Pooler Grind Out Much Needed Win

It was good to be back at Pontypool Park after what seems like an age. Pooler were playing Cardiff in the Premiership and once again it was like old times. Whilst it was dry when we arrived, the weather forecast had predicted heavy rain by three o’clock so we opted to take a seat in the stand. It was great to see that the stand was jampacked and an excited atmosphere was building.

Before the match, there were tributes to Pooler greats Malcolm Price and John Harris who had passed since the last home match. The teams lined up on the field and it seemed strange to see Cardiff wearing red jerseys with Pooler in their traditional red, white and black.

Cardiff kicked off playing down the slope and proceeded to dominate possession from the start.  Pooler played second fiddle as the visitors mounted a series of attacks. Cardiff scored a good try as their backs carved through the Pooler defence for Cross to touch down. The conversion failed but Cardiff had taken a deserved early lead.

Cardiff continued to be on top and we wondered whether Pooler were going to concede more points in the early stages as they had on a number of previous outings. Pooler defended well, however,  and kept their line intact. A bit of argy bargy between the two teams seemed to wake Pooler up and they began to assert themselves as the first quarter came to an end. There was a long delay as Pooler lock Hill received treatment before leaving the field and being replaced by Johnson. Let us hope for a speedy recovery.

In the second quarter, the Pooler scrum started to make itself felt and won a penalty that Jarvis converted (3-5). The rain arrived as promised and it made conditions very difficult for the players and the error count rose for both teams.

Just after the half hour, Pooler skipper Matthews picked up the ball from the back of a scrum on the Cardiff twenty-two. He charged at the Cardiff defence like an angry rhino bumping would-be defenders aside. He was eventually stopped but found Morgan Lloyd in support and the scrum half scuttled over for a try near the posts. Jarvis converted and Pooler led 10-5.

In the last few minutes of the first half, Pooler conceded a penalty at a maul and James took a successful shot at goal for Cardiff. There was no further scoring so the half time whistle saw Pooler with a narrow lead at 10-8.

The rain was getting heavier and heavier and the pitch was becoming more and more slippery. This was hardly a recipe for good rugby and the third quarter was testament to that. Whilst Pooler had an advantage in the scrum, the Cardiff driving lineout was quite potent. It was nip and tuck between the two sides as the forwards battled it out. It was certainly not a day for running rugby with mistakes galore from both sides. It comes as no surprise that the quarter was scoreless with Pooler retaining their narrow 10-8 lead.

So, into the fourth quarter with the game still very much in the balance. An excellent successful penalty from Jarvis increased Pooler’s lead to 13-8 and relieved some of the tension. A few minutes later, a speculative kick ahead from Morgan Lloyd bounced wickedly near the Cardiff line. Neither the chasing Powell from Pooler nor the Cardiff defence could grab it. Up steamed Pooler hooker Peter Lloyd who grounded the ball for a try. Jarvis converted and it looked like Pooler had a winning lead at 20-8.

Pontypool visibly relaxed and brought on a raft of substitutes as the game drew to a close. Cardiff knew that a losing bonus point was on offer and cranked up a last effort. This was rewarded by a second try for Cross in the left corner after he had won the chase after a kick ahead. The conversion failed leaving the final score Pontypool 20 : Cardiff 13.

Pontypool really needed that win after going through a lean period of late. They have now done the double over Cardiff which is a brilliant achievement. Conditions dictated how the game was played and Pooler adapted the better with a dogged display after a shaky start. Well done Pooler!

Next up for Pooler will be the visit of Llandovery on March 8^th to be played under lights. Llandovery have proved to be the outstanding team in the Premiership this season and have only lost once so far. What a chance for Pooler to show what they are made off!

We got the news this week that Pontypool will play in the Elite League next season along with eight other teams from the current Premiership. Somewhere along the line, a tenth team will join but it is not yet clear who that is. I suppose it will be either Cardiff or Pontypridd who both turned up their noses at the concept earlier on. I do feel sympathy for Neath who are not included due to not matching the WRU criteria. So, there we have it Pooler will be playing against the same teams, in the same places probably against most of the same players next season. The difference will be there will be three less teams in the league. Is this really progress? It feels similar to what has happened before but at least this time Pooler are at the top table rather than being outside looking in with no way back in for the foreseeable future. One thing is certain Pooler will give their all to be successful.

I was abroad in England for the narrow defeat that Wales suffered against England last week. Despite the loss, it is encouraging to see the talented young Welsh players grabbing their opportunities. It bodes well longer term but next Saturday the visit to Dublin will be a searching examination. Ireland are full of confidence and packed with power and not a little skill. It is going to take something special to derail them from a second grand slam. Sadly, I don’t think Wales have the wherewithal to do it. In a two horse race anything can happen but…..

Come on Wales

Come on Pooler!