Woeful Wales Walloped

I guess we all expected it. Wales were on the end of a thorough thrashing against South Africa in Cardiff yesterday. To lose at home by 0-73 is a massive defeat in anyone’s book. As someone once said, “Wales were lucky to get the nil”.

It was, quite frankly, horrible to sit in the stand with the other muted Welsh supporters as Wales were dismantled by fitter, stronger and better players. Admittedly Wales were well below full strength and this really was a mismatch right from the outset. South Africa were missing some front-line players as well but such is their current strength in depth it doesn’t really make that much of a difference. It is quite clear that the step up between playing for a Welsh Region and playing test rugby is huge.

The Springboks started by totally dominating the Welsh scrum as they had done in their match against Ireland. From there the penalties galore gave them all the possession and territory they could need. It was then down to the powerful running of forwards and backs alike which Wales just couldn’t contain. It was men against boys and one way traffic. Wales tried their utmost but just could not compete.

If I look back on the four Autumn internationals, which resulted in three heavy defeats and a rather fortunate win against Japan, the enormity of the job facing the new coaching team becomes very clear. The Six Nations is just around the corner and they will be without the inspiration of Jac Morgan for at least some of them. At this moment, it is hard to see where a Welsh victory is going to come from. I will be there to watch the home games and I will travel in hope rather than the expectation of positive results. The visits to Ireland and England are very tough nuts to crack I fear and will be watched from behind the sofa.

All this with a background of nothing short of chaos as the WRU endeavour to find a way forward for Welsh rugby. Although watching Pontypool is a little disappointing at the moment, it is a good way of getting my rugby fix as cleverer people than I try and sort out the mess that is regional rugby. Good luck to them!

Even More Pain in the Rain for Pooler

Pontypool were looking to bounce back after last week’s 44-24 defeat at Llandovery. The challenge they faced was a visit by arch-rivals Newport to Pontypool Park on a damp Friday evening.

The size of the crowd was disappointing when compared to the fierce encounters for these two sides over the years but perhaps the miserable weather had kept people away. Pooler had recently revealed the news that Dale “the Chief” Mackintosh had joined the coaching team to try and reverse the indifferent form that Pooler have shown so far this season.

Pooler played down the slope in the first half and started in grand style. An impressive first scrum found them applying early pressure. A lineout drive from inside the Newport twenty-two saw a powerful surge towards the line and when the backs added their weight Matthews crashed over for a try with just 7 minutes on the clock. Meek converted and Pooler had first blood at 7-0.

A few minutes later the boot was on the other foot as some powerful running from Newport took them deep inside the Pooler twenty-two. Pooler’s defence was hard pressed and in the end it gave out as Ward forced his way over for a try that Lloyd converted to bring the scores level (7-7) with 13 minutes played.

 

Back came Pooler and, as the first quarter ended, Meek danced over the line and touched down under the posts after concerted Pooler pressure in the Newport twenty-two. Meek converted his try and Pooler were back in the lead (14-7).

As the second quarter proceeded, the rain began to fall and handling became more difficult. The Pontypool lineout was misfiring too often and meant loss of possession at critical times. Newport posed Pooler with plenty of problems with their strong running. The match was evenly poised and the only score of the quarter came from a Lloyd penalty for the visitors. This gave Pooler a narrow 14-10 lead as the players trooped off for the half time break.

With Newport playing down the slope and with some help from the wind, Pooler’s lead looked precarious. It was going to take a big effort to stay in front.

Pooler started the second half well and looked full of determination. A penalty from Meek took them seven points clear at 17-10 after five minutes. The amount of rain falling increased as the half proceeded and on the Bank we were getting soaked. It brought to mind those recent defeats by RGC and Aberavon from seemingly winning positions in similar conditions.

As the strength of the rain increased, so did Newport’s control over the game. Lloyd at outside half controlled the game well with some astute kicking. Newport were soon camped in Pooler’s twenty-two and the pressure told as the home side conceded a number of penalties as they desperately defended their line. With a penalty advantage in his pocket, Lloyd fired a cross kick to Newport wing Morgan who touched down in the right corner. Lloyd converted expertly and the match was level again at 17-17 with 52 minutes played. To make matters worse Pooler lost flanker Davies to a yellow card at the same time.

Momentum was now very much with Newport. The usual raft of substitutions took place but it did not bring about the shift in momentum that Pooler craved. The Pooler lineout was still unreliable and they were conceding rather too many penalties to apply their own pressure on the visitors.

To their credit, Pooler’s defence worked overtime to keep Newport out but after 65 minutes the inevitable happened and Newport took the lead. This time it was Langley who scored a try after a long period of Newport pressure. Lloyd again converted and Newport had taken the lead for the first time at 17-24.

Pontypool were still within a converted try but, try as they may, they could not maintain any foothold in the Newport half. Newport, for their part, spurned a number of chances to kick for goal as they went in search of the try bonus point. Pooler’s defence effort was tremendous and the managed to repel all Newport’s attacking thrusts. In the end, pragmatism won for Newport and Lloyd kicked a simple penalty to put the away side two scores clear at 17-27 with a couple of minutes remaining.

The match ended with a tremendous attack from Pooler as they ran the ball from under their own posts. Jones took the ball into the Newport half with a mazy run. He found support but a kick ahead did not reap the rewards that Pooler deserved but did result in a penalty to Pooler. The penalty was quickly taken and led to nothing when perhaps a kick at goal might have been a better option. As it was, Pooler left the game with nothing which seemed a little hard after all the effort that they had expended. Final score Pontypool 17: Newport 27.

On the balance of play, Newport deserved to win as they managed the tricky conditions better and came on strong in the second half. Pooler never gave up and their defence was remarkable at times. The lineout would seem to be a key area for the Chief to start work on. I think Pooler lost 7 or 8 lineouts on their own throw in albeit in treacherous conditions.  This result now sees Pontypool back at the bottom of the league which does make disappointing reading, Let us hope the Chief can restore some confidence in the squad and that it would stop raining when Pooler play at home.

