Ystrad Rhondda 39-26 Pontypridd – Match Report

It was Ystrad Rhondda who claimed the bragging rights from this keenly contested valleys derby, withstanding a second half rally from Pontypridd to secure a well earned bonus point victory.

Ystrad stunned their opponents with a quickfire start, scoring two converted tries within the first four minutes, scrum half Keian Richards first darting over within sixty seconds then winger Kurtis Williams rounding off an initial chip and chase attack, outside half Rhys Truelove improving both scores. Ponty regrouped to apply concerted pressure through a series of close range drives, no8 Joe Miles burrowing over for a try which was well converted by Jacob Symes.

Any attempts by the visitors to maintain momentum came to nothing with Ystrad showing the way by instigating dynamic wide attacks, centre Logan Hutchings claiming a corner flag touchdown from one such foray. The main weapon in Ponty’s armoury was a strong scrum, gaining penalty awards and applying concerted pressure, their persistence finally reaping a reward as hooker Rob Jones finished off a line-out drive with a try, converted from a wide angle by Symes.

Ystrad were emphatic in their response, again showing an ability to put width to their attacks, winger Cavan Davies crossing in the corner, quickly followed by a second touchdown for centre Logan Hutchings who sniped in under the posts, his try converted by Truelove. Ponty meanwhile were unable to turn the screw on their hosts, often guilty of handling and kicking errors and yielding the momentum to Ystrad, who finished the first half the stronger, turning pressure into points through a Rhys Truelove penalty in front of the posts.

HALF TIME – Ystrad Rhondda 34-14 Pontypridd

The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession as play resumed, favouring the ploy of line-out drives with the backs joining in on one occasion to put hooker Rob Jones over for a second try, with Symes’ conversion rebounding off an upright. The contest was close fought, if sometimes scrappy with handling errors prevalent. Ponty were at least able to rely on a solid scrum yet unable to make the most of that set-piece platform. A wide counter by scrum half Lucus Welch and winger Sam Talbot was called back for a foot in touch, before Ystrad scrum half Keian Richards responded with a sniping run, neither side at this stage able to manufacture a breakthrough despite their best efforts.

Indeed, going into its final quarter the contest seemed to be at a stalemate with a series of re-set scrums and injury delays killing its momentum. As Ystrad went down to fourteen men following a yellow card shown to winger Cavan Davies, Ponty played through multiple phases, keeping play up in their opponents twenty-two but up against a resolute home defence. Pressure finally paid off as the ball was moved wide with lock Kristian Parker on hand to score, his try converted from a wide angle by Symes. Ystrad however were in no mood to capitulate, full back Alex Webber making an initial midfield break with Keian Richards in support to claim a crucial try. The clock was running down against Ponty’s efforts to salvage a result, and despite Ystrad prop Leon Moore being sent to the sin-bin, the home defence held firm deep in their own territory then claimed a turnover to clear their lines and celebrate their derby victory.

FULL TIME – Ystrad Rhondda 39-26 Pontypridd (26/4/2025)

Match report – Guto Davies

PONTYPRIDD –

15.Dale Stuckey. 14.Sam Talbot (Josh Jackson). 13.Stuart Floyd-Ellis. 12.Garyn Smith. 11.Louis Rochefort-Shugar. 10.Jacob Symes (Rhodri Smith). 9.Lucus Welch (Joel Raikes).

1.Ben Stephens (Ben Drew). 2.Rob Jones (Garyn Daniel). 3.Morgan Bosanko (Kian Mattravers). 4.Mitch Barnard. 5.Niall Moore (Ethan Evans / Rhys Emmott). 6.Kristian Parker. 7.Cally James (c). 8.Joe Miles.

Subs: 16.Kian Mattravers. 17.Ben Drew. 18.Garyn Daniel. 19.Ethan Evans. 20.Rhys Emmott. 21.Joel Raikes. 22.Rhodri Smith. 23.Josh Jackson.

Scorers:

Tries: Joe Miles; Rob Jones x 2; Kristian Parker

Cons: Jacob Symes x 3

YSTRAD RHONDDA –

15.Alex Webber. 14.Kurtis Williams. 13.Logan Hutchings. 12.Cole Morgan. 11.Cavan Davies. 10.Rhys Truelove (Lewis Williams). 9.Keian Richards.

1.Tom Stacey (Leon Moore). 2.Liam Wiggins. 3.David Webb (Nathan English). 4.Morgan Burgess. 5.Rhys Dauncey (Lloyd Matthews). 6.Jack Rees. 7.Jarrad Llewellyn (c). 8.Kelly Jones.

Subs: 16.Leon Moore. 17.Charlie Manship. 18. Nathan English. 19.Lloyd Matthews. 20.Mason Roderick. 21.Lloyd Dennett. 22.Lewis Williams. 23.Ryan Evans.

Scorers:

Tries: Keian Richards x 2; Kurtis Williams; Logan Hutchings x 2; Cavan Davies

Cons:  Rhys Truelove x 3

Pen: Rhys Truelove

Yellow Cards: Cavan Davies, Leon Moore

Referee: Cai Lewis

Assistant Referee/Third Official: Neil Perkins

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