Pooler Tough It Out

We are now into the last three weeks of the season with Pontypool only having four matches left. The first of these was a home fixture against RGC who had made the long journey from North Wales. It was a dull grey afternoon with a strong wind blowing into our faces as we took our places on the Bank. Thankfully there was none of the rain that has been so prevalent in the year so far.

Pooler kicked off playing down the slope and, unlike recent matches, got off to a fast and furious start. Within a couple of minutes, some purposeful rugby resulted in a break by Mahoney that was supported by scrum half Lloyd. Lloyd threw a pass to right wing Powell who still had a lot to do but showed his power to force his way over in the corner for a try. The conversion failed but Pooler had registered the first points of the afternoon (5-0).

It was soon clear that Pooler had the edge in the scrums and it was from a penalty at a scrum that Jarvis added another three points from a penalty (8-0). This was quickly cancelled out by a penalty from RGC kicked by Dion Jones which brought the score to 8-3 with fifteen minutes played.

With a dominant scrum and a lineout that was functioning well, Pooler had plenty of possession and territory. As the first quarter ended, another penalty awarded against RGC saw Pooler kick for the left corner. The ensuing lineout was driven by the forwards for Scarfe to touch down for their second try. This time the conversion by Jarvis was successful for Pooler to build a 15-3 lead.

In the second quarter RGC came much more into the game with their lively backs looking dangerous and their forwards a handful in the loose. Both sides were guilty of handling errors and Pooler started to leak penalties. A penalty for offside was converted by Dion Jones (15-6) and Pooler were soon having to defend a series of attacked from the North Walians. The defence was stout but just past the half hour mark it finally cracked. Young RGC outside half Ford jinked his way over to score a try near the posts. Jones converted and RGC were snapping at Pooler’s heels at 15-13.

Pooler produced another great try just when they needed it with time running out in the first half. Right wing Powell burst out of his own half  and found Bancroft steaming up inside him in support. Bancroft cruised in for Pooler’s third try  which although unconverted gave Pooler breathing space at 20-13.

There was still time for RGC to signal that they were not going away with a third penalty from Jones to leave the score at half time 20-16. It was still anyone’s game and Pooler would have to work hard if they were to record a victory against their doughty opponents.

The third quarter was scoreless with both sides guilty of making too many errors and defences on top. Both sides spurned good attacking positions and the game was very much still in the balance and the players and crowd were beginning to feel frustrated. The benches were used by both sides to try and gee things up.

As the fourth quarter started, an awful high tackle from RGC prop Hone left Pooler prop Drake prostrate on the ground. The referee immediately showed Hone a yellow card when most thought a red card would have been more appropriate. There was a delay of around fifteen minutes while the unfortunate Drake received medical attention before being carried off on a stretcher. I am glad to say that Drake has since recovered with no lasting damage.

The delay seemed to breathe new life into Pooler The absence of Hone meant uncontested scrums which took away one of Pooler’s areas of dominance. Club captain Matthews had joined the fray shortly before the delay.  He picked the ball up from the base of a static five-metre scrum but still had the power to force his way over for Pooler’s fourth try  a couple of minutes after the resumption. Jarvis converted and Pooler were in the box seat with a 27-16 lead and the try bonus point secured.

The game was still not won with almost twenty minutes remaining. RGC still looked dangerous at times and it took some great defence to keep them out. Pooler too had their chances but could not seem to find the continuity to change possession into points. It was stop-start stuff and I have to confess I found myself wanting the referee to blow the final whistle.

With a couple of minutes remaining, Pooler were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and Jarvis duly slotted it (30-13). A few more skirmishes later, the referee brought the game to an end with Pooler clinching the victory they deserved. Final score Pontypool 30 : RGC 13.

Pontypool had to fight hard for this victory against a combative RGC team. Keeping RGC scoreless in the second half in the conditions was no mean feat. At times Pooler showed flashes of great rugby but could not find the rhythm and continuity that they desired consistently. They can be pleased with their set pieces but discipline remains an issue. A great win though so congratulations to everyone.

Next match for Pooler is a local derby with a visit to Ebbw Vale on the 18^th April. Ebbw Vale have been having a great season so this will be a tough test for Pooler. The match will be televised on S4C Clic.

I did watch the Ospreys on the TV last and congratulations to them for their fine victory against Sale in the European Challenge Cup. It seems that there is still some life left in the Regions with a vociferous crowd at the Brewery Field shouting the Ospreys home. I must admit I have given worrying about what is going to happen in Welsh rugby next season – perhaps there will be yet another rethink of the rethink of the review who knows.

In the mean-time let’s look forward to Ebbw Vale on the 18^th.

Come on Pooler!