Pooler Back on the Rollercoaster

Sunshine and blue sky greeted us in Carmarthen as we gathered for Pontypool’s latest league match against Carmarthen Quins. There was, however, a keen breeze blowing down the ground towards the town centre. The breeze was strong enough to have a significant effect on the play and it was Pooler who would have first use of it.

Pooler started with all guns blazing with scrum half Morgan Lloyd directing operations.  It was no more than they deserved when a break by Lewis led to a try for Marcus Jones in the left corner. An excellent conversion from Meek saw Pooler take a 0-7 lead within the first five minutes. Pooler could have had a second try a few minutes later but it was chalked off by the referee. A well struck penalty from Meek did see Pooler extend their lead to 0-10 soon after.

The Quins were sure to react and they started to apply some pressure. The Pooler set piece looked vulnerable and penalties were conceded. This gave the Quins the opportunity to camp inside the Pooler twenty-two. Despite some resolute defence, the Pooler line was eventually breached  when Quins scrum half Davies dived over for an unconverted try as we entered the second quarter (5-10).

Back came Pooler but some weak attempts at tackling saw Quins break out from their own twenty two against the run of play to score a long range try from George. This was converted by Thomas and Quins edged into a two point lead at 12-10 with ten minutes left in the first half.

With the benefit of the wind, Pooler really did need to score some points. Their cause was not helped by a yellow card for Marcus Jones for a high tackle. Nevertheless, they did press forward and the remainder of the half saw Pooler laying siege in the home side’s twenty two. Frustratingly for Pooler a combination of excellent defence and a rather blunt attack saw the Quins hold out until half time. The roar from the home team when the half time whistle said everything about the boost to their confidence. In contrast the Pooler team trooped off the field looking dejected.

This sentiment seemed to be carried over into the second half as a confident Quins team blitzed Pooler. In the first ten minutes of the half they piled on the points with a penalty and tries from Howell and Morgan. In all Pooler leaked fifteen points to trail 27-10. It certainly looked like game over.

We do know that Pooler are made of sterner stuff than that and will never give up even if the cause looks lost. They needed to find some inspiration and that came from three key substitutions. On came the redoubtable Matthews on the flank accompanied by young outside half Ford and tight head prop Williams. Maybe the Quins relaxed but I like to think that Pooler stepped it up a notch or five. Anyway, it was suddenly a different ball game. A brilliant solo try by Morgan Lloyd started the ball rolling and with the conversion the gap was closed to ten points at 27-17. Did Pooler fans dare to hope for an unlikely comeback?

As the third quarter ended, Pooler found themselves deep in the Quins’ twenty-two. A strong drive from a tap penalty saw Matthews bludgeon his was over for a try that was converted by Meek. It was game on with the Quins’ seemingly unassailable lead cut to just three points (27-24).

Quins could see the game slipping away but responded well. A strong driving maul saw Morgan score from close range and with the Thomas conversion the Quins had re-established a ten point lead (34-24). There was still a quarter of an hour remaining so time for Pontypool to respond. A couple of opportunities went begging as their lineout failed to function when they had good field position.

Pooler needed a moment of magic and it came from  their young half backs. A lineout on the Quins ten metre line led to a scintillating break by Ford who found Morgan Lloyd in support and the scrum half crossed for his second and Pooler’s fourth try. The conversion from Meek saw the gap closed to three points at 34-31 with around five minutes remaining. It was still anyone’s game.

It was to be the home side that managed the final throes best and they finished the game with their sixth try of the afternoon that was scored by Fawcett and converted by Thomas. Final score Carmarthen Quins 41 ; Pontypool 31.

Despite a strong come back when all seemed lost, Pooler really lost the game in the first half when they failed to take full advantage of the wind. This is another match when you were left thinking “could have , should have.” While Pooler are scoring plenty of tries, they are also conceding far too many. I am sure everyone involved is well aware that there is plenty to work on. Their team spirit is unquestionable that is for certain.

