Pooler Make Llandovery Work Hard for Victory

A glorious May afternoon and almost a party atmosphere greeted us at Church Bank, Llandovery. This was a quarter final of the Super Rygbi Cymru playoffs. The artificial pitch was in pristine condition and Pontypool were going to have it all to do against a team that thrives on playing in these conditions. The Drovers of Llandovery are the reigning champions of the Premier League and had already beaten Pooler twice this season. Yes, this was going to be difficult.

Llandovery kicked off and almost immediately seized possession. Some powerful running from backs and forwards alike gave the Pooler defence an early workout. Eventually the pressure told and right wing Doel touched down in the corner for an unconverted try with only three minutes on the clock (5-0).

The Drovers continued to press with Pooler really struggling to keep them out. But keep them out they did and eventually managed to get out of their own half. Pooler were awarded a penalty that Ford converted to register their first points (5-3).

Normal service was resumed with Pooler back on the defensive as Llandovery kept playing at a tremendous pace and Pooler tackling like demons. After a couple of narrow escapes, the pressure told and Jones touched down after powerful work by the home forwards. Hughes converted  and Llandovery had extended their lead to 12-3 with a quarter of an hour played.

The Pooler set piece was coming under pressure with the scrum creaking and the lineout misfiring at times. The home side were certainly getting the better of things.

Pooler managed to gain a rare foothold in the Drovers half as the first quarter ended. They were awarded a penalty and Morgan Lloyd took a quick tap penalty and made good progress. As ever, Matthews was there in support to touch down near the posts. Ford converted and, rather against the run of play, Pooler had closed the gap to just two points at 12-10.

Back came Llandovery and, after a series of forward drives, home prop Hughes was awarded a try after TV review. The conversion failed but Llandovery had extended their lead to 17-10.

The last part of the first half was a bit more evenly contested and Pooler were rewarded with another penalty from Ford. So, at half time the score was Llandovery 17 : Pontypool 13. The scoreline did not really reflect a dominant performance from Llandovery but the grit and determination of Pooler had kept them in the game. Pooler seemed to have come away with points on almost all their visits to the home half while Llandovery were probably ruing many missed opportunities. Still, it was all to play for.

The third quarter proved to more of the same with Llandovery dominating territory and possession and Pooler battling to protect their line. Llandovery had a “try” disallowed on review but eventually Davies scored a try that was converted by Hughes to open up a two score lead at 24-13.

Pooler began to get their hands on the ball more frequently and fresh legs from the bench helped their cause. As the final quarter started, Pooler seemed to have scored when they broke from a lineout on the Drovers twenty two with Chapman touching down. Unfortunately, the try was ruled out after the officials reviewed a replay on the TV monitor. This could have been a real turning point for Pooler.

Pooler were now giving as good as they got but did make errors at crucial times which cost them dear. With just five minutes remaining, Hughes kicked a penalty for Llandovery and they were two converted tries clear at 27-13.

Pooler were not about to give up and some fine attacking play saw Cole score a try just a minute later which Ford converted. There was still a chance at 27-20 with four minutes left.

Pooler’s hopes were instantly dashed as they failed to deal with the kick off and Doel squeezed in at the corner for his second try. Although the try was unconverted the home side had surely secured victory at 32-20 with only a couple of minutes left.

Pooler threw caution to the winds in those last minutes and paid the penalty when Llandovery seized possession for Williams to score a try that was converted by Maynard. This was the last action of the game. Final score Llandovery 39 : Pontypool 20.

There is no doubt that Llandovery were deserved winners but Pooler made them work damned hard for their victory. Pooler’s defence was heroic at times as they strove to stem a seemingly endless stream of Drovers’ attacks. Llandovery are a really good team with all round strength and there is no disgrace in losing to them on their own patch.

That will be the last game of Pontypool’s season. They can reflect on a great first year in the new Super Rygbi Cymru league where they have been very competitive and have beaten every team but Llandovery at least once in finishing in fifth place. There is plenty to build on for next season and plenty to look forward to.

Well done Pooler!  

Pooler in their Pomp – and I Missed It!