I am expecting more pain this afternoon as I travel to Cardiff to watch an understrength Wales take on an “understrength” South Africa. South Africa have so much strength in depth they will probably hardly notice the difference. I suppose the best we can hope for is something to show some promising signs in a heavy defeat rather like last Saturday against New Zealand. Playing tests outside the international window is not a great idea for Wales apart from the financial side perhaps.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!

Wobbly Wales Win – Just

Victories for the Welsh rugby team are as rare as hen’s teeth these days so the last gasp win for Wales over Japan was wildly celebrated by the management squad if not be the rest of the country. I watched the heavy loss to Argentina the previous week huddled in the corner of an Irish bar in Madeira and that puts the victory over Japan in perspective. The gulf between the countries in the top ten in the rankings and those in the teens is considerable. Watching Italy, who are ranked ten, beat Australia and then give world number one South Africa plenty to think about yesterday brings this home.

We shouldn’t be churlish and any win for Wales at the moment is a good win and the new coaching team are just bedding in. They are bereft of confidence and anything that promotes a measure of self-belief should be welcomed. In truth, Wales were outplayed by Japan for most of the match who played at a pace and at a skill level that had Wales struggling to contain them. It was Japanese ill-discipline which cost them the match with three yellow cards but the foolish twenty minute red card that Josh Adams was given did not help Wales. With Japan in the driving seat in the first half, two bad tackles left them down to thirteen men which rather limited their attacking ambitions. Wales, however, could not take advantage of this situation which is certainly troubling.

Wales still do not look like they are playing as a team and there were far too many handling errors. Things had started brightly with an early try from Edwards but it did not take long for the Japanese to respond in kind. From then on, it was Japan that did most of the attacking with the Welsh defence working overtime to keep them out. It was Tomas Williams’ ability to pick a runner out on the rare occasions when Wales got close to the Japanese line that kept them in the game with tries for Rees-Zammit and Tompkins.

Wales were trailing by two points at 21-23 with precious little time left. The Japanese seemed to have things well in control as Wales attacked desperately. A moment of madness saw Hockings of Japan guilty of a dangerous tackle on Mann for which he received a yellow card. Wales kicked for the corner and Japan were penalised from the lineout. This time Wales opted to go for goal and Jarrod Evans stepped up to convert to give Wales a rather fortunate 24-23 win.

Wales now face New Zealand next weekend and can expect no mercy as the All Blacks will be smarting from their defeat at Twickenham. As if that is not challenging enough, Wales will then face the World Champions South Africa the following weekend. This match is outside the international window so they will probably not be able to field their English and French based players or the injured Jac Morgan. Talk about mountains to climb this is Everest times ten. I shall watch with trepidation.

This victory against Japan could quite probably be the only time Wales win this season as the other teams in the Six nations’ Championship look significantly stronger than Japan. I fervently hope that this is not the case and that the team use this win against Japan as a stepping stone to better days.

Meanwhile Pooler have their own mountain to climb when they return to action next Friday with a visit to Llandovery where they lost twice last season. I am hoping that the break will have rejuvenated Pooler and that they can come away with a win.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler! 

Pooler Get Washed Away in the Rain

Pontypool took on Aberavon under floodlights at Pontypool Park with the TV cameras rolling. Pooler really needed to bounce back after their rather tame display against Cardiff. The weather was squally with patches of rain and a swirling wind with Pooler playing down the slope but mostly against the wind in the first half. Pooler really looked up for it in the first half and a strong burst down the right wing by Rosser was supported by scrum half Lloyd who crossed for an unconverted try after eight minutes (0-7).

The rest of the first quarter was a bit scrappy as the rain came and went but Pooler were getting the better of the exchanges. They missed a couple of good scoring opportunities which we hoped wouldn’t come back to haunt them.

In the twenty fifth minute, Pooler added to their tally when a deft kick ahead from Meek was gathered by McDonough who rounded the full back to score near the posts. Meek converted and Pooler now led 12-0.

Ten minutes later after more pressure from Pooler No 8 Ieuan Jones powered over from a scrum near the Aberavon line. Meek again converted and Pooler had built a substantial lead at 19-0.

As the first half drew to a close, Aberavon fought their way back into the game with a try from Whitlock after sustained pressure on the Pontypool line. Thomas converted and so at half time Pontypool led 19-7.

The weather deteriorated in the second half and the rainfall increased as the half progressed. It was Aberavon who struck first with an unconverted try after seven minutes following a penalty awarded against Pooler gave the away side field position (19-12). The momentum was certainly beginning to switch to Aberavon. Pooler needed to reassert themselves and worked their way into the Aberavon twenty two. In the fifty fifth minute, a long passage of forward pressure finally saw the ball come out to Meek who touched down for a try. His conversion attempt hit a post but stayed out but it was 24-12 and the try bonus point had been secured.

The rain really started to hammer down and it was almost monsoon conditions. Both sides had emptied their benches and it was the Aberavon who handled the difficult conditions the better by using a superior kicking game. Pooler certainly did not help their cause by leaking too many penalties  which gave the away side field position.

After more pressure, Aberavon scored an unconverted try and had now closed the gap to 24-17 with ten minutes remaining. Aberavon were on top and Pooler’s sporadic attacks came to nought while their defence had to work overtime. A few minutes later, Aberavon scored their fourth try when Carson Jones touched down. Cullen converted and the scores were now tied at 24-24.

With a couple of minutes left, Pooler had a chance to break out of the Aberavon stranglehold but a kick ahead was fielded by the Aberavon defence and returned with interest. Pooler were back in their twenty two. Pooler conceded yet another penalty and after Aberavon failed to gain any advantage play was called back and they decided to have a shot at goal. This was actually the last action of the match and as the kick from Cullen sailed between the posts the Pooler contingent’s hearts sank.  Aberavon had snatched victory at the death with the final score Pontypool 24 : Aberavon 27.

