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TATA STEEL 19 - PONTYPOOL 30

The much awaited top of the table clash between the two remaining unbeaten sides in the Championship took place in glorious autumn sunshine at the Margam sports ground.
The match started at a furious pace with all out attack from Pooler, who were spreading the ball from side to side trying to find a gap in the resolute Steel defence. Some strong carries from veteran centre Sione Tipolotu were repelled by Steel centres Bleddyn Davies and Gerwyn Davies as well as one bone jarring effort from open side Dai Griggs.
Despite Poolers all out attack , Steel were starting to gain a distinct advantage in the scrum, although their line out continued to be a problem area again.
After soaking up the early onslaught, Tata started to exert some pressure of their own largely due to the efforts of their big pack, with outside half Liam Popham slotting over two penalties.
The large Pooler travelling support were starting to get frustrated with referee Chris `Oliver's constant stopping of the game to speak to the players, and eventually he brandished a yellow card to Pooler winger Josh Hurley for a tackle offence. From the resulting line out Tata blindside flanker Ryan Hall was able to charge over after a mix up in the Pooler defence, which was again converted by Liam Popham.
Pontypool outside half Matthew Jones reminded everyone of his class and trickery and was able to keep his team in touch by slotting over two penalties . With the last play of the first period, Tata frustratingly spilled the ball at a defensive ruck and Pooler were able to pounce and spread it wide for centre Brandon Kent to cross and with the conversion the scores were level at the half way mark, 13 - 13.
As the second half developed, Tata's early scrum dominance strangely disappeared and the Pooler eight started to get an edge, and ex Welsh international Matthew Jones was able to slot over two more penalties. Tata were then given a boost with a second Pooler yellow card for loose head prop Aaron Coundley for a late tackle. In this see-saw encounter Liam Popham was able to bring Tata level with two further penalties as the game entered its last quarter. Mr. Oliver then brandished his yellow card again, this time to Tata no.8 Matthew Llewellyn for a ruck infringement, and this was to prove decisive.
Matthew Jones slotted the resultant penalty, and straight from the restart Pooler gained territory near the home tryline and were able to make their numerical advantage count with a well orchestrated catch and drive for hooker and captain Ben Parry to score.
Matthew Jones was off target with the conversion, but slotted a late penalty to give a rather flattering final score of 19 - 30 to the visitors.
Tata now face the tricky journey to newcomers Bedlinog next Saturday.

Andrew O'Connor.