For once it was not pouring with rain when Pontypool visited Cross Keys for their second league match of the season. The sun was shining and Pandy Park was looking a picture nestled under the hillside. Before the game kicked off, there was two minutes silence to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth that was impeccably observed. The silence was also used to mark the passing of Messrs Gladwyn and Horler from Cross Keys and the Pooler stalwart Eddie Butler.
Cross Keys kicked off and got the better of the early
exchanges but could not penetrate the Pooler defence. Pooler were penalised
several times in kickable positions but the home side opted to kick for the
corner. Finally, Pooler broke out and went close on a number of occasions but
found the Cross Keys defence in determined mood.
As the first quarter was drawing to a close, Pontypool
burst into life with left wing Deon Smith the catalyst. His strong running and
intelligent support play played a major part in three tries in the space of
five minutes. He bagged the first himself and Lewis was the beneficiary for the
second and third. The third try was actually scored straight from a Cross keys
kick off when a rampant Pooler threw caution to the wind and ran the ball back.
All three tries were ably converted by Jarvis and Pooler had scorched to a 0-21
lead with some brilliant running rugby.
On the half hour, Pontypool added their fourth try
when hooker Scarfe was rewarded for his industry when he touched down after
some powerful combined play by the Pooler team that was now well in command. Jarvis
converted and the score at half time was 0-28 with the bonus point already in
the bag.
The second half had only just begun when there was a yellow
card for Cross Keys lock Feeney. Shortly afterwards the depleted home scrum was
shunted back in a scrum near their own line and conceded a penalty try (0-35).
The replacements started to come on to the field and
the game seemed to lose its shape but it was Pooler who remained the dominant
force. After a quarter of an hour of the second half Mahoney broke through to
score Pooler’s sixth try which was converted by Jarvis (0-42).
Is this a portent of things to come? - we can dream!
The play became a bit scrappy and error strewn with
both sides feeling frustrated until Pooler took advantage of the tiring home
defence. With ten minutes to go, a try by skipper Herbert who supported a break
from Mahoney was just desserts for his industry. The try was converted by
substitute goal kicker Mahoney who suffered cramp in the act of kicking (0-49).
There were just a couple of minutes left when the
powerful running Jones burst through the home defence and galloped over from thirty
metres. Jarvis had returned to the field and converted and Pooler were past the
half century (0-56).
In the dying moments, Pooler tried to run the ball
from inside their twenty two and it all went horribly wrong. Smith the speedy
home wing was on hand to pick up a consolation try for Keys that was converted
by Berry. Final score Cross Keys 7 Pontypool 56.
This was another storming away win for Pontypool who
at times are playing irresistible rugby. In the end they overwhelmed a Cross
Keys side that never gave up trying. Next weekend they will face the challenge
of Neath at Pontypool Park. Neath have also started the season in great style
so this promises to be a real battle in the style of the matches played between
these two powerhouses of Welsh rugby over the years.
It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing
of Eddie Butler this week. Those of us of a certain age will remember him in
his pomp as a key member of the Pontypool team that were serial winners of the
Welsh league titles of the time. He was a fine player with his excellent reading
of the game and exceptional handling skills. This brought him the recognition
he deserved with Welsh caps and the cherished Welsh captaincy as well as appearing
for the British and Irish Lions. More recently he won plaudits as an expert
commentator on rugby and figured in many other TV productions. He will be
greatly missed. Condolences to his family, rest in peace Eddie.
So next week Pooler go into battle against a resurgent
Neath. I can’t wait!
Come on Pooler!
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