Pooler Made to Work Overtime to Progress

Pontypool Park was looking at its best on a sunny spring afternoon. It was like old times - Pontypool in a National Cup quarter final tie facing stiff opposition in the Bridgend Ravens with a large crowd waiting expectantly. For Pontypool this was a chance to pit their wits against a side from the Premiership for the second time in the Cup this season. Having won narrowly at Cross Keys in atrocious conditions, could they squeeze past Bridgend in perfect conditions? The stage was set and there was a mighty roar as Pooler took to the field.

Pontypool elected to play up the slope in the first half and got off to a bad start. An attempted clearance kick went wrong and they strayed off side. They were 0-3 down from the resulting penalty almost before they had time to draw breath. Things could have got a lot worse moments later when slick handling from the Ravens’ backs looked to have created a clear overlap. Fortunately for Pooler the final pass went astray and they had a chance to clear their lines.

It was pretty clear that Bridgend were going to pose an awful lot of problems for the home side with their powerful ball carriers and well organised and fleet footed back line. This was a step up from anything Pontypool had encountered this season. Gradually Pooler worked their way into the game and began to match the intensity of the Premiership side and show that they too had strong ball carriers and pace on the wings. The Bridgend lineout looked rock solid while Pontypool struggled at times to secure their own ball. The scrums were fairly evenly contested although if anything the home side had a slight edge. Pontypool finally got on to the scoreboard as a fiercely contested first quarter came to an end with a Matthew Jones penalty (3-3). This was going to be a close run thing.

As we approached the half hour mark, there was an almighty bust-up with players running from afar to join the party. This was serious stuff and after a lengthy consultation with the touch judge the referee reached into his pocket. The crowd on the Bank, who had not been close enough to see the incident, watched with bated breath as they awaited the outcome of his deliberation. Two yellow cards were shown to Hodge from Pontypool and Murphy from Bridgend. Then, after an almost theatrical delay, a red card was shown to Lewis the Bridgend prop. Pontypool would have an extra man as long as they managed to keep their discipline.

There was no more scoring before half time although Pontypool went close after a great break by fullback Walsh and the Ravens saw an attempted penalty kick sail wide. This was anyone’s game but Pontypool would have both a numerical advantage and would be playing down the slope in the second half. Half time score Pontypool 3 Bridgend Ravens 3.

Pontypool started the second half in top gear and had soon won a lineout just short of the Bridgend goal line. A well-orchestrated lineout drive saw skipper Rob Nash touch down for a try in the right hand corner. The conversion failed but Pooler had their noses in front at 8-3.

There then followed a strong and spirited response from the away side. Despite being down to fourteen men they laid siege on the Pontypool line. Pontypool put in a massive defensive shift as wave after wave of Bridgend attacks were repelled. There seemed to be no escape route for Pooler as they gave away a series of penalties with Bridgend declining to go for goal in favour of setting up driving lineouts. In the end the referee took action with Matthews the Pooler flanker shown a yellow card. Pooler’s response was a massive scrum on a Bridgend put in under their posts but they were soon back under the cosh. Bridgend continued to throw the kitchen sink at Pooler with excellent ball retention while Pooler defended for their lives. This was almost unbearably tense!

Try as they might the Ravens could not crack the home guard and finally with, by now, only ten minutes remaining Pooler escaped. Not only did they escape but they had the temerity to increase their lead with a well-judged drop goal by Matthew Jones. Pontypool had opened up a two score lead at 11-3.

Just as we were starting to think that the game might be won, a loose kick from Pontypool led to a stunning counter attack from Bridgend. In the blink of an eye, Grabham was over in the right corner. The conversion failed but Bridgend were well and truly back in it at 11-8 with eight minutes remaining. There was more bad news for Pooler as talisman Matthew Jones had to leave the field with a knee injury. The tension reached fever pitch as first Bridgend and then Pontypool mounted attacks. Just as time was running out for Bridgend, they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts when Pooler transgressed at a ruck. Murphy coolly slotted it to bring the scores level at 11-11 and we were going to have extra time. Bridgend had the momentum but Pontypool had the extra man - it was still anyone’s game.

It was Pontypool who seized the initiative in the first ten minute period of extra time. Playing up the hill, they pressurised Bridgend into giving away a penalty in front of their posts. Meek duly converted it and Pooler were back in front at 14-11. By now, both sides had virtually emptied their benches of replacements but it was Pooler who looked the stronger as they began to dismantle the Bridgend scrum. Soon they were back into the Bridgend twenty two with moments remaining in the first period of extra time. The ball was spread wide and Meek managed to cut the Ravens defence to score under the posts. Meek converted his try and Pooler had taken a significant step forward by building a 21-11 lead.

The second period of extra time saw Bridgend throw caution to the wind as they tried desperately to reduce the arrears. The Pooler defence was absolutely determined not to let that happen and managed to keep Bridgend penned in their own half for most of the time. As time ran out, Pontypool flanker Herbert received his marching orders with a red card for punching but by then it was too late for Bridgend. The Pooler army was able to celebrate taking another Premiership scalp and had a semi-final to look forward to. Final score: Pontypool 21 Bridgend Ravens 11

Well done Pooler -this was as hard won a victory as you could hope to have. Despite being down to fourteen men for a long period, Bridgend Ravens really took it to Pontypool and it was only a remarkable defensive effort that held them at bay. The match serves as a reality check for what lies ahead for Pontypool if they are in a play-off. Their opponents could well be Bridgend and at a neutral venue that would represent a huge challenge.

Meanwhile in the Championship both Ystrad Rhondda and Cardiff Met lost and it now leaves Narberth as the only side who can mathematically overhaul Pontypool. Narberth are now ten points behind but only have three games remaining, Pontypool have three matches in hand with six matches remaining. Two wins for Pooler would seal it.

Next Saturday Pontypool visit Cardiff Met who have proved very difficult opponents when at full strength. Pontypool will have it all to do to preserve their unbeaten record.

Congratulations Pooler on a brilliant victory. Onwards and upwards!