Couch Spectator

A really stiff hip and a sniffly cold meant that the sensible part of me won the day and I didn’t travel to Ebbw Vale to watch Pontypool in the return match. I did follow the course of the match on social media as I lay on the couch feeling guilty. Suffice it to say, that Ebbw vale exacted their revenge after Pooler’s triumph the previous Saturday. Pooler were well beaten going down 34-3 to the league leaders. Newport’s loss against Cardiff means that Ebbw Vale have now opened up a decent lead at the top of the table.

Not going to Ebbw Vale meant that I watched a lot of rugby on the TV. As a Welshman, it is all very depressing as you witness how Wales has gone from having the most competitive club rugby in the world to being a bit of an also ran. I watched games from England, Scotland, Ireland, France and even South Africa where large passionate crowds watched compelling rugby. Watching a really close match between Harlequins and Leicester Tigers at a bouncing Twickenham was the highlight. The skill levels were high and the rugby entertaining in a 34-34 draw. Welsh rugby seems to be sinking in a sea of mediocrity. Here we had a Saturday with no football in the festive season and no match featuring a Welsh professional rugby team – an opportunity missed for sure.

As a dinosaur, I am not sure that I like the pyrotechnics, lasers and DJs playing thumping music on display at Twickenham but thousands of people do. All this stuff does not win rugby matches but developing an atmosphere certainly does help.

2024 is coming to a conclusion which is a relief on a personal basis as it has been a difficult year. My hip replacement operation is scheduled in three weeks and if successful should improve things somewhat. For Pooler, it has been a decent year and they are finding their feet in Super Rygbi Cymru well. They have cemented a place in the middle of the table and have played some really good rugby with the home victories over Newport and Ebbw Vale my highlights. It is also great to see the progress being made by our young Dragons players.

For the national team, it has been an abysmal year with not a single victory recorded and constant debate about the suitability of the coaching team. A much needed victory will be hard to come by in the 2025 Six Nations on current form I am afraid. The regions have hardly fared much better with none of them dining at the top table in Europe. The optimist might say that there are encouraging signs at least at Cardiff but that remains to be seen.

It is a hard to find good things to say about professional rugby in Wales but at least some of the players who have ventured outside of Wales to ply their trade seem to be doing well. In the words of the song “Things Can Only Get Better. ” Can’t they?

Hopefully I can get to Pooler’s next game which is home to Carmarthen Quins next Saturday.

Come on Pooler!

I wish you all a prosperous, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Pooler Show Their Mettle to Down Steelmen

A local derby against Ebbw Vale provided our pre-Xmas fare at Pontypool Park. The fact that Ebbw Vale were sitting proudly at the top of Super Rugby Wales gave the match extra spice although it scarcely needed it. Two fully committed groups of fans were in attendance to watch two fully committed teams battle it out. Thankfully the rain had stopped and there was even some blue sky on view although it was chilly with a keen breeze blowing down the ground.

Ebbw Vale had first use of the wind and played down the slope in the first half. They quickly showed why they are one of the top teams as they dominated possession in the early stages. Pooler were forced to defend but did so with plenty of zeal and kept their try line well protected in the first quarter. Ebbw Vale did manage to get on the scoreboard with a penalty to lead 0-3.  This was a tough uncompromising match with big hits countering strong carries with Pooler giving as good as they got. Ebbw Vale were shading the scrums while Pooler managed to disrupt the away side’s lineout on occasions. The game proceeded in fits and starts with the referee awarding a high number of penalties which to the frustration of the home fans seemed to be mostly against Pooler.

Just before the half hour mark, Matthews burst through the Ebbw vale defence and found scrum half Lloyd in support. Lloyd found Pat Lewis running a great support line and the full back scored the opening try near the posts. Meek converted and Pooler had established a valuable 7-3 lead against the elements.

The Pooler lead was short lived when yet another penalty conceded saw Ebbw Vale take up a position deep in the home twenty-two. A driving maul proved unstoppable and despite the conversion failing Ebbw Vale took a slender lead at 7-8. Another penalty a few minutes later saw the away side increase their lead to 7-11 and this remained the score at half time.

Pooler had the benefit of the slope and the wind in the second half and must have fancied their chances of overturning the narrow Ebbw Vale lead after a combative first forty minutes. The Steelmen, however, were sure to have other ideas and we were in for an enthralling second stanza.

As the Pooler faithful hoped, Pooler started the first half with plenty of vim and dominated proceedings. The crowd responded and created a brilliant atmosphere. What Pooler needed was an early score and after going close a number of times they got what they wanted. It was a powerful surge form Morgan Allen that did the trick as he brushed defenders aside to score from a maul in the Ebbw Vale twenty-two. The conversion failed but Pooler had regained the lead at 12-11.

Pooler were now brimming with confidence and could smell victory but the Ebbw Vale defence was well-organised and was a tough nut to crack. Pooler also continued to get on the wrong side of the referee’s decisions at the breakdown and frustratingly conceded quite a few promising positions as a consequence.

A speculative grubber kick down the right touchline from halfway by Pooler seemed to bounce and bounce inches from the line. Most players through it was bound to go into touch but Pat Lewis was not about to wait for that he happen. He chased a seemingly lost cause to score in the right corner. The difficult conversion failed but Pooler had opened up a six point lead in this tight game at 17-11.

Ebbw Vale responded with some attacks of their own but they were quickly snuffed out by the home defence. A win for Pooler had not yet been secured with the away side within a converted try. Pooler were still having the better of things although the raft of substitutions did take a while to bed in. The tension for the home fans was eased when Meek converted along range penalty to make the score 20-11.

As time was running out, another penalty from Meek surely put the game to bed at 23-11 but Ebbw Vale still had belief. Straight from the kick-off, an attempted Pooler clearance kick was charged down and the away side snatched a try. The conversion failed but the Pooler lead had shrunk to seven points at 23-16. An unlikely draw was still on the cards for the league leaders.

A last-gasp attack from Ebbw Vale broke down as time ran out and Pooler hurtled down field. A kick downfield was hotly pursued by both sides and it appeared that the Ebbw Vale player pushed the ball over the dead ball line with his hand from the in-goal area. Pooler appealed for a penalty but the officials was having none of it and blew for time. Final score Pontypool 23 : Ebbw Vale 17.

This was a great win for Pooler against a good side. Ebbw Vale really made Pooler work for their victory and kept the result in doubt right until the end. The second half performance for Pooler probably merited some more points and they will need to look at discipline particularly at the breakdown.  Overall though a thoroughly satisfactory afternoon. Congratulations to all.

Next Saturday we have to do it all again but this time at Ebbw Vale. Pooler can expect a warm welcome as the home side will want revenge and desperately need to win to keep their hopes of winning the league alive.

