Swansea's surge

SWANSEA, probably still the most attractive side in the Heineken League, yesterday virtually put paid to Pontypridd's aspirations of winning the championship. Defeat at St Helens means that Cardiff will now have to lose their last remaining games - against Newbridge and Newport - for Pontypridd to have a good chance at the title. Even if Cardiff were to lose one match, they are miles ahead on try-count.

Swansea won worthily because they consolidated the rucks which they got to in numbers and established the bridgehead which allowed Robert Jones to throw a stream of delightful passes to his eager backs.

Swansea had taken the risk of resting their number one fly-half Aled Williams, but Lyndon Griffiths, a recent youth international, substituted admirably and not only kicked four splendid goals but ran beautifully. He was in no way overawed in a debut which was sadly marred late in the second half when he was carried off with a leg injury.

The game also held the special interest that the teams were coached by two of the three new national team coaches, Dennis John of Pontypridd and Mike Ruddock of Swansea, who have joined Alex Evans of Cardiff in a late effort to motivate the Welsh team for the World Cup.

It was an excellent game alive with movement throughout. After a lively start Swansea drew first and second blood with penalty goals from Griffiths. Then, for a while, Pontypridd threatened with a strong offensive of running attacks, but Swansea surged back and when another delightful run by Griffiths took them into the 22, the young debutant kicked another lovely penalty.

However Pontypridd got back into the game with penalty goals by Neil Jenkins on either side of half-time. Just when it looked as though Swansea were slipping, a quick line-out throw resulted in a well-earned try. Jones threw out an impeccable pass to Tony Clement and Rob Appleyard made much of the running for Roddy Boobyer, who touched down.

A further penalty from Griffiths and a final spectacular try, scored by Aled Williams, who replaced Griffiths, stressed Swansea's superiority.

Swansea: A Clement (capt); A Harries, D Weatherly, R Boobyer, S Davies; L Griffiths, R Jones; C Loader, G Jenkins, K Colclough, P Arnold, A Moore, A Reynolds, S Davies, R Appleyard.

Pontypridd: S Cormack; D Manley, J Lewis, S Lewis, O Robins; N Jenkins, P John; N Bezani (capt), P John, A Metcalfe, G Prosser, M Rowley, M Spiller, D McIntosh, R Collins.

Referee: D Bevan (Clydach).