YOU’LL DEFINITELY HAVE seen games called off for less than this but somehow a local Welsh derby was completed in the most farcical conditions yesterday.  

As a cup quarter-final between two rivals, Pontypridd’s clash with Merthyr had all the ingredients to be a classic but the heavens opened, the rain poured and the pitch became a mud bath.

By half-time the playing surface at Sardis Road was covered in standing water but the referee decided it wasn’t enough to bring proceedings to a halt.

Instead, the players returned for the second-half to resume despite the fact it was nearly impossible to determine which side was which.

During stoppages in play, backroom staff were forced to bring towels onto the pitch to allow players wipe the mud from their face.

With the ball resembling a bar of soap and the underfoot conditions not exactly ideal for running, expansive and free-flowing rugby, it was hardly surprising just 11 points were scored over 80 dramatic minutes.

Pontypridd adapted to conditions better and held on for a narrow 6-5 victory to book their place in the semi-finals.

Former Welsh international Ceri Sweeney proved to be the match winner for his side as he kicked two penalties.

Now that’s rugby in its purist form.

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