A hope everyone has a great Xmas.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Bridge the Gap with High Octane Second Half

Despite my sore hip, I did manage to get to Pontypool to watch them take on the Bridgend Ravens in their latest league fixture. Last week’s planned fixture at Llandovery was postponed due to the ravages of the storm Darragh. Club rugby has been in short supply these last few weeks so it was good to be back for only the fourth home game this season. I took a seat in the stand rather than in my normal place on the Bank and it does give a different perspective. The weather was cold but thankfully dry without those strong winds that have plagued the country.

Bridgend kicked off playing down the slope and within a minute or so had scored a try when the Pontypool defence was breached by Evans following a Bridgend lineout. The try was unconverted but was soon followed by another unconverted try when the Ravens forwards rumbled over from close range. The two tries came either side of a Meek penalty for Pooler. The Ravens had scored two tries and were 3-10 ahead almost before Pooler had drawn breath. This is of course is nothing new for Pooler and we knew that they are more than capable of growing into a game.

Pooler did stir their stumps and  replied with a try by Walker Price. Meek spotted Price in the clear and his accurate kick pass found the speedster in space on the right wing. An excellent conversion by Meek drew Pooler level at 10-10.

Pooler played rather laboured rugby for the rest of the half with far too many mistakes. The Bridgend backs looked dangerous every time they had the ball and Pooler looked distinctly second best. Bridgend retook the lead with a penalty and then increased their lead just before half time with their scrum half touching down after some scintillating play by their backs. The conversion was successful so the teams made their way off the field with a halftime score of Pontypool 10 : Bridgend Ravens 20. Pooler had it all to do in the second half.

Pooler made a couple of substitutions with Pat Lewis coming on in the centre and Scott Matthews replacing an injured Calum Davies. Pooler needed a fast start and they did that in spades. First came a penalty from Meek and then Price scored in the right corner after some great work by the Pooler centres to put him in space. The conversion failed but Pooler were well back in contention at 18-20.

Cue Scott Matthews. The Pooler forwards were getting on top and worked their way deep into the away twenty-two. Matthews was on hand to force his way over near the posts. A few minutes later there was almost a carbon copy when Matthews again scored from close range after powerful work by the forwards. Both tries were converted by Meek and in a short space of time Pooler found themselves 32-20 to the good with the try bonus point secured.

Things got even worse for Bridgend when Ieuan Jones powered over for Pooler’s fifth try. Although the conversion failed Pooler were now well clear at 37-20. The game then became incredibly open as both sides threw caution to the winds and ran the ball from everywhere. Despite a number of injuries Bridgend had certainly not given up and were next on the scoresheet with a well taken try by Greenhall that gave them a bonus point and some hope of a revival at 37-25.

Both sides used up their benches as Pooler turned on the style. They played high tempo rugby with continuity and offloading being the order of the day. It was brilliant to watch as Pooler ran in three more tries all from long range. Leonard scored the first as he steamed up in support and then there were tries for the substitute halfbacks Ford and Dylan Davies to round things off. All three tries were converted and the final score was Pontypool 58 : Bridgend Ravens 25.

I don’t think anyone saw this result coming after the first half when Pooler really struggled to contain a lively Bridgend side. As so often, the introduction of Scott Matthews seems to act as a catalyst and the team steps up a gear. Of course, it is not about one man and the whole team really lifted their performance after the half time team talk.  There was some brilliant rugby played by both sides in a thoroughly entertaining match.  Let’s have more of the same – we need cheering up in Wales!

Next week Pooler take on Ebbw Vale who are having an excellent season. As always, a local derby will be a tough encounter and Pooler will need to be at their best right from the kick-off if they are to keep the noisy neighbours at bay. Should be a Xmas cracker.

Come on Pooler!

A Painful Weekend

My live rugby watching has been severely curtailed by a very painful hip. To get me fit for action again I am due to have a hip replacement operation in January.

The injury prevented from watching Pontypool take on Cardiff in the Arms Park in their first game after a long layoff. The timing of the layoff wasn’t great as Pooler had hit a good patch of form prior to it and had generated some real momentum.

Cardiff are currently top of the heap and obviously presented a major challenge to Pooler particularly on the artificial pitch. From the reports, despite a decent start, Pooler were gradually outplayed and the final score of 27-10 a reasonable reflection of the balance of play.

Next up for Pooler is a trip to Llandovery which is one I have enjoyed in the past. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be able to make it this time but I am sure the boys will give a good account of themselves.

Welsh rugby continues to frustrate with not much by way of direction and decision-making coming from the WRU. There are plenty of opinions from plenty of pundits but little action to try and find a way out of what can only be termed a crisis. A consensus seems to be growing for reducing the number of fully professional teams from four to three but it always seems to stop short of how to do it without upsetting the various vested interests. Meanwhile public interest in rugby wanes and any cash the WRU gets leaks away. I have to say I feel a certain sympathy for the players and coaches who are trying their best against seemingly overwhelming odds. Let’s have no more reviews and let’s do something before it is too late.

Well at least we’ve still got club rugby.

Come on Pooler!

Wales Walloped

Wales as expected lost heavily to the World Champions South Africa bringing a soul destroying Autumn Series to an end. The gulf between the two teams was cruelly exposed in a 12-45 loss with Wales shipping seven tries. There was not a phase of the game that the Boks did not boss as their powerful players out-muscled Wales. Things could have been a lot of worse if Wales had not given their all in defence and there must be some very sore bodies in the Welsh camp this morning. Botham, Morgan and Lake put in heroic shifts but at times the Springboks were just irresistible. The Springboks have brought the physicality of rugby to new levels but have also added a cutting edge that is supplied by their back three.

So where do Wales go now? That is twelve losses on the bounce and no real signs of the dire run ending.  Next up will be France away in the first match of the Six Nations’ Championship – a tough assignment if there ever was one. Then there are England and Ireland at home and Scotland and Italy away to follow. Having watched Italy ruffle the all Blacks’ feathers last night there is no “easy” fixture for Wales to target to end this losing sequence. Surely heads must roll but whose heads? The burning question of course is will Warren Gatland still be in charge? If he isn’t then who is? Whoever it is has a mammoth task ahead as they will have to turn a squad of young hopefuls into a competitive outfit in short order. Wales have the now infamous “black hole” in terms of big powerful specimens to contend with.

Congratulations to the Welsh Football team that are making positive progress under Bellamy despite not having a large pool of experienced top flight players to choose from. Maybe there are lessons to be learned from this.

Pontypool were due to resume their season with a match against Aberavon yesterday but storm Bert put paid to that. Next Saturday it will be Cardiff Rags away in a double header that sees the Dragons take on Cardiff afterwards. Hopefully we will see some truly competitive Welsh rugby matches as we try and forget about the national team’s trials and tribulations.

