There was a different atmosphere at Pontypool Park from the battle against Neath the previous Saturday. Pooler were entertaining Trebanos one of the clubs at the bottom of the Championship. Few expected anything other than a convincing Pontypool victory but of course you never know. Pooler had taken the opportunity to make a number of changes so that other players in their talented squad got game time.
The weather could not quite decide whether it was hot
or cool and dry or wet. I suppose a typical autumn day with the trees just
starting to don their autumn hues. There cannot be many more picturesque grounds
that Pontypool Park in the autumn.
Right, so to the match. Trebanos made a lively start
as Pooler started in low gear playing up the slope. It was, however, Pooler who
struck first after about a quarter of an hour with a try from a driving
lineout. Debutant hooker Jenkins got the touchdown and the try was duly converted
by Jarvis (7-0). Trebanos hit back with a fine long range penalty by Hawkins as
the first quarter drew to a close (3-7). At this stage there were no obvious
signs of the carnage that was to follow.
In the second quarter, Pontypool cut loose scoring no
fewer than five tries as they ran the ball at every opportunity. Skipper
Herbert started things off with a powerful break and the supporting players did
the rest for Jarvis to touch down and then convert (14-3). Next it was the turn
of Smith to show his power as he burst through the defence for a try again
converted by Jarvis (21-3).
A few minutes later it was the complete Pooler back
row that thundered down the field with Stratton crossing for the bonus point
try which was converted by Jarvis (28-3). In a frenetic couple minutes at the
end of the half, Pooler continued to pile on the agony for Trebanos as their
backs showed their pace resulting in tries for Nove and Jarvis both of which
were converted by Jarvis. With the half time score at 42-3 you wondered what
the final score could be as this was a clear mismatch.
The second half continued in a much similar fashion
with, despite the brave efforts of the Trebanos defence, the Pooler penalty
count being the only brake on their scoring potential. Stratton scored his
second try as he just about managed to get to the line after a thirty metre or
so gallop which sadly resulted in him being injured (47-3) .
Points continued to pile up at the rate of a point a
minute as Trebanos wilted and the strong home bench was utilised. An
interception by Langdon saw him cruise in for Pooler’s eighth try that was
again converted and brought up the half century (54-3).
An astute cross field kick over a bunch of players
having a bit of an argument found Nove. He passed inside to the supporting
Jenkins who tried to return the favour. Somehow the ball ended up in Jenkins’
arms and he dotted the ball down for his second try. The conversion brought the
score to 61-3 at the end of the third quarter and if this was a boxing match
the referee with stop the fight.
Pooler kept going relentlessly and piled on the agony
with a further three tries. Nove grabbed his second and then Regan scored from
a scrum five on the Trebanos line (75-3). There were players from both sides
suffering from cramp as the match had been played at a high pace. One player
who certainly did not have cramp was replacement back row forward Price who
showed an excellent turn of speed when he received the ball on the right wing. His
try from close to the half way line and the subsequent conversion brought
proceedings to a close with the final score Pontypool 82 Trebanos 3.
Whilst Trebanos never stopped trying, this was a clear
mis match and is the third time that Pontypool have topped fifty points in four
outings this season. This puts them firmly at the top of the Championship table
as the only undefeated team. There will be tougher matches down the road that
is for sure but Pontypool can be well satisfied with their start to the season.
Next week Pooler are due to visit struggling Tata
Steel. Tata Steel suffered the ignominy of losing by a hundred points to Cross
Keys on Saturday. Since Pooler beat Cross keys by fifty points or more you have
to wonder about what will happen in what appears to be another mismatch.
I did catch a bit of regional rugby over the weekend
and witnessed disappointing displays from Cardiff and the Scarlets both of whom
lost games they should probably be winning. The Dragons at least played with
fire and not a little skill as they were narrowly beaten by the Sharks.
Regional rugby is in turmoil – somebody needs to get a grip!
I look forward to my weekly dose of Pooler and let
others argue the toss about the professional game which seems to be getting
less and less appealing.
Come on Pooler!
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