When I look at the final league table for Super Rygbi Cymru it is with a heavy heart. It is so disappointing to see Pontypool RFC at the bottom of the pile. Pooler have by all measures been inconsistent this term.
The performances
over the course of the season could be roughly divided into three: all too few great
days, rather too many bad days and quite a few days where Pooler suffered agonising
narrow defeats in games that could have gone either way. I missed the final
game of the season which was the wildcard playoff against Carmarthen Quins
which fell quite clearly into the third category with an injury time defeat.
Towards the end of the season, Pooler were far more competitive particularly in
the cup matches where the last minute loss at Llandovery in the semi-final was
really hard to bear after a brilliant comeback in the second half.
On the positive
side, Pooler have given a lot of young and upcoming players a chance to play
competitive rugby which was one of the key objectives of SRC. This will surely
stand them in good stead in the future. This coupled with a long injury list
meant Pooler had difficulties fielding a settled team. Pooler could not be
criticised for lack of effort and the Pooler Army was there in support through
thick and thin.
I believe
that the current situation is that the three year ringfencing of SRC comes to an
end after next season so Pooler will need to put together a better season or
face relegation. Of course, this is Welsh Rugby and no one really knows what is
going to happen in the future. The future of regional rugby is far from settled
let alone what happens to SRC as a consequence. I do believe that the ten team SRC
league is too small and should be expanded by another two teams – there is just
not enough league rugby.
God
willing, I will be taking my place on the Bank next season with the usual
degree of optimism. There is no better place to watch rugby. As always, we will
say hello to new faces and goodbye to some current squad members on the
pre-season merry-go-round.
I wish all
involved the best of luck.
Come on
Pooler!
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