Six of the Best for Pooler

Pontypool had put together a run of five victories and visited Cardiff with a degree of confidence for their latest match in the Welsh Premiership. This was another outing on a plastic pitch on a dull showery afternoon with little wind. The Pooler Army had turned out in force for what promised to be a gripping tussle.

The first half turned out to be a tense, closely-fought affair with neither side able to get the upper hand. Defences were on top and there were errors aplenty as the referee’s whistle was given a thorough workout. While Pooler’s scrum appeared to have the edge, their lineout proved problematical with Pooler unable to gain regular possession on their own throw in. Both teams must have been watching England in the RWC as there was a surfeit of tactical kicking with neither side seemingly prepared to throw caution to the wind and run the ball. As a result, there was barely a sniff of a try from either team.

The result of the two teams’ labours was a narrow 6-3 lead for Cardiff at the end of the first half. Two penalties from James and one from Jarvis meant there was still everything to play for.

The second half followed a similar pattern as neither side could find the creative streak to fashion a try. Jarvis brought things level with another penalty early in the half (6-6) which brought a roar from the Pontypool faithful who were giving their team fantastic support.

There followed almost half an hour of stalemate as the arm wrestle continued with big hits and a high error count being the order of the day. The Pooler scrum was still on top and the source of some encouragement but the lineout continued to struggle. Both goal kickers had chances from the tee but were unsuccessful. Jarvis was particularly unlucky as two of his efforts hit the post.

As we entered the last ten minutes, Pooler took the lead for the first time with a penalty from Jarvis (6-9) and sent the Pooler army into overdrive. Could Pooler hang on to this slender lead? The tension was mounting as the minutes ticked away.

Cardiff attacked and within a minute or so of full time were awarded a penalty. Up stepped James to convert and bring the scores level at 9-9. Pooler were going to have to settle for a draw or so we thought. A draw in Cardiff, of course, would represent a decent result.

Pooler centre Nove had different ideas. Pooler kicked off and Nove raced after the ball. He was able to charge down Cardiff’s attempted clearance kick and get to the ball first to touch down for a try. Cue rapturous celebration from those of a Pontypool persuasion. Jarvis converted and Pooler held a 9-16 lead and we were down to the last play of the game.

Cardiff kicked off and were able to get their hands on the ball. The Pontypool defence were not about to yield though and forced the all-important turnover to cling on to a hard-earned victory.

What a strange match – seventy-eight minutes of stalemate and two minutes of drama. A real sting in the tail from Pooler who fought tremendously hard and were not about to accept anything but a victory. Well done to both the squad and the supporters who worked together to get the result we all craved. So that brings up six wins in a row for Pontypool and keeps them in third place in the league table vying with three other teams who have only lost once.   A brilliant first couple of months in the Premiership.

There is a lot of discussion about the ramifications of the new Elite Domestic Competition (EDC) which is due to start next season. Pontypool have declared their interest along with a few other Premiership clubs while others have stated that they are not interested. Some clubs are coy about whether they are in or out. This is really no way to start a new initiative and there remains uncertainty about what happens next. There are many concerns that have been raised including: lack of home fixtures, loss of identity, loss of control of team selection and of course the financial implications. My own view as a fan (for what it is worth) is that I am enjoying Premiership rugby as it is and would rather see that tweaked than set off with a new competition without the support of key clubs. As usual, the WRU do not really seem particularly bothered about the spectators and their views.

I watched the final of the RWC in the evening which was fiercely contested by South Africa and New Zealand. As we now know, South Africa gained a narrow one point victory with their uncompromising defence deciding things. New Zealand were hampered by the red card for Cane but pressed hard right to the final whistle as we would expect. The RWC has been long drawn-out affair and the early stages seem to have disappeared into the mists of time. It seems ages since those tumultuous Welsh games against Australia and Fiji which gave us such encouragement. The Six Nations is just around the corner and promises to be exciting with Ireland and France, in particular, having something to prove.

For Pontypool the next challenge will be a local derby match against the league leaders Ebbw Vale. The match will take place under lights on Thursday and will be televised. I am loving the Premiership after ten years in the wilderness!