Come on Pooler!

Welsh Woes Continue

Well what can you say as a Welsh rugby fan? Eleven losses in a row speaks for itself and would try the patience of Job. The worst thing about it is the latest two losses to Fiji and Australia come as no great surprise with Wales plummeting down the world rankings like a lead balloon. At the heart of the two defeats was that we were outplayed and even the most one-eyed Welsh fan cannot say we were unlucky or blame the referee. Quite simply Wales are not good enough and a pale shadow of the team that performed well at the Rugby World Cup only just over a year ago.

There are many reasons by the catastrophic collapse. The mass retirements of our tried and tested core players has left a squad bereft of the battle-hardened warriors that are essential in today’s test rugby arena. The lack of truly competitive home-based professional rugby teams means the step up from regional to test rugby is too great for the most promising players. We are left with a team that is inexperienced and underpowered when trying to take on the behemoths that are to be found in virtually the opposition squads. Yes, Wales continue to show willingness and bravery but in the end the odds are stacked against them.

You can of course look at the management and coaching staff and wonder whether Gatland has been in the job too long. His record shows that he is a good coach but perhaps a new broom could make a difference. Whoever that may be would still be left with a small pool of players that is lacking in experience. Can these players step up to fill the boots of their illustrious predecessors? That remains to be seen. We do not help the Wales team’s cause by imposing the twenty five cap rule which prevents talented players who ply their trade in England and beyond from being selected.

You can blame the Welsh Rugby Union that seems to be making a hash of running Welsh rugby. Scandals and indecision abound around every turn with the only response seemingly to bring in more consultants who never seem to say anything new. As for so many professional sports, everything comes down to money in the end and Wales are short of it. Being on such a bad losing run means difficulty in filling the Principality Stadium for international matches and devalues the product that can be offered to TV etc. This creates a death spiral if we are not careful.

There are many people who would say this has been coming for years and that the signs were there for all to see. The community game has suffered with clubs going under and with too many matches postponed for lack of players. The professional game is not competitive with little to show with progression in the European competitions that are the benchmark. Little wonder then that in the end the performances in the test arena drop off. Is the country falling out of love with rugby?

On a personal basis, I still love watching Pontypool home and away and the Pooler Army is still supporting them in numbers. I have done this through thick and thin and will continue to do it. I watch players of no little talent giving their all for the jersey in competitive matches and that’s what makes the game so enjoyable. I have watched Wales home and away for fifty plus years but have to confess that the attraction is beginning to wane. High ticket prices, badly behaved fans and too much hassle with travelling combined with too many matches lost are making the product far less compelling. There is no sofa to hide behind when things start getting ugly on the pitch.

Welsh rugby has been in a trough before and has clambered out of it with the help of a good coach and talented players. This time we seem to be busy digging the trough deeper and deeper as we wait for what seems to be divine intervention. I fear it won’t come from consultants.

I wish I had a magic wand but I don’t but something needs to be done and quickly. A Hollywood star or two did it for Wrexham.  

Meanwhile next week Wales face South Africa the world champions with an even more powerful set of players. Good luck boys! 

Pooler Light The Blue Touchpaper

I felt a bit queasy after having had my Covid and Flu jabs in the morning so didn’t make the trip down to Swansea for Pontypool’s latest league game. Fortunately, it was televised so I was able to watch the last game in the initial block of matches.

It was clear that the match was going to be very much affected by a strong wind blowing down the ground towards Mumbles. Swansea had first use of the wind so it was Pooler’s job to keep the scores close in the first half and then capitalise on the conditions in the second half.

Things could not have started better for Pooler when a smart break by scrum half Lloyd was supported by right wing Duggan. Duggan still had a bit to do but weaved his way to the line for the first try. The conversion from Meek gave Pooler an invaluable 0-7 lead.

There followed a long period of play almost entirely confined to the Pontypool half as the wind prevented relieving kicks making much territory. Pooler’s defence was heroic and held out against wave after wave of attacks for the whole of the first quarter. Eventually  the pressure told and Swansea, after bashing away at a brick wall, opted to take a shot at goal Phillips converted and brought the score to 3-7 at the start of the second quarter.

A couple of minutes later a brilliant break form Swansea full back Houston was brought to an end by a high tackle by Jordan Thomas. Thomas was given a yellow card and Swansea kicked for the corner. . A well organised driving lineout saw left wing Wood pop up to force his way over the line. Phillips converted and Swansea had taken a narrow lead at 10-7.

With around five minutes to go before half time, Pooler made one of very few incursions into the Swansea twenty-two. They managed to get a lineout near the Swansea line. The lineout drive was textbook and Scarfe touched down in the right corner. The conversion failed but Pooler were back in the lead at 12-10. Pooler managed to hold on to the lead until halftime and must have been relieved to be in a strong position with the wind at their backs in the second half.

The third quarter was frustrating as Pooler found it difficult to produce the continuity that was required to build on their first half efforts. Swansea for their part continued to look dangerous occasionally as they were forced to run the ball to gain territory. Pooler’s lineout let them down at times with the wind making things tricky for the thrower. Towards the end of the third quarter Pooler made several substitutions including the introduction of their talisman Scott Matthews. Morgan Allen had been the main ball carrier and borne the burden particularly well but it was good to have someone else who could make the valuable hard yards.

Swansea were tiring and had been significantly weakened by a series of injuries but remained stubborn in their defence against almost continuous Pooler attacks. Finally, Morgan Allen stormed  over the line for a richly deserved try. It was converted by Meek to give Pooler a two score lead at 10-19 with twenty minutes to go.

Just as you thought that Pooler were going to have to settle for a relatively narrow victory, they lit the blue touch paper. Matthews had the matches and stormed over for the bonus point try from close range that Meek converted (10-26). Pooler were soon back in the Swansea twenty-two and settled for a Meek penalty to ensure that the second bonus point for a fifteen point lead was preserved (10-29).

Moments later, Matthews was storming down the field again. Tthis time he passed to substitute scrumhalf Leonard who fed Meek and the outside half galloped over for a try that he converted himself (10-36). There was still time for a final flourish when a searing break by Anderson was supported by flanker Dylan Jones who raced over for Pooler’s sixth try. Meek converted with the final kick of the match. Final score Swansea 10 : Pontypool 43.

It took quite a long time for Pooler to wear down an obdurate Swansea defence but wear them down they did with some powerful carrying by the forwards.  A frenetic last ten minutes saw the floodgates open and Pooler romp home in some style. What a brilliant way to bring down the curtain on the first block of seven matches of which Pooler won four. The three losses could even have been victories but that is the way of rugby. The new league is very competitive with little to choose between the teams. Pooler had just built some momentum with two fine victories but now there is a break of a month before they are next in action when Aberavon visit the Park.

