Pooler Do Enough

I have been away on my travels for the last few weeks and to my eternal shame missed three of Pontypool’s games. The excellent official match report and the reports from my good friend Steve Parfitt coupled with anxious glances at social media kept me well informed about what was occurring. In summary, it was three more victories in contrasting styles. Scraping home to a rather fortunate 8-3 win against Tata Steel, a stylish and convincing win (18-29) at Beddau and a solid home win (46-18) against Newbridge in poor conditions. The unbeaten run goes on but both Narberth and Cardiff Met have also strung four victories together so winning the Championship is looking to be a formidable challenge. The strength of the challenge posed by Cardiff Met will be dependent on their priorities as they will surely want to go one better than last season in the British Universities’ competition this season.

So to Saturday’s match and the visit to Rhydyfelin on a glorious afternoon and absolutely perfect playing conditions. The home side kicked off and, despite Pontypool not fielding the ball at the first attempt, Pooler went straight on the attack. Forwards and backs combined effectively as they scythed through the home defence for Hodge to score an excellent try. The conversion failed but Pontypool were 0-5 to the good in a minute or so. Moments later, they doubled their lead with another unconverted try this time with Meek getting the touchdown (0-10). It looked odds on a comfortable win for the away side but, as is so often the case, after a really bright start teams ease off unintentionally and let their opponents back into the game. It would have been difficult to keep up that scoring rate that was for sure!

Rhydyfelin started to look lively and were more than happy to run the ball which made for an enjoyable if scrappy spectacle. At the end of the first quarter, the home side were hampered by the sinbinning of their centre Waygood. Pontypool applied the pressure and, when a ball went loose in the home twenty two, Gullis grabbed it and scored Pooler’s third try. The try was converted by Meek and the lead had grown to 0-17.

The Rhydefelin backs looked useful and, as the half drew to a close, they shredded the Pooler defence for Close to score a good try. The conversion sailed wide but the home side were back in the game (5-17). Pooler hit back immediately when Thomas ran the ball back from the Pooler twenty two. A couple of passes later loose head prop Coundley exhibited the skills of a threequarter to show a clean pair of heels to the defence and score near the posts. The conversion was kicked by Jones and Pontypool had a comfortable 24-5 lead with a bonus point in the bag as the half came to an end.

Pontypool started the second half strongly and got their reward when their driving lineout surged over the Rhydyfelin line for Watkins to touch down. Jones added the conversion and Pooler’s lead at 5-31 looked unassailable. Pontypool obviously thought so as, from then on, they seemed to go back into their shell and give the initiative to the home side. This made things rather frustrating for the Pooler faithful.

Rhydyfelin were more than happy to play the role of aggressor and, despite losing Tottle for ten minutes for a high tackle, spent most of the remaining time in the Pontypool half. After an hour they got their just reward when hooker Pritchard scored from a peel around the front of a lineout near the Pontypool line. The try was converted by Gratton and the home side still had a glimmer of hope of at least a bonus point or two (12-31).

Rhydyfelin continued to attack against a Pooler side who looked like they wanted the final whistle to blow. In the closing minutes, Pooler replacement Sparks received a yellow card for holding on to the ball and he was followed into the sin bin shortly afterwards by Hodge for a similar offence. With the last move of the game, the Rhydyfelin threequarters managed, despite a series of poor passes, to make room for Farrer to squeeze in at the corner for an unconverted try. Final score Rhydyfelin 17 : Pontypool 31.

This was very much mission accomplished for Pontypool. A bonus point victory away from home is always a good result. They played some brilliant rugby at times but also seemed guilty of relaxing at times. There will be no time for relaxing next week as they take on Narberth who will also be a strong contender for the Championship title. Both sides are unbeaten and Pooler will really need to be on their mettle if they are to prevail. It should be a cracker!

I watched some of the RGC v Merthyr game on the TV on Friday night and have to say I was impressed by the standard. Merthyr were stronger up front and that won the day. Yes these two teams will finish near the top of the Premiership but this was certainly a much higher standard than the Pontypool match. Pooler face a daunting challenge if they are to get back into the Premiership that is for sure. Everyone likes a challenge though and Pooler’s skill and spirit can win through.

I look forward to next week’s encounter against Narberth with eager anticipation.

Come on Pooler!