Pooler will be tested to the full next weekend when they entertain Newport. Despite losing to Llandovery in the week, Newport are certainly one of the strongest teams in the league. The Pooler squad will be desperate to put one over on their highflying neighbours -it should be well worth watching.

Come on Pooler!   

Revenge is Sweet for Pooler

Just a week on from their remarkable 61-42 defeat in a try fest in Colwyn Bay last Saturday, Pooler faced RGC again but this time in the more familiar surroundings of Pontypool Park on good old grass. A decent crowd had gathered with no one really sure what to expect. It was a dry, blustery day with the wind favouring the team playing up the slope. Pooler, however, were playing down the slope in the first half.

Straight from the kick off Pooler went on the offensive. A deliberate knock-on by RGC snuffed out a promising attack and after a long consultation with a linesman the referee decided that a penalty to the home side was sufficient sanction. Pooler kicked for the corner and took full advantage of the penalty when Ieuan Jones ploughed over for a try from the ensuing lineout. The conversion failed but Pooler were off and running within a few minutes of the kick-off (5-0).

The next ten minutes or so belonged to RGC as the North Walians responded in kind. A well-worked try for flanker Fackrell was converted by McBryde to give them the lead (5-7). RGC followed this up with another strong attack which Pooler struggled to keep at bay. Eventually Pooler were forced to give away a penalty that McBryde dispatched with ease to increase the lead to 5-10.

Pooler’s response was immediate. A powerful charge by Morgan Allen scattered RGC defenders like ninepins before he was eventually brought to a halt deep inside the RGC twenty-two. His forward colleagues carried the move on with Hill touching down for the try that was converted by Meek. This gave Pooler a narrow lead at 12-10. Pooler’s lead was increased when Meek converted a penalty as the  incident packed first quarter came to an end (15-10).

A yellow card for Pooler scrum half Flanagan for a deliberate knock on  gave  RGC a numerical advantage and slowed Pooler’s momentum. A monster penalty from his own ten metre line saw RGC fullback Earl Jones close the deficit to 15-13.

There followed a strong finish to the first half by Pooler that really decided the outcome of the match. The forwards had been carrying powerfully throughout the half with Morgan Allen to the fore ably backed up by the rest of the pack.  Pooler worked their way into the RGC twenty-two and after a period of sustained pressure Chapman forced his way over for a try that Meek converted (22-13). This was closely followed by Pooler’s bonus point try. This time, after tremendous driving play by the forwards, it was centre, Mahoney, who got the touch down. Meek added the conversion and as the half ended Pooler had built a sixteen point lead at 29-13.

The second half started badly for the home side with rather lack-lustre defending giving RGC centre Cross an almost free passage to the line. McBryde converted and what had seemed to be a comfortable lead had been slashed in a couple of minutes (29-20). After fifteen minutes of the second half a Meek penalty increased Pooler’s lead to twelve points at 32-20.

The rest of the second half was frenetic but scoreless. RGC tried their best to fight back but a combination of a good defence from Pooler and their uncharacteristic handling errors stymied all their efforts. A plethora of substitutions by both sides did not help the flow of the game. It was far from a relaxing watch for the Pooler fans who knew that a try from RGC would put them within a score. 

Pooler were perhaps guilty of not using the wind to their advantage with RGC ever ready to run the ball back if there were any loose kicks. Pooler, for their part, attacked sporadically but could not manage to get the try that would have made the game safe. They did have a couple of penalty shots at goal that could have earned an extra bonus point that went astray. All in all, the fourth quarter was frustrating for both sides. Final score Pontypool 32 : RGC 20.

This was a great effort form Pontypool to bounce back from last week’s defeat by the same opposition. RGC who scored seven tries the previous week could only manage two this time. This was testimony to Pooler’s defensive effort. In attack, Pooler mainly relied on forward power which got the job done. A much needed victory will put Pooler in good heart for the trip to Carmarthen next weekend.

