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!
No comments:
Post a Comment