Wales on Sunday 6th March 2011

THERE were two tries from each side, but Caerphilly-born Stuart Thomas was in a kicking class of his own for Bedwas at the Bridge Field.

Pooler went off at pace and registered early tries through Gareth Williams and Rhys Bowen. Geraint O’Driscoll weighed in with two penalties and his side posted an interval lead of 16-13.

Influential No. 8 Deri Mattravers plunged over for a Bedwas try and Thomas put over two penalties.

But the second half was two minutes old when Thomas hoofed a penalty between the sticks from fully five metres inside his own half.

From there on he displayed enormous confidence and could do little wrong, planting three more and going near with a couple of others.

Only Pooler score of the second period was a solitary O’Driscoll penalty. Replacement Matthew Pettit settled the issue with a try in the closing stages, Thomas naturally adding the extras.

Man of the match was home lock James Murphy, who stamped his authority on all that went on up front. It was a result of his endeavours that his team obtained field position for Thomas to fire his goals.

Bedwas: Tries: D Mattravers, M Pettit. Cons: S Thomas (2). Pens: S Thomas (6).

Pontypool: Tries: G Williams, R Bowen. Pens: G O’Driscoll (3).