Well done Pooler!   

Never Say Die Pooler Edge Home in Tough Local Derby

A local derby is always something to savour and it always seems to add extra spice when Pontypool’s opponents are Newport. We had suffered a considerable amount of rain leading up to the match but the weather gods had smiled and it was a beautiful sunny afternoon and Pontypool Park was looking at its best. When the leaves start turning to brown, there surely cannot be a more picturesque place to watch rugby.

This was the match that all Pooler fans wanted to win above all others especially with Newport being one of the favourites to win the first edition of Super Rugby Wales. As you would expect, a goodly crowd had gathered with plenty of black and amber on show.

Pooler played down the slope in the first half and started well with a series of attacks. They hammered away at the Newport line but all their efforts were repelled by a strong Newport defence. Every now and then Newport broke out and showed that their threequarters could be dangerous. It was tense stuff with defences on top with thumping tackles the order of the day. No quarter given and none asked for in a scoreless first quarter. This was going to be a close run thing.

Early in the second quarter, Pooler finally got some reward for all their effort with a well-struck penalty from Meek (3-0). You felt that Pooler really needed to score some more points with the advantage of the slope in the first half. The second quarter was as tense as the first with a combination of errors and penalties punctuating the game as both sides struggled to get ascendency. Neither side could claim to be on top as strong defence continued to dominate.

Just as the first half looked like it was going to be tryless, Newport right wing and Pooler old boy, Lloyd Lewis, received the ball near half way with a bit of space to run. He needed no second invitation and surged deep into the Pontypool twenty-two. He was tackled but managed to get the ball away. Pooler centre , Mahoney, got in the way and was penalised and shown a yellow card. Newport spurned the chance of three points and kicked for the corner. The Newport lineout drive was clinically executed with Langley touching down for a try. The try was converted by Penny with the last action of the first half. Newport had snatched a 3-7 lead at half time.

The third quarter continued where the first half left off with both sides going at it hammer and tongs but neither side managing to find their way over the whitewash to score a try. There was a lot of kicking from both sides as they searched for the error that would give them field position. The set pieces were evenly contested although the Pooler lineout did creak a little. Newport still held their narrow lead but it was still anyone’s game.

Just as the third quarter ended, Pooler managed to break through and establish a bridgehead close to the Newport line. The forwards hammered away but again found the Newport defence unyielding. Eventually there was a change of plan and the ball was shipped out to the left wing where substitute wing Marcus Jones was eagerly waiting. He did the necessary and scored in the corner to the Pooler faithful’s delight. A tremendous conversion form Meek  put Pooler back in the lead at 10-7 with twenty minutes remaining.

The clock seemed to be running down slowly now as Newport sought a way back into the game. Both sides emptied their benches as the physicality of the game told. The changes in the front row gave Newport ascendency in the scrums which gave them a valuable source of penalties. Both sides continued to kick ball away as they looked for field position. The tension was mounting as it really felt that the next score would probably clinch the game.

The clock showed that it was the 74^th minute when the deadlock was broken. To Pooler’s dismay it was Newport who struck. They worked their way downfield and it was Reid who scored the try and it was converted by Reed This put Newport back in the lead at 10-14 leaving Pooler with just five minutes to turn things around.

To their credit, Pooler didn’t panic and we know of old that they never say die. They applied tremendous pressure form the restart and regained possession. As the clock ticked down, they were back on the Newport line with the away side defending desperately. Again, the forwards hammered away in this time in the right corner – well that was all the forwards bar hooker Sam Scarfe who was stationed on the left wing. After going close a number of times, Pooler heeded Scarfe’s wishes and spread the ball wide. Scarfe repaid their confidence and plunged over in the left corner. Another fine conversion from Meek saw Pooler establish a three point lead at 17-14 with a minute or so remaining.

There was still time for an anxious moment or two as Newport found their way into the Pooler twenty-two. A Pooler scrum just about managed to keep possession and the ball was kicked out of play. Pooler had done it and the Pooler fans celebrated. Final score Pontypool 14 : Newport 14.

What a game with the result in doubt right to the end. Pontypool can be justifiably proud of their efforts in a true team performance against a strong Newport team. This was a great local derby with both sides draining their tanks in trying to get one over on their local rivals. True it was not a try fest with defences on top but it was a compelling spectacle played in good spirit. – so, well done to both sides.

Next up for Pooler will be a trip to St Helens to play Swansea on Thursday evening in a televised  match. This will be the last match before a month’s break that coincides with the Autumn Internationals. Swansea have had a poor start to the season but as always they will provide a stern test.

Come on Pooler!   

Pooler Back on the Rollercoaster

Sunshine and blue sky greeted us in Carmarthen as we gathered for Pontypool’s latest league match against Carmarthen Quins. There was, however, a keen breeze blowing down the ground towards the town centre. The breeze was strong enough to have a significant effect on the play and it was Pooler who would have first use of it.

Pooler started with all guns blazing with scrum half Morgan Lloyd directing operations.  It was no more than they deserved when a break by Lewis led to a try for Marcus Jones in the left corner. An excellent conversion from Meek saw Pooler take a 0-7 lead within the first five minutes. Pooler could have had a second try a few minutes later but it was chalked off by the referee. A well struck penalty from Meek did see Pooler extend their lead to 0-10 soon after.

The Quins were sure to react and they started to apply some pressure. The Pooler set piece looked vulnerable and penalties were conceded. This gave the Quins the opportunity to camp inside the Pooler twenty-two. Despite some resolute defence, the Pooler line was eventually breached  when Quins scrum half Davies dived over for an unconverted try as we entered the second quarter (5-10).

Back came Pooler but some weak attempts at tackling saw Quins break out from their own twenty two against the run of play to score a long range try from George. This was converted by Thomas and Quins edged into a two point lead at 12-10 with ten minutes left in the first half.

With the benefit of the wind, Pooler really did need to score some points. Their cause was not helped by a yellow card for Marcus Jones for a high tackle. Nevertheless, they did press forward and the remainder of the half saw Pooler laying siege in the home side’s twenty two. Frustratingly for Pooler a combination of excellent defence and a rather blunt attack saw the Quins hold out until half time. The roar from the home team when the half time whistle said everything about the boost to their confidence. In contrast the Pooler team trooped off the field looking dejected.

This sentiment seemed to be carried over into the second half as a confident Quins team blitzed Pooler. In the first ten minutes of the half they piled on the points with a penalty and tries from Howell and Morgan. In all Pooler leaked fifteen points to trail 27-10. It certainly looked like game over.

