Pooler Bounce Back

The big question was how much of a hangover would Pontypool suffer after the dispiriting defeat at Bargoed the previous weekend. A home match against Bedwas, the team that was occupying second place in the Championship, was a good place to start. Conditions were perfect for rugby and a decent crowd had gathered to watch what was expected to be a keenly contested local derby.

From the kickoff, it was apparent that the game plan for Bedwas was to use their powerful forwards coupled with tactical kicking to apply pressure on the home side. Playing down the slope in the first half the Bedwas tactic worked as the Pooler defence came under a lot of pressure. The Pontypool scrum was also under pressure and conceding penalties so it was testimony to the commitment and organisation of the home defence that they managed to prevent Bedwas from scoring.

After a quarter of an hour, in a rare foray into the Bedwas half, Pontypool won a penalty and Jarvis converted to give the home side the lead against the run of play (3-0). The game became much more even as the first half progressed and Pontypool began to find their feet. Bancroft brought the scores level with a penalty for the visitors on the half hour mark (3-3).

As the half drew to a close, Pontypool established some good field position. A series of forward drives culminated with Price plunging over to score the first try of the match. Jarvis converted and Pooler had gained a useful 10-3 lead.  There was still time for Bedwas to apply considerable pressure but the Pontypool defence held firm until the halftime whistle. HT 10-3.

There was no doubt that both sides could expect some friendly advice in the changing rooms after what had been quite a scrappy first half. It was hard to pick a winner at this stage but at least Pooler had a narrow advantage on the scoreboard and the benefit of the slope in the second half.

The second half started well for Pontypool with Jarvis kicking a penalty in the first minute (13-3). Pooler were looking far more business-like and a few minutes later with the forwards driving hard Stratton was on hand to touch down for their second try which was converted by Jarvis. Almost out of the blue, Pontypool had established a significant lead at 20-3.

The momentum was definitely with the home side and very soon they were threatening the Bedwas line again. Another forward drive was held up over the line and Bedwas had to drop out from under their own posts. Pontypool fielded the ball and Meek dropped a goal from the Bedwas ten metre line (23-3).

Pooler were enjoying a purple patch and, as the third quarter came to an end, a bust by replacement prop Price was supported by second row Price who galloped over for his second try of the afternoon near the posts. The conversion was good and Pontypool were surely home and dry at 30-3.

The fourth quarter was really frustrating. Both sides used up all their benches and, whilst Pontypool remained in the ascendancy, they could not manage to apply sustained pressure. A high penalty count against them certainly didn’t help their cause. On the plus side, Bedwas at least did decide to run the ball which added some much-needed entertainment to a match that seemed to be drifting to a conclusion.

Just as it looked as if Pontypool were not going to manage to get the bonus point try, the lively Nove who had been impressive all afternoon made a great break. He found Regan in support and the number eight cantered in for Pooler’s fourth try. Jarvis completed a perfect afternoon of goal kicking with the conversion and when the final whistle went moments later Pontypool had recorded a much-needed convincing victory over their close rivals. Final score Pontypool 37 Bedwas 3.

This was indeed a morale boosting victory after the setback at Bargoed. As the game progressed, Pooler began to look more like their old selves. No one can pretend that this was perfect and there is certainly room for improvement. At times Pooler’s play was exhilarating and the fast off-loading game is when they look at their most dangerous. Well done to everyone for bouncing back so well and recording a fine victory. Maybe winning the Championship is now beyond our grasp with Bargoed clear favourites but the runners up spot is there for the taking.

Next week there is yet another local derby when Pontypool travel to Cross Keys. There has been a keen rivalry between the two clubs over the years so another tough match can be anticipated.

Rumours abound about the future structure of Welsh rugby. I for one am happy just looking forward to another club match at 2.30pm on a Saturday.

Come on Pooler!