Ode To Pooler

Pooler were in a dark, dark place,

Relegation and losing a high court case.

Mounting debts and no help in sight,

How they needed a gallant white knight.

To the rescue rode the Jeffreys clan,

To restore former glory was their plan.

Building for the future had just begun,

But avoiding relegation was number one.

It was tough at first, matches going astray,

But soon emerged the Pooler way.

Relegation avoided but only just,

Strengthening the squad an absolute must.

 

No ring-fencing the following year,

But too early for Pooler that was clear.

Ebbw Vale were comfortably the best

And easily passed the promotion test.

Pooler finished fourth and looked much stronger,

Thanks to the Jeffreys they struggled no longer.

 

But yet again ring-fencing was here,

And Swansea were now a team to fear.

Fifth for Pooler a good stepping stone,

How the squad’s self-belief had grown.

 

’15-’16 and ring fencing is done,

Four teams go up, can Pooler be one?

Sadly, for Pooler it just wasn’t to be,

The bounce of the ball let in RGC.

 

That damned ring-fencing came back again,

Two years of frustration, oh what a pain!

Pooler were brilliant and lost just one match,

Premiership quality, please open that hatch!

 

’18-'19 and it’s a different story,

Four teams come down, then a play off for glory.

Pooler go undefeated, impossible to beat,

In the play-off it’s Llanelli that they meet.

Llanelli boosted by Scarlets proved too strong,

Most think Pooler had suffered a wrong.

 

 What next can thwart Pooler’s dream?

A pandemic knocks us all off beam.

No meaningful rugby for the best of reasons,

Pooler kept waiting for three long seasons.

 

It’s ‘22-’23 and we’re off again,

Two teams go up, we’ve a chance that’s plain,

A strong league, Pooler must be at their best,

If they’re to pip Bargoed, Neath, and all the rest.

As expected, this was really hard graft,

Pooler had to use every bit of their craft.

Some games were easy, some were tough,

But Pooler’s team spirit was more than enough.

They didn’t lose a match, oh what a team!

Promotion as champions, it’s more than a dream.

They won the cup too for jolly good measure,

The season had brought unbridled pleasure.

 

Despite obstacles and setbacks along the way,

Pontypool at last had their hard-earned day.

Back in the Premiership where they belong,

They really have been away too long.

So congratulations to all the Pooler crew.

Now let’s show the Premiership what we can do!

Pitch Perfect Pontypool

Pontypool travelled to Ystalyfera for their last match of this tumultuous season.  A victory would mean that, not only were Pooler league and cup double winners, but would also be invincible for the season. As you no doubt know by now, Pooler did the necessary to crown a fantastic nine months or so for the club and its loyal supporters.

The journey to Ystalyfera on a glorious May afternoon was delightful. “How green is my valley” suitably describes the countryside I think. The rugby club was teeming with Pooler supporters and there was a of a carnival atmosphere. The squad I am sure knew how important it was to take care of business against proud opposition and were not about to take their eye off the ball.

Pooler soon got down to work and skipper Matthews showed the way when he powered over for a try within the first couple of minutes. The try was converted by Jarvis and Pooler were up and running. (0-7). A few minutes later, Pooler were guilty of overplaying and the ball went loose and left wing Congreve sprinted clear to score for Ystalyfera . With the successful conversion from Evans the home side had drawn level at 7-7.

An injury to Stratton meant that Herbert joined the fray and he was soon causing problems for Ystalyfera in attack and defence. The rest of the first quarter seemed to be consumed by scrums as the powerful Pooler pack won a series of scrum penalties and opted for yet another scrum. This finally came to fruition as the quarter ended with a try for Matthews that was converted by Jarvis (7-14).

The home side were feeling the effects of the warm afternoon and the powerful ball carrying of the Pooler team.  In the second quarter, Pooler ran in no fewer than six tries to rack up a half century of points. It was real one-way traffic as Jarvis, Ieuan Jones, Hughes. Thomas, Lewis and Dai Jones all crossed the whitewash to score tries. Jarvis converted three of the tries and Pooler had scored thirty six unanswered points in twenty minutes in a devastating spell of power rugby. The game was won by half time with Pooler storming to a 7-50 lead.

Within seconds of the restart, Pooler were again on the scoreboard when Herbert won a turnover and Marcus Jones sped down the right wing to score from forty metres. Jarvis converted to give Ystalyfera more pain (7-57) and killed any forlorn hopes of a revival.

