I made a
short jaunt to Tondu to cast my eye over the Pooler squad as it starts a run of
friendly games in preparation for the new season. These games are not really
about winning and losing but more about giving the coaching staff an
opportunity to observe as many squad members as possible in a match situation
rather than in training. For the spectator, it is utterly confusing as changes
in personnel seem to be happening all the time. It is almost like a game of
musical chairs – when the referee’s whistle blows there is a mad rush to be one
of the thirty players on the field!
Suffice it
to say, the Pooler squad looks in fine fettle with several of the new additions
to the squad catching the eye and complementing the old guard. Tondu provided
stern opposition for the first two thirds of the game but fell away in the
final third as the strength in depth of the Pooler squad told. For the record
the final score was 7-65 with Pooler running in six tries in the final third.
Pooler scored eleven tries in all with Craig Atwell bagging a hat trick.
On the
face of this performance, Pontypool look to be in a position to mount a strong challenge
for the Championship title again. Overall there would appear to be few if any
weaknesses but only time will tell. Lock proved to be a problem position last
year due to injuries but all four of the locks on view looked fit and raring to
go. Next week’s match against Premiership Llanelli will give the squad a more
challenging yardstick to use to measure progress with the preparations for the
upcoming season.
This
season marks fifty years of supporting Pontypool for me and I am looking
forward to the season as if it was my first.
Come on
Pooler!
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