At regional level, all four Welsh regions went down to defeats – albeit the Dragons and the Scarlets by the narrowest of margins. With the Autumn internationals just around the corner, Gatland and co will need to put their thinking caps on if Wales are to get a victory or two.

We Pooler fans have the trip to Carmarthen Quins to think about first and then the visit of the old enemy Newport to the Park.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Show Their Resilience

The first thing that I noticed when I arrived at Bridgend Ravens RFC for Pontypool’s second league game of the season was the pitch. It looked like a well-manicured lawn and a far cry from the pitch when the Osprey’s played on it last season when it was in dreadful condition. Playing conditions were perfect with a warm dry afternoon with little wind. It had certainly not looked like this was going to be in the case as it poured down with rain only hours before.

Pooler kicked off and, before we could draw breath, Bridgend had scored a try through number eight Collier (5-0). The conversion failed but then Bridgend went on to completely dominate the game for the next fifteen minutes. They played excellent rugby at a high pace which left Pooler floundering. It was no surprise when Bridgend scored their second try through Howley which, this time, was converted by Price (12-0). Those of us who were at the corresponding fixture last season had seen something similar happen and rather hoped that that Pooler could manage to come back this time.

It took until the second quarter before Pooler established themselves in the match. They were awarded a penalty and a great touch-finder from Meek put them in prime position near the Ravens’ line. From the ensuing lineout, Scarfe powered over for a try. The conversion failed but at least Pooler had given the Ravens something to think about (12-5).

Pooler took heart from the try and started to show what they are about and the match was far more evenly contested than in the first quarter. It was Pontypool that struck next when, after a period of attacking in the home twenty-two, Herbert forced his way over the line for a try. Meek converted and it was even stevens at 12-12.

It was to be Pooler who had the last laugh in the first half. As time ran out, the threequarters shipped the ball along to right wing Duggan. He had still had plenty to do but showed  strength and elusiveness to dot down in the corner for Pooler’s third try. The conversion failed but the away side had snatched the lead at 12-17. This was a fine response to the travails of the first quarter but there would be plenty to discuss during the halftime break.

You knew there would be a strong response from the home side in the second half and that was indeed the case. Despite losing Lewis to a yellow card, they dominated proceedings with Pooler struggling to get out of their own half. The Pooler defence was stretched but held firm with some tremendous tackling. It did, alas, start leaking penalties much to their frustration. This led to Cochrane receiving a yellow card just as Lewis’ time in the sin-bin was coming to an end. The Pooler defence was now short-handed and a deft kick through saw Bridgend score their third try when Wilkins touched down. Price converted and Bridgend were back in the lead at 19-17 with a quarter of an hour played in the second half.

Pooler bounced back almost immediately when they were awarded a penalty and kicked for the corner. A smart lineout drill saw Matthews plough through the middle of the lineout to touch down for Pooler’s bonus point try. More importantly, although the conversion failed, Pooler were back in the lead at 19-22. This was probably their first meaningful visit to the Bridgend half in the third quarter such had been the home side’s dominance of possession and territory.

As happens in most games, there was a plethora of substitutions which were difficult to keep track of as both sides emptied their benches. Bridgend went back on the attack and again Pooler got penned in their own half finding it difficult to relieve the pressure with their kicking game. The Pontypool defence had to work overtime with some inspired tackling from backs and forwards alike. In the end, the persistent Bridgend attacks told and Llewellyn scored a try with less than ten minutes remaining. Price converted and the lead had changed hands yet again. The home side were now in the driving seat at 26-22.

Could Pooler respond? You bet they could. Another rare incursion into the home half saw Pooler awarded a penalty in front of the posts with only a few minutes remaining. They opted for a scrum and spread the ball left.  Centre Pat Lewis found a gap and powered over to score Pooler’s fifth try. Meek converted and Pooler were back in the lead at 26-29.