This really was a game that Pontypool should have won but they let things slip and the momentum shifted towards Aberavon in the last quarter. Aberavon did handle the monsoon conditions better and took their chances so well done to them. Pooler conceded too many penalties which in the end cost them dear. A similar thing happened to Pooler against RGC in equally atrocious weather conditions earlier in the season.

There is now a long break before the next game so Pontypool will have a chance to reflect on the campaign so far which has been rather disappointing by the high standards that they set themselves. There is plenty to work on.

Come on Pooler!

No Joy in Cardiff for Pooler

Pontypool were hoping to build on the previous week’s victory against Bridgend when they visited the capital to take on Cardiff. Pooler would have to get to grips with the artificial playing surface as well as a powerful looking Cardiff outfit.

There was a stiff breeze blowing down the ground towards the clubhouse and Pooler had it at their backs in the first half. Cardiff started the stronger and had Pooler pinned in their own twenty-two  for an extended period but Pooler’s defence held firm. From then on, the game was scrappy with neither side really getting a grip on proceedings. Pooler’s lineout was misfiring which certainly did not help their cause. As the first quarter came to an end Pooler took a narrow lead with a penalty from Meek (0-3).

In the second quarter, Cardiff began to get a degree of ascendancy as Pooler gave away a string of penalties. This gave the home side field position and on the half hour, after a series of forward drives, Rees touched down for a Cardiff try. The try was unconverted but Cardiff now held a slender lead (5-3). Pooler had a glimmer of a chance just before the interval after an interception saw Matthews galloping down field but unfortunately the referee blew his whistle for an earlier offence.

The half time score was disappointing for Pontypool who had not really taken advantage of the breeze. Nevertheless, they were still well in touch but needed to step things up in the second half.

The second half turned out to be dominated by Cardiff who used the breeze and the bounce of the ball really well. After about ten minutes Pooler failed to deal with a probing Cardiff kick. The ball rolled into touch near the Pooler try line. It was Pooler’s throw in but yet another lineout went wrong. The ball went loose and Cottle scored for Cardiff. With the successful conversion, Cardiff now led 12-3.

Five minutes later the Cardiff backs cut through the Pooler defence and Cardiff right wing Goodchild just about managed to get the ball down for a try with a spectacular dive in the corner. The conversion was taken from about half an inch from the touchline but sailed wide. Cardiff now held a healthy 17-3 lead with Pooler not really looking like they were in the kind of form to challenge it. Of course, Pooler have come back from such precarious positions before so we could hope - albeit forlornly.

In truth, the match was now completely under the home side’s control. Early in the final quarter they added their fourth and bonus point try after more pressure in the Pooler twenty-two. This time it was scored by Fry and with the conversion it was all up for Pooler at 24-3 as Cardiff held any of Pooler’s attacking intent at bay fairly comfortably.

In the 77^th minute Cardiff scored their fifth try after again camping in Pooler’s twenty-two. This time it was replacement hooker Parry who scored from short range. The conversion was good and it was now 31-3.

A brief attacking flurry in the final minute or so from Pooler came to nothing and they were left tryless and well-beaten.

Final score Cardiff 31 : Pontypool 3

This was a discouraging defeat for Pontypool who looked a shadow of the team that had performed so well the previous weekend. Cardiff are a good side and just outplayed Pooler in every area. A key area of concern was the lineout which misfired far too many times. Time for reflection is short with the next match on Thursday against Aberavon at home.

Well now we know, there will be just three professional teams in Wales some time in the next few years. It feels very much like the WRU have read Donald Trump’s book about deal making. They led everyone to believe that there would only be two teams and then came up with three to make it seem like a good deal. It will be one in Cardiff and one in the West and one in the East (presumably the Dragons). How they manage to decide exactly what will happen in the West is anyone’s guess as the Scarlets and Ospreys need to become one somehow. Good luck with that!

I have to admit I didn’t stay in Cardiff to watch the Edinburgh game but I did see that Cardiff had won narrowly so at least someone was happy. The Dragons had a chance to beat the Ospreys but a late penalty miss saw them settle for a draw.

So on to Thursday and Pooler’s last game before the break for the Autumn internationals. Aberavon always make things difficult but let us hope for a Pooler bounce-back.

Come on Pooler!

Revitalised Pooler put Bridgend to the Sword

Next up for Pontypool RFC were Bridgend Ravens who visited the Park after a free-scoring start to the season. Pooler had not been at their best to date but had secured a memorable comeback victory against Carmarthen Quins in the previous match. We rather hoped that that, coupled with the return of Herbert the skipper, would provide inspiration for Pooler on a dull but dry day.

Pontypool played down the slope in the first half and, right from the kick off, looked eager and aggressive and much more like the team of old. Pooler attacked strongly and within the first three minutes had opened the scoring with a penalty from Meek (3-0).

Bridgend then showed why they are such a dangerous attacking side when straight from the kick off they won the ball and some smart handling by the backs saw Williams the scrum half touch down for a try. The try went unconverted but the away side had taken the lead (3-5).

Pooler quickly gave Bridgend a taste of their own medicine when a break by Lloyd took them deep into the Bridgend twenty-two. Moments later it was Lloyd who touched down for a try which Meek converted (10-5).  Pooler were very much in the ascendancy with their aggressive defence and attacking intent giving them the edge The scrum looked far more solid than of late and the lineout was functioning well.

After a quarter of an hour, Pooler were deep inside the away twenty two. They spread the ball wide where two back row men Matthews and Jones were loitering with intent.  The ball was floated out to Matthews, narrowly avoiding an interception by Bridgend,  and the flanker caught the ball expertly and then gave a perfectly timed pass to Ieuan Jones who touched down in the left corner. Meek landed an excellent conversion and it was 17-5 to Pooler.

