By Harry Corish
In a tale of redemption and raw rugby spirit, Aberavon roared back to life after a recent defeat by Pontypool.
The Wizards conquered the same team this time round with a triumphant 20-10 victory at the formidable Talbot Athletic Ground.
The WRU Premiership Cup cast its enchanting spell once more, bringing to the fore a poignant contrast of rugby legacies.
This clash between Aberavon and Pontypool was a vivid reminder of Welsh rugby’s past, as well as shedding a light on the vast array of young talent coming through at both clubs.
Defying last week’s stumble against Pooler in the Indigo Premiership – which the Gwent club won 12-10 – the Wizards unleashed a stunning second half performance.
It secured their passage to the second round of this storied cup competition.
The Wizards take the win in the first round of the cup. https://t.co/wP5YvNNbWX
— Aberavon RFC (@AberavonRFC) September 24, 2023
Aberavon’s dynamic flanker,Ben Gregory, said: “It was great to get back on track with a nice win, especially after last week.
“We took a lot of learnings from that and we are delighted to get into the next round of the Cup.
“We want to win every game and there is no exception. We wanted to use the Cup to improve and get back to winning ways and that’s what we showed today.
“We didn’t see it as revenge, although it was nice to get the win over them today.”
The Wizards were forced to work hard for their win on Saturday, but showed their experience to end Pontypool’s journey.
After a tight and cagey opening, Aberavon began brightly, showing early signs that their quick, free-flowing rugby is on the way back.
Having showed great endeavour early on, it was the experienced Aled Thomas who put the Wizards 6-0 in front with two cool penalties.
Pontypool’s Josh Malson had opportunities from the kicking tee, but failed to convert, leaving plenty of work for the visitors.
For the 2nd time in 8 days Pontypool travelled west to take on Aberavon.
The 1st match Pooler won 12-10 in a close contest. This 2nd encounter was in the Premiership Cup and could have gone either way, but the Wizards gained revenge.✍️ Ray Ruddickhttps://t.co/LyGtiN8gU1
— Pontypool RFC (@PontypoolRFC) September 24, 2023
And while Pontypool’s new breed of front row were missing from the line-up, it was the young, exciting back three that got the old club up and running.
The young speedsters – Huw Anderson, Walker Price and Ewan Rosser – all produced big moments to get their side going and from there the forward pack took their chance, sending Peter Lloyd over the line.
Pontypool continued to feel their way back into the game with a number of big hits and some attacking endeavour from their young back three.
However, Malson’s boot continued to misfire, meaning Aberavon held a narrow 6-5 lead at the break.
It was a strong start to the second half for the visitors, which saw Rosser cross in the corner following a delicately weighted cross-field kick from Malson.
The hosts soon found themselves back on top, and after a period of pressure, as well as a yellow card to Pontypoool’s Matthew Flanagan, Stefan Andrews got the Wizards’ second try of the afternoon.
👇 Leighton Jones was disappointed to bow out of the cup but is still pleased with the way Pontypool have started the season.https://t.co/13c2DlKaNT
— Pontypool RFC (@PontypoolRFC) September 24, 2023
Pontypool went on to miss 13 points with the boot, and it was to get better still for Aberavon. After some nice hands in midfield, Frankie Jones was put through the gap and showed extraordinary pace to score in the corner.
Gregory said: “It was a crucial stage in the game. The boys were under pressure, but the ability to kick on from that point in the game showed how hard they’ve been working and the fight that we have in us.
“We didn’t bite and stuck to our game plan. We really enjoy the physicality. Pontypool put us under pressure but our pack showed our experience to get the job done.”
Former Wales under 18s fullback, Scott Delnevo, enamoured himself to the Aberavon faithful with some excellent work in the air and a big tackle on Marcus Jones.
Pooler pushed the hosts all the way, but it was a home win for the Wizards’ crowd.
𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲
Aberavon 20-10 Pontypool#BeAberavon 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/gEENUtJGVv
— Aberavon Rugby Club (@AberavonRugby) September 23, 2023
Pontypool’s Anderson added: “Our game management let us down a bit.
“They were quick to put the pressure on us and unfortunately that eventually told.
“It was a close game again, things could have gone either way…the game was definitely there for us to take.
“We need to build on a good start to the season. Yes, there are plenty of work-ons but we have shown everyone that we belong in this environment.”
61' Try Aberavon Frankie Jones. Conversion James Davies.
Aberavon 20-10 Pontypool#BeAberavon 🔴⚫ pic.twitter.com/As8Vc5hwQO
— Aberavon Rugby Club (@AberavonRugby) September 23, 2023