Pooler Just Pass University Examination

I missed Pontypool's previous outing at Tondu but, by all accounts, it was poor fare with a below par performance. It was therefore vital that Pontypool bounced back with a good performance against Cardiff Met University. Conditions were perfect for running rugby at Pontypool Park with clear skies and a newly mown pitch. Previous encounters had shown that the pace of the students' backs was likely to be a major threat.

The home side started well and were quickly ahead by 3-0 after a successful penalty goal in the opening exchanges. Both sides showed their intent to run the ball with the Cardiff Met backs looking dangerous individually but not really clicking as a unit. The home side had the edge in power and made several line breaks but needed to support the ball carrier more effectively.  An exchange of penalties brought the score to 6-3 before we had the first try of the game. A scything break by home centre Thorley was halted just short of the Cardiff Met line and this time Guy was in support to cross. The conversion attempt failed leaving the score at 11-3. The away side attacked strongly but blew a couple of decent chances to score through inaccurate passing. It was certainly a better first half for Pooler than in the reverse fixture and they had the benefit of the slope in the second half.

The second half opened with a bang. Impressive Cardiff Met centre Lewis showed his pace to score after a loose Pooler kick. The successful conversion closed the gap to 11-10 and the home side needed to dig in. Pontypool started to miss first up tackles as the tricky away backs jinked and swerved their way through. The cover defence had to work overtime to stop the students from scoring. Pooler for their part continued to exploit their power with number 8 Sparks and wing Laing prominent. Three incursions into Cardiff Met territory led to three successful penalties from Gullis and Pooler stretched their lead to 20-10 with the students reduced to 14 men following a yellow card. The home side capitalised on their superior numbers and increased their lead with a try following an excellent break by Laing. Although Laing was ankle tapped agonisingly short of the line Hancock crossed following the ensuing ruck. The conversion was missed but with the score at 25-10 you might have thought that the game was over.

The students had other ideas and threw caution to the wind. Pooler seemed to be chasing shadows and the missed tackle count increased alarmingly. Poor defence allowed the students’ number 8 Stevenson to score near the posts bringing the score to 25-17 with plenty of time left. The home supporters’ nerves were settled when Laing scored an excellent try after being put into space by some good passing. The try was converted and the score at 32-17 gave Pooler some breathing space. The students were far from accepting defeat, however, and attacked the tiring home side from all angles. In a breathless few minutes, tries by man of the match Lewis and Thomson closed the gap to 32-29. Fortunately for Pooler who were hanging on grimly the second try came from the last move of the match and it was with great relief that we heard the final whistle.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable game and it really could have gone either way. Cardiff Met have several exciting players who will surely make it at a higher level. Pontypool probably just about deserved to win even though they were out-scored by four tries to two. It was a good team performance but I’m sure there will be a few nightmares involving chasing shadows.

Next up is our old friends from Newbridge. Let’s hope that we carry forward the attacking intent that we showed tonight and pay them back for that defeat in the Cup.