Pooler pay the Penalty

Tuesday evening saw the eagerly awaited National Cup quarter final tie between the Premiership league leaders Merthyr and the Championship league leaders Pontypool. This was a chance for Pooler to measure themselves against what is currently the strongest club side in Wales. It was a cold, clear night and the artificial pitch and the floodlights combined to make the scene look like something from a Pixar movie. It was going to be tough for Pooler to adapt to the pitch and the seemingly miniscule in-goal areas let alone face their much vaunted opponents.

The first five minutes or so was exactly what the away side didn’t need as they surely craved a good start. Instead they conceded a kickable penalty from the first scrum and moments later allowed Pinches the Merthyr centre far too much space as he cantered thirty metres or so score. Pooler were 10-0 down almost before they could draw breath.

Pontypool began to find their feet and the match was a far more even contest from there on. They made inroads into the Merthyr half but found the pedantic refereeing not really to their taste as they conceded a string of penalties at the breakdown. This coupled with several lineouts which went astray meant that promising positions were not turned into much-needed points. Merthyr were strong and direct and looked dangerous whenever they attacked but Pooler tackled ferociously to stop them increasing their lead.

Pontypool finally got on the scoreboard after twenty minutes when Jones converted a penalty following a late tackle by Merthyr (10-3). It only took Merthyr a couple minutes to restore their ten point lead when Pooler strayed offside and Jarvis kicked the ensuing penalty (13-3).

The game was fiercely contested as both sets of forwards struggled to gain superiority. There were several flashpoints and the referee delivered several stern lectures that rivalled the Gettysburg Address in length to the captains. The delays in play were a source of frustration to players and fans alike.

As the first half drew to a close, the Pooler forwards powered towards the home goal line only to be stopped illegally. The referee awarded a penalty in front of the posts and Pooler elected to take the three points on offer through the boot of Jones (13-6). Merthyr immediately launched their own attack and a fracas in the Pontypool twenty two saw Pooler’s Gullis and Merthyr’s Williams yellow carded. Pontypool just about managed to keep Merthyr at bay from a series of short-range lineouts and the teams retreated to the dressing rooms for the half time break with the score still at 13-6. Pontypool were still very much in it but would need to find some inspiration if they were going to topple a very good Merthyr side.

Pontypool started well enough in the second half and worked their way into the Merthyr half. A penalty given away at a ruck gave away the promising position yet again. As a consequence, they found themselves near their own line defending a Merthyr lineout. Then came the decisive moment of the match. Sparks was yellow carded for stopping the home side’s driving lineout illegally. Merthyr elected to take another lineout and this time there was no stopping them with hooker Williams getting the touchdown. The conversion failed but Merthyr had opened up a substantial lead at 18-6.

A few minutes later the Ironmen built on their lead when Jarvis added another penalty goal and even though there was still half an hour remaining it was hard to see how Pontypool could close the 21-6 deficit.

The seemingly lost cause certainly did not stop Pooler trying, that was for sure, but indiscipline and mistakes continued to haunt them. The forwards did manage to gain a good share of possession but the tremendous line speed of the home defence and their ability to slow down the ball at the breakdown meant that, in truth, Pontypool never really looked like scoring a try. In fact, it was Merthyr who looked the more likely to score and it took a tremendous defensive effort by the away side to stop them adding to their tally. Pooler did, however, concede a couple of kickable penalties which fortunately sailed just wide.

As the final whistle approached, there were two more yellow cards for Herbert of Pontypool for a tip tackle and Locke of Merthyr for a high tackle – it was that sort of game and that sort of referee. The final score was 21-6 which is probably a fair reflection on the balance of play.

In the cold light of day, Pontypool will realise that they were beaten by the better side. There is certainly no shame in that as Merthyr are a strong well-coached team who play week in week out at a higher level. Pooler can be pleased that they made them fight so hard for their victory. The big difference between the two sides was in indiscipline and error count where the home side managed things that much better.  Nevertheless Pontypool have plenty to be proud of in another good cup run.

Pontypool will now need to regroup for their important Championship match at Cardiff Met. University on Saturday. A victory there will clinch the title but, as we saw in the defeat last season, this will be anything but easy.

Come on Pooler!