The Pooler fans’ hearts were in their mouths as Bridgend launched a series of attacks as time ran out. Thankfully the defence held firm despite a scare or two and the Pooler contingent were mightily glad to hear the final whistle. Final score Bridgend Ravens 26 : Pontypool 29.

This was a real rollercoaster of a game and I am sure Bridgend will be wondering how they didn’t manage to take the spoils. That they didn’t was down to Pooler’s resilience as they came back from a poor start and the way that they responded when they were under the cosh in the second half. The Pooler defence held firm despite tremendous pressure and in attack they took probably the only two scoring chances they had in the second half. I am sure that the coaching team will have plenty to work on but they will be encouraged but what they saw.

I would like to say a big thank you to Leighton Jones for all his work with the squad over the years. He inspired the squad to the success that we Pooler fans had been starved of for too long. I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next. Good luck also to Tom Hancock on his return to the Pontypool coaching set-up.

The next match for Pontypool will be RGC in Colwyn Bay. This is always a tough fixture but let us hope that Pooler can build on the win at Bridgend.

Come on Pooler!

Super Effort from Pooler Just Fails

At last league rugby has returned. Not just any old rugby but Super Rygbi Cymru which has come into existence this season. Pontypool and Llandovery had the honour of playing the first match in the new league at a pristine Pontypool Park in front of the TV cameras. The pitch looked in perfect condition on a clear chilly evening under floodlights.

To the casual observer, nothing much seemed to have changed as the line-ups for the two teams showed many familiar faces. As always, there had been players moving from club to club during the closed season but the rosters were not showing the bevy of promising young players that we had been anticipating. The strips worn by the teams had changed with Pooler playing predominantly in black and the Drovers in a colourful mix of red, green and white.

Llandovery played down the slope in the first half and started with a bang with left wing Phillips scoring in the corner after some good attacking rugby by the backs. The conversion failed but the signs were ominous (0-5). Those of us who watched the corresponding fixture last season feared the worst. On that occasion, Pooler had been blitzed in the first half by some brilliant Llandovery rugby . This time, however, it was clear that Pooler had significantly improved their defence and were not about to let the visitors have things their own way. The Pooler line speed was up a notch or two and the tackling aggressive to say the least.

Despite Llandovery having the lion’s share of possession in the first quarter, Pooler did manage to make a few dents with the powerful carrying of the forwards. Llandovery did look dangerous but Pooler’s defence held firm. In a rare foray into the Llandovery half, Pooler were awarded a penalty that returning old boy Meek converted (3-5).

The game became far more even as we moved into the second quarter. A Llandovery attack took them well into the home twenty-two. Pooler were stretched and Scarfe was given a yellow card for a trip. Llandovery made use or their numerical advantage by kicking the subsequent penalty to the corner. Their lineout drive was effective and hooker Davies touched down. The try was converted by Maynard and the Drovers had increased their lead to 3-12.

Pooler went on the attack straight afterwards but during the attack Llandovery flanker Worrall suffered what looked to be a bad injury. There was a long delay as the medical team looked after him and we wish him a speedy recovery.  Play seemed muted for the rest of the first half and the teams went into the break with Llandovery leading 3-12.

Pooler needed to start well in the second half and that was exactly what they did. Only a couple of minutes had gone, when a Pooler kick ahead bounced awkwardly for the Drovers’ defence. Pooler left wing Powell sniffed out a chance and was able to win the race for the touch down. The try was expertly converted by Meek from the touchline and Pooler were within two points at 10-12.

A few minute later Pooler were at it again. A great break by Mahoney split the Llandovery defence and an overlap was created for Powell to bag his second try . This time Meek’s conversion just missed but still Pooler had taken the lead at 15-12. It was now anyone’s game although the momentum was with the home side.

Llandovery were league champions and cup winners last season for a reason. They were soon giving as good as they got and a penalty from Maynard as the third quarter came to an end levelled the scores at 15-15.

Now it was Pooler’s turn to attack and after a period of sustained pressure on the Llandovery line a neat dropped goal by Meek edged Pooler back in front at 18-15. Almost before we could draw breath, another penalty from Maynard evened things up again at 18-18 in this cliffhanger of a game.

