Ponty Warm-up For Shield Semi

PONTYPRIDD 32, BRIDGEND 13
Pontypridd gave themselves the perfect boost ahead of next weekend’s PARKER PEN SHIELD semi-final against London Irish with a convincing win over Bridgend.
Despite their narrow midweek defeat at Llanelli, Paul John’s side seized the initiative early on and never let Bridgend get into the game.
Two first half tries from Ceri Sweeney laid the foundation for an impressive victory that gave Ponty’s chances of reaching the Heineken Cup next season a huge boost.
As for Bridgend, their hopes of a top five Welsh finish look over after this defeat. They battled back with late tries from hooker Gareth Williams and No 8 Shawn Van Rensberg, but they were forced into making too many errors.
Sweeney struck after only five minutes with his first try before full back Brett Davey kicked the home team into a 13 point lead with a conversion and two penalties.
Craig Warlow responded with a penalty for the visitors, but good work by Ponty centres Sonny Parker and John Bryant paved the way for Sweeney’s second try to make it 18-3 at the break.
Davey grabbed a try with a midfield burst early in the second half and then Wales Under 19 wing Matthew Nuttall created one of the tries of the season at Sardis Road for Paul John.
SCORERS
Pontypridd: Tries: Ceri Sweeney 2, Brett Davey, Paul John; Cons: Brett Davey 3; Pens: Brett Davey 2. Bridgend: Tries: Gareth Williams, Shawn van Rensburg; Pen: Craig Warlow.