Marcus Jones was soon celebrating again as he benefited from a line break by Matthews to score his second try which was unconverted (7-62). There had been a series of injuries and substitutions and this resulted in uncontested scrummaging as Ystalyfera ran out of fit props.

The game went into a bit of a lull as the home side continued to defend defiantly and Pooler tried to get to grips with a much-changed line up. It was not until well into the last quarter that Pontypool found their scoring touch again with a try by Langdon that was converted by Jarvis (7-69). This was followed five minutes by a well-deserved try for Herbert who had given a typical all-action display. The conversion by Jarvis made it 7-76 and this was becoming torture for brave Ystalyfera.

The final score of the games saw Pat Lewis race forty metres to score after Herbert had won a turnover. Jarvis converted and the referee called a halt to proceedings perhaps a little early. Final score Ystalyfera 7 : Pontypool 83.

Well, that’s it the curtain comes down on a long and fruitful campaign for Pontypool which must have broken all kinds of records. In the league they won twenty six out of twenty six matches and amassed twenty five try bonus points (two matches were walkovers which counted as bonus point wins). On top of that Pooler also won the Championship Cup with the final played at the Principality Stadium. This a brilliant achievement for all involved with the club. It has certainly not all been plain sailing with matches against the leading contenders in the Championship really tough. Pooler have shown tremendous team spirit and resolve to find a way to win when they were up against it. This is typified by the two last minute victories against Ystrad Rhondda in the league. The supporters have also played their part turning up in droves to support their team. Congratulations to everyone!

It is now onwards and upwards with Pontypool finally back in the Premiership. This will no doubt bring many challenges but this is exactly what we have all been longing for.

There will be a presentation in Pontypool Park on Thursday and I am sure there will be a great turnout to celebrate a fantastic season.

Well done Pooler!

Pooler Pinch It

Ystrad Rhondda have been playing great rugby lately so it was with some trepidation that we ventured up the Rhondda valley to see if Pontypool could keep their incredible unbeaten run going. If anyone was going to end it, it was Ystrad who had made Pooler dig deep to edge victories both at home and in the cup final. A good crowd had gathered on a pleasant Spring evening to watch what was sure to be an enthralling contest.

It was all Ystrad in the first quarter as an edgy looking Pooler were pressurised into making uncharacteristic mistakes by a high energy and well-drilled home side. Ystrad opened the scoring as early as the second minute with a Truelove penalty (3-0). They could have doubled their lead moments later but Truelove’s penalty attempt went wide.

The home side’s kicking game was superior to Pooler’s and they were able to challenge the Pooler defenders as the ball came down. Pooler’s failure to deal with such a kick after ten minutes led to Ystrad’s first try. They pounced on a loose ball and moments later Llewellyn touched down for a try that Truelove converted (10-0).

Things got even worse for Pooler when slick handling by the home backs saw Williams score in the left corner. The conversion failed but Ystrad were really good value for their 15-0 lead. Pooler had hardly struck a blow as a very one-sided first quarter came to an end.

Pooler needed to somehow to make a dent in the confidence of a highly-motivated Ystrad team and turned to their forwards who had seen them through some tough matches over the last few weeks. Their opportunity came from a rare penalty awarded against Ystrad. Pooler kicked for the corner and, after a lot of grunt from the pack, scrum half Morgan Lloyd darted through a gap to score a much-needed try. Jarvis converted and Pooler were back in the game at 15-7.

Ystrad continued to apply pressure on Pontypool and, on the half hour, a misplaced pass in the Pooler midfield gave them another opportunity which they grasped with both hands. Burgess touched down for Ystrad’s third try and this time it was converted by Truelove. It was looking bleak for Pontypool with Ystrad now leading 22-7 and looking like they were hungry for more.

It was imperative for Pooler’s chances that they hit back before half time. It is a mark of their never say die attitude that they did exactly that. Another penalty was kicked to the corner and from a driving lineout Peter Lloyd touched down in the left corner. A great conversion from Jarvis made the score 22-14. The half time whistle was blown shortly afterwards and left Pooler with some serious “thinking” to do if they were going to turn around this game which had looked a lost cause at times.

Pooler looked suitably motivated when they took to the field after half time and were soon on the attack. They pounded away at the Ystrad line but were repulsed time and time again as the home defence stood firm. Finally, after fifteen minutes of Pontypool pressure, the home defence cracked. Again, it was a lineout drive that did it with Peter Lloyd touching down for his second try after muscular work by the forwards. Another excellent conversion from Jarvis saw Pooler close to within a point at 22-21.