Come on Pooler!  

Pooler March On

Next up for Pontypool was a home fixture against Pontypridd. The “Battle of the Pontys” was always a match to look forward to over the years with the fervent Pontypridd fans supporting in their numbers bringing a special atmosphere as they bantered with the equally fervent Pooler Army. How we have missed such games! A decent crowd had gathered on a pleasantly warm October afternoon for the latest reincarnation. Despite the recent heavy rain, the pitch was in great condition.

Pontypridd playing down the slope started the stronger with their powerful pack making solid inroads and early evidence of a dangerous set of backs. They took the lead with a Phillips penalty (0-3) and Pooler knew that they were going to have to work hard for a victory.

As last week at Merthyr, Pooler soon found their feet and got themselves possession and territory. Skipper Matthews opened the scoring with a typically robust burst that took him over the visitors’ line for a try. Jarvis converted and Pooler had struck back to lead (7-3).

Pooler contrived to get a measure of dominance for the next twenty minutes or so and increased their lead with two well-struck Jarvis penalties. It was 13-3 with half an hour played.  Pooler really should have scored more points in this period as they developed several promising positions. The lineout misfired a few times and they gave away penalties as the determined Pontypridd defence kept them at bay.

Pontypridd had looked dangerous when they got possession and in the 33^rd minute they hit back. A strong thrust by the forwards and slick handling by the backs saw Rowley score an excellent try which Phillips converted. At 13-10 Pontypridd were back in the game and looking confident.

Pooler tried to respond but drew a blank in the remainder of the first half so they retired into the changing room with a narrow lead. There was definitely everything still to play for.

The second half started in a similar vein with Pooler looking the more likely to score but not capitalising on promising positions. After almost a quarter of hour, the ever-alert Pooler scrum half Lloyd spotted a gap and was through it in a trice to score a try under the posts. Jarvis converted and Pooler had regained their ten point lead (20-10).

Pontypridd fought back and pressed hard. The Pooler defence stopped them scoring a try but conceded a penalty that Phillips converted and we were back to a one score game at (20-13).

As the third quarter came to an end, the visitors under no pressure failed to gather a speculative kick from Pooler. The Pooler left wing Price raced up and grabbed the loose ball and had the pace to beat the cover to score in the corner. Jarvis converted from the touchline and Pooler were now 27-13 to the good.

The match was far from over as back came Pontypridd and applied tremendous pressure close to the Pooler line. Pooler held out gamely for a while but the inevitable happened and Miles drove over a try that Phillips converted. Pontypridd were certainly not going away and the gap had closed to 27-20.

Things got even tighter when Pooler conceded a penalty which the accurate Phillips converted and it was now 27-23 with ten minutes or so remaining. This was going to be close.

It was Pooler who finished the stronger with the players from the bench making a solid impression. Pooler worked their way down the field and the forwards drove hard at the Pontypridd line. It was Drake who got the all-important touch down and with the Jarvis conversion Pooler could breathe more easily at 34-23 and had secured a bonus point.

A few minutes later the Pooler pack were at it again and this time it was Drake’s fellow prop Kelleher-Griffiths who got the touchdown. Jarvis converted and Pooler were home and dry at 41-23 with only a few minutes left.

A few minutes was all the resilient Pontypridd needed to have the last say in this high-scoring encounter. They worked their way up to the Pooler line and after a series of forward drives, Jones got their third try that Phillips converted. Final score Pontypool 41 : Pontypridd 30.

This was a really entertaining game rugby with Pontypridd never letting Pooler feel comfortable. The Pontypool squad really are doing the club proud as they continue their winning ways in the Premiership. Long may it continue. There is still more to come from Pooler I am sure as there are still things to work on. The next match for Pooler will be a visit to Cardiff and they can expect a tough examination.

If the Pooler game was entertaining, then the RWC semi-final between England and South Africa was anything but. England played with zero ambition and much aggression and kicked the leather off the ball. The worst thing was that it very nearly paid off with South Africa only snatching a win with a few minutes left on the clock. In truth, South Africa were not a lot better, and in both teams’ defence, the conditions were not really ideal for running rugby. It was, however, not a great advert for rugby as a sport. You wouldn’t think so though listening to the commentary.