I have just got back from a week in Spain with a dreadful cold.  The holiday meant that I missed Pooler’s narrow defeat at Aberavon (26-24) and my ropey condition meant that I also missed Pooler’s final home game of the season against league leaders Cardiff. This is a real shame as it sounds like it was a crackerjack performance by Pooler who won 47-27 with a dominant second half display.

There was little but pride at stake in this match as Cardiff were in an unassailable position at the top of the league and Pooler were bound to finish in fifth place. A game between Pontypool and Cardiff, of course, always matters to players and fans alike so it was a great ending to the league programme. It means that, with the exception of Llandovery, that Pooler managed to beat every team in the league at least once which is some achievement. Pooler have really demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with that is for sure. In what has been a dismal season for Welsh rugby in general, Pooler’s performances have certainly cheered me up.

The season is not over for now we enter the world of play-offs. As luck would have it, Pooler must travel to Llandovery for their quarter final as the team finishing fourth in the league play the team finishing fifth. This is a tough nut to crack but Pooler will surely be in good heart and no doubt will give it their best shot. Pooler will have two weeks in which to prepare their game plan as the wild card play-offs for the lower ranked teams will take place next week.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Bounce Back

I have to confess that due to a long lunch in Birmingham and the vagaries of the rail system I did not manage to get to the Park yesterday evening to watch Pontypool take on Swansea. I did, however, catch it on the TV. It is a shame that after a few days of glorious weather that the rain fell during the match.

As for the match, Pooler played up the slope in the first half and had much the better of the opening exchanges. The backs looked sharp and the forwards drove powerfully. Rhodri Cole playing at scrum half on permit was a good link between forwards and backs and kicked well. It was no surprise when Pooler took the lead after seven minutes through a try from Robey that was converted by Meek (7-0). This was quickly followed by a Meek penalty to increase the lead to 10-0.

The fortunes of the match then swung dramatically as for the next twenty minutes Swansea dominated possession and territory. Pooler were guilty of conceding penalties but Swansea played with cohesion and not a little flair with full back Houston, in particular, a really slippery runner. In this period, Swansea scored three converted tries as they exerted immense pressure on a committed Pooler defence. The tries from Temblett, Edwards and Jones were all converted by Phillips and the match had swung very much Swansea’s way (10-21).

Pooler needed to respond and a penalty from Meek stemmed the flow (13-21). The last few minutes of the first half belonged with Pooler attacking ferociously through their forwards. Swansea were giving away penalties and that led to a yellow card for their tight head prop Thompson. This gave the Pooler pack just the edge that they needed and substitute hooker Chapman touched down after a lineout drive. Meek converted and at half time Pooler were just one point behind at 20-21.

Early in the second half, Swansea took off their right wing to allow for a prop to come on as a yellow card replacement. Their lack of cover wide out on the right was expertly exploited who spotted Marcus Jones in acres of space. His accurate kick was fielded by Jones who raced fifty metres to score under the posts. A conversion from Meek and Pooler were back in the lead at 27-21.

The momentum was now with Pooler but Swansea still looked dangerous and it was in fact Swansea that scored next through a penalty from Phillips (27-24) . Pooler then took charge with the forwards gaining the upper hand with Morgan Allen particularly prominent with his powerful ball carrying. It was Matthews, on as a substitute, who drove over to score Pooler’s bonus point try which was again converted by Meek (34-24). Five minutes later, Ieuan Jones added a fifth try when he drove over from short range. With the Meek conversion Pooler had surely secured the victory at 41-24.

Swansea did not give up and they strove hard to get a bonus point. They were assisted in this by a yellow card for Pooler flanker Davies. After considerable Swansea pressure, substitute hooker Austin touched down at the end of a forward drive. The try was converted by Rees and Swansea had their try bonus point (41-31) with only a couple of minutes remaining. There was no further scoring so the final score was Pontypool 41 : Swansea 31.

A good game with Pooler doing well to bounce back from the period of Swansea dominance in the first half. This of course was also on the back of that tough game against Newport on Sunday. Scrum half Cole did really well considering he was only drafted into the team at such short notice but it was the pack that ground out the important tries to secure victory.