We do know that Pooler are made of sterner stuff than that and will never give up even if the cause looks lost. They needed to find some inspiration and that came from three key substitutions. On came the redoubtable Matthews on the flank accompanied by young outside half Ford and tight head prop Williams. Maybe the Quins relaxed but I like to think that Pooler stepped it up a notch or five. Anyway, it was suddenly a different ball game. A brilliant solo try by Morgan Lloyd started the ball rolling and with the conversion the gap was closed to ten points at 27-17. Did Pooler fans dare to hope for an unlikely comeback?

As the third quarter ended, Pooler found themselves deep in the Quins’ twenty-two. A strong drive from a tap penalty saw Matthews bludgeon his was over for a try that was converted by Meek. It was game on with the Quins’ seemingly unassailable lead cut to just three points (27-24).

Quins could see the game slipping away but responded well. A strong driving maul saw Morgan score from close range and with the Thomas conversion the Quins had re-established a ten point lead (34-24). There was still a quarter of an hour remaining so time for Pontypool to respond. A couple of opportunities went begging as their lineout failed to function when they had good field position.

Pooler needed a moment of magic and it came from  their young half backs. A lineout on the Quins ten metre line led to a scintillating break by Ford who found Morgan Lloyd in support and the scrum half crossed for his second and Pooler’s fourth try. The conversion from Meek saw the gap closed to three points at 34-31 with around five minutes remaining. It was still anyone’s game.

It was to be the home side that managed the final throes best and they finished the game with their sixth try of the afternoon that was scored by Fawcett and converted by Thomas. Final score Carmarthen Quins 41 ; Pontypool 31.

Despite a strong come back when all seemed lost, Pooler really lost the game in the first half when they failed to take full advantage of the wind. This is another match when you were left thinking “could have , should have.” While Pooler are scoring plenty of tries, they are also conceding far too many. I am sure everyone involved is well aware that there is plenty to work on. Their team spirit is unquestionable that is for certain.

Pooler will be tested to the full next weekend when they entertain Newport. Despite losing to Llandovery in the week, Newport are certainly one of the strongest teams in the league. The Pooler squad will be desperate to put one over on their highflying neighbours -it should be well worth watching.

Come on Pooler!   

Revenge is Sweet for Pooler

Just a week on from their remarkable 61-42 defeat in a try fest in Colwyn Bay last Saturday, Pooler faced RGC again but this time in the more familiar surroundings of Pontypool Park on good old grass. A decent crowd had gathered with no one really sure what to expect. It was a dry, blustery day with the wind favouring the team playing up the slope. Pooler, however, were playing down the slope in the first half.

Straight from the kick off Pooler went on the offensive. A deliberate knock-on by RGC snuffed out a promising attack and after a long consultation with a linesman the referee decided that a penalty to the home side was sufficient sanction. Pooler kicked for the corner and took full advantage of the penalty when Ieuan Jones ploughed over for a try from the ensuing lineout. The conversion failed but Pooler were off and running within a few minutes of the kick-off (5-0).

The next ten minutes or so belonged to RGC as the North Walians responded in kind. A well-worked try for flanker Fackrell was converted by McBryde to give them the lead (5-7). RGC followed this up with another strong attack which Pooler struggled to keep at bay. Eventually Pooler were forced to give away a penalty that McBryde dispatched with ease to increase the lead to 5-10.

Pooler’s response was immediate. A powerful charge by Morgan Allen scattered RGC defenders like ninepins before he was eventually brought to a halt deep inside the RGC twenty-two. His forward colleagues carried the move on with Hill touching down for the try that was converted by Meek. This gave Pooler a narrow lead at 12-10. Pooler’s lead was increased when Meek converted a penalty as the  incident packed first quarter came to an end (15-10).

A yellow card for Pooler scrum half Flanagan for a deliberate knock on  gave  RGC a numerical advantage and slowed Pooler’s momentum. A monster penalty from his own ten metre line saw RGC fullback Earl Jones close the deficit to 15-13.

There followed a strong finish to the first half by Pooler that really decided the outcome of the match. The forwards had been carrying powerfully throughout the half with Morgan Allen to the fore ably backed up by the rest of the pack.  Pooler worked their way into the RGC twenty-two and after a period of sustained pressure Chapman forced his way over for a try that Meek converted (22-13). This was closely followed by Pooler’s bonus point try. This time, after tremendous driving play by the forwards, it was centre, Mahoney, who got the touch down. Meek added the conversion and as the half ended Pooler had built a sixteen point lead at 29-13.

The second half started badly for the home side with rather lack-lustre defending giving RGC centre Cross an almost free passage to the line. McBryde converted and what had seemed to be a comfortable lead had been slashed in a couple of minutes (29-20). After fifteen minutes of the second half a Meek penalty increased Pooler’s lead to twelve points at 32-20.

The rest of the second half was frenetic but scoreless. RGC tried their best to fight back but a combination of a good defence from Pooler and their uncharacteristic handling errors stymied all their efforts. A plethora of substitutions by both sides did not help the flow of the game. It was far from a relaxing watch for the Pooler fans who knew that a try from RGC would put them within a score. 

Pooler were perhaps guilty of not using the wind to their advantage with RGC ever ready to run the ball back if there were any loose kicks. Pooler, for their part, attacked sporadically but could not manage to get the try that would have made the game safe. They did have a couple of penalty shots at goal that could have earned an extra bonus point that went astray. All in all, the fourth quarter was frustrating for both sides. Final score Pontypool 32 : RGC 20.

This was a great effort form Pontypool to bounce back from last week’s defeat by the same opposition. RGC who scored seven tries the previous week could only manage two this time. This was testimony to Pooler’s defensive effort. In attack, Pooler mainly relied on forward power which got the job done. A much needed victory will put Pooler in good heart for the trip to Carmarthen next weekend.

At regional level, all four Welsh regions went down to defeats – albeit the Dragons and the Scarlets by the narrowest of margins. With the Autumn internationals just around the corner, Gatland and co will need to put their thinking caps on if Wales are to get a victory or two.

We Pooler fans have the trip to Carmarthen Quins to think about first and then the visit of the old enemy Newport to the Park.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Show Their Resilience

The first thing that I noticed when I arrived at Bridgend Ravens RFC for Pontypool’s second league game of the season was the pitch. It looked like a well-manicured lawn and a far cry from the pitch when the Osprey’s played on it last season when it was in dreadful condition. Playing conditions were perfect with a warm dry afternoon with little wind. It had certainly not looked like this was going to be in the case as it poured down with rain only hours before.

Pooler kicked off and, before we could draw breath, Bridgend had scored a try through number eight Collier (5-0). The conversion failed but then Bridgend went on to completely dominate the game for the next fifteen minutes. They played excellent rugby at a high pace which left Pooler floundering. It was no surprise when Bridgend scored their second try through Howley which, this time, was converted by Price (12-0). Those of us who were at the corresponding fixture last season had seen something similar happen and rather hoped that that Pooler could manage to come back this time.

