Pontypool Met Their Match

Pontypool took on Cardiff Metropolitan University on a bitterly cold November night at Pontypool Park. For Pontypool the only thing that shone brightly was the floodlights as they suffered yet another defeat.
Pooler played down the slope in the first half and after their usual lively start surrendered territory to the visitors who spent long periods in the home 22.The Pooler defence held firm, however, and the students failed to capitalise on two kickable penalties. Pontypool did manage a penalty in a rare sortie into Cardiff Met territory to lead 3-0 at half time.
The second half started in a similar vein with the visitors quickly gaining territorial advantage and testing the resolute Pooler defence with their pacy backs. The students hit the post twice with two further penalty attempts and must have started to feel it wasn't going to be thier night.The turning point of the match was when Faletau was sin binned following a fracas. Shortly afterwards the students were awarded a penalty try following repeated Pooler infringements close to their line to lead 3-7. This was followed by an unconverted try in the corner when the home defence was outflanked. Pooler closed the gap with another penalty and with the score 6-12 were still in touch. The home side then enjoyed a long period of possession but too often went across the field without going forward. On the rare occasions that they manged a line break there was nobody in support to take an offload. In truth, Pooler never looked like scoring a try against a well-organised Cardiff Met defence. To make matters worse the students scored another try when their scrum half crossed from short range and with the conversion this gave them an unassailable lead of 6-19. Pooler huffed and puffed for the remainder of the game but never really threatened so that was the final score.
Pontypool may now be in a much stronger position financially but there is a long way to go if they are to strengthen their position in the league.