In perfect playing conditions, both sides eagerly took the field in this DC Thomas Cup quarter final match.
The Cardiff side, as defending champions, looked a little rusty in the opening exchanges due to their lack of game time following the Christmas break. Pontypool came into the match full of confidence having won the last of their four games.
Cardiff were put under immediate pressure from a knock on at the kick off and had to defend an enthusiastic Pontypool pack. The Pooler scrum half was busy in the opening exchanges and was responsible for initiating a number of blind side attacks. The defence however, was resolute and turnover ball saw Cardiff begin to take full control of their opponents.
The Cardiff pack ensured superb quick ruck ball to scrum half Michael Hale (Ysgol Bro Eirwg). His superb tactical awareness allowed outside half William Hayward (Pentyrch) the time to initiate wave after wave of attack. Although the tackle area was fiercely contested, Cardiff won 90% of the ball to strangle the life out of the Pooler side.
Try of the game was an individual effort by full back Lewis Kirk (Trowbridge) who after collecting the ball from a kick off, beat two tacklers and sprinted the full length of the field to touch down.
Bradley Mais (Pentrebane) led from the number eight position with ball in hand. His direct angles of running created the space the back line needed. Props Dylan Atkins (Gwaelod Y Garth), Jack Marshall (Rhiwbina) and hooker Adam Champ (Rhiwbina) were ever present in open play and evasive running from Callum Sheedy (St. Peters) and Tyler Mahoney (St. Cadocs) made the flood gates open.
Further tries came from William Hayward (Pentyrch), Joseph Williams (Lisvane), Tyler Mahoney and Richard Singer (Rhiwbina) left the score line unassailable and the match was shortened with 10 minutes still to play.
Although a magnificent all round team performance, man of the match must unquestionably go to skipper Matthew Marley (Creigiau). He leads from the front with his outstanding levels of support play and exceptional defence.