Pontypool Master the Students – Eventually

Cardiff Met University has proved a testing venue for Pontypool over the years. Even though Pontypool had put the students to the sword the previous weekend in the National Cup at Pontypool, we knew this was likely to be an altogether tougher encounter. Conditions were perfect for rugby on a cool, dry, virtually windless day with the pitch looking firm.

The early exchanges were pretty even with Cardiff Met as usual looking lively with ball in hand. It was indeed the home team that opened the scoring with a try by McVeigh in the right corner after some breathtaking running from the backs. Lloyd slotted the conversion from the touchline and it was game on (7-0).

A few minutes later Pooler hit back following a strong surge from No 8 Jones who made good ground from his own twenty-two. The support arrived on cue and after some interpassing Thomas crossed for a try in the left corner. Meek converted and it looked like we were in for a close encounter (7-7).

The home side were proving difficult to contain and frequently left Pooler’s defenders clutching at air but it was Pontypool who scored next when Meek broke through a series of would-be tackles to score a try that he converted to edge the away side ahead at 7-14.

The second quarter really belonged to Cardiff Met who threatened to score on a number of occasions as the pace of their backs continued to trouble the Pooler defence. The students’ cause was helped by Pontypool getting on the wrong side of the referee and conceding far too many penalties with a few of the decisions failing to impress the Pooler faithful. The scrambling Pontypool defence somehow managed to stop the students from scoring a try but they did concede two kickable penalties that Lloyd converted which left the score at half time Cardiff Met 13: Pontypool 14.

The Pontypool team had looked a little perplexed as the half ended and made their way to the corner of the pitch for a tutorial with Leighton Jones. I suspect a few words of wisdom were shared with the team and, after the steam had cleared, we expected a better performance in the second half.

The outcome of the match was really determined in the first ten minutes of the second half. Pontypool did not get off to the good start that they craved. Instead they conceded two kickable penalties in the first five minutes. Unfortunately for Cardiff Met, Lloyd was off target with both and Pontypool heaved a sigh of relief. A minute or so later, a Cardiff Met quickly taken lineout went wrong. Pontypool wing Thomas not only tackled his man but pinched the ball. He managed to get the ball away and it was hooker Ball who scored Pooler’s third try. Meek converted and the lead had increased to 13-21 – still not decisive but we breathed a sigh of relief.

Almost straight for the restart, Pooler skipper Matthews broke clear and fed scrum half Leonard. Leonard showed blistering pace leaving the chasing defenders in his wake as he galloped over for a try. Meek converted and from nowhere Pontypool had opened a sizeable lead at 13-28.

Cardiff Met had to throw caution to the wind and ran everything. The Pontypool defensive line speed was much improved from the first half and this led to plenty of errors from the home team. This in turn led to attacking opportunities for Pooler as they seized the loose ball.  The attrition rate was high and there were lots of injuries and substitutions and this ultimately led to uncontested scrummaging in the final quarter.

From such a scrum close to the home line, Pontypool right wing Lewis was put into a gap and scored their fifth try which was again converted by Meek (13-35) and the game was effectively put to bed.

Five minutes later, the Pontypool gasman, Lewis, showed his searing pace as he tore down the right wing to score his second of the afternoon after another turnover. The conversion sailed wide but Pooler were now 13-40 to the good.

Openside flanker Stratton has been in fine form for Pontypool this season and it was he who fittingly scored Pontypool’s seventh and final try of the afternoon as he seized upon a loose ball and sprinted from virtually the halfway line to score under the posts. Meek converted to bring his personal tally to seventeen points. Final score Cardiff Met 13: Pontypool 47.

Well, a bonus point win for Pontypool so mission accomplished. This was far from straightforward particularly in the first half as the lively students asked plenty of questions of the Pontypool defence. Things improved in the second half as Pooler’s greater strength told and, in the end, they came away with a solid victory. Whilst there were no yellow cards, there still must be some concerns about the number of penalties conceded which might prove expensive on another day.

Congratulations to Clayton Gullis on his 150^th appearance. He is a great club servant and fine player – long may he continue.

I did watch the club video “Pontypool RFC: One Game” and even though I knew the ending I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not for those of a nervous disposition in some places though!

I haven’t watched much European rugby on the TV but I did see Gloucester v Toulouse. In my mind I still think of Gloucester as the “Poor man’s Pontypool” but these are just the ramblings of an old man and times have certainly changed. Toulouse certainly looked impressive in their victory and will be serious contenders. All the Welsh regions have started well in the Challenge Cup while the Ospreys minus their RWC contingent were well beaten by Munster in the Champions Cup.

The appointment of Sam Warburton in the Wales coaching setup is an interesting one. I wish him and Pooler old boy Byron Hayward well as Sean Edwards will be a tough act to follow.

So back to Pontypool. The Championship looks to be boiling up nicely with a three horse race developing. Pontypool plus Gwent rivals Bargoed and Bedwas are still all unbeaten. So far they have all avoided playing each other but something will have to give. Pontypool play Bargoed in mid-December and then Bargoed play Bedwas at the end of December and this will give us a better idea of the relative strengths.

The National Cup draw was relatively kind to Pontypool with the coveted home draw and a match against Carmarthen Quins in prospect in January. We did manage to beat them a couple of years back so we have a good chance in what will be a stiff challenge.

Next Saturday Pontypool entertain Maesteg Quins – sadly I am unable to attend but I will be thinking about Pooler and keeping the twitter feed close by.

Come on Pooler!