finally lost patience and sent one of their replacements to the sin bin, and with a numbers advantage Caerphilly pounced.
Starting the move, number eight Gareth Davies made a move for the line from a five metre lineout. Held short, the side recycled towards centre field before switching back to the left, Davies on hand to go over at the corner flag.
Despite the protests of the Pontypool defence, the referee awarded the try and Luke Williams was left with a difficult touch line kick for victory.
The visitors charged hard but were unable to reach the kicker and the ball went over for a magnificent victory.
Caerphilly rest next week, returning to Virginia Park on the 18th as they welcome Croesyceiliog, the team just above them in the league.
• Report by Caerphilly RFC