The second quarter was more evenly contested with a lot of tactical kicking and both defences holding firm until just before the interval. Pooler ran a kick back and it was right wing Cole who touched down in the right corner for their third try which, although it went unconverted, gave Pooler a useful 22-5 lead at half time.

This had been an all-action half from Pooler and there was a buzz on the Bank as we waited for the game to restart. Pooler would be playing up the slope but they would be assisted by a breeze blowing up the Valley. Things did not start well for Pooler with Bridgend seizing the initiative right from the kick off. They put Pooler under a lot of pressure but the dogged Pooler defence managed to keep them out for ten minutes.

As so often happens, the Bridgend attack eventually broke down and Pooler marched up the field and demonstrated just how to take your chances. The away defence bought a Meek dummy and Meek found Wood, the hooker, steaming up beside him. Wood touched down near the posts and Meek converted and the game now looked beyond Bridgend at 29-5 with the try bonus point in the bag.

Five minutes later, there was a frenetic period of play when both sides seemed to have difficulty hanging on to the ball. It was Pooler who finally gained control and spread the ball wide and it was Pat Lewis, who had looked sharp all afternoon, touching down for Pooler’s fifth try. Meek converted and Pooler’s lead was now an unassailable 36-5.

Both sides had emptied their benches and the Bridgend scrum now put their opposition under pressure. The fourth quarter saw sustained pressure by the visitors who camped out in the home twenty two. Pooler’s defence was outstanding but they did concede a string of penalties for a variety of reasons. The referee had finally seen enough and gave Pooler replacement flanker Tunaki a yellow card. Pooler continued to defend superbly but eventually they cracked in the 74^th minute and Bridgend hooker Olding forced his way over for a try. The conversion failed but at least Bridgend did get some reward for their efforts (36-10).

Time was almost up when a tremendous break by Morgan Allen from halfway was stopped just short of the line. From the ensuing attack it was Cole who touched down in the right corner for his second try of the afternoon. Meek had been replaced and so it was Morgan Lloyd who landed a great conversion to seal a great victory for Pontypool. Final score Pontypool 43 : Bridgend Ravens 10.

What an excellent performance by Pooler. This was far more like it with the team taking their chances with aplomb and defending for their lives. It was several levels up from the misery of the away defeat at Carmarthen Quins. So well done to everyone and let us hope we now have lift-off for the rest of the season.

We are very lucky to be able to watch rugby in such picturesque surroundings. Pontypool Park in its Autumn colours is a sight to behold.

Pooler have had a majority of home fixtures thus far this season but next Saturday they visit Cardiff as part of a double-header. You can even stay on to see the supporting act which is Cardiff v Edinburgh if you wish. It is never easy to play against Cardiff on the artificial pitch but Pooler have had some rousing victories there over the years. It would be great to see another one.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Come Back from the Dead

Pontypool had a chance to avenge last week’s disappointing loss at Carmarthen Quins with a match against the same opposition but this time in Pontypool Park. Whilst the weather was dry apart from the occasional bit of drizzle, there was a strong wind blowing down the valley. Yet again Pooler had made a significant number of team changes as they searched for a winning combination

Pontypool played against the wind and up the slope in the first half. Pooler did start well making all the early running despite the strong wind. They came close to opening the scoring with a try before they had to settle for a penalty from Meek after almost quarter of an hour had been played (3-0).

Carmarthen then settled into their rhythm and rather like the previous week dominated possession and territory. They are a well-coached team that are aggressive in attack and defence. Their area of real dominance was the scrum where they shunted the Pooler pack back and won a series of penalties.

Early in the second quarter, Carmarthen took the lead with a converted try when the forwards drove over the Pooler line (3-7). A few minutes later, Carmarthen outside half, Price, was shown a yellow card and this should have given Pooler a chance to bounce back but their attacking intent was stifled by the away team’s aggressive defensive line speed. Strangely it was Carmarthen who looked the more likely to score as Pooler seemed a little flat. Just after the half hour, Carmarthen scrum half, Davies, brushed aside three or four attempted tackles to score an individual try near the posts. The successful conversion opened up a 3-14 lead for the visitors.

Worse was to follow as the Carmarthen forwards drove over for a third try that with the conversion opened up a worrying 3-21 lead. This seemed very like the previous week where Carmarthen opened up a 24-0 lead in the first half. Pooler did respond with a flurry of attacks as the first half drew to a close but could not crack the Carmarthen defence.

Pooler had it all to do if they were going to turn this large deficit around in the second half although they would have the elements in their favour. Would the presence of legendary scrum half David Bishop in the stand inspire them?

Most of the third quarter was eminently forgettable with a lot of kicking from both sides. Carmarthen seemed to be coasting towards a victory as their scrum continued to cause Pooler serious problems and their well-organised defence repelled Pooler’s attacks with ease. Both teams started to use their benches with Pooler looking for some inspiration from somewhere. At this stage the bookies would have offered long odds on a Pooler win that is for sure.

The changes for Carmarthen seemed to disrupt their play while Pooler gained inspiration from the likes of Ieuan Jones. The Carmarthen defence gave away a penalty or two as they strayed offside and Pooler gained possession and field position. Just before the end of the third quarter, it was Ieuan Jones who touched down for a try after strong work by the Pooler pack. Meek converted and the gap had closed to 10-21 and you sensed a shift in momentum towards the home team.

Pooler attacked strongly and looked a team transformed. The scrum became a lot more stable although still under pressure. Pooler needed to score quickly to close the gap to a score while Carmarthen knew that another try would earn them a bonus point and probably put the game beyond the home team.

With around ten minutes remaining, Pooler were awarded another penalty and kicked for the corner. After a driving maul looked all set to be shoved into touch, it was Ieuan Jones who just managed to touch the ball down in the left corner for his second try. A brilliant conversion from Meek saw Pooler back within a try at 17-21. An unlikely comeback victory was on the cards as the momentum was definitely with Pooler.

