Pontypridd 12 Connacht 9
18/01/03: Neil Jenkins' boot steered Pontypridd through to the semi-finals of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup in a hard-fought clash with Connacht at Sardis Road tonight.
Jenkins kicked four penalties and his control of the game with his experience and his lengthy immaculate line-kicking was the difference between the sides.
Ponty started well with Jenkins slotting over a 23-metre penalty in the first minute.
With the Welsh outfit winning quick balls from most phases they pinned Connacht in their 22, and only sound defence kept them at bay.
In the 10th minute Jenkins increased Ponty's lead with a 40-metre goal.
Connacht, on a rare visit upfield, cut the deficit with an angled penalty from outside-half Eric Elwood.
Ponty returned on the attack and after intense pressure Jenkins kicked his third penalty from the 22.
In the closing stages Connacht came more into the action and kept Ponty in their 22 for some time but they failed to crack a determined defence.
On the resumption, with conditions difficult on a wet pitch, both sides struggled to take charge before Jenkins slotted over his fourth penalty to increase his side's lead.
In the 53rd minute Elwood cut the deficit for Connacht with his second penalty. Minutes later Elwood slotted over his third penalty to cut the gap further.
Ponty returned on the attack and had a chance to hit back but a scoring possibility was missed with a dropped pass close in.
In the closing minutes Connacht threw everything into attack in an effort to save the game but Ponty managed to survive to the bitter end.
PA