Brave Borderers bow out to Ponty (From Western Telegraph)

Brave Borderers bow out to Ponty

Rugby - Konica Minolta Welsh Cup Fourth Round Whitland 10 Pontypridd 12

Whitland bowed out of the Welsh Cup as they lost narrowly to Pontypridd, but not before the Premier Division outfit had been pushed all the way by the battling Borderers.

Indeed, Whitland were good value for a 10-0 lead as the match entered its final quarter and a large crowd watched them play well on a pitch that was eminently playable.

Jonathan Boot, from Lydstep Gardening Maintenance Service, had rolled it and vastly improved the playing surface after the previous week's cancellation.

But Pontypridd struck with two tries in as many minutes from winger Richard Fussell, who had served notice of intent just six minutes earlier as he looked sure to score but was hauled down on the line by Gavin Morris.

But good work up front by Dale McIntosh and Chris Montenko allowed Ponty to gain a foothold from which Fussell sped to the line after 61 minutes to halve the deficit - and add an even better try after 63 minutes as he raced clear from half way and Jason Pocock slotted the conversion to nudge Ponty ahead.

Matches between these sides are traditionally hard fought. Ponty won by dint of being the away side after a 7-7 draw and won 18-6 on the other occasion the teams met - yet it looked as if Whitland might take the honours this time.

They raced into a seven-point lead after only three minutes and were deservedly 10-0 ahead at the break with their forwards refusing to budge an inch against big opponents.

The Borderers' try came from a close-range scrum where outstanding No 8 Randall Williams picked up and drove, with prop Gareth Williams perfectly placed to pouch possession and be driven through for a try which fly half Eifion Roberts converted.

Williams, Aperaamo Tauialo and Richard Smith did a superb job of anchoring the scrums and new lock Rawhiti Williams, from Northlands (New Zealand), played his first game alongside Carwyn Davies.

The pair fought hard in the lineouts and good work by John Bowen; Randall Williams and skipper Phil Morgan allowed the Borderers to gain a foothold from which full back Gavin Morris slotted a neat drop goal after 27 minutes.

The second half was just as evenly contested and with Andrew Jenkins, Morris, Lee Glanville and Barry John all covering well there was no further scoring until Fussell struck with his deadly double.

But even then the home side battled on.

They tried to release wingers Jack Tremlett and Will Davies. But neither side was able to break the deadlock with another score and Whitland bowed out of the competition - although they certainly provided proof that if they do gain promotion to the Premier Division next season they can battle at that level.

Whitland were sponsored by Meurig James, Pengawse, Whitland, and Waterline Ltd.

The team sponsors were Whitland Cricket Club and JB Building Services, Whitland. The match ball sponsors were Mark Evans, Livestock Haulier, Bancyfelin; Post Office Boys; Janet Thomas and Liz Griffin; Brian and Iris Harries (in memory of Jackie Bach); Viv Stephens Ltd; Paul Rogers, Allen and Partners Veterinary Surgeons.

Whitland: Gavin Morris; Will Davies; Lee Glanville; Barry John; Jack Tremlett; Eifion Roberts; Andrew Jenkins; Gareth Williams (Romeo Colella); Aperaamo Tauialo; Richard Smith (Aled Harries); Rawita Williams; Carwyn Davies; John Bowen (Johnny Koloi); Phil Morgan (Capt); Randall Williams. Replacements (not used): Luke Marsh; Dafydd Lewis; Jason Evans; Gareth Davies.