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!