Mud and Guts

Pontypool’s visit to Cross Keys in the second round of the National Cup was important to them in a number of ways. Of course it was important to get through to the quarter finals of the cup and to get one over on their local rivals, but this was also a chance to measure themselves against Premiership opposition. It is more than likely that Cross Keys will finish the season in the bottom half of the Premiership and might even occupy the play-off position. Pontypool are looking favourites to clinch the Championship and take the other place in the play off. Yes, this was a chance for Pooler to put a marker down. Two years ago Cross Keys gave Pontypool a bit of a lesson in how to play in difficult conditions in a Cup tie – could Pooler exact revenge?

The weather was foul with a strong wind and heavy rain and although the pitch looked reasonable before the kick-off it was surely going to deteriorate rapidly as had happened before in our many visits to Pandy Park over the years. Pontypool kicked off playing into the wind and into the driving rain which seemed to get even heavier as the match started. In a classic wind affected game, Pooler would try and restrict Cross Keys’ scoring in the first half and capitalise on the tail wind in the second half.

The pitch began to cut up almost right from the start and soon the players were covered in mud. This is a comparative rarity these days as the quality of pitches has improved but in the past it was quite normal. With the wind behind them, the home side were able to kick the ball sixty yards whilst against it twenty yards was just about possible. These were very difficult conditions indeed and were surely only going to get worse.

A few minutes into the game, Cross Keys opened the scoring when Botica converted a penalty given against Pontypool for a high tackle (3-0). This was clearly going to be a very tough match as the players thundered into each other trying to gain a physical edge. Pontypool were certainly a match for Cross Keys in this department and this encounter would surely go right down to the wire. In such conditions, knock-ons were common place and it was not going to be a try fest that was for sure.

After about quarter of an hour of bruising stalemate, a Cross Keys attack broke down in midfield just outside the Pontypool twenty two. Gullis grabbed the ball and set off down field. A kick and chase followed and it was Luckwell the Pooler scrum half who won the race to claim a try. A wondrous conversion from Meek put Pontypool into the lead at 3-7. Points gained against the elements were like gold dust that was for sure.

The rest of the half apart from a few isolated forays from the away side was dominated territorially by Cross Keys with the wind the main factor. Despite the sinbinning of Coundley, a brave and committed defensive effort by Pontypool managed to repel all that Cross Keys threw at them. Cross Keys finally got some reward for their efforts deep in injury time with their second penalty from Botica for a high tackle. The half time score was Cross Keys 6 Pontypool 7 as the barely recognisable players trooped back to the changing rooms. Pontypool could certainly be well satisfied with their work in the first half and could look forward to having the wind at their backs in the second half. It was going to be tight though as points were not going to be easy to come by.

The rain kept teeming down and puddles of water were gathering on the pitch as the second half kicked off. Pontypool had an early chance to increase their lead with a penalty that would have been comfortable on a dry day but, in the muddy conditions. it was much more difficult and the ball sailed wide. Play was almost exclusively confined to the Cross Keys half and Pontypool pressed strongly. Cross Keys struggled manfully to escape the stranglehold. This was a tough game in atrocious conditions.

After about ten minutes of attrition, the home side looked to have knocked the ball on. Everyone seemed to pause but the referee waved play on and Cross keys took full advantage as they took play to the Pontypool twenty two. Pontypool transgressed and gave away a penalty that Botica duly converted. Cross keys had snatched a lead at 9-7 against the run of play. Pontypool had it all to do.

Pontypool were soon back in the Cross Keys twenty two attacking strongly against a resolute home defence. At the end of the third quarter, Pontypool were awarded another kickable penalty – this time Meek’s attempt hit the post. The Pontypool fans groaned but were soon back in full voice as they urged their team on.

Five minutes later the Pooler Army went into overdrive when a rare passing movement down the three-quarters saw Pooler flyer Lloyd Lewis with a bit of space. Somehow he managed to jink and wriggle and fight his way through the cover defence to score in the corner. The conversion failed but Pooler had retaken the lead at 9-12.

The last fifteen minutes were dominated territorially by Pontypool who looked the more likely to score. Pooler thwarted all the home side’s gallant attempts to break out in ever worsening conditions. Nevertheless, it was with great relief that the Pooler contingent heard the final whistle and were able to celebrate a hard-earned but deserved victory.

As the exhausted but exultant Pontypool team left the field, they looked like they needed to visit a carwash rather than the changing rooms. Every player was covered from head to toe in mud – it had been that kind of game.

This was a marvellous victory for Pontypool in dire conditions and fully atones for their defeat at Pandy Park in 2017. Cross Keys gave everything and were a tough nut to crack that is for sure. The squad now looks far better prepared for life in the Premiership. Let us hope that that ambition can become a reality.

I think everyone in Pontypool is hoping for a home tie in the quarter final. There are strong teams left in the competition but Pooler move forward with confidence. Next week it is back to league action with Bedlinog the visitors to Pontypool Park. There is no room for complacency as all at the club know full well.

Next week also the Six Nations Championship springs into action. Wales have a tough opening match in Paris where you never really know what to expect from the French team. With Halfpenny and Liam Williams injured you would think Jonah Holmes would play fullback but could Gatland choose to move Anscombe there and bring in Biggar at outside half? It looks like Gareth Davies is side-lined through injury – it is a crying shame that Rhys Webb is still in exile. The first selection will be interesting with the Welsh new-found strength in depth giving the selectors a few tough decisions.

The good news is that I have dried out my clothes after the trip to Cross keys and the even better news is that I do not have to wash the Pontypool kit. Well done Pooler and well done the Pooler Army for their fantastic support!

Come on Pooler, come on Wales.