There is a
long history of meaty encounters between Neath and Pontypool who are two of the
fallen giants of Welsh Rugby. Both teams are, of course, desperately keen to
re-establish themselves in the Premiership as soon as possible. Whilst this
season is a write-off in terms of promotion from the Championship, there were
still bragging rights at stake in Neath.
The Gnoll
was bathed in sunshine but there was a fierce and cold wind blowing down the
pitch which was sure to have a profound effect on the game. Pooler were playing
against the wind in the first half and, as is now the accepted advice, would be
looking to keep the scores close and try to capitalise on the elements in the
second half. Things started badly for Pontypool with the concession of an early
penalty that was converted by Williams to give the home side the lead
(3-0). Shortly afterwards Pooler lost
wing Jay Jones to injury and brought on Marcus Jones as a substitute.
Pontypool
gradually grew into the game and achieved good field position on a number of occasions.
It soon became abundantly clear that a highly motivated Neath defence was not
about to concede an inch. The home team did get on the wrong side of the
referee but, despite yellow cards for Powell and Grigg, Pooler could not breach
their defences despite several short-range driving lineouts and scrums. Pooler
appeared disjointed and toothless in attack and in the end had to settle for a
solitary penalty goal from Meek (3-3).
With the
benefit of the wind, a hefty kick from the Neath half backs could clear the
ball fifty metres or more down field. A great kick chase meant that Pooler’s
attempts to run the ball back were quickly stifled. Such pressure led to Neath
taking the lead late in the half with another Williams penalty (6-3).
Whilst
disappointed with Pooler’s inability to capitalise on good field position and
possession, most away fans would have settled for the 6-3 half time deficit
when the first half began. Surely with the wind behind them Pontypool should be
able to overturn such a slim lead.
Neath
started the second half the stronger and increased their lead to 9-3 with
another penalty in the first few minutes. From then on, the game was played
almost exclusively in the Neath half. Pontypool, however, had come up against
doughty opponents and their defence was more than equal to anything that a
mis-firing Pooler attack could muster. Pooler lacked an attacking spark and the
longer the game went on the more frustrated they became. Neath seemed to have
the happy knack of forcing a turnover at crucial times to keep their opponents
at bay.
Both sides
conceded plenty of penalties and, with the benefit of hindsight, you cannot
help but think that Pontypool would have been better served by taking the
points rather than kicking for the corner. The game was littered with injuries
and substitutions which seemed to strengthen Neath’s resolve and make Pontypool
even more lacking in cohesion.
Pooler
continued to batter away at the Neath line right to the end and got agonisingly
close to scoring but it was not going to be their day as the magnificent Neath
defence was not about to give them an early Christmas present. Final score:
Neath 9 : Pontypool 3.
This marks
the end of Pontypool’s remarkable long unbeaten league record and gives a
timely reminder as to how tough and competitive the Championship is going to
be. Pontypool came up against worthy opponents and in the end were found
wanting. They do have a long injury list and have only played two competitive
matches in the best part of two years but Neath seemed to have a greater desire
to win on the day.
A bonus
point loss is not the end of the world for Pontypool but they will need to
bounce back next Saturday when they entertain Tata Steel.
Come on Pooler!
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