Pooler have now surely guaranteed at least fifth place in the league. Fourth place still looks a tough ask but all they can do is try and win their last two games against Aberavon (a) and Cardiff (h) and hope that other results go their way.

Next up for Pooler is Aberavon away next Thursday evening in another televised match.

Come on Pooler! 

The One That Got Away from Pooler

I have to confess to being a bit pink around the gills this morning after my trip to Costa del Rodney yesterday. I was at a sun drenched Rodney Parade to watch Pontypool play Newport for the third time this season. This time in a league match with the score 1-1 so far. The Bisley stand proved to be a veritable sun trap with a good crowd bathed in the late March sunshine.

Pontypool playing against a gentle breeze made all  the early running. The played at a pace that left Newport looking cumbersome and shell-shocked as they moved the ball wide at every opportunity. Pooler opened the scoring after ten minutes when Morgan Lloyd intercepted in midfield and sprinted home to touch down under the posts. Meek converted and Pooler had stormed to a 0-7 lead.

Pooler continued to dominate and moved the ball wide to the left wing where Marcus Jones made ground and found Pat Lewis in support. Lewis touched down for a try to mark his return to the team after an injury layoff. Meek converted and Pooler were 0-14 to the good.

Better news still was to follow after twenty five minutes when Rosser stormed down the right wing to beat four or five defenders to score wide out. Meek again converted and Pooler were in dreamland at 0-21 and three tries in the bag.

It wasn’t all to be plain sailing for Pooler though. A couple of penalty concessions gave the home side field position and their strong pack applied pressure that led to tries for Andrew and Roach. Both tries were converted by Lloyd and Pooler’s early lead had been significantly dented (14-21). Meek settled the Pooler nerves with a penalty as a pulsating first half drew to a close. Half time score Newport 14 : Pontypool 24.

Pooler made a great start to the second half when a run by Pat Lewis down the right touchline led to him scoring an excellent try in the corner. The conversion failed but Pooler had increased their lead to fifteen points at 14-29. A few minutes later they increased their lead to eighteen points with a neat dropped goal from Meek (14-32).

Newport had rung the changes as they emptied their bench and it made a difference. They fully capitalised on Pooler handling errors and the awkward bounce of the ball to score two converted tries through Hope and Andrew in double quick time. This completely changed the complexion of the game with Pooler’s lead cut to just four points at 28-32. Momentum had swung and you were left wondering whether Pooler could hang on for a win rather than how many were they going to win by.

Pooler were making errors and missing tackles that they hadn’t done in the first half. The kick chase was not getting to those box kicks and allowing the dangerous Newport backs to run the ball back.  It was getting tense that was for sure. An excellent penalty from halfway by Meek opened up the lead to seven points at 28-35 but Newport were still within a score.

The equalising score was not long coming when Davies touched down wide out on the left. Lloyd converted and the scores were tied at 35-35 with Newport looking the more likely to snatch victory. It was indeed Newport who took the lead for the first time in the match with a penalty from Lloyd with little time remaining (38-35).

Pooler tried desperately to respond and were awarded a penalty just inside their half. They spurned the chance of  equalising and went for the win with a kick to touch. The lineout drill didn’t work out and that was that. Final score Newport 38 : Pontypool 35.

This was an excellent game of rugby with the result in doubt right until the final whistle. Pooler will be left wondering how they managed to lose a game that they seemed to have taken by the scruff of the neck. Still Pooler played some scintillating rugby in the first half and there is plenty of reason to feel positive. The modern playing surfaces have added a pace to the game and an even more unpredictable bounce of the ball. Something in me still yearns for those titanic battles in the mud that we used to know and love.

It looks now likely that Pooler will finish in fifth place in the league with three games left which is a creditable performance. Of course, there are no prizes for finishing top of the league only home advantage in the end of season playoffs. It does feel a bit ridiculous that you can finish bottom of the league and still win the SRC Trophy at the end of the season. The bottom four clubs play off for two places in the quarter finals. It is then a knockout to see who wins the trophy. If Pooler do finish fifth they will play away at the team finishing fourth which at the moment is Newport.

