Stop, Start, Stop for Pooler

These are frustrating times for everyone involved with Pontypool. No sooner had the appetite been whetted but we have an enforced pause. We all understand the reasons why but it does make you envious when you see the other clubs in the Championship playing while Pooler have to sit it out for the second week in a row. The next match is scheduled for the 8^th Jan at Cardiff Met University and there can’t be much confidence that this will take place with the current state of affairs with the COVID 19 virus. Bah!

We can only seek the refuge of the couch and watch the rather sparse choice of matches on the TV. I did watch the Dragons v Lyon on Friday night and a rather disappointing crowd saw the Dragons go down to a 28-41 defeat. There was no doubting the Dragons’ spirit as they mounted a comeback but they were outclassed really. It was a similar story for Cardiff Rugby who lost to the Harlequins in Twickenham. An understrength Welsh side more than held their own in an entertaining first half but the experience on the Harlequins’ bench and the power of their pack took the game away from Cardiff in the second half with a final score of 43-17.  Heavy fog rather spoiled the Glasgow v Exeter match but it ended with a well deserved victory for the Scots against their much vaunted opposition. There is no doubt the Scotland team will be highly competitive in the Six Nations if and when it takes place. It looks like the Scarlets and Ospreys will have to forfeit their matches and take a 28-0 loss so Welsh participation in the final stages of the European competitions is already under serious threat.

So there we have it! It is all very disappointing but there is not a lot we can do about it. Let us hope for a better 2022.

Merry Xmas everyone and keep safe.

Pooler Bounce Back – and how!

I didn’t manage to see the match between Pontypool and Tata Steel as I was out on pre-Christmas manoeuvres. It was great to hear that Pooler had bounced back from the disappointment of the previous Saturday in some style. It certainly confirmed that Pooler were unfazed by what was hopefully a blip and got back down to business.

Tata Steel (who pay my pension by the way, so I do feel some sympathy!) unfortunately found themselves on the receiving end of the backlash from the defeat at Neath. My colleagues on the Bank at the Park tell me that, with Jarvis at fly half pulling the strings, it was a real demolition job with Pooler running in twelve tries in romping home to an 82-3 victory.

Well done to everyone, I only wish I could have been there. Next Saturday will bring a stiffer test, I am sure, when Pooler visit Ystalyfera. We can expect a close encounter with a cup tie atmosphere as Pooler continue to regain cohesion after the long break.

Come on Pooler!