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!