Next up for Pooler is a home game against Swansea on Thursday evening. The short turnaround will be a challenge after such a titanic struggle yesterday.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Get There in the End

Pontypool took on Carmarthen Quins for the third time this season at Pontypool Park on a warm overcast afternoon. The first two encounters had taken place at Carmarthen with the teams gaining a victory apiece in high scoring matches. This then was the decider.

Pooler played up the slope in the first half and their forwards asserted themselves right from the off. After four minutes, Scarfe opened the scoring with a try from short range after strong work from the pack (5-0). Pooler continued to enjoy possession and territory and, after a long period of pressure in the Carmarthen Quins twenty-two, it was Bodkin who forced his way over for the try near the posts. Meek converted and Pooler had built a healthy lead at 12-0 with two tries in the bank.

Carmarthen then rather took charge of the game and dominated territorially. The Carmarthen scrum had the edge and this became a source of penalties. The penalties enabled the away side to gain a foothold in the Pooler twenty-two and the powerful driving of the Quins’ forwards led to two tries by hooker, Morgan, in the space of ten minutes one of which was converted by Price. This brought the scores level at 12-12 with the momentum with the away team.

On the half hour, Pooler edged back into the lead with a penalty from Meek after a rare visit to the Quins’ half. (15-12). Quins , however, continued to press and five minutes later loose head prop Fawcett scored a try after more pressure from the forwards. The conversion failed but Quins had taken the lead for the first time at 15-17.

The last action of the half saw Meek kick his second penalty to give Pooler a narrow first half lead at 18-17. It had been a half dominated by forward  driving which was a shame for the crowd as both sides looked to have plenty of pace in the threequarters. Neither side seemed to be able to move the ball with both defences closing them down before they could do any damage.

In the second half Pooler, playing down the slope, enjoyed territorial advantage keeping Carmarthen penned in their own half for much of the time. After ten minutes, Scarfe plunged over for his second try after a series of forward drives. Meek converted and Pooler were more than a score ahead at 25-17.

There followed a frustrating period as Pooler tried to turn possession and territory into points against a committed Carmarthen defence. The period coincided with the introduction of replacements from the benches with Pooler seemingly getting more benefit from the fresh legs. On the hour, Pooler had a try disallowed when the ball touched the referee in the build-up.

With around a quarter of an hour remaining, Pooler attacked down the left wing. The Quins defence was caught napping by Pooler scrum half Lloyd who spotted a gap down the touch line and managed to touch down in the corner with a spectacular dive despite the Quins cover getting to him. The conversion failed but Pooler were in command at 30-17 and had secured their bonus point.

It was all Pooler from then on with the introduction of the powerful ball carrying of Morgan Allen making holes in their tiring defence. It was Allen who powered over from a scrum near the Quins line to score Pooler’s fifth try that was converted by Meek (37-17) .

In the last minute, a brilliant break from replacement centre Nove almost saw him scoring a spectacular try. He was tackled just short but Morgan Lloyd was in close attendance and touched down for his second try of the afternoon. The conversion failed but Pooler had cantered home. Final score Pontypool 42 : Carmarthen Quins 17.

A solid victory for Pooler who used their forward power to gradually wear down a committed Carmarthen team. It was a shame we didn’t really see as much as we would have liked from an exciting looking backline but it was well marshalled by the Quins defence and was also guilty of too many handling errors.

I did watch the SRC cup final between Llandovery and Ebbw Vale on Thursday evening. It is a real shame that it received so little publicity and was on a Thursday evening in Llandovery. Live television coverage was restricted to streaming on S4C Clic. It makes you wonder just how seriously the WRU are taking Super Rygbi Cymru. For the record Llandovery won convincingly 39-7.

Next up for Pooler is a visit to Rodney Parade next weekend to take on Newport again. The game will actually be on Sunday afternoon. I do note that ticket prices have been inflated to £16 or £14 if you buy in advance. I guess if Pooler manage to win it would be well worth it.

Come on Pooler!

Wooden Wales Laid Waste by England

There are few feelings in life worse for a Welshman than watching their rugby team absolutely thrashed by England on their own patch. Wales were comprehensively outclassed in every department by their English counterparts yesterday. A game in which there were no redeeming features for Wales as far as I could see. And yes, it is that dreaded wooden spoon again.