It took until the second quarter before Pooler established themselves in the match. They were awarded a penalty and a great touch-finder from Meek put them in prime position near the Ravens’ line. From the ensuing lineout, Scarfe powered over for a try. The conversion failed but at least Pooler had given the Ravens something to think about (12-5).

Pooler took heart from the try and started to show what they are about and the match was far more evenly contested than in the first quarter. It was Pontypool that struck next when, after a period of attacking in the home twenty-two, Herbert forced his way over the line for a try. Meek converted and it was even stevens at 12-12.

It was to be Pooler who had the last laugh in the first half. As time ran out, the threequarters shipped the ball along to right wing Duggan. He had still had plenty to do but showed  strength and elusiveness to dot down in the corner for Pooler’s third try. The conversion failed but the away side had snatched the lead at 12-17. This was a fine response to the travails of the first quarter but there would be plenty to discuss during the halftime break.

You knew there would be a strong response from the home side in the second half and that was indeed the case. Despite losing Lewis to a yellow card, they dominated proceedings with Pooler struggling to get out of their own half. The Pooler defence was stretched but held firm with some tremendous tackling. It did, alas, start leaking penalties much to their frustration. This led to Cochrane receiving a yellow card just as Lewis’ time in the sin-bin was coming to an end. The Pooler defence was now short-handed and a deft kick through saw Bridgend score their third try when Wilkins touched down. Price converted and Bridgend were back in the lead at 19-17 with a quarter of an hour played in the second half.

Pooler bounced back almost immediately when they were awarded a penalty and kicked for the corner. A smart lineout drill saw Matthews plough through the middle of the lineout to touch down for Pooler’s bonus point try. More importantly, although the conversion failed, Pooler were back in the lead at 19-22. This was probably their first meaningful visit to the Bridgend half in the third quarter such had been the home side’s dominance of possession and territory.

As happens in most games, there was a plethora of substitutions which were difficult to keep track of as both sides emptied their benches. Bridgend went back on the attack and again Pooler got penned in their own half finding it difficult to relieve the pressure with their kicking game. The Pontypool defence had to work overtime with some inspired tackling from backs and forwards alike. In the end, the persistent Bridgend attacks told and Llewellyn scored a try with less than ten minutes remaining. Price converted and the lead had changed hands yet again. The home side were now in the driving seat at 26-22.

Could Pooler respond? You bet they could. Another rare incursion into the home half saw Pooler awarded a penalty in front of the posts with only a few minutes remaining. They opted for a scrum and spread the ball left.  Centre Pat Lewis found a gap and powered over to score Pooler’s fifth try. Meek converted and Pooler were back in the lead at 26-29.

The Pooler fans’ hearts were in their mouths as Bridgend launched a series of attacks as time ran out. Thankfully the defence held firm despite a scare or two and the Pooler contingent were mightily glad to hear the final whistle. Final score Bridgend Ravens 26 : Pontypool 29.

This was a real rollercoaster of a game and I am sure Bridgend will be wondering how they didn’t manage to take the spoils. That they didn’t was down to Pooler’s resilience as they came back from a poor start and the way that they responded when they were under the cosh in the second half. The Pooler defence held firm despite tremendous pressure and in attack they took probably the only two scoring chances they had in the second half. I am sure that the coaching team will have plenty to work on but they will be encouraged but what they saw.

I would like to say a big thank you to Leighton Jones for all his work with the squad over the years. He inspired the squad to the success that we Pooler fans had been starved of for too long. I wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next. Good luck also to Tom Hancock on his return to the Pontypool coaching set-up.

The next match for Pontypool will be RGC in Colwyn Bay. This is always a tough fixture but let us hope that Pooler can build on the win at Bridgend.

Come on Pooler!

Super Effort from Pooler Just Fails

At last league rugby has returned. Not just any old rugby but Super Rygbi Cymru which has come into existence this season. Pontypool and Llandovery had the honour of playing the first match in the new league at a pristine Pontypool Park in front of the TV cameras. The pitch looked in perfect condition on a clear chilly evening under floodlights.

To the casual observer, nothing much seemed to have changed as the line-ups for the two teams showed many familiar faces. As always, there had been players moving from club to club during the closed season but the rosters were not showing the bevy of promising young players that we had been anticipating. The strips worn by the teams had changed with Pooler playing predominantly in black and the Drovers in a colourful mix of red, green and white.

Llandovery played down the slope in the first half and started with a bang with left wing Phillips scoring in the corner after some good attacking rugby by the backs. The conversion failed but the signs were ominous (0-5). Those of us who watched the corresponding fixture last season feared the worst. On that occasion, Pooler had been blitzed in the first half by some brilliant Llandovery rugby . This time, however, it was clear that Pooler had significantly improved their defence and were not about to let the visitors have things their own way. The Pooler line speed was up a notch or two and the tackling aggressive to say the least.

Despite Llandovery having the lion’s share of possession in the first quarter, Pooler did manage to make a few dents with the powerful carrying of the forwards. Llandovery did look dangerous but Pooler’s defence held firm. In a rare foray into the Llandovery half, Pooler were awarded a penalty that returning old boy Meek converted (3-5).

The game became far more even as we moved into the second quarter. A Llandovery attack took them well into the home twenty-two. Pooler were stretched and Scarfe was given a yellow card for a trip. Llandovery made use or their numerical advantage by kicking the subsequent penalty to the corner. Their lineout drive was effective and hooker Davies touched down. The try was converted by Maynard and the Drovers had increased their lead to 3-12.

Pooler went on the attack straight afterwards but during the attack Llandovery flanker Worrall suffered what looked to be a bad injury. There was a long delay as the medical team looked after him and we wish him a speedy recovery.  Play seemed muted for the rest of the first half and the teams went into the break with Llandovery leading 3-12.

Pooler needed to start well in the second half and that was exactly what they did. Only a couple of minutes had gone, when a Pooler kick ahead bounced awkwardly for the Drovers’ defence. Pooler left wing Powell sniffed out a chance and was able to win the race for the touch down. The try was expertly converted by Meek from the touchline and Pooler were within two points at 10-12.

A few minute later Pooler were at it again. A great break by Mahoney split the Llandovery defence and an overlap was created for Powell to bag his second try . This time Meek’s conversion just missed but still Pooler had taken the lead at 15-12. It was now anyone’s game although the momentum was with the home side.

Llandovery were league champions and cup winners last season for a reason. They were soon giving as good as they got and a penalty from Maynard as the third quarter came to an end levelled the scores at 15-15.

Now it was Pooler’s turn to attack and after a period of sustained pressure on the Llandovery line a neat dropped goal by Meek edged Pooler back in front at 18-15. Almost before we could draw breath, another penalty from Maynard evened things up again at 18-18 in this cliffhanger of a game.

