A Bridge Too Far

It was the first really cold day of the year when Pontypool visited Bridgend Ravens for a Premiership fixture. Despite some sunshine it never really warmed up and it was even cold in the clubhouse. Sitting beneath the boards showing Bridgend’s internationals I thought back to those clashes of yesteryear when both sides could field half a dozen internationals. How times have changed!

Pooler looked like they needed to warm up too as they started the match in first gear while Bridgend were fired up and ready for action. The Bridgend backs looked lively and broke through the sluggish Pooler defence a number of times in the first few minutes.  It was no great surprise when they opened the scoring with a try from O’Driscoll  that was converted by Price (7-0).

In a rare incursion into the Bridgend half, Pooler came away with a Jarvis penalty after ten minutes (7-3). It was still Bridgend that were well on top and they broke through again within a couple of minutes for Morgan to score a try that was again converted by Price. With the score now 14-3 things looked ominous for the away side who did not seem to have any answers as Bridgend continued to press.

Pooler needed a bit of inspiration and as we entered the second quarter it came from scrum half Morgan who chased a speculative kick downfield and after a slip from a Bridgend player managed to charge down the relieving kick and gather and score a try. Jarvis converted and Pooler had somehow got themselves back into a game that seemed to be slipping away from them (14-10).

There was more good news for Pooler five minutes later when a Jarvis penalty brought them to within a point at 14-13. Bridgend responded in kind as yet again their backs sliced through with Williams scoring and Price converting to make the score 21-13.

Pooler were hanging on to the home side’s coat tails with half time approaching. More inspiration was required to fire up an insipid performance. The source of inspiration was left wing Nove who made a powerful break from inside the Pooler half. Right wing Jones was there in support and he sprinted to the line for a fine try. Jarvis converted and Pooler were back within a point at 21-20. The halftime whistle blew soon after and we were left wondering how Pooler were within a point when for most of the half the home side had been well in control. Still Pooler were in with a good shout and they had to play better in the second half didn’t they.

The second half was much more closely contested as the Pontypool defence stiffened and it was hard to pick a winner. It was Bridgend who struck first with a penalty from Price (24-20) after five minutes or so.

Pontypool then had their best period and worked their way down to the Bridgend line. They won a series of penalties and opted for scrums rather than a kick at goal. Unfortunately skipper and  number eight Matthews had to leave the field through injury just at the time when he is in his element. Pooler made rather a mess of things and Bridgend managed to clear. This was surely a major turning point in the match as a try for Pooler would have given them the lead for the first time.

The narrow escape for the home side gave them inspiration and they made their way into the Pontypool half. They were awarded a penalty as Pooler strayed offside and the reliable Price converted (27-20). There was still a quarter of an hour remaining so time for Pooler to come back.

It was now Pooler who had the lion’s share of possession but they could not make much of an impression on a well-organised home defence. Any attempt for Pooler to run the ball  was immediately stifled as they seemed to run out of ideas. Finally, Pooler were awarded a penalty in the Bridgend half. Knowing that they had to score twice to win they elected to take the points and Jarvis kicked the goal (27-23).

There still around ten minutes remaining as Pooler set off to get an unlikely victory. They have done it a couple of times this season already but this time it wasn’t to be. The Pooler attacks became more and more desperate and when they broke down the home side had the nous to close down the game. Final score Bridgend Ravens 27  : Pontypool 23.

Another defeat on the road for Pooler and, in truth, Bridgend were worthy winners. Pooler battled hard and earned a bonus point but did not seem to have the tools in their toolbox to break down the home defence. The Bridgend backs played havoc with the Pontypool defence at times in the first half which must be a cause for concern. The coaches and squad will have plenty to ponder on in training next week.

Next weekend Pooler are again on the road. This time it is the long trip to RGC who will no doubt test Pooler’s resolve