Division Three West C

Pontyates 25 Penygroes 6

Penygroes slipped to their second defeat of the new season in an ill-tempered and error-ridden match at Pontyates.

Regrettably, the match was played on a poor pitch covered in rotting cut glass which hampered both sides in terms of an open expansive game.

It was only luck that prevented players from both sides suffering serious injury.

Penygroes started as the more fluid and adventurous team and moved into an early lead after just four minutes with a penalty from Cerith Evans.

The visitors continued to threaten the home line with some encouraging backs moves, but the hosts hit back on 12 minutes with a try wide out following a driving maul to take a 5-3 lead.

Penygroes again took the lead with a further penalty from full back Chris Powell and looked to be heading for a narrow but deserved first-half lead.

But against the run of play, Pontyates piled over for a second forwards try right on the break to lead 10-6 at the interval.

The hosts’ heavier and more powerful pack took full advantage of the poor underfoot conditions to dominate the second half and added three unanswered tries along with a penalty to run out 25-6 winners.

The youthful Penygroes side entertain Betws on Saturday in a match they need to win to give them confidence for the rest of the season.