Home Sweet Home

There was great news about Pontypool Park last week. The long lease means that for the foreseeable future we will get to watch Pontypool’s home matches in one of the finest settings in world rugby. Fantastic!

Unfortunately, Pooler were not in action over the weekend so had to make do with some bits and pieces from the English Premiership and the Pro 14. The gap in the standard of play in the Leicester v Exeter game and the first half of Dragons v Scarlets game was huge. There was passion aplenty in both games but English club rugby, although not pretty to watch, has superior skill levels and more powerful players. From the few highlights I saw from the Ospreys v Cardiff Blues, the general standard of play was equally disappointing. I don’t suppose the two East Wales regions will be too worried as the narrow victories that they achieved are really all that matters after disappointing starts to the season.

All the rugby I watched over the weekend was played in wet conditions which rarely allows attractive rugby even though, at professional level, the pitches are vastly superior to those in the past. Pontypool’s next outing will be at Pandy Park against Cross Keys. Pooler’s last two visits, both in the National Cup, have been mud baths and looking at the weather forecast there could be another one in prospect next Saturday. I will be away for a couple of weeks so will miss this but will be wired in waiting anxiously for the result. I will also be keen to know how Bedwas get on at Bargoed which is also a crucial fixture in the race for the Championship title.

Merry Xmas and a successful New Year to all the Pooler team and the Pooler Army.

Come on Pooler!

It’s Tough at the Top

When I parked the car and walked towards Pontypool Park the Bargoed supporters’ coaches were just arriving. As they emerged excitedly from the coaches clutching their cans of beer and blowing their vuvuzela’s, you knew that the match was going to be something special. Yes, unbeaten Pontypool were entertaining unbeaten Bargoed in the first of the six crunch Championship fixtures that would define the season. The games between Pontypool, Bargoed and the also unbeaten Bedwas were surely going to decide who were champions and who therefore got the single promotion place on offer. You could forget all the fifty point victories so far - this was win at all costs.

It was a cold raw day but mercifully the heavy rain from the early morning had gone away. The pitch was a little damp but firm enough not really to affect play. A keen breeze was blowing mainly across the pitch but, if anything, favoured the team playing down the slope. A big crowd roared as Pontypool kicked off playing down the slope.

The Pontypool faithful were soon roaring even louder as, within the first few minutes, Pontypool gasman Lloyd Lewis sped off down the right touchline leaving defenders in his wake. He was stopped from scoring what would have been a spectacular try by a last-ditch ankle tap but it was a great start for the home side.

The two packs of forwards started to feel each other out and it looked a fairly even contest. Around ten minutes into the first half, Bargoed were penalised for an offence at a ruck. Meek slotted the kick from almost fifty metres which confirmed that the wind was favouring the home side (3-0). The match was turning into a bit of a kick fest as both sides elected to kick as a first option to try and gain territory. As you would expect for such an important local derby, things got a bit tetchy at times. Pooler were the beneficiaries at the end of the first quarter when a penalty to Bargoed was reversed for foul play. Meek converted from wide out just outside the Bargoed twenty-two (6-0).

The game would surely hinge on discipline and the penalty count as defences were on top. Pooler skipper Matthews was judged to have tackled the Bargoed scrum half too early at the base of a ruck and was awarded a yellow card for his trouble. Bargoed quickly capitalised on their extra man with a well taken try from a lineout near the home twenty-two. The backs moved the ball smartly for Prosser to cross in the left corner. An excellent conversion by Jones put the visitors in front at 6-7 with around ten minutes remaining in the first half.

Pontypool’s response was to work their way down field to retake the lead. Their cause was helped when Bargoed lost the services of Kynes for ten minutes for an offence at a ruck just before the interval. Pooler spurned what looked like a relatively easy penalty shot to go for a short range lineout. After a number of attempts at driving over the line and a five metre scrum or two, however, they came back empty handed. We wondered whether they would live to regret not taking the three points on offer as a tense first half came to a close with Bargoed retaining their narrow lead at 6-7.

Pontypool needed a good start to the second half but they got completely the opposite. A high tackle presented Bargoed with a simple penalty in front of the posts which Jones comfortably converted and the defecit had increased to 6-10.

For the next half an hour the game was almost all about Pontypool attacking and Bargoed defending. The Pontypool attack was not at its fluent best but that was to a large extent due to a ferocious and well-organised Bargoed defence. Early in the second half Pooler replaced second row Hodge with flanker Herbert and Bargoed got the upper hand in the scrums. This gave the away side a valuable source of penalties which enabled them to get some relief from the incessant Pooler attacks.

Pontypool kept on trying but there did not seem any way through the Bargoed defence and, as time ticked on, things got increasingly frantic. Pooler conceded a number of turnovers at the breakdown to the effective Bargoed backrow as they got into promising positions and there were knock-ons aplenty as the fierce Bargoed tackling took its toll. The Pooler faithful were beginning to fear the worst but they continued to roar their team on. The Bargoed fans cheered every thumping tackle.

As we got into the last ten minutes, there were signs that the Pontypool ball carriers, with Herbert and Stratton to the fore, were beginning to make some progress. The Bargoed defence was certainly not going to give up that was for sure and Pooler badly needed a spark of inspiration.

Then came the moment that turned the match on its head. The moment that the Pooler fans had been praying for. Herbert made good ground and found support on his elbow. The referee raised his hand to indicate a penalty to Pooler for a high tackle. It was Pontypool advantage and what an advantage they took. A good pass put Lloyd Lewis in the clear on the Bargoed twenty-two and there was only one outcome. Lewis sprinted down the left touchdown and gleefully ran around behind the posts to score the critical try. The conversion from Meek was a formality and the home side had taken the lead at 13-10. The Pooler Army was in ecstasy.

