Snow Joke

Sadly due to the snow the Merthyr v. Pontypool cup game was postponed. In fact there was not much rugby being played at all. I was even denied the prospect witnessing the Dragons’ defeat in South Africa by the TV schedules.

Years ago we used to call Gloucester “the poor man’s Pontypool” - with tongue firmly pressed in cheek of course. This is certainly no longer the case even in fun. They managed to clear the Kingsholm pitch for their match against Newcastle so at least there was some rugby to watch on the TV. It turned out to be a close game with Gloucester losing their unbeaten home record by the narrowest of margins 20-21. They did score four tries and if they had kicked just one of six attempts on goal they would have won.

As I sat on the couch with muscles aching from the morning’s snow clearing effort, I thought about the current situation in the Six Nations. Sadly I started to come up with a list of songs to sum up each team’s progress to date. I didn’t spend a lot of time on it as you can probably tell and I am sure it could be bettered quite easily.

Ireland – “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi

England – “19^th Nervous Breakdown” by the Rolling Stones

Scotland – “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed

Wales – “Keep on Running” by the Spencer Davis Group

France – “Heroes and Villains” by the Beachboys

Italy – “All I Need is a Miracle” by Mike and the Mechanics

Hopefully the snow will have disappeared by next weekend so I can get my mind back on the things that matter most. Firstly, at Pontypool Park on Saturday, Pooler are due to play Tata Steel for the third time this season. Whilst Pooler have won both previous encounters, this will not be easy with Tata Steel lying in second place in the table.

Then on Sunday Wales take on Italy at the Principality Stadium. After two narrow defeats in England and Ireland they need a decent win to bolster confidence. I cannot imagine there will be many changes but Faletau and North will be pushing for inclusion in the starting line-up.

It has to be a better weekend than the current one that is for sure.

Come on Pooler and come on Wales!