Carmarthen were certainly not going to make it easy as the minutes ticked away and the tension mounted. After a couple of false starts, Pooler finally managed to get where they needed to be deep inside the Carmarthen twenty-two. It was down to the Pooler forwards to drive over the line. Carmarthen defended for their lives but the defence finally cracked as Pooler hooker, Wood, forced his way over with 77 minutes played on the game clock. Meek took his time over the conversion which he planted through the posts to make the score 24-21. There was no time for a Carmarthen comeback and the Pooler faithful were in raptures. Final score Pontypool 24 : Carmarthen Quins 21.

Phew, what a comeback that was - Lazarus would have been impressed. Carmarthen Quins must be kicking themselves for letting it slip after being the dominant team for so much of the match. Great credit must go to Pooler though for finding a way to win when all seemed lost. You have to wonder why it took so long for Pooler to find the spark they needed. Let us hope this marks a turning point in the season and they find their mojo. The scrum is a key area that needs to be improved as it has become  a source of penalties for the opposition. Anyway, let us celebrate a victory that had seemed most unlikely for most of the match. Pooler are no longer propping up the table with that position occupied by Newport of all people. Well done Pooler!

We await with bated breath the outcome of the WRU consultation on the future of professional rugby. It seems to become more and more confused as the days go by. It really is a “damned if they do, damned if they don’t” situation. Rather them than me.

There is no match next weekend and the following weekend Pooler take on Bridgend Ravens who are currently third in the league although they have won two lost two like Pooler.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Very Much Second Best

Pontypool’s first match of the season on their travels was an away fixture at Carmarthen Quins. A good contingent had made the journey from Pontypool and were in a positive frame of mind as kick-off approached.

It was a blustery day with a strong breeze but thankfully dry after the monsoon of the previous Saturday. The pitch was in perfect condition and it was all set for a good game of rugby.

The breeze seemed to be blowing across the pitch but did, if anything, favour Pooler in the first half. Carmarthen started with energy and purpose and totally dominated the first quarter of an hour with Pooler unable to escape from their half.  Pooler did not help themselves by conceding too many penalties as the pressure built. This gave the Quins the opportunity to kick for the corner and use their powerful pack to drive for the line. Some credit is due to the Pooler defence as, despite limited possession and territory, they prevented the home team from scoring until the fourteenth minute. The try came from concerted Quins forward pressure and was converted by Price to give Carmarthen a deserved 7-0 lead.

The first scrum of the game came as the first quarter ended and Carmarthen looked to have a degree of dominance here too. The lineouts had not gone particularly well for either team as the blustery conditions made life difficult. Pooler strayed offside at the start of the second quarter and Price converted the penalty  to increase the Quins lead to 10-0.

At last, Pooler put some attacks of their own together but it was all very disjointed  and the home defence showed plenty of aggression coupled with a challenging defensive line speed that meant the sporadic attacks were quickly snuffed out.

About half an hour had been played when a Pooler move broke down around halfway and Quins booted the loose ball up to the Pooler try line. It was a race to see which side would get the touchdown and it was Carmarthen that go their first for Williams to score a try under the posts. Price converted and it was now 17-0 with Pooler looking all at sea.

The rest of the half was dominated by Quins who added a third try when the forwards again drove over the line after a period of intense pressure. Loosehead prop Fawcett was credited with the try that Price converted (24-0). The first half ended with Pooler having come off very much second best in a very one-sided contest. Harsh words were no doubt spoken in the Pooler changing room.

Pontypool had to play better in the second half – didn’t they? Well, they started well enough playing their best rugby of the match so far. They managed to hang on to the ball and challenged the Quins defence. It looked much more like the old Pooler. They deserved a try and it was new recruit full back McDonough who scored in the left corner. The conversion failed but at least Pooler were on the scoreboard (24-5). Was this the cue for a Pooler comeback? Pooler continued to attack but found the Quins defence a tough nut to crack. Quins too continued to look dangerous and it was far more evenly contested.

In the final quarter things changed. Pooler started conceding far too many penalties with the scrum under big pressure. Quins were searching for their bonus point try and kicked most of the penalties to the corner. We went through what seemed to be an endless series of scrums and lineouts deep in the Pooler twenty-two. It really was a surprise that a penalty try was not awarded even though a yellow card was issued. Pooler’s defensive effort was remarkable and Quins must have been totally frustrated as they just couldn’t get the try they craved.

The clock ticked down and there were only a couple minutes  left when Pooler finally escaped from the siege. Ironically they did what the home side had failed to do in their fifteen minutes of total domination. Pooler scored what can only be described as a consolation try when McDonough touched down for his second. Meek converted and that was that. Final score Carmarthen Quins 24 : Pontypool 12.

After what was a pretty uninspiring first half, Pooler did show signs of spirit in the second half. There is no doubt that on the day the home side were well on top and thoroughly deserved their win. Pooler can claim to have “won” the second half but this is scant consolation for a bad day at the office. After ringing the changes, Pooler need to come up with a more settled team that can take them forward.

It is same again next Saturday as Carmarthen Quins visit Pontypool Park. It is a chance to get some revenge after this rather salutary defeat. Seeing Pontypool at the bottom of the SRC table is very disappointing.

Come on Pooler!

Pain in the Rain for Pooler

The second league match of the season saw RGC from North Wales visiting Pontypool Park. Rather like last week there had been a lot of rain in the days leading up to the match but the pitch looked in remarkably good condition. This week as the rain had stopped, as it happened briefly, we took our usual position on the Bank. This proved to be a mistake as the rain soon returned and basically alternated between heavy and torrential for the whole match. An odd collection of umbrellas was used to try and keep us dry but to limited effect.