There was still time for Bargoed to hit back but Pooler had a spring in their step and were not about to let the visitors spoil their day. The Pontypool defence was more than a match for the Bargoed attacks and, for the most part, managed to pen the visitors in their own half. Nevertheless, it was a relief when they referee blew the final whistle and Pooler players and fans could celebrate a crucial victory. Final score: Pontypool 13 Bargoed 10.

Phew, that was hard work for the Pooler players and fans alike. Bargoed were as tough an opposition as you would wish to come up against. That Pontypool managed to pull off this victory tells you everything you need to know about the spirit in the squad. There is no doubt that a loss would have put a serious dent in Pooler’s promotion hopes as Bargoed do not look like a side that is going to lose many matches this season and Bedwas are continuing to go well. The table below shows just how tight the race to the end of the season is going to be with Bedwas looking threatening in second place. Bargoed entertain Bedwas in a couple of weeks which will be another crucial match

	P	W	D	L	BP	Points
Pontypool	11	11	0	0	10	54
Bedwas	9	9	0	0	7	43
Bargoed	10	8	1	1	9	43

Pontypool’s next fixture is a visit to Pandy Park in two weeks’ time. Cross Keys are recovering after a sticky start to the season and, as always, will give Pooler plenty to think about.

Come on Pooler!

Oh Scrum All Ye Faithful

What better way to get away from the purgatory of Xmas shopping, Brexit and elections than to watch Pontypool playing rugby. Pooler took on Glamorgan Wanderers in Ely on a dull grey December day with rain never far away. Newly promoted Wanderers had made a bright start to the season only having lost two out of their nine league games so would surely challenge Pooler’s perfect start to the campaign.

The pitch was muddy and damp with a breeze favouring the Wanderers in the first half. Pontypool attacked from the off with backs and forwards combining in an exhilarating passage of play. Sadly a knock-on prevented what could have been an excellent team try. The resulting scrum led to a penalty to the home side as Pooler tried to apply the pressure and this was a taste of what was to come.

Pontypool had a clear advantage in the forward exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead after ten minutes with a try from Ieuan Jones when a driven lineout proved unstoppable. The conversion failed but Pooler were up and running at 0-5.

The home side then showed why they are in the top half of the league with some determined attacking play. The Pontypool defence were in full Ebenezer Scrooge mode and were not about to give away anything away and try as they might there was no way through for the Wanderers’ attacks.

With conditions as they were, there were a lot of handling errors from both sides and that meant a lot of scrums. The Pontypool pack was dominant in this phase but there were far too many resets which seemed to drain the energy out of the game. The Wanderers defence was well marshalled and really challenged the offside line which made it difficult for Pooler to generate any real momentum despite plenty of possession.

It took almost another twenty minutes for Pontypool to increase their lead. Their second try came from another forward drive with this time Hughes claiming the touchdown. The conversion narrowly missed but Pooler had doubled their lead (0-10).

Wanderers were not perturbed and again went on the attack but, while their ball retention was good, they could not penetrate the Pontypool defence. After a long period of possession for the home side, Pooler finally got the ball back. With half time approaching, they worked their way down field and the forwards did the rest. Herbert took off from a driving maul and powered over for Pooler’s third try which this time was converted by Gullis. Pontypool had built a useful 0-17 advantage at half time with the try bonus point in sight.

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Pontypool putting together a breathtaking attack. A knock-on brought an end to that and the game returned to the rather frustrating stop-start nature of the first half. Rain swept in which certainly did not help matters as we watched far too many scrums collapse and be reset or penalised. I think the players shared the crowd’s frustration and a bout of fisticuffs led to a yellow card for Matthew from the home team.

Pontypool finally got what they wanted after ten minutes or so. The important fourth try came for a scrum close to the Wanderers’ line. The Pontypool scrum was far too powerful and they drove the home pack backwards at a rate of knots for Jones to bag his second try of the afternoon. Gullis converted and Pooler had secured the bonus point and a winning lead with the score at 0-24.

The rest of the match was entirely forgettable with neither side able to conjure up a score. The conditions were poor which led to plenty of mistakes and, you guessed it, yet more scrums. There were plenty of penalties too as the referee took centre stage. Glamorgan Wanderers continued to put their heart and soul into the game and made things really difficult for Pontypool. The Pontypool defence was determined to not let the home team score. All very frustrating - it was that kind of game.

In the end I think everyone was delighted to hear the final whistle. Yes, it really was that kind of game but it was still better than Xmas shopping! Final score: Glamorgan Wanderers 0 Pontypool 24.

Pontypool would consider this to be a job well done against well organised and committed opposition in difficult conditions. The bonus point victory keeps their noses in front of the chasing killer Bs, Bedwas and Bargoed, who both maintained their unbeaten records.

Next Saturday brings the first big crunch match of the season in the Championship when Pontypool entertain Bargoed. Two of the big guns from the Championship get to try each other out and something has to give. Pooler will have to be at their very best that is for sure. I am looking forward to it already.

I did watch a bit of European rugby with a great set of results for the Irish and not so good for the English in the Champions Cup. The troubled Ospreys went down to a heavy defeat at home to Racing 92. Better news for the Welsh regions in the Challenge Cup with good wins for the Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets but the depleted Dragons lost narrowly at Worcester. Looks like a Wexit for the Ospreys and it is hard to see how the Welsh regions with their limited budgets will ever become competitive in the one that really matters, the Champions Cup.

Actually, the one really matters to me is Pooler’s game against Bargoed next weekend!

Come on Pooler!

The Changing of the Welsh Guard

One of the consequences of going away for a week is you miss valuable Pooler time. It is a difficult balance to achieve but a bit of winter sunshine goes some way to atoning for missing a couple of matches. Anyway, Pooler managed perfectly well without me beating Maesteg Quins 33-0 in the Championship and beating Brynmawr 0-29 in the Ben Francis Cup. My spies tell me that the Maesteg Quins game was a job well done in atrocious conditions – perhaps a bit of sun wasn’t such a bad option after all.

