Holders make exit as Neath stay strong to topple Ponty

HOLDERS Pontypridd are out of this season’s WRU Premiership Cup after going down 23-19 to Neath in a hard-fought game at ‘The Gnoll.

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Stuart Floyd-Ellis scored twice in Pontypridd's defeat to Neath

Neath flew out of the blocks with tries from No. 8 and skipper Ben Williams and wing Ki Morgan, both converted by fly-half Paul Short.

Pontypridd hit back with tries from fullback Dale Stuckey and centre Stuart Floyd-Ellis, converted by fly-half Jorge Lucey.

But the Welsh All Blacks finished the half stronger and were rewarded with two penalties by Short.

Leading 20-12 at halftime, the Neath forwards were in determined mood as they continued to set the pace. Short added his third penalty.

‘The tackling of both sides was relentless before Pontypridd got a third try, scored by Floyd-Ellis and which Lucey converted, to pull back to within one score.

But Neath were not to be denied and controlled territory in the dying minutes to make the game safe.