By now, we were into the last ten minutes or so and it was Pooler who were doing most of the attacking. Another great break from Mahoney saw him stopped just short of the Llandovery line. Somehow Llandovery managed to survive and get the ball away. Pooler had possession and territory but just couldn’t get over the line.

Eventually Llandovery broke out and worked their way upfield. Pooler substitute wing Scriven was penalised and given a yellow card as the defence scrambled to stop the attack. Up stepped Maynard who coolly converted the penalty to put Llandovery into the lead at 18-21 with little time remaining.

Pooler gave it their all and managed to get back into the away twenty-two. They were awarded a penalty but rather than settle for a draw went for the win by kicking to the corner. They came agonisingly close to scoring but it wasn’t to be. Llandovery just about held out to record a narrow victory. Final score Pontypool 18: Llandovery 21.

This was a great game to watch as both teams gave their all. Pooler came storming back in the second half and victory was in their grasp. Alas it wasn’t to be, but there were plenty of encouraging things that came out of the game. The set pieces looked good and the defence was effective and blunted Llandovery’s much vaunted attack. As always there was tremendous team spirit and the never-say-die attitude that we have come to expect. As someone once said, “It can only get better.”

Pooler’s next match will be away to Bridgend Ravens. I am looking forward to it already.

Better from Wales but the Losing Streak Continues

There was a lot to like about the latest Welsh performance in Australia. True they lost the second test 36-28, but there were plenty of encouraging glimmers of hope that the excruciating run of defeats may come to an end some time soon.

Things started badly with the Wallabies racing to a 17-0 lead with even the bounce of the ball seemingly against Wales. Wales did show tremendous resilience to bounce back with two textbook tries for Lake from lineout drives. This was tempered though by conceding two soft penalties to be 23-14 down at half time. Wales had looked far livelier and were troubling the Australians far more than in the previous encounter last week.

Within ten minutes of the second half starting, Wales had scored their third try when Liam Williams crossed after sustained Welsh pressure. The conversion from Thomas meant that Wales had closed the gap to just two points at 23-21. Of course, the home side responded and used their big ball carriers to power over for a try and the lead was back to seven at 28-21.

The match was evenly contested with Wales getting good field position at times but failing to capitalise on it.  But then disaster for Wales. Liam Williams’ attempt to keep an Aussie touch-finder in play only goes straight into the arms of Daugunu who canters in for a try which looked to have put the game beyond Wales at 33-21.

Full credit to Wales who did not think the game was over and a splendid effort from Dyer running just inside the left hand touchline to score in the corner and a super conversion from Costelow put Wales back in touch at 33-25. The clock was against Wales as there were only five minutes to go and they attacked frenetically. Alas for Wales, they conceded yet another penalty in front of their posts and that was that. Australia ran out winners 36-28 and Wales were left mourning an opportunity missed.

This was an entertaining match if not of the highest quality. Wales showed great character and “won” the second half. The pack toiled hard with Lake and Botham both playing their hearts out in taking the game to the Wallabies. Behind the pack it still looked disjointed and finding the right combination is still the outstanding issue for Warren Gatland. Sadly losing has become a habit.

England who lost narrowly to the All Blacks for the second time and Ireland who pipped South Africa with a last gasp drop goal are both looking strong and along with France will make the Six Nations really difficult for Wales.

Wales get A for Effort but......

It seems a long time since that last Pontypool game but there is still international rugby to watch albeit from afar.

Wales are currently in Australia with a young squad desperately trying to end the horrible losing streak that they are on. Australia too are trying to recover from a particularly fallow period where little has gone right. Wales did have a warm up game against the Springboks in Twickenham of all places. They were duly thumped after a reasonable first half. I have to say I did not feel a great deal of optimism about the first test against Australia last Saturday.

The morning had started with England being narrowly defeated by New Zealand in what may be termed a Premier League match. Australia v Wales followed and using the same analogy was more like Championship standard if I am being kind.

Australia were the better side that was clear and had dominance in the set pieces which go a long way to deciding the outcome of a match. The Australians were generally bigger physical specimens in the pack and made Wales suffer. Wales, as always, could not be faulted for lack of effort with the redoubtable Wainwright to the fore. Wales managed to hold on to Australia's coat tails in the first half  with the score 13-10 at half time. This was a try apiece with both coming from forward drives with Wales actually awarded a penalty try after a lineout near the home try line.

In the second half Australia became more dominant scoring a couple of tries against two penalties from Wales that left the final score Australia 25: Wales 16. Both sides could have scored more tries with Wales even having a try disallowed for obstruction as a driving maul  powered over the Aussies' line. The match was error strewn with both sides looking rusty.

Wales did not do enough in an attacking sense to win the game but never gave up. In the last few minutes it was very much all Wales as desperation drove them into playing a more open game. They looked the better for it but by then it was too late.

For Wales, Wainwright was the stand out player by a mile with a huge appetite for carrying the ball forward.  Tshiunza who probably had his best game for Wales and the rest of the pack worked hard against bigger opposition and the driving lineout drill worked well at times. The scrums were a cause for concern and the lineout failed too often to allow a strong platform to be built. Behind the scrum the backs were largely ineffective with what appears to be too many people playing out of their normal club positions.

The big question is whether this group of players can take Wales on to better things. Yes, there were some key players missing like Jack Morgan and Tomos Williams and there is quite a lot of promise shown by the younger players but a huge improvement is needed. Wales have now dropped out of the top ten in the World Rankings for the first time. Not quite a crisis yet but not far from one.

Wales face Australia next weekend with a banged up squad it will be a huge ask for them to get a victory. Australia must surely be better next weekend as Joe Schmidt gets to grip with his new job.

I have also been watching the Wales Under 20s in their World Cup and I have been impressed by their efforts as they stood up well to New Zealand and beat Spain. Yet more promise in the pipeline but it wil need time for these players to develop. They will face a tough match against France next and will need to win if they are to progress to the latter stages.

Less than a couple of months before Pooler get back in action in earnest. Bring it on - I can't wait.

Pooler Fall at the Final Hurdle in a Tremendous Season

I couldn’t make the trip to North Wales for the Pooler’s final match of the season against RGC. As always, I was kept up to date by the excellent commentary on social media and then read Ray Ruddick’s comprehensive report to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

In the end, it was disappointment for Pooler who went down to a 37-26 defeat but did manage to secure the four try bonus point. It sounds like a good open game with Pooler falling behind and coming back as has been their MO for most of the season. Perhaps the tough game against Merthyr in the week and the long trip to North Wales a couple of days later paid their part in the defeat.