I did get back in time to watch the Wales v Barbarians match on the TV. In a lot of ways, it was a typical Barbarians match with plenty of open rugby and plenty of tries. This of course was Wayne Pivac’s first game in charge of Wales with his predecessor, the redoubtable Warren Gatland, coaching the opposition. Injuries etc. had shorn Wales of a number of Gatland’s stalwarts so it was interesting to see how the rejigged team would do against a scratch team with nothing to lose. The final score line at 43-33 is exactly what you would expect from this kind of fixture. There were some standout performances from three Scarlets in the pack with Ken Owens and Wyn Jones looking fit and raring to go and Jake Ball whole-heartedly taking on the main ball-carrier role. Wales were prepared to run the ball at every opportunity but maybe this was more about the context than what we can expect in more serious encounters in the future. Still Wales won and showed plenty of flair and there didn’t seem to be any serious injury problems – happy days!

Good luck to Wayne Pivac and the new coaching team they have a tough act to follow. Thanks to Warren Gatland and his team for many happy memories.

Welsh regional rugby appears to be in disarray yet again. Rather like Brexit it is a running sore but I don’t really want to discuss it here. It seems almost incurable.

Next week Pontypool visit newly promoted Glamorgan Wanderers in the Championship. The Wanderers have made impressive progress so far with only two defeats out of nine starts and will be keen to show what they can do against the league leaders. It should be a cracker.

Come on Pooler!

Pontypool Master the Students – Eventually

Cardiff Met University has proved a testing venue for Pontypool over the years. Even though Pontypool had put the students to the sword the previous weekend in the National Cup at Pontypool, we knew this was likely to be an altogether tougher encounter. Conditions were perfect for rugby on a cool, dry, virtually windless day with the pitch looking firm.

The early exchanges were pretty even with Cardiff Met as usual looking lively with ball in hand. It was indeed the home team that opened the scoring with a try by McVeigh in the right corner after some breathtaking running from the backs. Lloyd slotted the conversion from the touchline and it was game on (7-0).

A few minutes later Pooler hit back following a strong surge from No 8 Jones who made good ground from his own twenty-two. The support arrived on cue and after some interpassing Thomas crossed for a try in the left corner. Meek converted and it looked like we were in for a close encounter (7-7).

The home side were proving difficult to contain and frequently left Pooler’s defenders clutching at air but it was Pontypool who scored next when Meek broke through a series of would-be tackles to score a try that he converted to edge the away side ahead at 7-14.

The second quarter really belonged to Cardiff Met who threatened to score on a number of occasions as the pace of their backs continued to trouble the Pooler defence. The students’ cause was helped by Pontypool getting on the wrong side of the referee and conceding far too many penalties with a few of the decisions failing to impress the Pooler faithful. The scrambling Pontypool defence somehow managed to stop the students from scoring a try but they did concede two kickable penalties that Lloyd converted which left the score at half time Cardiff Met 13: Pontypool 14.

The Pontypool team had looked a little perplexed as the half ended and made their way to the corner of the pitch for a tutorial with Leighton Jones. I suspect a few words of wisdom were shared with the team and, after the steam had cleared, we expected a better performance in the second half.

The outcome of the match was really determined in the first ten minutes of the second half. Pontypool did not get off to the good start that they craved. Instead they conceded two kickable penalties in the first five minutes. Unfortunately for Cardiff Met, Lloyd was off target with both and Pontypool heaved a sigh of relief. A minute or so later, a Cardiff Met quickly taken lineout went wrong. Pontypool wing Thomas not only tackled his man but pinched the ball. He managed to get the ball away and it was hooker Ball who scored Pooler’s third try. Meek converted and the lead had increased to 13-21 – still not decisive but we breathed a sigh of relief.

Almost straight for the restart, Pooler skipper Matthews broke clear and fed scrum half Leonard. Leonard showed blistering pace leaving the chasing defenders in his wake as he galloped over for a try. Meek converted and from nowhere Pontypool had opened a sizeable lead at 13-28.

Cardiff Met had to throw caution to the wind and ran everything. The Pontypool defensive line speed was much improved from the first half and this led to plenty of errors from the home team. This in turn led to attacking opportunities for Pooler as they seized the loose ball.  The attrition rate was high and there were lots of injuries and substitutions and this ultimately led to uncontested scrummaging in the final quarter.

From such a scrum close to the home line, Pontypool right wing Lewis was put into a gap and scored their fifth try which was again converted by Meek (13-35) and the game was effectively put to bed.

Five minutes later, the Pontypool gasman, Lewis, showed his searing pace as he tore down the right wing to score his second of the afternoon after another turnover. The conversion sailed wide but Pooler were now 13-40 to the good.

Openside flanker Stratton has been in fine form for Pontypool this season and it was he who fittingly scored Pontypool’s seventh and final try of the afternoon as he seized upon a loose ball and sprinted from virtually the halfway line to score under the posts. Meek converted to bring his personal tally to seventeen points. Final score Cardiff Met 13: Pontypool 47.

Well, a bonus point win for Pontypool so mission accomplished. This was far from straightforward particularly in the first half as the lively students asked plenty of questions of the Pontypool defence. Things improved in the second half as Pooler’s greater strength told and, in the end, they came away with a solid victory. Whilst there were no yellow cards, there still must be some concerns about the number of penalties conceded which might prove expensive on another day.

Congratulations to Clayton Gullis on his 150^th appearance. He is a great club servant and fine player – long may he continue.

I did watch the club video “Pontypool RFC: One Game” and even though I knew the ending I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not for those of a nervous disposition in some places though!

