Principality Premiership Results 18th November 2005
Newport 16 Bedwas 13
Newport withstood a strong challenge from Bedwas to record a win in the Gwent derby. Bedwas took an early lead through a Phil Dolman try after an initial burst from Mike Silcox. However, Newport replied through three Aled Thomas penalties to give the home side a two-point advantage at half time. Matthew Veater who was acting as skipper dominated the lineout and with ample possession Newport looked at every opportunity to spread the ball wide. However, it was the visitors who regained the lead through an Andrew James penalty. Newport hit back with a try from wing Gareth Chapman which was converted by Thomas to settle the Newport nerves before Bedwas landed another penalty, however, Newport held out for the last twenty minutes to record their ninth win of the season.
Pontypool 13 Cardiff 12
Pontypool recorded a much-needed victory over Cardiff although they suffered a fright with only two minutes left on the clock. Cardiff fly half Chris Anderson, who had landed all his earlier kicks missed a straight forward penalty from 23metres out which would have given his side the win. Pooler were 6-3 down at half time but took the lead 13-9 in the 53rd minutes after they scored the only try of the game through flanker Gavin Donaldson which was converted by Adam Sliczny who also added two penalties. Cardiff pulled back to within a point of Pontypool but failed with their penalty attempt near the end of the game. The win halted a run of a draw and four losses for the Gwent club.
Glamorgan Wanderers 17 Cross Keys 18
Cross Keys recorded a narrow one point win over Glamorgan thanks to two tries by flanker Tom Lompard. In a match that saw neither quarter given the home side missed three penalty attempts although they did take an early lead through a penalty try and Keys reduced the arrears thanks to a Jonathan Williams penalty. At half time it was the home side who led 10-6. The second half saw Keys score a try but Wanderers regained the lead with a try of their own through Gareth McCarthy, however, Keys finished the stronger with Lompard scoring his second.
Ebbw Vale’s match against Pontypridd was postponed.
