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.