The absence of a few key figures was just enough to deny the Cofis the awareness needed to find possible gaps in Pontyclun’s armour.
Both teams were fully committed from the off with the Pontyclun backs running on to the ball at pace and therefore asking questions of the Cofi rearguard.
After six minutes one such foray found speedster Rafiuke Taylor who outpaced the defence to score, also allowing Brogan Jones to add the conversion.
Caernarfon’s best riposte came from the darts of scrum half Jess Kavanagh Williams but quick support wasn’t always at hand. In contrast the pressure exerted by Pontyclun was forcing errors and when a rushed clearance kick fell kindly to Taylor, she showed a clean pair of heels to all to score her second and establish a 14-point cushion with another successful Jones conversion.
The game was in danger of running away from the home side’s grasp but captain and tackling stalwart Emma Edwards led by example to disrupt the flow of possession that was going Pontyclun’s way.
This time a wayward clearance fell to flanker Jenny Davies who set off from her own half on a run that saw her evade several attempted tackles, break clear and deliver a timely pass to Kavanagh Williams who was able to stroll over thus allowing Beth Davies a successful conversion.
Minutes later it was Davies herself who outpaced the visitors defence to touch down in the corner and recompose herself to slot over a well struck conversion to tie the score.
Against the run of play a 60 yard break out by Kavanagh Williams took her to the try line only for the grounding to be questioned, thus resulting in a five meter scrum. Justice was done when powerful Number 8 Nicky Crawford chose to pick up and drive with purpose to cross the whitewash. Malen Williams on this occasion slotted the conversion well from the far left.
Caernarfon however failed to keep their lead until halftime as a quick tap penalty again found Taylor lurking menacingly in space to outpace all and score. Then with halftime looming recycled possession saw a neat combination between the scrum half and Cara Hope within the tram lines before the ex Cofi taught prop released Megan Oaten on the inside to bring the half to a close with the visitors three point in front.
Pontyclun started the second half on fire, being quick to any loose ball, solid in the tackle and disruptive. The Cofis were starved of possession or found themselves in retreat with ball in hand. One dislodged ball fell kindly to centre Abbey Taylor who stretched to score quickly followed by a series of drives that saw Brogan Jones being granted a touchdown close to the posts. Both these tries were also successfully converted by the latter.
Cofi pressure finally paid dividends with a kick and chase contest over 70 meters being won by Kavanagh Williams as the ball bounced favourably for her to score her second of the day that was again added to by Beth Davies.
Others who could be proud of their contribution to the cause were Sara Prosser, the intelligent running and distributing Pontyclun second row and Caernarfon prop Brea Leung who’s impressive work rate continued to increase throughout the match.
Caernarfon also utilised their bench giving a debut outing to Anna Pastrana who adapted to the pace and intensity of the game very well but the final word fell once again to Taylor as one final foray into Cofi territory resulted in her gaining her fourth try of the afternoon and together with Brogan Jones’s conversion establish a comfortable victory.
Caernarfon although disappointed at the loss, will take heart from the fact that a bonus point was ensured and will travel to Swansea next week to face another stern challenge.
