Mission Accomplished for Pooler

A trip to the small but bustling market town of Narberth is always a pleasure whether it be for a rugby match or just to browse amongst the antique shops. This visit was all about rugby and Pontypool knew that they would face a stern test as has almost invariably been the case over the last few years. The rather gloomy and west weather in the East in the morning did rather dampen the enthusiasm for the long trek but the Met Office had assured us that it would all clear up by two o’clock so off we went.

True to the weatherman’s prediction, by the time we took a seat in the stand at the Lewis Lloyd Memorial Ground there was hardly a cloud in the sky. There was a cold stiff breeze blowing across the ground and the pitch was a little damp but all was set for the usual entertaining encounter. The Narberth treasurer must have been delighted to see a goodly crowd with a decent sized contingent from the Eastern Valley.

It was the home side who started the better and their kicking game gave Pontypool plenty to think about. Local knowledge certainly helped as their accurate kicks kept the Pooler back three fully occupied. Rather against the rub of play, it was the visitors who opened the scoring after five minutes or so. Meek intercepted a loose Narberth pass in his own half but didn’t quite have the gas to make to the Narberth try lin. Pat Lewis steamed up alongside him and took Meek’s pass to touch down. Jarvis converted and Pooler had first blood (0-7).

Narberth continued to gain good territory with their kicking game and Pontypool were soon back on the defensive. After a series of attacks in the Pontypool twenty-two, they finally created an overlap for Sutton to score in the right corner. Gale converted expertly and the match was even (7-7).

The next fifteen minutes was evenly contested with the two packs battling for supremacy. There were plenty of turnovers but neither side could gain an advantage. Pontypool lost lock Jordan Williams to a nasty looking eye injury and he was replaced by Regan. Pooler tried to the run the ball while Narberth were more disposed to use their kicking game.

After twenty five minutes, Pontypool were awarded a penalty and kicked for the corner. A lineout drive was expertly constructed and Hughes touched down for the try. Jarvis converted and Pontypool were back in the lead (7-14).

Pontypool seemed to up their game for the remainder of the half but it was a penalty from Gale that was the next score (10-14). The Pooler pressure finally told as the half drew to a close. A break by Walsh was well supported and it was left to Matthews to take the scoring pass and force his way over the line. The try was unconverted but Pooler held a useful lead at half time (10-19).

The second half was more of the same - a scrappy but energy sapping dogfight. Pontypool looked to have the edge but Narberth were always dangerous. There were substitutions and injuries aplenty with defences on top. Towards the end of the third quarter, it was Pontypool who got the all-important next score. Some great interplay by the backs saw substitute centre Ethan Davies touchdown for an excellent try. The conversion failed but Pontypool were in the driving seat and had secured the bonus point at 10-24.

Narberth were by no means discouraged and continued to test Pooler were their kicking game. Ten minutes later an attempted Pooler clearance kick from one such up-and-under was charged down for Rogers to score under the posts. With the conversion, Narberth were back within a score at 17-24 with fifteen minutes to go.

This seemed to give Narberth fresh impetus and they attacked strongly but the Pontypool defence held firm. A 50-22 clearance kick by Pooler gave them good field position and after a series of forward drives they finally put the game beyond Narberth’s reach when substitute scrum half Quick squeezed in in the right corner. The conversion was missed but Pooler had sealed a hard-fought victory. Final score Narberth 17 : Pontypool 29.

It is never easy to win at Narberth and this match was no exception so a bonus point victory is extremely welcome. Narberth never conceded an inch and were never far behind until the last few minutes. Well done to both sides for an entertaining encounter.

We now have to wait until the 19^th February before Pontypool’s next match as the Six Nations Championship takes centre stage. The next match will be “Le Crunch” when Pontypool travel to unbeaten league leaders Bargoed. This is certainly one not to miss as it may well decide who will be champions.

In the meantime, Wales play Ireland in Dublin and Scotland in Cardiff. It is easy to be pessimistic about the former with the Irish Provinces doing so well in Europe in contrast to the Welsh Regions dismal performance. It is hard to see anything but and Irish victory. Wales have upset the applecart before but this is surely too much to expect – or is it? Wales should be able to field a decent pack of forwards, a pacy back three and competitive half backs. The real issue seems to be who will play in the centre. I must confess I have no idea who that will be – I hope Wayne Pivac does.

The match in Dublin is rapidly followed by the visit of the resurgent Scottish team who are a match for anyone at the moment.

Good luck Wales!

Well done Pooler!