Anyway, Pontypool played up the slope in the first half and at least there was no wind to speak of. This match would be won by the team that managed the difficult conditions best. Unfortunately for the spectators this would surely mean little running rugby and plenty of kicking.

Pooler got off to a great start when a RGC kick downfield was returned with some mazy running. The move started on the left and ended up on the right with flanker Davies going close. The ball was recycled and it was fullback Price who touched down for a try with only a couple of minutes on the clock (5-0). The conversion failed but from the restart RGC were a man down when Brown was shown a yellow card.

The kicking games took over and it was clear that this was an area where RGC had an edge. There were some lengthy exchanges of kicks as both sides waited for a mistake. This normally happened when someone tried to run the ball back with the slippery ball making handling difficult. Despite some typically strong runs from Morgan Allen, Pooler were unable to make their numerical supremacy tell as the first quarter passed us by.

Early in the second quarter a penalty form Meek saw Pooler extend their lead to 8-0. This game was going to be decided by the team that could capitalise best on the many handling errors that were occurring in the treacherous conditions. After around half an hour played, it was RGC  who took advantage of good field position when a great kick downfield made the Pooler defence struggle. After some powerful forward drives, Thirsk touched down for the visitors and McBryde added a well-struck conversion (8-7).

A few minutes later a knock on from Pooler was compounded by an offside penalty that McBryde converted to give RGC a slender lead at 8-10. The RGC scrum was getting on top and a welcome source of penalties for the visitors as the rain continued to teem down. Pooler’s lineout which had functioned well started to creak a bit as well as the conditions made things difficult for throwers and jumpers alike. There was no further scoring as the half drew to a close. The second half was going to be a war of attrition for players and those brave souls on the Bank alike.

RGC started the brighter in the second half and could have increased their lead when a clever cross kick was knocked on within a couple of yards of Pooler’s try line. There followed a period of Pooler dominance as they tried to get back in front. They had a couple of periods where they hammered away at the RGC line but a combination of the conditions and stubborn defence frustrated them. The RGC kicking game and their strong scrum were still giving Pooler plenty to think about.

At last, as the fourth quarter started, Pooler edged into the lead with a penalty from Meek (11-10) accompanied by a yellow card for Gareth Parry of RGC. The lead was very short-lived as RGC hit back with a penalty from McBryde virtually straight from the restart (11-13).

Could Pooler bounce back?  They tried their best with some strong attacks but the RGC defence held them out. The pressure told and another penalty from Meek did edge them back into the lead at 14-13.

There was around ten minutes remaining and both sides desperately tried to keep their error count down as the kicking duel continued. Pooler tried to keep possession but it wasn’t easy with the slippery ball. It was tense stuff that was for sure. It was Pooler who cracked and conceded a penalty in the last minute that McBryde converted with aplomb to give RGC back the lead at 14-16.

There was still time for one last chance for Pooler. They won the ball back from the restart but in their desperation lost control of the ball just inside the RGC half as they tried to make one too many passes with the slippery ball. RGC wing, Parry, took full advantage of the loose ball and scooted away to score under the posts. McBryde converted and Pooler had lost the losing bonus point. Final score Pontypool 14 : RGC 23.

This was a game that could have gone either way right until the end and was played under extremely difficult conditions. The pitch did stand up very well to the heavy rain which in years gone by might have led to the match being abandoned. Both teams gave it their all but it was probably the superior kicking game of RGC combined with an edge in the scrum that won the day. Pooler will, of course, rue those missed chances when they were camped on the visitors’ line.

Welsh Rugby continues to stagnate as the number of regions debate rages on. It really is difficult to predict the outcome so I will not even try. I don’t think anyone really wants to cut the number of regions but results on the field and financial constraints mean something has to be done.

Next week there will be another tough assignment for Pooler in what looks to be a highly competitive league. Pooler will visit Carmarthen Quins where they are sure to get a warm welcome. Let us hope that we are spared the rain.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Start with a Win

At last, the rugby season proper has started after what seems like an age since Pontypool played their last league match. This time the season opener was a home game against Swansea who had an indifferent start to last season before finishing quite strongly. As always, there have been  many arrivals and departures during the closed season so the first few games invariably are a bedding in period for new recruits.

Pontypool Park was looking pristine with a lot of hard work gone on to spruce the place up in readiness for the new season. The weather was unsettled after the long hot summer and had alternated between torrential rain showers and sunshine all week.  A heavy downpour just as we were arriving disappeared as quickly as it had appeared and the match started in sunshine.  I did, however, decide to watch from the packed stand rather than take my customary place on the Bank.

Pooler played down the slope in the first half and the first quarter was rather non-descript with the two old enemies feeling each other out. A lot of kicking and neither side managing to seize the initiative. What was clear was that Swansea had a big combative pack of forwards who were going to give the Pooler eight a run for their money particularly at the breakdown. Both sides had kickable penalties with Meek on target for Pooler while an attempt by Phillips for Swansea went wide (3-0). The only other thing of note was a storming run from Pooler’s Morgan Allen who looked in fine fettle.

The second quarter was more entertaining with Pooler gaining a level of ascendancy. There was still a lot of kicking but at least Pooler gained good field positions. The Pooler forwards took play into the Swansea twenty-two and the alert Pooler scrum half, Cole, spotted a gap and scooted over for a try under the posts. Meek converted and Pooler had built a 10-0 lead.

Swansea enjoyed a period of possession and the Pooler defence had to work hard to repel them. The Swansea backs looked dangerous at times but were just about kept in check. Swansea did get some reward for their efforts with a penalty from Phillips which reduced Pooler’s lead to 10-3. There was still plenty of kicking from both sides and rather too many mistakes for the coaches’ liking I am sure.

On the half hour, the referee was injured and was replaced by one of the linesmen. As you might expect, the new referee had a slightly different way of refereeing the ever more complex laws of game and the players would have to adjust to that.  Meek added another penalty while Phillips missed a penalty to leave the halftime score 13-3 in favour of the home team. A little bit of argy bargy as the players left the field added spice to a closely fought first half.