The momentum was now with Pontypool but Ystrad were far from done. They bounced back in style and worked their way up field as they turned the ball over. A well-executed backs move saw the Pontypool defence split wide open and the pacy Williams sliced through untouched for a try under the posts. Truelove converted and Ystrad were again more than one score clear at 29-21.

There were still twenty minutes to go and Pooler went back into attacking mode and were soon hammering away at the Ystrad line again as they sought to close the gap. In the sixty-fifth minute it was substitute lock Grey who forced his way over for a try near the left corner. Another brilliant conversion from Jarvis saw Pooler back within a point at 29-28. Both sides had now got their bonus point in a thrilling match that was going to go down to the wire. The benches had been emptied of substitutes but fatigue was setting in for both sides as the game had been played at a furious pace.

It was Pooler who did most of the attacking but in their anxiety made a few errors which allowed the home side the opportunity to attack themselves. It was breathless stuff and the minutes were ticking away far too quickly for those of us of a Pontypool persuasion.

With time running out, Pontypool drained the tanks to put together a mammoth series of attacks but could not make the vital breakthrough as Ystrad defended bravely. Deep into time added on, Langdon received the ball in the pocket and, in true Jonny Wilkinson style, dropped a left-footed goal that won the match. Pooler had taken the lead for the first time in the match and had pinched the game with the last play. The final score was Ystrad Rhondda 29 ; Pontypool 31.

The Ystrad Rhondda players sunk to their knees in disbelief. Pontypool would surely not have had too many complaints had they lost but, yet again, it demonstrates the huge character of the Pontypool squad that never knows when it is beaten. This was a brilliant game of rugby with fierce commitment from both teams but played in the right spirit. So well done to both teams. For Pooler fans it was an exhausting experience and strong drinks would be needed. Ystrad Rhondda are to be congratulated on an excellent season and they can look forward optimistically to next season. They have certainly proved to be Pooler’s toughest opponents this season.

Pontypool have one more game to play and that is away at Ystalyfera next Saturday. We just need one more big effort from the squad to complete an unbeaten season. What a fantastic achievement that would be.

Come on Pooler!     

Pooler Are Champions

The weather was glorious in Cardiff and it was great to be able to discard the winter woolies and watch a game of rugby in shirt sleeves. These are not always the best conditions to play against the super-fit and skillful Cardiff Met University students who thrive on playing running rugby. Pontypool would need to use their forward power to keep the students in check if they were to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship. The juicy carrot was that a bonus point win would mean Pooler would be crowned champions with two more games to play.

Pontypool started with purpose and within five minutes opened their account. Despite strong defence by Cardiff Met a long spell of possession eventually told and it was Cochrane who dived over for a try that was converted by Jarvis (0-7). A couple of minutes later Pooler were again attacking strongly but a floated pass was intercepted by Cardiff Met wing Carrington who raced down field to score. The conversion was kicked by Hodgins and the scores were level (7-7).

The Pontypool forwards started the softening up process with strong carrying which the students had to fight hard to contain. As the first quarter came to an end, it was Pooler flanker Stratton who broke through a couple of tackles to score a try that was converted by Jarvis (7-14). The students hit back almost immediately with a penalty from Hodgkins (10-14).

Pontypool were on top in the scrums which was a useful source of penalties against the home pack. From a penalty kick to the right corner a driving lineout by Pooler saw Lloyd touch down in the corner for a try that was unconverted (10-19).

Shortly afterwards, the Pooler backs showed what they could do when they moved the ball left for Lewis to score in the corner. Jarvis converted expertly and Pooler had a built a decent lead (10-26) and claimed the try bonus point.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, it was back to the forwards and after more concerted pressure it was Grey who forced his way over for a try that was converted by Jarvis (10-33). Cardiff Met were still dangerous and this was ably demonstrated when they kicked a penalty to the corner. From the ensuing lineout, they gave Pooler a dose of their own medicine with a try scored by Sheldon and converted by Hodgkins to close the gap (17-33). A pulsating first half came to an end with Pontypool holding a decent lead but we knew that Cardiff Met can score tries for fun if they are allowed possession and space so the game was far from won.

The second half began with a yellow card for Cardiff Met flanker Guy for an offence at a breakdown. Pooler kicked for touch from the penalty and from the lineout Herbert touched down in the left corner for an unconverted try (17-38).