I haven’t watched much European rugby on the TV but I did see Gloucester v Toulouse. In my mind I still think of Gloucester as the “Poor man’s Pontypool” but these are just the ramblings of an old man and times have certainly changed. Toulouse certainly looked impressive in their victory and will be serious contenders. All the Welsh regions have started well in the Challenge Cup while the Ospreys minus their RWC contingent were well beaten by Munster in the Champions Cup.

The appointment of Sam Warburton in the Wales coaching setup is an interesting one. I wish him and Pooler old boy Byron Hayward well as Sean Edwards will be a tough act to follow.

So back to Pontypool. The Championship looks to be boiling up nicely with a three horse race developing. Pontypool plus Gwent rivals Bargoed and Bedwas are still all unbeaten. So far they have all avoided playing each other but something will have to give. Pontypool play Bargoed in mid-December and then Bargoed play Bedwas at the end of December and this will give us a better idea of the relative strengths.

The National Cup draw was relatively kind to Pontypool with the coveted home draw and a match against Carmarthen Quins in prospect in January. We did manage to beat them a couple of years back so we have a good chance in what will be a stiff challenge.

Next Saturday Pontypool entertain Maesteg Quins – sadly I am unable to attend but I will be thinking about Pooler and keeping the twitter feed close by.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler’s Cup Runneth Over

Pontypool were back in action after a week off this time for a WRU National Cup tie against familiar opponents in Cardiff Met University. Cardiff Met can be a bit of an unknown quantity as they can choose from literally hundreds of rugby players and play in both the Welsh Championship and the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Super League. What is known, however, is that whoever takes the field they will be fit and athletic and well coached. Some of Pontypool’s closest encounters have been against Cardiff Met in recent years particularly in Cyncoed. The contests are normally high scoring and enjoyable to watch.

Pontypool played up the slope in the first half on a cold damp day and were on the defensive for the first few minutes as the students dominated possession. The Pontypool defence stood firm and then, from their first meaningful possession, Meek gathered his own kick ahead and some slick passing left room for left wing Thomas to squeeze in for a try in the left corner. Meek’s conversion narrowly missed but Pooler had seized the initiative (5-0).

The game was evenly contested for the rest of the first quarter as the Cardiff Met backs proved a handful for the home defence and Pontypool leaked a few penalties. Just as the quarter drew to a close, Pontypool wing Lloyd Lewis was very harshly yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on when he attempted an interception. Moments later, Cardiff Met capitalised on their superior numbers with a try by Nelson that was converted by Mattin (5-7).

Pontypool were stung into action and, in the space of a few minutes, showed what interceptions were all about. First Sparks intercepted and galloped thirty metres or so to score and moments later, not to be outdone, Thomas intercepted and sprinted in for a try from forty metres. Both tries were converted by Meek and the game had been transformed in a flash with Pooler building a 19-7 lead.

The second quarter was all Pontypool and they produced some scintillating rugby to put the students to the sword. It started in pragmatic fashion with a series of driving lineouts that Cardiff Met stopped illegally. Inevitably this led to a yellow card with Geary the one of many who could have been punished. Hodge ploughed over for a converted try soon after and Pooler were looking dominant at 26-7.

A few minutes later, Lloyd Lewis was given what looked like a tiny bit of room to work with near the right touchline and he beat three defenders to score in the corner. Meek was kicking well and converted from wide out (33-7).

As the half drew to a close, an expertly judged kick ahead by the imperious Powell was gathered and he put the supporting substitute scrum half Leonard in for a try. The conversion was a formality for Meek and Pontypool had surely put the game to bed with a 40-7 half time lead. After a slow start, Pooler had played some excellent rugby and could be well satisfied with the opening stanza.

The second half started well for Pooler when a turnover by the lively Stratton gave Leonard the opportunity to race in for his second try. This was again converted by Meek and Pooler were approaching the half century at 47-7.

Pooler added an eight try when Powell made a break and found the supporting Mahoney on his elbow. The full back cantered home for the try that Meek converted from wide out to bring up the fifty points with the scoreboard showing 54-7.

There followed wholesale substitutions from both teams and as usual the game lost its way as the teams settled down. Cardiff Met settled quicker and after concerted forward driving scored their second try through Malkin which was converted by Evans (54-14).

Play was scrappy for the next fifteen minutes or so with Pontypool struggling to find their rhythm and the Cardiff Met substitutes making their presence felt. The deadlock was broken by a peach of a try from the home side. Lloyd Lewis in from the wing took the ball at pace and broke through the first line of defence. Ball playing on the flank was exactly where he should have been in support and, in turn, he found Leonard steaming up on an excellent line. The scrum half dotted down to complete his hat trick of tries. The conversion failed but Pooler were back on track (59-14).

Pooler worked their way down field again and Marcus Jones was unlucky not to score in the corner. Pooler had established good field position and won a lineout close to the students’ line. An expertly worked front peel from the lineout saw Hughes score in the left corner. Meek again converted making the difficult kick look easy (66-14).

As the match drew to a close, the Pontypool defence rather went to sleep and Morris grabbed a late consolation try for the visitors which was converted by Evans. Final score: Pontypool 66 Cardiff Met 21.

Another dominant display from Pontypool against lively opposition. It was just the tonic needed to combat RWC withdrawal symptoms. All eyes will now be on the quarter final draw that takes place on Tuesday. As always, a home draw would be preferable but, on this form, Pooler shouldn’t fear anybody. Cardiff RFC look to be the Cup favourites after their demolition of Ebbw Vale on Friday evening.

As fate would have it, Pontypool face the same opposition next Saturday in the league but this time away in Cyncoed. Despite this big win, Pooler know that this will be anything but plain sailing.

Come on Pooler!

