Pontypridd too good for Bridgend
April 19, 2002

Pontypridd are still well and truly in contention for a place in the top five of the Welsh-Scottish Premier Division and the Heineken European Cup after a convincing 32-13 win over visitors Bridgend.

This was another clash where rampant Ponty were on top at all phases in another display of pride and passion.

The home side took the lead after five minutes with a gem of a try from outside half Ceri Sweeney after skilful handling from Sonny Parker, talented youngster Matthew Muthall making his first start.

With more pressure Brett Davey increased Ponty's lead with penalties from 40 and 22 metres.

Bridgend cut the deficit on a rare visit upfield with a touchline 40-metre kick through outside-half Craig Warlow.

But the home side piled on the pressure and Parker broke clear after a Jonathan Bryant charge to put Sweeney over under the post - Davey converting to give his side an 18-3 interval advantage.

After the break play was scrappy for some time as both sides battled hard to take control.

Ponty suffered a blow in the 52nd minute when flanker Richard Parks was sin-binned for a persistent infringement.

But within minutes Sardis Road was set alight when Muthall broke clear from his own 22 to leave the Bridgend defence helpless with a change of direction to put Paul John over near the post. Davey again converted.

In the closing stages Bridgend cut the deficit with a try from hooker Gareth Williams but Ponty responded quickly with a converted try from Davey.

Near the end Bridgend had a late touchdown from Shawn Van Rensburg - but Ponty finished convincing winners.

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