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!
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