Just as our heart rates were returning to normal after the tumultuous match between Wales and Fiji in the RWC, we were faced with that other thing that is sure to raise blood pressure – traffic jams. Various problems on the M4 on the journey down to Aberavon for Pooler’s latest match caused a lot of angst and led to a delayed kick off. It felt as if we were having a practice run for the twenty mile an hour speed limit on the motorway at times.
The pitch at the Talbot Athletic Ground was in perfect
condition on a dank afternoon with little wind. Pooler sported a predominantly
black jersey which seemed in keeping with the weather. Pooler had the edge in
the first quarter and seemed to be a yard quicker but failed to make any impression
on the scoreboard. Both sides were guilty of making errors and defences were on
top in a close hard-fought game.
It was not until the 25th minute that the
first points were registered courtesy from a penalty kicked by Jarvis (0-3).
Jarvis followed this up with another penalty a few minutes later to double
Pooler’s lead to 0-6.
The scrums had been a source of much frustration with
frequent collapses and resets that seemed to drain the oxygen from the match.
Unfortunately for Pooler, the referee decided that Cochrane the Pooler loose-head
was to blame and gave him a yellow card. Perhaps it would have been fairer if the
Aberavon tight-head had had his marching orders too.
Pooler managed their period with fourteen men well
with stern defence keeping out a concerted Aberavon attack. As the half drew to
a close, Pooler’s numbers were further reduced when left wing Walker has also
shown a yellow card for slowing down the ball in a ruck. Despite this Pooler
held on to retain their six point lead at half time.
It was always going to be difficult for Pooler to keep
Aberavon out with only thirteen men in the early minutes of the second half. Despite
some excellent defence in the end they succumbed to a shrewd cross kick down
Pooler’s right wing. Thomas comfortably won the chase for the touch down and
with a conversion from Davies Aberavon had taken a narrow lead (7-6).
From then on, defences remained on top and, in truth,
neither side really looked like scoring a try despite their respective benches
being progressively emptied. The match was close and not lacking in effort and
commitment from both sides but not of the highest quality it is fair to say.
Towards the end of the third quarter, Thomas from
Aberavon was shown a yellow card for a high tackle and, to make matters worse
for the Wizards, Jarvis slotted the penalty. Pooler were back in the lead at
7-9. It was difficult to pick a winner at this stage.
With around ten minutes left, the home side retook the
lead with a penalty, this time from James, when Pooler were caught offside
(10-9). Not to be outdone, Pooler retook the lead with little time remaining in
this see-saw match with yet another Jarvis penalty (10-12).
There was yet another twist when Aberavon were
presented with an opportunity to snatch the match with a last gasp penalty in
an eminently kickable position. Fortunately for Pooler, the kick was adjudged
to have narrowly missed. The spoils went to Pooler after a really close
encounter. Final score Aberavon 10 : Pontypool 12.
Congratulations to Pontypool on grinding out a victory
in a highly competitive match. As we know, any victories at the Talbot Athletic
Ground are hard-earned. Next Saturday we do it all again as Pooler travel to
Aberavon this time in the Cup. Let us hope that the traffic problems have been
sorted out.
Wales took on Portugal a bit later in the Rugby World
Cup. The really hard-earned victory against Fiji six days before meant that
Wales had made wholesale changes. Portugal quickly showed that they play
attractive, enterprising rugby and were going to prove a handful for Wales. In
truth, Wales were far from their best with a disjointed error-strewn display
that was immensely frustrating for those of a Welsh persuasion. Few, if any,
Welsh players did much to warrant promotion to the squad for the match against
Australia next week. Although Wales never really looked like losing after an
early Rees Zammit try, it was Portugal who won the plaudits with their
attacking flair. Wales defended well, however, and only conceded one rather
soft try from a lineout close to their line. Wales scored a further three tries
using their superior forward grunt close to the Portugal line. The fourth try
from Faletau with the last play of the game was particularly important as it
earned Wales a bonus point. The final score of Wales 28 : Portugal 8 was
flattering for Wales to say the least. Wales need to improve greatly if they
are to trouble Australia next week.
Well two victories to celebrate - both a stressful
watch in their different ways. We’ll take that though!
Come on Pooler!
Come on Wales!
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