Swansea started the second half very strongly and were soon in Pooler’s twenty-two and looking dangerous. The Pooler defence worked hard to keep them out but, after nearly ten minutes, they finally cracked with a try from Cox which Phillips converted (13-10). Pooler were not entirely happy with the decision to award the try but the referee was not to be swayed.

Pooler needed to regain the initiative as the momentum was now with Swansea. Pooler did exactly that and played some of their best rugby of the match as they managed to increase the pace they were playing at. Some really good play by forwards and backs saw Morgan Allen standing out on the left wing power in for a try. The conversion failed but Pooler were back more than a score ahead at 18-10.

Swansea were far from beaten and were giving as good as they got as we entered the final quarter. A penalty from Phillips brought Swansea back in range at 18-13 and it was still anyone’s game. The Pooler lineout had been efficient all game and a couple of minutes later Pooler kicked a penalty for the corner and  a pre-arranged lineout ploy worked perfectly. Hooker, Wood, received the ball after a front peel to score in the right corner. An excellent conversion from Meek saw Pooler increase their lead to 25-13 with 15 minutes left.

Both sides strove hard to add to their tallies in the time remaining – Pooler in search of the try bonus point and Swansea a bonus point. Both sides went close but it wasn’t to be. Final score Pontypool 25 : Swansea 13.

Pooler will be pleased to get a win in the first league match against a tough Swansea team. They did look understandably rusty at times and there are plenty of areas for the coaching team to work on. All in all, an encouraging start so well done to everybody.

Next up for Pooler will be a home game against RGC next Saturday. Matches between these two sides tend to be high scoring and entertaining. Let us hope the weather plays ball.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Warming Up Nicely but Welsh Rugby in Turmoil

I didn’t make the trip to Moseley but I was delighted to see that Pontypool had a great pre-season workout against stiff opposition and came away with a narrow 29-31 victory. Good to see that Scott Mathews hasn’t forgotten the way to the try line. The next warm up match will be at Cinderford where Pooler can expect a warm welcome in more ways than one. The season proper gets ever nearer and I for one can’t wait for the first league game against Swansea at home on September 13^th.

Welsh Rugby seems to be hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons with the WRU not really building much confidence as they propose two team professional rugby as the way forward. I for one have never really embraced regional rugby finding a diet of Pontypool and Wales quite sufficient. I therefore do not really feel able to match the passion of the regional fans who are understandably up in arms. Having watched some regional matches on TV there always seemed to be large swathes of empty spaces in the stands for most games. The four regions have certainly not set the world alight and seem to be in a death spiral financially as they try and compete with wealthier opposition. Something needs to be done as if we keep doing what we are doing we will keep getting what we are getting.

As in all such situations, it is uncertainty that does significant damage to all involved. It seems that we have reached the consultation stage as to how we get to two professional outfits rather than whether we should. I don’t expect to be consulted but good luck to those who are. It makes splitting the atom look like child’s play.

Last Gasp Defeat for Pooler

Here we are again with a new rugby season just around the corner. As what has become alarmingly normal, Welsh rugby remains in a state of flux. At least the national team ended their dismal run with a victory in Japan. The debate about how many regions Welsh rugby can support rages on and seems no nearer to resolution. Something akin to a civil war has broken out in the West with Scarlets and Ospreys at each other’s throats. The rationalisation can has been kicked so many times down the road it probably looks more like a flat sheet. No more reviews surely. Someone needs to make a decision and soon. Its emotive and difficult but for the good of Welsh rugby it has to be done.

The return of the prodigal son Rees Zammit has caused a major distraction. True he is an excellent player, but he needs to be given the ball in situations that he can exploit with his speed. Have we got a team that can do that? Hopefully new coach Steve Tandy can build a team to bring some much needed pride back at the top of the game in Wales.

Meanwhile we are in the realms of pre-season friendlies. Pontypool travelled to Dings Crusaders in Bristol for their second outing of the season after travelling up the road to Talywain last weekend. Dings have an enviable set up on the outskirts of Bristol with a magnificent clubhouse and at least three pitches. They are in the English Division One and can present formidable opposition. As always, in pre-season friendlies the teams selected are often experimental and this was certainly the case for the Pontypool team.

The weather was warm and sunny and the match was played on an artificial pitch. I am glad to say it was played under proper match conditions with a normal sized squad of players for each team. Play was quite scrappy in the early stages as both teams tried to find a rhythm.  It was Pooler who scored first when Mahoney burst over for a converted try (0-7). It did not take long for Dings to hit back as they scored from a lineout drive (7-7).

Pooler retook the lead after some smart play from the backs saw Jarvis score a try which was converted by Meek. It was clear that Dings were settling down to play the more cohesive rugby. They had a strong scrum and an efficient lineout and began to look threatening. Pooler were also guilty of conceding too many penalties with high tackles incurring the wrath of the referee and in the end resulted in a yellow card for the Pooler tight head prop.

Dings deservedly took the lead with two converted tries which saw them 21-14 ahead at half time. Pooler needed to respond and start the second half strongly.

Right at the beginning of the second half the Dings openside flanker suffered a nasty head/neck injury which meant a delay of around 20 minutes while he was attended to by the medics. I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

The delay set Pooler back and Dings looked the more determined side when the game restarted. They quickly went back on the attack and scored a try near the posts after a break by their scrum half (28-14).  Pooler brought on reinforcements from the bench and began to look much more threatening. A converted try from short range after strong play by the forwards saw the lead trimmed to 28-21.

Pooler continued to attack and a try in the left corner by Rees was quickly followed by a try from Jones in the right corner. Both conversions from wide out failed but the ten points gave Pooler a 28-31 lead with not long left.

