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!
