Pontypridd 61-12 Cilfynydd – Match Report

A local derby in the summer sunshine was on the cards for Pontypridd in a friendly match which proved to be feisty and frenetic throughout, with the Valley Commandos running out as worthy victors by 61pts to 12.

A strong scrum gave Ponty an early platform to attack, playing through numerous phases to send centre Owen Parry sniping over for a try which outside half Jaydan Pugh converted. Cilfynydd strove to strike back but were too often penalised, allowing Ponty to respond with a flowing foray, both wingers combining as George Thorrington fed a scoring pass to Iwan Griffith, with Pugh again adding the conversion. On the heels of a hard driving forward unit Ponty continued to advance until a brief fracas broke out amongst the forwards, home hooker Dylan Kelly then going close to scoring before a water break was called, to cool the bodies and the tempers.

As play resumed Ponty took advantage of another power scrum as no8 Ethan Evans crossed from close range, his try converted by Pugh. Following a lengthy injury break Cil finally got in on the act, applying concerted pressure before back rower Sam Ashman barged his way over to score. The contest was by now more evenly contested, albeit interrupted by handling errors and injuries, before home centre Owen Parry crossed the whitewash but held up in the act of scoring. Ponty however persisted in attack, flanker Iestyn Harris forging a half break with prop Tom Fry up in support to touch down, the conversion by Pugh sending Ponty in at the interval leading by 28pts to 5.

HALF TIME: Pontypridd 28-5 Cilfynydd

The home side soon picked up where they had left off, picking up the pace of play for centre Owen Parry to cruise in for his second try, Jaydan Pugh maintaining his 100% record with the boot as he converted. Tempers were still simmering with no quarter given or asked, but Ponty forging further ahead as replacement Joe Davies raced clear on an interception to score, the try converted by Jack Griffiths. Stealing opposition line-out ball, Ponty were able to counter, keeping on top against spirited opponents before another hot weather water break.

A sweeping move with winger Joe Davies again to the fore allowed Ponty to send scrum half Joel Raikes over for another try, converted by Griffiths. Reflecting their never-say-die attitude Cil were next to apply pressure, hooker Grant Jones charging over with scrum half Kieran Gough adding the extras. Joe Davies then set off on a barnstorming run  to put Oli Shepherd over for a try which Jack Griffiths converted and it was again that man Davies on the wing who rounded off a stunning cameo performance, leaving the entire Cilfynydd defence in his wake to claim a final try of the afternoon. Both sides came together in a brawl that was terminated as the referee blew his final whistle, Ponty having posted an emphatic victory by 61pts to 12 from a full blooded encounter.

FULL TIME: Pontypridd 61-12 Cilfynydd (16/8/2025)

Match report – Guto Davies

Pontypridd:

15.Jack Griffiths. 14.Iwan Griffith. 13.Owen Parry. 12.Rhys Conquer. 11.George Thorrington (Joe Davies). 10.Jaydan Pugh (Oli Shepherd). 9.Lloyd Dennett (Joel Raikes).

1.Tom Fry (Luc Morrish). 2.Dylan Kelly (Connah Hughes). 3.Dan Cotterell (Kian Mattravers). 4.Mitch Barnard (Ieuan Davies). 5.Niall Moore (Iolo Howe). 6.Ben Bora (Evren Ozilben). 7.Iestyn Harris (Freddie Rickards). 8.Ethan Evans (Ben Bora).

Tries: Owen Parry (5, 44); Iwan Griffiths (10); Ethan Evans (21); Tom Fry (33); Joe Davies (51, 73); Joel Raikes (64); Oli Shepherd (74)

Cons: Jaydan Pugh (6, 10, 22, 34, 45); Jack Griffiths (52, 65, 75)

Cilfynydd:

15.Sion Griffiths. 14.Jake Morgan. 13.Keiran Lloyd. 12.Tom Griffiths. 11.Lewis Griffiths. 10.Dafydd Griffiths. 9.Kieran Gough.

1.Will Harford. 2.Grant Jones. 3.Owen Lloyd. 4.Iwan Edwards-Trick. 5.Regan Fear. 6.Keillan Mahoney. 7.Lewis Harris. 8.Sam Ashman.

Subs: Alfie Langworthy / Jarrod Clapham / Rhys Mills / Ben Fuge / Joe Reed / James Edwards / Anthony Ramsay / Cory Stapleton / Dafydd Smith / Ian Wride / Garan Pearce / Corey Evans / Connor Gay / Regan Prior

Tries: Sam Ashman (24); Grant Jones (68)

Cons: Kieran Gough (69)

Referee:  Gareth Johns

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