By now, we were into the last ten minutes or so and it was Pooler who were doing most of the attacking. Another great break from Mahoney saw him stopped just short of the Llandovery line. Somehow Llandovery managed to survive and get the ball away. Pooler had possession and territory but just couldn’t get over the line.

Eventually Llandovery broke out and worked their way upfield. Pooler substitute wing Scriven was penalised and given a yellow card as the defence scrambled to stop the attack. Up stepped Maynard who coolly converted the penalty to put Llandovery into the lead at 18-21 with little time remaining.

Pooler gave it their all and managed to get back into the away twenty-two. They were awarded a penalty but rather than settle for a draw went for the win by kicking to the corner. They came agonisingly close to scoring but it wasn’t to be. Llandovery just about held out to record a narrow victory. Final score Pontypool 18: Llandovery 21.

This was a great game to watch as both teams gave their all. Pooler came storming back in the second half and victory was in their grasp. Alas it wasn’t to be, but there were plenty of encouraging things that came out of the game. The set pieces looked good and the defence was effective and blunted Llandovery’s much vaunted attack. As always there was tremendous team spirit and the never-say-die attitude that we have come to expect. As someone once said, “It can only get better.”

Pooler’s next match will be away to Bridgend Ravens. I am looking forward to it already.

Better from Wales but the Losing Streak Continues

There was a lot to like about the latest Welsh performance in Australia. True they lost the second test 36-28, but there were plenty of encouraging glimmers of hope that the excruciating run of defeats may come to an end some time soon.

Things started badly with the Wallabies racing to a 17-0 lead with even the bounce of the ball seemingly against Wales. Wales did show tremendous resilience to bounce back with two textbook tries for Lake from lineout drives. This was tempered though by conceding two soft penalties to be 23-14 down at half time. Wales had looked far livelier and were troubling the Australians far more than in the previous encounter last week.

Within ten minutes of the second half starting, Wales had scored their third try when Liam Williams crossed after sustained Welsh pressure. The conversion from Thomas meant that Wales had closed the gap to just two points at 23-21. Of course, the home side responded and used their big ball carriers to power over for a try and the lead was back to seven at 28-21.

The match was evenly contested with Wales getting good field position at times but failing to capitalise on it.  But then disaster for Wales. Liam Williams’ attempt to keep an Aussie touch-finder in play only goes straight into the arms of Daugunu who canters in for a try which looked to have put the game beyond Wales at 33-21.

Full credit to Wales who did not think the game was over and a splendid effort from Dyer running just inside the left hand touchline to score in the corner and a super conversion from Costelow put Wales back in touch at 33-25. The clock was against Wales as there were only five minutes to go and they attacked frenetically. Alas for Wales, they conceded yet another penalty in front of their posts and that was that. Australia ran out winners 36-28 and Wales were left mourning an opportunity missed.

This was an entertaining match if not of the highest quality. Wales showed great character and “won” the second half. The pack toiled hard with Lake and Botham both playing their hearts out in taking the game to the Wallabies. Behind the pack it still looked disjointed and finding the right combination is still the outstanding issue for Warren Gatland. Sadly losing has become a habit.

England who lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the second time and Ireland who pipped South Africa with a last gasp drop goal are both looking strong and along with France will make the Six Nations really difficult for Wales.

Wales get A for Effort but......

It seems a long time since that last Pontypool game but there is still international rugby to watch albeit from afar.

Wales are currently in Australia with a young squad desperately trying to end the horrible losing streak that they are on. Australia too are trying to recover from a particularly fallow period where little has gone right. Wales did have a warm up game against the Springboks in Twickenham of all places. They were duly thumped after a reasonable first half. I have to say I did not feel a great deal of optimism about the first test against Australia last Saturday.

The morning had started with England being narrowly defeated by New Zealand in what may be termed a Premier League match. Australia v Wales followed and using the same analogy was more like Championship standard if I am being kind.