The other semi-final saw the All Blacks trounce Argentina. With the All Blacks in their current form, perhaps it was better for Wales to be home. The final between New Zealand and South Africa will hopefully be a classic.

I’m looking forward to that and, of course, our visit to Cardiff to watch the Pooler.

Come on Pooler!   

Highs and Lows

Pontypool’s latest league fixture at Merthyr meant an early start as the kick off had been rearranged to 13.00hrs to avoid a clash with the Wales v Argentina RWC quarterfinal. For those of us travelling from sea level, there was a noticeable chill in the air as a keen breeze reminded us that winter was on the way despite the sun shining. The artificial pitch with its bright blue surround still takes some getting used to but does mean that playing conditions are not affected by the previous week’s rain.

As the teams lined up at the start of the game, it was clear that the Pooler pack would be conceding a distinct weight advantage to their opponents. Merthyr were quick to make this tell with a try from Wiggins after an unstoppable lineout drive powered over the Pontypool line after only a couple of minutes. Lewis converted and the home team had raced into a 7-0 lead.

Pooler’s defence had to work overtime to keep out the powerful Merthyr forwards over the next ten minutes as they went about their work. The Pontypool scrum was under severe pressure and Merthyr were hungry for points.

Pooler weathered the onslaught and even managed to work their way downfield from a penalty or two. After a quarter of an hour, a delightful dummy from Pooler centre Mahoney, that even the crowd bought, saw him split the Merthyr defence and gallop over from twenty metres or so. Jarvis converted and Pooler were back on terms at 7-7.

Pooler were finding their feet and looking sharp. A yellow card for Merthyr’s Meaclem gave Jarvis an opportunity from the tee that he slotted to give Pooler the lead (7-10). On the half hour, Pooler struck again. Lively scrum half Lloyd made a blindside break near half way and found Rosser in support. The Pooler right wing needed no second invitation and he raced over for an excellent try. Jarvis converted and the away side had opened up a useful 7-17 lead.

Pooler continued to look the more likely to score but it was Merthyr who struck back as half time approached with a penalty from Lewis. So at the interval the score was Merthyr 10 : Pontypool 17. Pooler had fought back well after an unpromising beginning and it was still anyone’s game.

Pontypool needed to start the second half well but it was Merthyr who came out with all guns blazing. Within a couple of minutes of the restart, that had closed the gap to 13-17 with a penalty from Lewis. Merthyr continued to apply the pressure with their kicking game giving Pooler all sorts of problems. The Pooler defence was under pressure but managed to keep Merthyr at bay for the rest of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Merthyr finally breached the Pooler defence and again it was through the work of their forwards. A drive from a lineout close to the Pooler line saw Wall touch down for a try. The conversion from Lewis gave the home side a narrow 20-17 lead with a quarter of an hour to go.

By now, both sides had made a raft of substitutions and the game was evenly contested with the Pooler scrum becoming dominant. First Jarvis for Pooler and then Lewis for Merthyr missed eminently kickable penalties for kickers of their quality – they were feeling the pressure too.

Merthyr held on to their narrow lead tenaciously as time began to run out. Pooler were not about to give up and put in a tremendous last ditch effort to work their way down the field. They won a series of kickable penalties but a win was what they wanted and they believed that the scrum was the way to get it. This was nail-biting stuff as scrum after scrum was reset with any Pooler mistake surely bringing the game to an end. Finally, Pooler secured possession from a scrum and spread the ball left. Somehow, they managed to get the ball to Nove in space and he flung himself over for the winning try in the left corner. The conversion failed but time was up and Pooler had snatched victory. Final score Merthyr 20 : Pontypool 22.

What an exciting game of rugby that ebbed and flowed with Pooler just getting home. Well done to both sides. Pontypool are taking to the Premiership like a duck to water.