It’s All Gone Quiet Over There

Well the Rugby World Cup is done and dusted. England seem to have gone from heroes to zeroes in the space of twenty four hours in the eyes of the media with barely a mention of yesterday’s RWC final on the radio this morning. South Africa’s power and mightily effective game plan did to England what England had done to the All Blacks in the semifinal. Yes, South Africa are the champions and thoroughly deserved to win yesterday. England have had a great tournament but just couldn’t get back to the level that they had reached the previous week.

When I reflect on the RWC, it is clear that a good big one will virtually always beat a good little one. Winning rugby is currently all about power and stifling defence coupled with pressure generated by countless box kicks from the scrum half. It is about preying on mistakes while trying not to make any mistakes yourselves. In the Northern Hemisphere the winners are the ones who do this best. Sadly it seems this is now applying in the Southern Hemisphere too. In the RWC there was some delightful rugby from the Japanese, the Fijians and of course New Zealand but ultimately it couldn’t trump power.

The power of the players and the shuddering impacts during the games bring with them a high injury toll and in a tournament the length of the injury list can have a big effect on the final outcome. It begins to sound like gladiatorial combat or even war.

Yesterday’s showpiece was a penalty fest for the first hour or so with all eyes turned to the referee at every breakdown and scrum waiting to see which way his raised arm pointed. It is such a lottery sometimes that I am sure the casual observer (like everyone else!) is completely bamboozled. Fortunately the Springboks brightened up the game with a couple of good tries or it would have been a pretty poor advertisement for rugby union.

Did I enjoy the RWC? Yes I did - although being a Welsh supporter it was full of anxious moments as Wales clawed their way into the semi final. The Japanese organised everything very well with their usual attention for detail and they coped remarkably with the typhoon. I cannot imagine French children learning the Japanese, Welsh and Fijian national anthems in four years time.

I shall miss the early morning entertainment that is for sure. At least there might be something other than English rugby in the Sunday papers this morning but then if the alternative is Brexit and the election perhaps it would have been better if England had won.

Roll on next Saturday and Pontypool Park.

Diolch Warren

There was to be no fairy tale ending to Warren Gatland’s reign as Wales coach. New Zealand duly gave Wales a lesson in support play and explosive running to secure third spot in the RWC by a margin of 40-17. It could have been a lot worse but an unfamiliar Welsh line-up hung in there to the bitter end and even managed to score a couple of tries themselves. The contrast between this match and the dour semi final against South Africa could not have been greater as both sides threw the ball about with gay abandon. As you might expect, the All Blacks were much better at it than Wales and hence the final result. For Wales, Josh Adams was the stand out player and has certainly enhanced his growing reputation over the course of the RWC. Everyone else tried their hardest but man for man they are just not as explosive and skillful as the New Zealanders. We did not really have the personnel to do an England on them and stifle their every move. It made for an entertaining spectacle anyway.

Before the RWC would we have been satisfied with a semi-final? Realistically I think so and other fancied sides fell by the wayside. It has been a hard slog for Wales with every game bringing its own challenges and this is underlined by the injury list. They can return to Wales with their heads held high. The Six Nations is just around the corner let us hope that the injuries are not to serious.

The Six Nations will bring with it a new coaching team for Wales. They will do well to match Warren Gatland’s success rate – I wish them good luck as he will be a tough act to follow with the limited player base that we have in Wales.

I would like to thank Warren Gatland and the squad for many memorable moments and much enjoyment as a Welsh fan. We may not have played the prettiest rugby at times but we found a way to win – at least against Northern Hemisphere opposition!  Good luck for the future Warren.

Tomorrow, I think I heard on the radio or did I read it in the newspaper, there is the small matter of the RWC final with a super confident England side playing the Springboks. It seems that the result is a formality or so the individual playing ratings in the papers would have it. Let us hope for a good game and may the better team win.

Once tomorrow is done, we can return to club rugby with Pontypool back in action next weekend. It will be Cardiff Met University in the Cup at Pontypool Park. Should be a good game.

Hard luck Wales!

Come on Pooler!

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Saturday morning was quite a traumatic experience. I watched the much vaunted All Blacks taken apart by an England side bristling with aggression and purpose and no little skill. Rather like Australia the week before New Zealand didn’t seem to know what to do to counter the English game plan. I don’t think that I have ever seen such inaccuracy from an All Blacks team who rarely managed to set up any form of attacking platform. With their opening salvos, England quickly extinguished any fire that had been generated by the New Zealand Haka. You could only sit back and admire it as England stormed into the RWC final.

When we discussed the match over a pint in the evening, we wondered whether we had witnessed a tipping point in the order of world rugby. Had rugby become that attritional that smaller countries could never have the depth of talent required to compete with those with large populations of rugby players? Equally did the smaller countries have the financial clout to retain their up and coming players when other countries could offer the big bucks? Was it far too easy to, in effect, change nationalities? We didn’t come up with the answers even though we had several more pints. Did this mean that we were worried about Wales’ future in the longer term? – well yes.

A longstanding lunch appointment prevented me from going down to Port Talbot to watch Pontypool taking on Tata Steel in the afternoon. With the amount of rain that had fallen, I was amazed that the game took place. I did manage to keep in touch via twitter and strategically timed comfort breaks. The final result was yet another convincing victory for Pooler with a final score of 7-59. So yet another half century of points and Pooler have now amassed 368 points in 7 matches. By comparison in 2012-13 Pontypool only scored a total of 411 points in 26 matches – it just demonstrates how far the club has come in its quest to return to the Premiership and confirms the argument in terms of strength in depth. Well done to everyone concerned.

