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!

Pooler Bounce Back

I have to confess that due to a long lunch in Birmingham and the vagaries of the rail system I did not manage to get to the Park yesterday evening to watch Pontypool take on Swansea. I did, however, catch it on the TV. It is a shame that after a few days of glorious weather that the rain fell during the match.

As for the match, Pooler played up the slope in the first half and had much the better of the opening exchanges. The backs looked sharp and the forwards drove powerfully. Rhodri Cole playing at scrum half on permit was a good link between forwards and backs and kicked well. It was no surprise when Pooler took the lead after seven minutes through a try from Robey that was converted by Meek (7-0). This was quickly followed by a Meek penalty to increase the lead to 10-0.

The fortunes of the match then swung dramatically as for the next twenty minutes Swansea dominated possession and territory. Pooler were guilty of conceding penalties but Swansea played with cohesion and not a little flair with full back Houston, in particular, a really slippery runner. In this period, Swansea scored three converted tries as they exerted immense pressure on a committed Pooler defence. The tries from Temblett, Edwards and Jones were all converted by Phillips and the match had swung very much Swansea’s way (10-21).

Pooler needed to respond and a penalty from Meek stemmed the flow (13-21). The last few minutes of the first half belonged with Pooler attacking ferociously through their forwards. Swansea were giving away penalties and that led to a yellow card for their tight head prop Thompson. This gave the Pooler pack just the edge that they needed and substitute hooker Chapman touched down after a lineout drive. Meek converted and at half time Pooler were just one point behind at 20-21.

Early in the second half, Swansea took off their right wing to allow for a prop to come on as a yellow card replacement. Their lack of cover wide out on the right was expertly exploited who spotted Marcus Jones in acres of space. His accurate kick was fielded by Jones who raced fifty metres to score under the posts. A conversion from Meek and Pooler were back in the lead at 27-21.

The momentum was now with Pooler but Swansea still looked dangerous and it was in fact Swansea that scored next through a penalty from Phillips (27-24) . Pooler then took charge with the forwards gaining the upper hand with Morgan Allen particularly prominent with his powerful ball carrying. It was Matthews, on as a substitute, who drove over to score Pooler’s bonus point try which was again converted by Meek (34-24). Five minutes later, Ieuan Jones added a fifth try when he drove over from short range. With the Meek conversion Pooler had surely secured the victory at 41-24.

Swansea did not give up and they strove hard to get a bonus point. They were assisted in this by a yellow card for Pooler flanker Davies. After considerable Swansea pressure, substitute hooker Austin touched down at the end of a forward drive. The try was converted by Rees and Swansea had their try bonus point (41-31) with only a couple of minutes remaining. There was no further scoring so the final score was Pontypool 41 : Swansea 31.

A good game with Pooler doing well to bounce back from the period of Swansea dominance in the first half. This of course was also on the back of that tough game against Newport on Sunday. Scrum half Cole did really well considering he was only drafted into the team at such short notice but it was the pack that ground out the important tries to secure victory.

Pooler have now surely guaranteed at least fifth place in the league. Fourth place still looks a tough ask but all they can do is try and win their last two games against Aberavon (a) and Cardiff (h) and hope that other results go their way.

Next up for Pooler is Aberavon away next Thursday evening in another televised match.

Come on Pooler! 

The One That Got Away from Pooler

I have to confess to being a bit pink around the gills this morning after my trip to Costa del Rodney yesterday. I was at a sun drenched Rodney Parade to watch Pontypool play Newport for the third time this season. This time in a league match with the score 1-1 so far. The Bisley stand proved to be a veritable sun trap with a good crowd bathed in the late March sunshine.

Pontypool playing against a gentle breeze made all  the early running. The played at a pace that left Newport looking cumbersome and shell-shocked as they moved the ball wide at every opportunity. Pooler opened the scoring after ten minutes when Morgan Lloyd intercepted in midfield and sprinted home to touch down under the posts. Meek converted and Pooler had stormed to a 0-7 lead.

Pooler continued to dominate and moved the ball wide to the left wing where Marcus Jones made ground and found Pat Lewis in support. Lewis touched down for a try to mark his return to the team after an injury layoff. Meek converted and Pooler were 0-14 to the good.

Better news still was to follow after twenty five minutes when Rosser stormed down the right wing to beat four or five defenders to score wide out. Meek again converted and Pooler were in dreamland at 0-21 and three tries in the bag.

It wasn’t all to be plain sailing for Pooler though. A couple of penalty concessions gave the home side field position and their strong pack applied pressure that led to tries for Andrew and Roach. Both tries were converted by Lloyd and Pooler’s early lead had been significantly dented (14-21). Meek settled the Pooler nerves with a penalty as a pulsating first half drew to a close. Half time score Newport 14 : Pontypool 24.

Pooler made a great start to the second half when a run by Pat Lewis down the right touchline led to him scoring an excellent try in the corner. The conversion failed but Pooler had increased their lead to fifteen points at 14-29. A few minutes later they increased their lead to eighteen points with a neat dropped goal from Meek (14-32).

Newport had rung the changes as they emptied their bench and it made a difference. They fully capitalised on Pooler handling errors and the awkward bounce of the ball to score two converted tries through Hope and Andrew in double quick time. This completely changed the complexion of the game with Pooler’s lead cut to just four points at 28-32. Momentum had swung and you were left wondering whether Pooler could hang on for a win rather than how many were they going to win by.

Pooler were making errors and missing tackles that they hadn’t done in the first half. The kick chase was not getting to those box kicks and allowing the dangerous Newport backs to run the ball back.  It was getting tense that was for sure. An excellent penalty from halfway by Meek opened up the lead to seven points at 28-35 but Newport were still within a score.

The equalising score was not long coming when Davies touched down wide out on the left. Lloyd converted and the scores were tied at 35-35 with Newport looking the more likely to snatch victory. It was indeed Newport who took the lead for the first time in the match with a penalty from Lloyd with little time remaining (38-35).

Pooler tried desperately to respond and were awarded a penalty just inside their half. They spurned the chance of  equalising and went for the win with a kick to touch. The lineout drill didn’t work out and that was that. Final score Newport 38 : Pontypool 35.

This was an excellent game of rugby with the result in doubt right until the final whistle. Pooler will be left wondering how they managed to lose a game that they seemed to have taken by the scruff of the neck. Still Pooler played some scintillating rugby in the first half and there is plenty of reason to feel positive. The modern playing surfaces have added a pace to the game and an even more unpredictable bounce of the ball. Something in me still yearns for those titanic battles in the mud that we used to know and love.

It looks now likely that Pooler will finish in fifth place in the league with three games left which is a creditable performance. Of course, there are no prizes for finishing top of the league only home advantage in the end of season playoffs. It does feel a bit ridiculous that you can finish bottom of the league and still win the SRC Trophy at the end of the season. The bottom four clubs play off for two places in the quarter finals. It is then a knockout to see who wins the trophy. If Pooler do finish fifth they will play away at the team finishing fourth which at the moment is Newport.

Next up for Pooler is a home game against Swansea on Thursday evening. The short turnaround will be a challenge after such a titanic struggle yesterday.

Come on Pooler!