Pooler Are Champions

The weather was glorious in Cardiff and it was great to be able to discard the winter woolies and watch a game of rugby in shirt sleeves. These are not always the best conditions to play against the super-fit and skillful Cardiff Met University students who thrive on playing running rugby. Pontypool would need to use their forward power to keep the students in check if they were to extend their unbeaten run in the Championship. The juicy carrot was that a bonus point win would mean Pooler would be crowned champions with two more games to play.

Pontypool started with purpose and within five minutes opened their account. Despite strong defence by Cardiff Met a long spell of possession eventually told and it was Cochrane who dived over for a try that was converted by Jarvis (0-7). A couple of minutes later Pooler were again attacking strongly but a floated pass was intercepted by Cardiff Met wing Carrington who raced down field to score. The conversion was kicked by Hodgins and the scores were level (7-7).

The Pontypool forwards started the softening up process with strong carrying which the students had to fight hard to contain. As the first quarter came to an end, it was Pooler flanker Stratton who broke through a couple of tackles to score a try that was converted by Jarvis (7-14). The students hit back almost immediately with a penalty from Hodgkins (10-14).

Pontypool were on top in the scrums which was a useful source of penalties against the home pack. From a penalty kick to the right corner a driving lineout by Pooler saw Lloyd touch down in the corner for a try that was unconverted (10-19).

Shortly afterwards, the Pooler backs showed what they could do when they moved the ball left for Lewis to score in the corner. Jarvis converted expertly and Pooler had a built a decent lead (10-26) and claimed the try bonus point.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, it was back to the forwards and after more concerted pressure it was Grey who forced his way over for a try that was converted by Jarvis (10-33). Cardiff Met were still dangerous and this was ably demonstrated when they kicked a penalty to the corner. From the ensuing lineout, they gave Pooler a dose of their own medicine with a try scored by Sheldon and converted by Hodgkins to close the gap (17-33). A pulsating first half came to an end with Pontypool holding a decent lead but we knew that Cardiff Met can score tries for fun if they are allowed possession and space so the game was far from won.

The second half began with a yellow card for Cardiff Met flanker Guy for an offence at a breakdown. Pooler kicked for touch from the penalty and from the lineout Herbert touched down in the left corner for an unconverted try (17-38).

Pooler were perhaps guilty of relaxing somewhat and the home side took advantage of some loose play for Roberts to score a try that was converted by Crimp (24-38). It was a timely reminder that Pooler could not take anything for granted. Pooler certainly reacted positively and powered back with another try from Lloyd from a lineout drive which Jarvis converted (24-45).

As the third quarter ended, the Pooler backs clicked into action and excellent passing saw Lewis score in the right corner for his second try of the afternoon which was converted by Jarvis. Pooler were surely home and dry at 24-52. The scoreboard had packed up in the heat so it took some expert arithmetic to keep track of the score.

The final quarter saw wholesale changes as benches were emptied as injuries and the heat took their toll on both teams. The students certainly never gave up and continued to give their all but the Pontypool forwards kept applying the pressure. In the final five minutes, Pooler scored another two forward tries from Matthews and Stratton that were converted by Jarvis. This gave a final score of Cardiff Met 24 : Pontypool 66.

A great performance from Pontypool against the gutsy students. The victory was based on forward dominance with eight of Pooler’s ten tries scored by forwards. A number of players were hurt during a high tempo game and I hope that the injuries are not too serious.

This means that Pooler are promoted as CHAMPIONS – a really fantastic achievement. The Championship league trophy now joins the trophy from the Championship Cup. What a season! Congratulations to everyone!

The season, of course, is not over with Pooler still having two away fixtures to complete. The first is only a few days away and will be against Ystrad Rhondda who have been playing excellent rugby in the second half of the season. We know just how hard it was to beat them in the cup final so on their home ground they will be formidable. They will of course be looking for revenge for that cup final defeat while Pooler will be trying to maintain their unbeaten record. Should be a cracker!

Come on Pooler!