As I sit here writing this at 7.30am on a Sunday morning, I am starting to feel nervous about the Wales v South Africa match that is fast approaching. What are our chances? So far in the RWC Wales have managed to win all their matches without looking really convincing in any of them. There have been some brief periods of inspiration when they have shown what they can do but mostly they have dogged it out. They have certainly had to work hard for their victories with last week’s nailbiter against France a case in point. The Springboks look to be a higher hurdle to try and clear than any so far. Can Wales do it? All will be revealed very soon……

…..well that’s the first half done and it is really attritional stuff from the Springboks. A very simple game plan kick and chase and wear down the Welsh pack. Wales are still in it at just 6-9 down but already Francis and North are injured. Not much of spectacle that is for sure. Wales are finding the ultra-physical Boks a real handful. Can Wales find a way or will they end up with too many injuries and get overpowered?......

……well a really brave effort from Wales in a game which could have either way. In the end the South African power and their ability to win penalties just did enough. It was fantastic that the Welsh managed to strike back with a try to equalise at 16-16 with ten minutes or so left but they could not find the score to put them ahead. It was the South Africa who won the all-important penalty with a just a few minutes left that decided the match. It was a poor quality but tense match with an incredible amount of kicking with neither side really prepared to take any risks. Can South Africa trouble England in the final? – not on this evidence. Could be four years of misery heading our way.

Wales will now have to face the wounded animal that is the All Blacks in the third/fourth play-off. This will be a really tough ask with a banged-up squad and little preparation time. It may not be pretty to watch!

No game for Pontypool next week end but then we have a double header against Cardiff Met to look forward to. A cup tie at home and then a league match away. Should be interesting!

Hard luck Wales you gave it everything!

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Look Great, Wales Leave It Late

Saturday afternoon saw us wending our way up the Rhondda Valley towards our destination Gelligaled Park where Pontypool were to take on their latest opponents Ystrad Rhondda in the Championship. The sun had finally decided to emerge and the scenery was simply breathtaking at times. The rain of the last few days had not disappeared completely and now and then it pattered down even though the sun kept shining.

Gelligaled Park is a picturesque ground in the bottom of the valley and is surrounded by trees that were just beginning to show their Autumn tints. The pitch was in surprisingly good condition despite all the recent rainfall. The scene was set for an entertaining encounter. Ystrad Rhondda had been promoted to the Championship in 2018-19 and had proved to be a surprise package, giving an excellent account of themselves, and eventually finishing runners up behind Pontypool. The corresponding fixture last year had been one of Pooler’s hardest games and even though Ystrad had not had the best start to the new season Pontypool would need to play well to prevail.

Pontypool wanted a fast start and they certainly got that. From the home side’s kick-off, Pooler scrum half Quick sent up a box kick and wing Lloyd Lewis gathered. The Pooler gasman set off on a mazy run across the field before chipping ahead for his fellow wing Thomas to gather and score a try in the first minute or so of the match. Meek converted and Pooler had a dream start at 0-7.

The Pontypool backs looked full of running and with the forwards generating good possession it looked like a busy afternoon for the home defence.  It took ten minutes before they struck again - this time the three quarters combined smoothly running excellent support lines to put Meek in for a try that he converted (0-14).

As we moved into the second quarter, an expertly judged cross kick from Meek found Lloyd Lewis in space. Lewis took full advantage and used his pace to outflank the defence. The try was again converted by Meek and Pooler were cruising at 0-21.

After the devastating start by the away side, Ystrad rolled up their sleeves and became much more competitive. A fracas saw yellow cards awarded to Thomas of Pontypool and Harris of Ystrad. The home side began to gain both possession and territory but the Pontypool defence was strong. As the first half was nearing completion, Pontypool scored their bonus point try. The backs again combined well and this time it was full back Gullis who was on the end of the move to dot down for the try. The try was again converted and the game looked sewn up at 0-28. Pontypool were not content and managed a further score before the interval when a grubber kick through by Gullis was gathered by Lloyd Lewis who scored his second try in the right corner. The try was not converted but Pooler had looked mightily impressive in building up a 0-33 first half lead.

The second half proved to be much more even although Pooler always looked in control and the more likely team to score. Ystrad were not about to give up that was for sure. Another fracas saw two more yellow cards for Gullis of Pontypool and Jevons of Ystrad. The home side were playing some good rugby and were spending a lot of time in the Pooler half but the Pontypool defence was repelling their attacks with some fierce tackling. Pooler looked very dangerous on the break and were more than willing to run the ball at every opportunity. They gained possession in their own twenty-two and number eight Jones popped up in midfield to scythe through the Ystrad defensive line. The cover defence finally managed to halt his gallop but he off-loaded to the supporting backs who combined slickly to put Jordan Thomas over in the left corner. Meek converted from the touchline and it was 0-40.

As we entered the final quarter, Pontypool worked their way down field and from an attacking scrum outside half Matthew Lewis made an excellent break and unselfishly passed to Meek who scored his second try which he converted himself and Pooler were closing in on the half century at 0-47.

Ystrad continued to attack and finally they got their reward. Pooler knocked on in their own twenty-two and the home side took full advantage. Llewellyn scored a try near the posts that Truelove converted and Ystrad were deservedly on the scoreboard (7-47)

It was left to the visitors to bring down the curtain on proceedings with another scintillating try.  Pooler again broke out from their own twenty-two and this time it was substitute outside half Powell who did the damage with a clean break. After reaching the Ystrad twenty-two, the cover defence halted his progress but he passed to Meek who found Lloyd Lewis steaming up outside him and he crossed to complete his hat trick of tries. The conversion from Meek sailed through uprights and Pontypool had compiled a half century of points for the fourth match in a row (7-54).

Both sides huffed and puffed in the last few minutes but there was no more scoring. Final score Ystrad Rhondda 7 Pontypool 54.

Another great victory for Pontypool with the backs demonstrating their scoring power. All eight tries were scored by backs with some stunning running. I am sure they would be the first to say that they could not perform without a supply of good ball from the forwards who played their part admirably against opposition that never wavered in their commitment. Pontypool are a good all-round team and look well set for future challenges. The forthcoming fixture against unbeaten Bedwas in a couple of weeks is a mouthwatering prospect. First, however, Pontypool will be travelling to Tata Steel for their next match which cannot be taken lightly.