Yet another Pooler infringement gave Dings field position for the last play of the match. They put together a well-constructed lineout drive with virtually the whole team joining in. This was enough to force their way over the line for the winning score. The try was converted and the final score was Dings Crusaders 35 : Pontypool 31.

This was an entertaining game and I am sure a good workout for the players before the season proper. Pooler will know they can play much better than this and that they have some strong resources that weren’t on view. They will need to look at how to avoid conceding so many penalties which can prove so costly.

The next friendly is away at Moseley next weekend. It will be interesting to see the team that is selected.

I applaud the work that has been done in setting up the Pontypool Supporters Club. Congratulations to all  you are doing a fine job.

Come on Pooler!  

Pooler Make Llandovery Work Hard for Victory

A glorious May afternoon and almost a party atmosphere greeted us at Church Bank, Llandovery. This was a quarter final of the Super Rygbi Cymru playoffs. The artificial pitch was in pristine condition and Pontypool were going to have it all to do against a team that thrives on playing in these conditions. The Drovers of Llandovery are the reigning champions of the Premier League and had already beaten Pooler twice this season. Yes, this was going to be difficult.

Llandovery kicked off and almost immediately seized possession. Some powerful running from backs and forwards alike gave the Pooler defence an early workout. Eventually the pressure told and right wing Doel touched down in the corner for an unconverted try with only three minutes on the clock (5-0).

The Drovers continued to press with Pooler really struggling to keep them out. But keep them out they did and eventually managed to get out of their own half. Pooler were awarded a penalty that Ford converted to register their first points (5-3).

Normal service was resumed with Pooler back on the defensive as Llandovery kept playing at a tremendous pace and Pooler tackling like demons. After a couple of narrow escapes, the pressure told and Jones touched down after powerful work by the home forwards. Hughes converted  and Llandovery had extended their lead to 12-3 with a quarter of an hour played.

The Pooler set piece was coming under pressure with the scrum creaking and the lineout misfiring at times. The home side were certainly getting the better of things.

Pooler managed to gain a rare foothold in the Drovers half as the first quarter ended. They were awarded a penalty and Morgan Lloyd took a quick tap penalty and made good progress. As ever, Matthews was there in support to touch down near the posts. Ford converted and, rather against the run of play, Pooler had closed the gap to just two points at 12-10.

Back came Llandovery and, after a series of forward drives, home prop Hughes was awarded a try after TV review. The conversion failed but Llandovery had extended their lead to 17-10.

The last part of the first half was a bit more evenly contested and Pooler were rewarded with another penalty from Ford. So, at half time the score was Llandovery 17 : Pontypool 13. The scoreline did not really reflect a dominant performance from Llandovery but the grit and determination of Pooler had kept them in the game. Pooler seemed to have come away with points on almost all their visits to the home half while Llandovery were probably ruing many missed opportunities. Still, it was all to play for.

The third quarter proved to more of the same with Llandovery dominating territory and possession and Pooler battling to protect their line. Llandovery had a “try” disallowed on review but eventually Davies scored a try that was converted by Hughes to open up a two score lead at 24-13.

Pooler began to get their hands on the ball more frequently and fresh legs from the bench helped their cause. As the final quarter started, Pooler seemed to have scored when they broke from a lineout on the Drovers twenty two with Chapman touching down. Unfortunately, the try was ruled out after the officials reviewed a replay on the TV monitor. This could have been a real turning point for Pooler.

Pooler were now giving as good as they got but did make errors at crucial times which cost them dear. With just five minutes remaining, Hughes kicked a penalty for Llandovery and they were two converted tries clear at 27-13.

Pooler were not about to give up and some fine attacking play saw Cole score a try just a minute later which Ford converted. There was still a chance at 27-20 with four minutes left.

Pooler’s hopes were instantly dashed as they failed to deal with the kick off and Doel squeezed in at the corner for his second try. Although the try was unconverted the home side had surely secured victory at 32-20 with only a couple of minutes left.

Pooler threw caution to the winds in those last minutes and paid the penalty when Llandovery seized possession for Williams to score a try that was converted by Maynard. This was the last action of the game. Final score Llandovery 39 : Pontypool 20.

There is no doubt that Llandovery were deserved winners but Pooler made them work damned hard for their victory. Pooler’s defence was heroic at times as they strove to stem a seemingly endless stream of Drovers’ attacks. Llandovery are a really good team with all round strength and there is no disgrace in losing to them on their own patch.

That will be the last game of Pontypool’s season. They can reflect on a great first year in the new Super Rygbi Cymru league where they have been very competitive and have beaten every team but Llandovery at least once in finishing in fifth place. There is plenty to build on for next season and plenty to look forward to.

Well done Pooler!  

Pooler in their Pomp – and I Missed It!

I have just got back from a week in Spain with a dreadful cold.  The holiday meant that I missed Pooler’s narrow defeat at Aberavon (26-24) and my ropey condition meant that I also missed Pooler’s final home game of the season against league leaders Cardiff. This is a real shame as it sounds like it was a crackerjack performance by Pooler who won 47-27 with a dominant second half display.

There was little but pride at stake in this match as Cardiff were in an unassailable position at the top of the league and Pooler were bound to finish in fifth place. A game between Pontypool and Cardiff, of course, always matters to players and fans alike so it was a great ending to the league programme. It means that, with the exception of Llandovery, that Pooler managed to beat every team in the league at least once which is some achievement. Pooler have really demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with that is for sure. In what has been a dismal season for Welsh rugby in general, Pooler’s performances have certainly cheered me up.

The season is not over for now we enter the world of play-offs. As luck would have it, Pooler must travel to Llandovery for their quarter final as the team finishing fourth in the league play the team finishing fifth. This is a tough nut to crack but Pooler will surely be in good heart and no doubt will give it their best shot. Pooler will have two weeks in which to prepare their game plan as the wild card play-offs for the lower ranked teams will take place next week.

Come on Pooler!