Crane lifts Black and Ambers to victory
Premiership Cup
Newport……………….27
Pontypridd……………11
PONTYPRIDD suffered a surprise defeat at Newport as Black and Ambers scrum-half Luke Crane starred with two tries.
Newport led 14-6 at half-time against the odds.
Bradley Roderick made an impressive start for the visitors with some powerful running and Ben Burnell gave Pontypridd the lead with a penalty in the 16th minute.
But Newport hit back through Crane, who scored a terrific try with a darting run which left the away defence all at sea. Will Reed converted.
Burnell booted a second penalty in the 24th minute and Reed missed with a penalty attempt before Crane made it two for the afternoon. Reed added the extras.
Burnell missed a penalty attempt to narrow Pontypridd’s gap before the break.
Referee Jason Bessant had to be replaced by one of his assistants for the start of the second half after pulling a muscle. Pontypridd players filled in to cover the touchline.
Reed missed another kick at goal but he finally got his radar working to make it 17-6.
The visitors needed to do something quickly and wing Dale Stuckey pounced in the corner.
But a late converted try from Josh Skinner made the game safe.
Star man
Luke Crane – Newport
