Phew, Pooler Edge yet Another Cliff-hanger

 Pontypool versus Ebbw Vale under floodlights on a Thursday evening promised to be a classic local derby with both sides flying high in the Premiership. Lots of people obviously thought so as there was a bumper crowd and the TV cameras were in attendance. This made for a brilliant atmosphere with the large Ebbw Vale contingent in the crowd certainly making themselves heard.

Fortunately, the recent heavy rain had abated but playing conditions were far from easy with a gusty wind blowing down the valley and a slippery pitch. Ebbw Vale played down the slope with the wind behind their backs in the first half and set off with a bang. It was all Ebbw and Pooler could not get their hands on the ball. The visitors powered down the field and Jenkins forced his way over for a try under the posts that Lloyd converted (0-7). They could have increased their lead further but a penalty attempt went wide.

Pontypool didn’t panic and worked their way back into the game and soon reduced their arrears through a Jarvis penalty (3-7). Both sides were now going at it hammer and tongs in typical local derby fashion and the crowd were loving it. There was little to choose between the two sides but with the benefit of the wind the visitors enjoyed territorial advantage.

As the first quarter of the match came to an end, Pontypool turned the ball over in their own half and launched a counter-attack through their threequarters. Mahoney found himself in space and showed plenty of gas as he scythed through the Ebbw defence to score an excellent try. Jarvis converted and Pooler had taken the lead at 10-7 to the delight of the Pooler Army.

The tricky playing conditions meant that there were quite a few mistakes which actually added to the excitement of the match. The visitors had an edge in the scrums and made good use of penalties granted in their favour to gain promising field position. The Pooler defence, however, was strong and managed to keep them out. Time flew by in a compelling match and, just as we were thinking that Pooler had done really well to hold a narrow lead at half time with the wind against them, things changed dramatically. With minutes to go, Lloyd brought the scores level with a penalty (10-10). Then from the restart Ebbw launched a powerful attack and were soon hammering away at Pooler’s goal line. Pooler defended stoutly but gave away a penalty or two. Ebbw spread the ball wide and a knock on from Pooler wing Price was adjudged to have been deliberate. The referee awarded a penalty try and showed a yellow card to Price. This left Pooler 10-17 down and a man short as the referee blew the whistle to end a pulsating half.

Pontypool needed to make good use of the conditions in the second half as they were playing down the slope and with the wind at their backs. Despite being down to fourteen men, they made all the early running as they strove to close the gap. It was their turn to hammer away at the opposition goal line and it was substitute prop, Kelleher-Griffiths, who burrowed over for the all-important try. Jarvis lost his footing as he attempted the conversion and the ball cannoned against the post. Nevertheless at 15-17 Pooler were well in contention.

A couple of minutes later Pooler were penalised for a tackle without the ball and Lloyd stepped up to convert and increase Ebbw’s lead to five points (15-20). Pontypool continued to be on top territorially but Ebbw Vale looked dangerous when they were able to work their way upfield through their good kicking game. This was a tight match and you could feel the tension from both sets of fans on the Bank.

Ebbw Vale prop Davies was given a yellow card at the end of the third quarter as Ebbw Vale gave away a string of penalties as Pooler attacked from short range. Pooler failed to take advantage of the extra man and Ebbw cleared their lines. Thinks looked ominous for Pooler when Ebbw Vale were awarded a kickable penalty at a scrum. The conditions were tricky and the Pooler fans held their breath as Lloyd’s attempt sailed narrowly wide of the posts.

Both benches were emptied as the game careered on. Pooler were doing most of the attacking but Ebbw Vale still managed to threaten as they pressurised the home back three with astute kicking. This is becoming familiar territory for Pooler with time running out and a try needed. They did not panic but continued to press hard. A knock on by the visitors near their own line gave Pooler the opportunity they needed with less than ten minutes to go. A series of forward drives got ever closer to the goal line and eventually the tremendous pressure told with Pooler substitute Grey getting the touch down. Jarvis converted and gave Pooler a narrow 22-20 lead.

Ebbw Vale were not going to give up and it was with some relief that with only a couple minutes left Pooler were awarded a penalty at a scrum as the Ebbw pack were shunted backwards. Jarvis made no mistake and with the score now 25-20 Ebbw Vale needed a try with little time left.

To their credit, Ebbw Vale pressed hard but Pooler were able to hold on to their lead and take the spoils in a rumbustious local derby. Final score Pontypool 25 : Ebbw Vale 20.

Phew! You need to have nerves of steel to be a Pooler supporter. Most of their games have been close this season and somehow Pooler have managed to clinch a victory in all but one occasion. This was absolutely no exception and it could have gone either way with Ebbw Vale providing a stern test of Pooler’s resolve. The conditions made things difficult for both sides and they should be congratulated for providing an enthralling contest.

That is two tough games in five days for Pooler and they will be glad of the extra days to recover before yet another tough game at Llandovery. The Drovers are a quality team near the top of the league and it will take a special effort from Pooler to get a result. Yes. I am loving the Premiership!

The latest news is that Pontypool and all the Premiership clubs with the exception of Cardiff, Merthyr and Pontypridd have openly expressed an interest in the Elite league. Of course, expressing interest is some way short of actually joining (or being selected). It is difficult to see what is going to happen next but no doubt there are machinations behind the scenes and all will be revealed in due course.

Let’s enjoy the Premiership in the meantime.

Come on Pooler!