Pooler Squeeze Home

A Friday night fixture under floodlights at Pontypool Park is normally something to look forward especially when it is first playing third in the league. Pontypool were entertaining Gwent rivals Bedwas but the weather had misbehaved. Rain was being swept down the pitch by a strong gusting wind. You could tell how bad it was as I took no persuading to make a rare visit to the stand. There were still some hardy souls stationed on the Bank  - they must have had good waterproofs!

Pontypool lost the toss in this vitally important league match and kicked off playing with the elements in the first half. This was one of those games where you really wanted to get a decent lead in the first half and then try and protect it in the second half.  Pontypool needed a good start and, whether it was a consequence of the quick turn around after last Saturday’s titanic struggle against Carmarthen Quins or the absence of a few wise words from absent coach Leighton Jones, they had completely the opposite. The first fifteen minutes or so was a catalogue of errors from the home side. Lineouts went awry, penalties were given away at the scrum and breakdown, the ball was knocked on as Pooler struggled to get to grips with a lively Bedwas outfit. Bedwas looked the more likely to score as they fed off Pooler’s mistakes. This was going to be a tough night for Pontypool as the rain continued to fall.

Pontypool started to play a bit better in the second quarter and worked their way into promising field positions but the crucial pass always seemed to go astray as the awful conditions made any sort of back play high risk. To make matters worse, Pooler lock Gregory received a yellow card on the half hour for an offence at a maul. This was certainly not the first half that the Pontypool faithful wanted and there were plenty of concerned looks as Bedwas continued to play exactly the right tactics against the elements.

As the half drew to a close, strong running Bedwas wing Rees was sin-binned for a high tackle. Powell kicking the ensuing penalty and at least Pooler had some points on the board (3-0). Powell had a chance to double Pooler’s lead with a penalty in injury time but missed narrowly. The narrow half time lead looked very vulnerable with Bedwas playing down the slope with the wind behind them in the second half. This was going to take something special from Pontypool.

The early exchanges in the second half saw Bedwas on the attack but, rather like Pontypool in the first half, they found it difficult to capitalise on good field position. Pontypool brought Leonard on at scrum half and this seemed to inject some energy into their game.  A powerful surge from Coundley in midfield ignited Pontypool’s best passage of play of the night. Good support play and multiple phases resulted in No 8 Ieuan Jones squeezing in for a try in the left corner. The conversion failed but Pontypool were two scores ahead at 8-0.

Both sides made substitutions to bring on fresh legs on this energy-sapping night. Pontypool could be grateful that conditions improved with far less rain as we entered the third quarter. Pontypool seemed to be gaining the ascendancy but conceded two penalties in succession which transformed a promising attacking position into desperate defence. Bedwas were not to be denied and after a series of forward drives flanker Jones crossed for a try under the posts. McIntosh converted and Pooler’s lead had all but disappeared at 8-7.  

The tension mounted as the next score would be vital. Bedwas kicked the ball field using the following wind to gain field position. Pontypool tried to run the ball back at them which often led to errors and much angst in the crowd. Pooler fullback fielded such a kick from Bedwas and put up an up and under. The chase was good and Bedwas knocked on. Substitute home wing Nove grabbed the loose ball and burst clear and sprinted from almost halfway to score near the posts. Powell converted and Pooler had re-established their eight point cushion as we entered the last ten minutes (15-7).

There was a long break in play as Pontypool hooker Ball received treatment. I am pleased to say that he that he managed to walk off the field. When play resumed, the home side looked a little subdued and Bedwas seized the opportunity to attack. Their initial thrusts were repulsed but finally Bedwas wing, Rees, who had been a thorn in Pooler’s side all night, scored a great individual try from a well-judged kick ahead. The conversion failed but Bedwas were back within touching distance at 15-12.

There were a few anxious moments as the game drew to a close but Pooler managed to see them out and we were all delighted to hear the final whistle. Final score: Pontypool 15 Bedwas 12.

This was a gutsy performance from Pontypool who were far from their best at times against a streetwise Bedwas side. The conditions played a big part in the high level of errors but the penalty count against Pontypool remains a cause for concern. Pontypool had to dig deep especially when the after effects of last week’s cup match are considered. Well done boys - a truly hard-earned victory.

Pontypool’s lead over Bargoed is now ten points with Bargoed having a game in hand. It is tight at the top and Pooler’s tough away games at Bedwas and Bargoed will surely decide who wins promotion. The league programme during the Six Nations Championship is nothing like as intensive and Pontypool will be able to recover their mojo in time for the crucial fixtures to come.

Speaking of the Six Nations, I am just about to set off for Cardiff to see what Wales can do against Italy. The first big decision is it brunch or lunch?

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!