The first few minutes of the match set the tone. England powered over from a lineout after Wales conceded a penalty. Wales had a try chalked off and then England went back into Wales territory and scored again. Wales were 0-14 down and all the pre-match hype and bravado had vanished. From then on, it was the proverbial men against boys. England didn’t have to do anything special they just used an excellent kicking game to gain territory and then seemed to score every time they got into the Welsh twenty-two. The rather hackneyed word used is “clinical” and that is exactly what England were . When Wales tried to attack, they came up against a white wall that virtually stopped them in their tracks. The England team were just quicker, stronger and better prepared.

This was abject misery for the Welsh fans watching on as their team were ground into the dust. The final score of Wales 14 : England 68 tells the story. I really don’t want to write any more about the mismatch.

I guess the big question is where do Wales go from here? The early Sherratt bounce has disappeared and Wales have now lost seventeen matches in a row and need to find a new director of rugby and head coach. Confidence must be at an all time low as is the Welsh ranking in world rugby. On one hand it is a great opportunity for someone to make a name for themselves on the other hand it is a poisoned chalice.

Wales have sunk so low it has to get better doesn’t it?

Pooler Out of Luck

A busy rugby weekend started with the little matter of Newport v Pontypool in the Super Rugby Cymru Cup. Barring an unexpected result both sides are effectively out of the cup so that match was played for bragging rights. The game took place at the Newport Stadium on a chilly dry night. The Newport Stadium is a good facility but somehow seems soulless which I guess is one of the problems with multi-purpose stadia. A decent crowd with both teams well- represented did not seem to be able to create the normally crackling atmosphere that pervades when these tow old rivals clash.

The first half was evenly contested with both sides showing a willingness to move the ball. Defences were on top and whenever one or other of the sides threatened it ended with a turnover either due to a handling error or strong defence. The teams were really evenly matched and it was going to need something exceptional to break the deadlock.

The stadium clock showed thirty eight minutes when the unexpected happened. A speculative kick ahead from Newport bounced near the right hand touchline and nine times out it ten it would have gone into touch. This time it bounced back perfectly into the arms of the chasing Newport players, Moments later Lloyd was dotting the ball down for a try that he converted himself (7-0). Minutes later another kick ahead bounced awkwardly in the Pooler twenty-two and this time Newport wing Andrew was the beneficiary scoring a try wide out on the right. Lloyd again converted and from nowhere Newport had built a 14-0 lead.

It was tough on Pooler to be 14-0 down at half time after such an even first half. Such are the vagaries of the bounce of a rugby ball.

Pooler needed to have a good start to the second half but there was calamity. A mix up in the Pooler mid-field led to Newport scrum half Hope being presented with the ball. He needed no second invitation and galloped up-field to score under the posts. A simple conversion for Lloyd and Pooler were 21-0 down.

Pooler then enjoyed their best period of the match as they attempted to retrieve what seemed to be a hopeless situation. Concerted pressure on the Newport line by the Pooler forwards saw Hill force his way over for a try that Meek converted. There was half an hour or so remaining so Pooler had plenty of time to stage their comeback.

Things looked even more optimistic when ten minutes later Walker Price crossed for Pooler’s second try after good work by the backs. Meek converted the try and Pooler were back within a score at 21-14.

Pooler were perhaps guilty of overplaying and conceded too many penalties as Newport bounced back. With ten minutes remaining, it was Newport who scored the all-important next try. Fullback Penny evaded some would-be tackles to score in the right corner. Lloyd again converted and Pooler were staring defeat in the face at 28-14.

Newport finished the stronger and a late penalty from Lloyd sealed their victory. Final score Newport 31 : Pontypool 14.

A good game with both sides trying to play open rugby. On this occasion perhaps the rub of the green went to Newport. We look forward to the next encounter this time in a league match at Rodney Parade in a couple of weeks. Next Saturday Pooler take on Carmarthen Quins at home. The have one victory each so far this season so this should be another close one.

I am off to Cardiff to watch Wales play England. Let us hope that Wales can show the same spirit that the Under 20s did and pull off an unlikely victory.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!