Pooler were perhaps guilty of relaxing somewhat and the home side took advantage of some loose play for Roberts to score a try that was converted by Crimp (24-38). It was a timely reminder that Pooler could not take anything for granted. Pooler certainly reacted positively and powered back with another try from Lloyd from a lineout drive which Jarvis converted (24-45).

As the third quarter ended, the Pooler backs clicked into action and excellent passing saw Lewis score in the right corner for his second try of the afternoon which was converted by Jarvis. Pooler were surely home and dry at 24-52. The scoreboard had packed up in the heat so it took some expert arithmetic to keep track of the score.

The final quarter saw wholesale changes as benches were emptied as injuries and the heat took their toll on both teams. The students certainly never gave up and continued to give their all but the Pontypool forwards kept applying the pressure. In the final five minutes, Pooler scored another two forward tries from Matthews and Stratton that were converted by Jarvis. This gave a final score of Cardiff Met 24 : Pontypool 66.

A great performance from Pontypool against the gutsy students. The victory was based on forward dominance with eight of Pooler’s ten tries scored by forwards. A number of players were hurt during a high tempo game and I hope that the injuries are not too serious.

This means that Pooler are promoted as CHAMPIONS – a really fantastic achievement. The Championship league trophy now joins the trophy from the Championship Cup. What a season! Congratulations to everyone!

The season, of course, is not over with Pooler still having two away fixtures to complete. The first is only a few days away and will be against Ystrad Rhondda who have been playing excellent rugby in the second half of the season. We know just how hard it was to beat them in the cup final so on their home ground they will be formidable. They will of course be looking for revenge for that cup final defeat while Pooler will be trying to maintain their unbeaten record. Should be a cracker!

Come on Pooler!

Pooler’s Resolve Tested to the Full

We are now well into May and still the season carries on. It is crazy to think that Pooler still had four games left to play as we made the trip to Beddau who, just five days before, had visited Pontypool and lost 61-0. The great news for Pooler is that the prime objective of their season, gaining promotion to the Premiership, has been achieved. From that perspective, the pressure was off but of course Pooler would like to be promoted as champions and, if possible, to finish the season unbeaten so there was still plenty to play for. From Beddau’s perspective, this match was all about pride and gaining revenge for their heavy defeat at Pontypool.

Right from the start, Beddau ably demonstrated just how much they wanted to win the match as they tore into Pontypool in attack and defence. In the first quarter, it was Pontypool who dominated territory but were frequently rocked back on their heels by the ferocity of the Beddau defence. This was not for the faint hearted as bristling Beddau stifled all Pooler’s attempts to score.

With the clock on twenty five minutes, Mose finally forced his way up field and almost got to the try line but was tackled short. He managed to get the ball to the supporting Langdon who squeezed in in the right corner for a try. The conversion failed but Pooler at last were under way (0-5).

Beddau started to show their teeth in attack but found the Pontypool defence equally resolute. With defences on top, there were lots of turnovers but no action on the scoreboard. Pooler were certainly not at their best but full credit has to be given to Beddau for the pressure they were applying.

When the first half ended, Pooler still clung on to their narrow five point lead with victory looking anything but a certainty. They did have the benefit of a breeze in the second half and surely the home side would tire after their monumental efforts in the first period.

Pooler brought on four substitutes after the interval to try and gain control of the game. After five minutes of the second half, a relieving kick from Beddau was caught by Pooler centre, Smith, on half way. He set off running straight at the Beddau defence at pace and burst through a couple of tackles and almost took out the left post too as he scored a much-needed try. Jarvis converted and Pooler had a little breathing space at 0-12.

Back came Beddau who narrowly failed to score after attacking down the left wing. Pooler were still being pressured but had established dominance in the scrums. It was from a tremendous Pooler scrum on the hour that Pooler scored their third try. The Pooler pack shunted Beddau back and Jones broke from the base. The ball was then passed out to Nove who had space on the left wing. He galloped some thirty metres or so to score in the corner. Jarvis converted and Pooler were looking set for victory at 0-19.

It was still far from plain sailing for Pooler as Beddau continued to harass them at every opportunity and showed no signs of letting up. Pooler right wing Powell had showed his power and pace during the game and as we entered the last ten minutes he almost scored himself after a scorching run. Lewis was there in support and cantered over for Pooler’s bonus point try which Jarvis converted (0-26).