Before the trip to the Rhondda, I did watch the RWC quarter finals. There were convincing victories for England and New Zealand but in both games the opposition did not really do themselves justice. Australia continually shot themselves in the foot against England who gleefully capitalised on their mistakes. New Zealand at times looked unplayable but I am sure the Irish will be disappointed with their showing. It sets up a juicy semi-final that is for sure.

I am now going to prorogue my writing to see what Wales can do against France. I am more than a little anxious about the outcome and its too early for strong drink – or is it?........

……it will take more than a strong drink! What an awful first half for Wal. They are really lucky to be only nine points down – it could easily have been nineteen. The French look stronger and look very much in the mood. The absence of Jon Davies is keenly felt I fear as is Navidi’s injury. Can Wales come back – it will take some effort……

……well Wales did it by the narrowest of margins 20-19 - thanks to a great extent to a French “moronic elbow”. Not sure whether my heart can take much more of this though. The French must be crying in their Chablis – this is one that they should have won. Still we can’t worry about that. Looks like Wales will have a significant injury list to cope with for the semi. Don’t mind who we play! It’s the darkened room for me and then back to the couch for Japan v South Africa.

Come on Wales but can you please stop making it difficult!

Come on Pooler keep doing what you are doing!

Pooler Thrive, Wales Contrive to Score Five

Pontypool are in great form at the moment. So much so that they were able to ring the changes and make no fewer than ten changes to the starting line-up from the XV that did so well at Narberth the previous week. This is no disrespect to Trebanos, the visitors to Pontypool Park, but a reflection of just how strong the Pontypool squad is this season.

Pontypool played up the slope in the first half on a dull but mercifully dry afternoon. The pitch had stood up well to the recent copious rainfall and there was not much wind. Good conditions for running rugby and both sides showed their intentions to do just that right from the off. Pontypool were soon on the scoreboard when a lineout near the Trebanos line saw the ball go loose over the visitors’ try line. Pontypool hooker, Ball, pounced on it for an unconverted try (5-0).

Trebanos hit back a few minutes later with a well-struck penalty from Brunton (5-3). Even at this early stage, it was clear that Pontypool were the stronger side and the visitors were in for a testing afternoon. The Pontypool centres, Pat Lewis and Mahoney, were proving difficult to contain and it was Lewis who scored the second try which was converted by namesake Matthew (12-3).

As the first quarter drew to a close, it was the centres who combined to put right wing, Jones, over for a try after strong work by the forwards. The try was again converted by Matthew Lewis and Pontypool were brimming with confidence at 19-3.

This confidence was somewhat undermined as Trebanos began to dominate possession after Pontypool were penalised a number of times. Trebanos had some nippy backs and some strong ball carriers and, after a period on the attack, Ferriman skated through the Pooler defence to score a try that was converted by Brunton (19-10).

Pontypool began to assert their dominance again as half time approached. A try by Luckwell who, as ever, popped up in support of a strong run by left wing, Thomas, was quickly followed by a pushover try by Lampitt from a five metre scrum. Both tries were unconverted but Pontypool had secured the try bonus point and a healthy lead. Half time score: Pontypool 29 Trebanos 10.

Pooler were soon on top in the second half. Within a few minutes of the restart, Mahoney had almost got over the try line after a strong burst. The ball was recycled and Clarke crossed for their sixth try. The conversion sailed wide but Trebanos must have feared the worst as the score ticked over to 34-10. The visitors strove manfully to keep a rampant Pooler in check but further tries looked inevitable as the home side played some excellent rugby.

Pontypool’s support play is of a high order and flanker, Stratton, exemplifies this. He was on hand to touch down for Pooler’s seventh try which was at last converted (41-10). This was shortly followed by a solo effort from lively scrum half Luckwell who broke down the blind side of a scrum to score in the right corner from twenty metres or so (46-10).

Both sides started to make their substitutions but Pooler continued to dominate. Stratton bagged another try which was converted by Meek who had come on as a substitute (53-10). As is now the norm, the game became a little disjointed as the substitutes found their feet. There was still time for one last hurrah though and, after strong driving play by the forwards, Meek scored Pooler’s tenth try which he also converted. Final score Pontypool 60 Trebanos 10.

Another powerful all-action display by Pontypool who put Trebanos to the sword and continued their excellent start to the season with their third half century of points in succession. Try as Trebanos might they were no match for Pooler’s all-round strength. It is worth noting that Pontypool are only one of four unbeaten sides in the Championship so there are tough games around the corner. Relegated pair Bedwas and Bargoed will be tough nuts to crack and Cardiff Met have proved a thorn in Pontypool’s side over the years. It is still all to play for but Pooler are in a good place.

Next up for Pontypool are two away games at Ystrad Rhondda and Tata Steel which will bring their own challenges.

Well I am just off to have a bit of breakfast before settling down on the couch for Wales v Uruguay. Let’s hope that Wales are as successful with their much-changed side as Pooler were yesterday……

……what an awful inept first half from Wales. Too many mistakes by far have let Uruguay believe that they can win. Uruguay did get away with not having a yellow card after conceding far too many penalties close to their try line but that apart are leading the way in terms of commitment. The second half has to be better surely……

……well no great improvement there but still it ends up as a five try bonus point win for Wales. A really frustrating match with the Uruguayans, to their credit, defending really well.  Not many Welshmen covered themselves with glory but Halfpenny deserved man of the match. The substitutes made a difference with Carre showing up well and a Gareth Davies special to end the game.

To win all four pool games is some achievement for Wales and it means a match up with France in the quarter final next weekend. Bonne chance Wales next Dimanche.

So another great weekend of rugby in prospect with Pooler’s visit to Ystrad Rhondda top of the agenda.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!

