Celebrating in the Sun

There was a carnival atmosphere at Pontypool Park. The sun was shining and a decent crowd had gathered to watch Pontypool’s final league match of the season. Pooler were playing Trebanos who had comfortably avoided the dreaded relegation and with another game in hand occupied seventh place in the Championship. Pontypool had carried all before them in the Championship and were hell bent on preserving their unbeaten record.

Trebanos played down the slope in the first half and Pontypool looked lively in the opening exchanges. The Pooler pack seemed to have the measure of their opponents and were soon on the front foot. From a maul following a lineout close to the Trebanos try line, Pontypool flanker Matthews sneaked up the blind side. He showed tremendous power and balance as he just managed to avoid being forced into touch by the defence to score the opening try of the match. Meek converted and Pontypool had a 7-0 lead.

The rest of the first quarter was scoreless as Trebanos grew into the game and showed not a little attacking flair coupled with an aggressive defence. Indeed it was the away side who scored next when outside half Humphreys made an excellent break and found Jones in support who scored under the posts. The conversion meant that the scores were tied at 7-7.

Pontypool had the lion’s share of territory and created a number of scoring opportunities but frustratingly the last pass seemed to go astray. At last a series of passes stuck and Mahoney was able to score in the left corner. An excellent conversion by Meek left the score at 14-7. Despite continuing to press Pontypool, only managed to add a penalty goal by Meek on the stroke of half time. The half time score was Pontypool 17 Trebanos 7.

The second half opened with a scintillating passage of play by Trebanos.  Straight from the kick-off their three quarters split the Pontypool defence for Lewis to score under the posts. The conversion was good and Trebanos were very much back in the game at 17-14.

Pontypool were stung into action and the pack paved the way with strong carries that took play right up to the Trebanos try line. Scrum half Luckwell dived over for a try from short range and despite the conversion failing Pooler were two scores ahead at 22-14. From then on, Pontypool continued to dominate territorially but could not seem to make the final telling play to score a try. A loose defensive kick from Trebanos gave Pooler another chance with Gullis running the ball back strongly and only being stopped just short of the try line. Pooler moved the ball wide and hooker cum flanker Ball touched down for the bonus point try. The conversion sailed wide but the home side had a useful lead at 27-14.

Pontypool kept attacking and pinned Trebanos in their own half even though they were reduced to fourteen men by a series of injuries. The away side had a fair share of possession and ran the ball at every opportunity but the Pontypool defence managed to snuff out their attacks before they made much ground. It was Pontypool who had the final say when, from a lineout close to the Trebanos line, the forwards drove powerfully for Ball to get his second try of the match. The conversion failed and that gave a final score of Pontypool 32 Trebanos 14.

This brought down the curtain on another fantastic season for Pontypool in the Championship. For the second successive season they have achieved a 100% win record and left the rest of the league trailing in their wake. Congratulations to everyone involved in the running of the club as well as the players and coaches – it is a brilliant achievement.  It was great to see everyone together on the pitch celebrating as the Cup was presented. Happy days!

Of course this is not the end of the season for Pontypool as they now have to turn their minds to the forthcoming promotion play-off in a couple of weeks’ time. Whoever the opposition is this will be a formidable hurdle. Bridgend’s loss yesterday has meant that the opponents for Pontypool could still be Llanelli, Bedwas or Bridgend. It is all down to Bridgend’s final match at Pontypridd – I think these are the possibilities. If Bridgend win we play Llanelli. If they lose without a bonus point or with one bonus point we play Bedwas. It they lose with two bonus points or draw without a try bonus point we play Bridgend. If they draw and get a try bonus point we play Llanelli. Don’t quote me on this though!

When we do finally get to know who Pontypool’s opponents are, the next topic for debate will be the use of regional players to strengthen teams. My understanding is that Pontypool being a Championship side are not allowed to field regional players. This was something to do with health and safety I believe in the same way that the national cup competitions are restricted to a couple of tiers. If you took this to its logical conclusion you might argue on the same grounds that Pontypool being a Championship side should not play against regional players. Just a thought – perhaps a load of rubbish of course.

Can I reiterate my gratitude for another season of tremendous courage and commitment by the whole squad.  Whether Pooler cross the final hurdle or not, and I sincerely hope that they do, it has been a blast.

Come on Pooler – you can do it!