Australia were the better side that was clear and had dominance in the set pieces which go a long way to deciding the outcome of a match. The Australians were generally bigger physical specimens in the pack and made Wales suffer. Wales, as always, could not be faulted for lack of effort with the redoubtable Wainwright to the fore. Wales managed to hold on to Australia's coat tails in the first half  with the score 13-10 at half time. This was a try apiece with both coming from forward drives with Wales actually awarded a penalty try after a lineout near the home try line.

In the second half Australia became more dominant scoring a couple of tries against two penalties from Wales that left the final score Australia 25: Wales 16. Both sides could have scored more tries with Wales even having a try disallowed for obstruction as a driving maul  powered over the Aussies' line. The match was error strewn with both sides looking rusty.

Wales did not do enough in an attacking sense to win the game but never gave up. In the last few minutes it was very much all Wales as desperation drove them into playing a more open game. They looked the better for it but by then it was too late.

For Wales, Wainwright was the stand out player by a mile with a huge appetite for carrying the ball forward.  Tshiunza who probably had his best game for Wales and the rest of the pack worked hard against bigger opposition and the driving lineout drill worked well at times. The scrums were a cause for concern and the lineout failed too often to allow a strong platform to be built. Behind the scrum the backs were largely ineffective with what appears to be too many people playing out of their normal club positions.

The big question is whether this group of players can take Wales on to better things. Yes, there were some key players missing like Jack Morgan and Tomos Williams and there is quite a lot of promise shown by the younger players but a huge improvement is needed. Wales have now dropped out of the top ten in the World Rankings for the first time. Not quite a crisis yet but not far from one.

Wales face Australia next weekend with a banged up squad it will be a huge ask for them to get a victory. Australia must surely be better next weekend as Joe Schmidt gets to grip with his new job.

I have also been watching the Wales Under 20s in their World Cup and I have been impressed by their efforts as they stood up well to New Zealand and beat Spain. Yet more promise in the pipeline but it wil need time for these players to develop. They will face a tough match against France next and will need to win if they are to progress to the latter stages.

Less than a couple of months before Pooler get back in action in earnest. Bring it on - I can't wait.

Pooler Fall at the Final Hurdle in a Tremendous Season

I couldn’t make the trip to North Wales for the Pooler’s final match of the season against RGC. As always, I was kept up to date by the excellent commentary on social media and then read Ray Ruddick’s comprehensive report to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

In the end, it was disappointment for Pooler who went down to a 37-26 defeat but did manage to secure the four try bonus point. It sounds like a good open game with Pooler falling behind and coming back as has been their MO for most of the season. Perhaps the tough game against Merthyr in the week and the long trip to North Wales a couple of days later paid their part in the defeat.

With largely the same squad that dominated the Championship, Pooler have done us proud in their first season back in the Premiership. They will now end up in sixth place which is better than some commentators thought. Llandovery and Newport who have been the best two sides in the league this season both did the double over Pooler but that apart Pooler have been extremely competitive. They beat the rest at least once and even did the double themselves over fourth placed Cardiff . The season was characterised by winning and losing streaks that alternated but overall there were more wins than losses. So well done to everyone involved in what has been a hugely enjoyable campaign.

Next season Pooler will compete in the new Elite League of ten teams. I don’t think anyone is completely clear how this is going to pan out. Opinions vary from business as usual to Pooler being the Dragons’ Extra Thirds team - I guess it will end up somewhere in between. I have not come across many, if any, fans who wanted it to happen but we should at least give it a chance. Anyway, we are stuck with it for a planned three years as it will be ring-fenced but I am sure Pooler will be equal to the challenge. Let us hope that Pooler’s proud traditions are upheld and we have a decent amount of competitive rugby to watch.

So onwards and upwards.

Congratulations to management and squad for a successful season. For those players retiring or moving on good luck for the future and thanks for the memories.

See you again next season.