Beddau were finally beginning to tire and with the last play of the game a bust from Stratton took play to their line. From the ensuing breakdown, Williams forced his way over for a try that Jarvis converted.  Final score Beddau 0 : Pontypool 33.

Another bonus point victory for Pontypool but certainly not as convincing as the score line suggests. Beddau gave everything in a hugely passionate display where they tackled everything that moved and really took the game to Pooler knocking them out of their stride. There will be a few bumps and bruises that is for sure.

Next up for Pontypool is a visit to Cardiff Met. University on Saturday where they can expect to be examined to a high degree again. The games at Cyncoed are usually high scoring and enjoyable with the enterprising play from the students difficult to contain. A bonus point win for Pooler would secure the Championship but they will have to be at their very best to achieve it.

Come on Pooler!    

Pooler promoted! Yippee!

Bargoed's defeat at Ystrad Rhondda means that Pooler will finish second at worst in the Championship and are therefore guaranteed promotion to the Premiership. 

Brilliant news at last we will be back where we belong. 

Promotion Beckons for Pooler

It was with some relief that we turned up at Pontypool Park to watch Pooler play Beddau. The last two scheduled home games for Pooler had been forfeited by Ystalyfera and Bedwas respectively who had been unable to field teams. This was in fact Pooler’s last home game of the season but, although we are now well into May, they still have four away fixtures left. The number of forfeited matches throughout the leagues has given a somewhat unreal feeling to what should have been an exciting end to the season. Loss of gate receipts and bar takings certainly do not help the parlous state of Welsh rugby.

Anyway, the facts are that Pooler needed another nine points to guarantee finishing in the top two in the Championship and therefore securing promotion to the Premiership. A win against Beddau would therefore go a long way towards Pooler achieving their long-held ambition.

Fortunately, the rain held off for the match and although the pitch was wet it was in good condition. Pontypool played down the slope in the first half wearing blue jerseys and were keen to get off to a good start. Right from the start, Beddau showed themselves to be a lively and well organised team that had plenty of attacking intent. The Pontypool defence was physical and relentless and stopped the initial Beddau attacks on the gain line. After around five minutes of play, Pooler number 8, Price, suddenly appeared going full tilt from a breakdown near half way. He showed tremendous pace to touch down under the posts despite the attentions of the Beddau cover defence. Jarvis converted and Pooler were on their way (7-0).

Just a few minutes later, it was right wing Powell who burst through the Beddau defence and fed the supporting Thomas who crossed near the posts for a try that Jarvis converted (14-0). Beddau continued to try and run the ball but it was the powerful Pooler forwards were making inroads. As the first quarter ended, Pooler established a position on the Beddau line and it was Pooler scrum half Lloyd who dived over for the third try after a series of forward drives (19-0)

Pooler were now very much in charge although Beddau continued to move the ball whenever they could.  Some inter-passing between the Pooler back three, saw Nove make ground down the left wing. It was left to Powell to score the try after Nove was tackled near the Beddau line. Jarvis converted and, although there was a hint of a forward pass in the move, Pooler had secured a bonus point.

To rub salt in the Beddau wounds Lewis scored Pooler’s fifth try after a powerful burst just before half time. Jarvis again converted and at half time Pooler had a comfortable lead at 33-0.

The first ten minutes or so of the second half were infinitely forgettable and seemed to consist of scrums. The Pooler pack was trying to dominate the scrummage but it seemed as if the referee was intent on stopping them and there were countless reset scrums as a consequence. It was not good viewing that was for sure. At last, Pooler released the ball from a scrum and scrum half Lloyd made an excellent break. Thomas was there in support and scored his second try which Jarvis converted (40-0).

In the final quarter, the Pooler backs scored two excellent tries with great inter-passing and support play. The first came from Anderson after a break by Jarvis and the second from Nove. The first was converted by Jarvis and the second by Langdon (54-0). The forwards wanted their share of the glory and, as the match drew to a close, it was Stratton who scored Pooler’s ninth try after a series of froward drives. Langdon converted and the final score was Pontypool 61: Beddau 0.

This was another strong performance from Pooler who established control of the match early on. Beddau should be congratulated for their wholehearted contribution and they never stopped trying to move the ball. Sadly for them, the Pooler defence was in no mood to let them score the try that would have been the deserved reward for their enterprise.

This now leaves Pooler needing four points to secure a top two place and promotion. Their next fixture is a return match against Beddau away next Wednesday. The promised land is in sight!

Come on Pooler!