Wales Have Me Fijiting On The Couch

You shouldn’t be a Wales fan these days if you are of a nervous disposition. Notwithstanding this, there are great rewards in the end if you don’t collapse in a heap. As if the trials and tribulations of the Grand Slam weren’t enough, we now have the Rugby World Cup. In the Six Nations all the games were far from an easy watch with away games in France and Scotland pretty traumatic but Wales came through in the end.

After a relatively comfortable victory against Georgia in the RWC, we had the Australia match which left me with my nerves jangling as the Aussies piled on the pressure in the second half. Wales hung on - just - and put themselves in a strong position to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Today it was the turn of Fiji who, on their day, are one of the most formidable attacking teams in the world. Today they had nothing to lose after their shock loss to Uruguay. Today they penetrated the normally watertight Welsh defence on countless occasions and but for a few forward passes could have built an unassailable lead. Credit then to Wales who came from behind twice to earn a bonus point 29-17 victory.  These Fijians are tough hombres and the Welsh players will be left applying copious quantities of witch hazel to their battered bodies. At times, Wales looked bamboozled by the pace and power of the South Sea islanders but it all came right in the end thanks to some clinical grabbing of the few attacking opportunities that came their way. Let us hope that the butcher’s bill is not too severe.

Next up is Uruguay and with a quarter final berth already assured and a chance to rest key players. No room for complacency though as winning the pool has its potential rewards.

Come on Wales!

The Beast from the East is too strong for the Otters

Pontypool have made an excellent start to the season and were out to lay down another marker in this classic east v west encounter at Narberth. It was The Beast from the East v The Best in the West in an important Championship clash. The visit to Narberth has proved to be one of Pooler’s most testing fixtures over the last few years and so it was a real challenge for Pooler following on from the previous week’s demolition of Neath.

It was a dank, drizzly day but with no wind and the pitch in good condition we hoped that the rugby would brighten up our afternoon. The first ten minutes of the match were really scrappy with lots of errors by both teams as they felt each other out. The Otters made marginally less errors and as a consequence did most of the attacking. They were rewarded with an unconverted try by Gale in the left corner when the Pooler defence for once looked porous (5-0).

Pontypool certainly didn’t panic and having won a penalty a few minutes later kicked for the corner. The subsequent driving lineout bore fruit with Ieuan Jones touching down. Meek converted and Pooler were in the lead at 5-7.

The Pontypool forwards looked to have an edge at lineout and in the loose but the scrum was proving more difficult with the away side conceding a few penalties to the front row’s usual bewilderment. Narberth seemed to be content to kick the ball as their driving play was receiving short shrift from the Pooler defence. Walsh at full back for Pontypool looked assured in defence and was ever ready to set up an attack from deep if it looked on. Powell at fly half for Pontypool controlled the game well with a blend of siege gun kicking and well-timed passes.

As we entered the second quarter, great interplay by Pontypool between Leonard, Powell and Coundley following a lineout created a gap for Ieuan Jones and the No 8 galloped over for his second try. Meek converted and Pooler had opened a significant lead at 5-14.

Another scrum penalty conceded by Pontypool, followed by an indiscreet remark to the referee, allowed the home side to reduce the deficit with a penalty by Gale (8-14). Nevertheless, you began to feel that Pooler were beginning to get a level of control over proceedings and were looking the more likely team to add to their score. We didn’t have to wait long – Meek made a break in midfield and found Leonard in support. The scrum half sped the twenty five metres or so to the Narberth try line for Pontypool’s third try. Meek converted and Pontypool could be well satisfied with their work in the first half. Half time score Narberth 8 Pontypool 21.

Pontypool started the second half with a bang. From a lineout in the Narberth twenty two, Matthews peeled around the front and fed Leonard who darted over in the right corner for his second try and secured Pooler’s try bonus point. The conversion missed narrowly but Pontypool’s lead was beginning to look formidable at 8-26.

Narberth began to look deflated despite a series of substitutions by both sides. An injury to a Narberth prop meant that it was uncontested scrummaging. Pontypool were in complete control and were keen to rack up as many points as they could. The last quarter became a bit of a try fest as the away side cut loose.

Meek who had moved to full back fielded a Narberth kick on halfway quite close to the left touchline. He beat the kick chasers with a combination of footwork and power before setting off down the touchline at pace. He didn’t need support as he ran the fifty metres or so to score a brilliant individual try in the corner. The conversion missed but the score had now moved on to 8-31.

It was time for Lloyd Lewis to get in on the act. The speedy winger scored two tries in almost as many minutes when he was given some room to work in by good passing from his team mates. Both tries were converted one by Powell and the other by Meek. The score was mounting alarmingly against the dispirited home side and was now at 8-45.

It was left to prop Coundley to put the icing on the cake for Pooler when he powered over for their eighth try bringing up the half century of points. The conversion missed but at the end of a highly satisfactory afternoon Pontypool had run out comfortable winners. Final score Narberth 8 Pontypool 50.

Another fabulous victory for Pontypool who on current form are looking even stronger than last season. The worrying thing for the rest of the Championship is there is still room for improvement as the new squad members continue blend in with the old. Of course, there is no reason for complacency as there are still plenty of strong teams to lock horns with as the season progresses.  But what a brilliant start!

No action for Wales this week in the RWC and no real surprises as the fancied teams have won reasonably comfortably. I must confess I haven’t watched a huge amount of it as it has taken a while to recover from the Wales v Australia epic. There is no doubt in my mind that Fiji are going to give Wales a really hard game in mid-week. Wales should pick their strongest team and will have to be at their very best if they are to win. They cannot afford to let the Fijians run at them that is for sure. I just hope that it isn’t as nerve-racking as the Australia game!

The next match for Pontypool is the visit of Trebanos next Saturday. Another team that certainly cannot be taken lightly.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!