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!
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