Pooler Spring into Action

The first Saturday in April and we finally got a lovely sunny spring afternoon at Pontypool Park. Pooler had only just managed to sneak a victory against visitors, Glynneath, in the corresponding away fixture earlier in the season so they needed to be treated with respect. All the remaining games are critical to Pooler’s promotion hopes so a high octane performance was required.

Pontypool played up the slope in the first half with a breeze blowing across the pitch. It was clear right from the start that Pontypool were intent on playing a high tempo game. They quickly exerted pressure on the Glynneath line and spurned the opportunity to kick a penalty from in front of the posts in favour of a scrum. Things didn’t work out as planned and they were forced back into their own half. A few minutes later Pooler were presented with a similar opportunity and this time Gullis kicked the goal (3-0).

Moments later Hurley was given the ball just outside the Glynneath 22 and with a touch of brilliance managed to beat three men to score in the corner (8-0). Whilst Pooler were on top, Glynneath were still competitive and at times looked threatening in attack. As the match entered the second quarter, Pontypool worked their way back up the field and Hudd drove over for a try from a lineout close to the try line and Gullis converted to open up a 15-0 lead. The visitors hit back with a penalty shortly afterwards to decrease the deficit (15-3).

Pontypool were really starting to hit their straps and were clearly revelling in the good playing conditions. Two well worked tries were their reward for enterprising play. One from Gullis who skated through under the posts and then a really good team try when Hurley finished of some brilliant inter-passing to score in the left corner. Both tries were converted and Pooler went into the half time interval with a 29-3 lead and the try bonus point already in the bag.

After a sluggish start to the second half when Glynneath did most of the attacking, Pooler eventually rediscovered their rhythm. Pontypool then scored tries at fairly regular intervals as the tiring away defence began to crumble under the tremendous pressure applied. In all Pooler scored a further seven tries with all but one converted. This was achieved despite a yellow card for Nash. Tries were scored by Gullis, Lewis, Sparks, Quick, Jeune, Lewis and Hancock. It was breathtaking stuff with some really high quality rugby. A special mention for Jeune who supported a break by Nash and sprinted to the line to score his try - not bad for a prop in the last five minutes of an exhausting game! The final score was a resounding 76-3 victory with eleven tries scored. Glynneath to their credit never gave up but came up against a side in irresistible form. The away side had several periods of the game in the Pooler 22 but came up against a really strong and stingy defence that was determined not to concede a try.

This was a really powerful display by Pontypool admittedly against one of the teams towards the bottom of the league. This should put the team in good heart for the major challenges that lie ahead. When Pooler play at a high tempo they really look a good side and it was great to have the weather that allowed them to play that way.

As expected, both Bargoed and RGC 1404 had bonus point wins so there is no change in terms of their respective positions in the Championship but we are a step nearer the finishing line. The one surprise result was Swansea being held to a draw at Beddau. The top of the Championship table now looks like this:

Team               Played             Points

Merthyr              22                    98

Swansea           23                    98

Pontypool          22                    83

Bargoed             21                    77

RGC 1404         21                    76

Next week’s game for Pontypool is away at Tata Steel. Tata beat RGC 1404 last week and won, what sounds like a remarkable match, at Cardiff Met. 46-49 this week so this is going to be tough challenge. Almost as important is RGC 1404’s visit to Swansea where a win for the Whites would do us a big favour.

It is interesting to note that last season RGC 1404 finished fourth in the final Championship table with 83 points – the same number as Pontypool have with four games to go. This shows the gap that the top five have created between themselves and the other teams in the Championship. It will be really hard on the side that misses out on promotion – let’s hope it is not us!

What I saw of the two Welsh inter-regional derbies was quite entertaining rugby with the two away sides Ospreys at the Dragons and the Blues at the Scarlets coming out on top. It is sad to see Faletau leaving the Dragons but I am sure that he will benefit from playing in the English Premiership. Let us hope he has a similar contract to George North at Northampton which means he is fully available for Wales.

Still my mind is back on Pontypool and the trip to Tata Steel next week. Yet another must win game but I’m sure the boys are up to it.

Come on Pooler!