Championship

Pontypool 31

Narberth 16

NARBERTH'shopes of a double over former top-class side Pontypool were scuppered at Pontypool Park as the home side gained ample revenge for the 24-11 loss they endured at the Lewis Lloyd Ground.

More importantly for Pooler, they kept the Otters in fourth place and now sit just one point behind them in the table, albeit having played one game more.

The teams shared six points in the first quarter as centre Clayton Gullis landed two Pontypool penalties and fly half Ianto Griffiths did the same for Narberth. The home side claimed the first try when winger Josh Hurley rounded off a good move but some typical opportunism by Otters’ full back Johnny Morgan earned them a try which Griffiths goaled to nudge them 13-11 in front.

Gullis and Griffiths again swapped penalties to leave Narberth 16-14 ahead at the oranges but then Gullis kicked Pooler into a lead they were not to lose again.

Replacement flanker Luke Dyckhoff, who is the club captain, scored a try alongside another for replacement centre Mike Burke and with Gullis landing both conversions the Otters lost their fourth match out of 20 so far.