I have to say having watched Pooler playing in the Premiership there does not seem to be a lot wrong with the way things are organised at present. Young regional players have been given opportunities to gain experience and the matches are competitive and reasonably well-supported. This is Wales, however, and of course we have to change things to try and reinvent the wheel rather than work with what we have got. I am still trying to work out what the benefits of the so-called elite league are. It seems like we will have something very similar to the Premiership but the clubs themselves will lose a measure of control over their teams and their autonomy. In return they will be in a ring-fenced league and will get WRU matched funding. It will be a smaller league 8-10 teams so less rugby for the fans. I hope they know what they are doing!

From Merthyr, it was a swift drive home (apart from the 20mph bits) in time to watch Wales take on Argentina in the RWC. As we all know by now, Wales came unstuck against the powerful Pumas. After a highly promising half an hour or so Wales fell away. Wales really should have built up a much more substantial lead when they held the initiative and rather let Argentina back into the game. A misfiring lineout certainly did not help their cause. Wales lost their momentum and it was the Pumas who bossed the second half. Wales kicked the ball away too much and let their powerful opponents run at them. There was a brief period of hope when Tomas Williams scored an opportunist try to give Wales the lead but, in the end, Wales finished distinctly second best with a lot of key players struggling with injuries. In conclusion, Wales did well to get out of their group from the state that they were in after the Six Nations but they are still far from being competitive against the world’s best.

Talking of the world’s best brings me to Ireland v New Zealand. What a game of rugby that was. I found myself thinking that I was almost glad that Wales did not have to go up against either of these teams carrying the injury list that they would have surely had. This truly was a titanic struggle that could have gone either way right to the last second. Somehow the All Blacks managed to survive Ireland’s last onslaught to hang on to their narrow lead. You can never write off New Zealand when it comes to rugby and they do take their chances whenever they present themselves.

So heartbreak for Wales and Ireland and the hopes for the home nations now rest with England who have not really shown any signs of RWC winners. I won’t be holding my breath!

Next week we can concentrate on Pontypool and the battles of the Pontys. Pontypridd will visit Pontypool Park on Saturday and we can expect another competitive match.

Hard luck Wales!

Come on Pooler!            

Georgia Off My Mind

Wales duly dispatched Georgia 43-19 to top their group and march on to the quarterfinals of the Rugby World Cup. When you put it like that it sounds easy, but it was anything but that, as the tough Georgians gave Wales plenty to think about. There was a stage in the second half when things looked ominous as Wales took their eyes off the ball and the Georgians scored a couple of quick tries to close the gap to just five points. The pace of Rees Zammit sealed the deal for Wales, thank goodness, as he crossed for two tries to add to his try in the first half. Another try from North as the match drew to a close gave the rather flattering final scoreline.

In the end, the expected victory for Wales but there is plenty of room for improvement after an inconsistent performance. It is a bit frustrating that we do not seem able to get the ball to our pacy wings in space. Wales did kick an awful lot of ball away and let the dangerous Georgian wings run the ball back. Playing against the really physical Georgians you can expect a few injuries. Sadly, for Wales the RWC is over for one of their key players as Faletau suffered a broken arm. I am sure there will be a few more with bumps and bruises.  In addition, Anscombe was injured in the warm-up and took no part in the match.

So, it is on to the quarterfinal. It could be against Argentina or Japan and that will be decided today. Wales surely must be in with a decent chance of making what seemed to be a very unlikely semi-final before the tournament started. Fortunately, the draw has kept them away from the big guns with France, South Africa, New Zealand and Ireland looking several classes better than the rest. Ireland rather took Scotland apart yesterday and look strong in all departments and will take some stopping. There are two very tasty quarterfinals in prospect with Ireland v New Zealand and France v South Africa. The remaining quarter final looks like being England v Fiji - if Fiji can get the point they need against Portugal today. England were rather fortunate to claim a narrow 17-18 victory against Samoa yesterday and have not looked very convincing thus far.

Next Saturday looks like a busy day.  Pooler will make the trip to Merthyr for an early 1pm kick-off and then Wales will play their quarterfinal at 4pm. Pooler will need to be at their best to challenge the powerful Merthyr team that never seems to be far from the top of the Premiership.

Come on Pooler!

Come on Wales!