With largely the same squad that dominated the Championship, Pooler have done us proud in their first season back in the Premiership. They will now end up in sixth place which is better than some commentators thought. Llandovery and Newport who have been the best two sides in the league this season both did the double over Pooler but that apart Pooler have been extremely competitive. They beat the rest at least once and even did the double themselves over fourth placed Cardiff . The season was characterised by winning and losing streaks that alternated but overall there were more wins than losses. So well done to everyone involved in what has been a hugely enjoyable campaign.

Next season Pooler will compete in the new Elite League of ten teams. I don’t think anyone is completely clear how this is going to pan out. Opinions vary from business as usual to Pooler being the Dragons’ Extra Thirds team - I guess it will end up somewhere in between. I have not come across many, if any, fans who wanted it to happen but we should at least give it a chance. Anyway, we are stuck with it for a planned three years as it will be ring-fenced but I am sure Pooler will be equal to the challenge. Let us hope that Pooler’s proud traditions are upheld and we have a decent amount of competitive rugby to watch.

So onwards and upwards.

Congratulations to management and squad for a successful season. For those players retiring or moving on good luck for the future and thanks for the memories.

See you again next season.

First Half to Forget Leaves Pooler Too Much to Do

Pontypool’s final home game of the season was against Merthyr on a Wednesday evening. Conditions were ideal for rugby with the game starting in daylight although the gathering gloom meant that the floodlights were needed in the latter part of the first half.

Gathering gloom was an apt description of the way the Pooler fans felt as the first half progressed. While Merthyr started with purpose and aggression, Pooler seemed strangely lethargic. We have seen this at times this season but this time it lasted for the whole forty minutes. In fairness Merthyr played well while the home side suffered from a lack of possession and territory. The Merthyr scrum was dominant and Pooler gave away far too many penalties.

Right from the off Pooler were on the back foot and Merthyr scored a try through Hoskins after ten minutes or so. This was converted by Thompson and Merthyr led 0-7. Pooler could well have conceded more points in the first quarter as the away side laid siege on their line but their defence was heroic and just about managed to stem the tide.

At the start of the second quarter, Pooler had the temerity to launch their first attack and Merthyr were left short-handed with a yellow card for Bradbury. Sadly, their time in the Merthyr twenty-two did not lead to any points and the action was soon back in the Pontypool twenty-two. Even with fourteen men, Merthyr managed to create space for Thompson to score a try that he converted himself (0-14)

The referee finally got fed up with the collapsing scrums and showed a yellow card to Pooler prop Williams. This was shortly followed by a yellow card for Stratton as Pooler battled furiously to keep Merthyr out. The numerical advantage that the away side had eventually told  and there were tries for Bradbury and Hoskins that both went unconverted as a painful first half for Pooler was coming to a close (0-24).

There was a glimmer of a chance for Pooler to register some points on the board right at the end of the first half but alas that came to nought. In Pooler’s attack, Merthyr prop Whiting was shown a yellow card so at least Pooler would start the second half against fourteen men although they had a mountain to climb at 0-24.

One suspects that Pooler received a severe mentoring during the half time interval and despite playing up the slope in the second half we had to believe that things would improve drastically.

Well things certainly did get better and Pooler started on the front foot and after five minutes or so a break by Jarvis saw Pooler in the Merthyr twenty-two. The ball was moved left and Lewis touched down for a much-needed try. The conversion failed but at least Pooler were up and running (5-24).

Pooler made wholesale changes at this point with the bench being virtually emptied. This gave fresh energy and a few minutes later Pooler were again on the attack. The ball was spread right to Walker Price who kicked ahead. The ball bounced over the Merthyr try line with Price leading the chasing pack. He was adjudged to have been unfairly impeded and the referee awarded a penalty try. Hoskins was shown a yellow card and the home side could sense a miraculous recovery was on the cards (12-24).

The optimism was short-lived as, after another scrum penalty against Pontypool, Merthyr took up an attacking position in the home twenty-two. Some slick handling by their backs saw Meaclem score a try in the left corner. The conversion failed but Merthyr’s lead was back up to seventeen points with twenty minutes left (12-29).

Back came Pooler as they certainly did not regard the cause as lost. This time, it was substitute flanker Herbert who pierced the Merthyr defence to score their third try. Jarvis converted and it was back to “game on” with the score 19-29 and most of the final quarter remaining.

Not long after, Jarvis made a break from in his own half but in the ensuing ruck he was sin-binned. This was, I think, the sixth yellow card of the match and had the effect of blunting Pooler’s attacking prospects. Despite being short-handed, Pooler continued to put pressure on Merthyr as the went in search of a bonus point or two.

Pooler pounded away using their forwards but time was ticking away. Finally, Moa crashed over the line after lengthy series of forward drives following an attacking lineout. Jarvis converted but this was unfortunately the last action of the match. Final score Pontypool 26 : Merthyr 29.

Pontypool did redeem themselves after a  poor first half showing. They did not quite manage to overhaul Merthyr’s substantial lead in the second half but grabbed two bonus points which is at least some reward for a tremendous comeback against tough opposition. Those two points mean that they have overhauled Pontypridd in the table and currently occupy a hugely creditable fifth place. Whether they hang on to that position will be determined in the last match of the season. Pontypool travel to RGC while Merthyr, who are two points behind, are away in Swansea.

Come on Pooler! 

Pooler Hang Tough but It’s Not Enough

A Gwent derby is usually a tight and hard fought affair and over the years there have many such matches between Pontypool and Ebbw Vale. Somehow when two valley teams meet each other it seems even more fierce no matter what league position the protagonists hold. So it was that Pontypool visited Ebbw Vale on a Thursday evening in a televised game.

This game certainly lived up to expectations in terms of aggression and commitment with the local rivals going at it hammer and tongs right from the off. No one could say that the technical quality was of the highest order with errors and penalties dominating a scrappy first quarter. What was abundantly clear was that Ebbw Vale had dominance in the scrum where Pontypool conceded three penalties. Fortunately for Pooler this only led to them conceding three points through a Lloyd penalty. That left the score at 3-0 after twenty minutes bossed by the home team.

Pooler equalised a couple of minutes later through a Jarvis penalty (3-3) and brought on Kelleher-Griffiths to shore up the scrum. This made the battle more evenly contested but both sides were guilty of not being able to take the few chances that were created. The Ebbw Vale backs looked the livelier outfit and as the first half drew to a close they struck. Meek made a break from around halfway and although he was tackled Ebbw spread the ball from the ensuing ruck and Rees-Weldon was able to scamper over in the right corner. The conversion failed but the home side were able to leave the field at half time with a narrow 8-3 lead.

Pooler started the second half in fine style and worked their way down into the home twenty two. A slick planned move from a lineout saw Matthews break and find the supporting Morgan Lloyd with a clever pass. Lloyd dotted down and Jarvis converted which meant that Pooler were in the lead 8-10.

Both teams have fine goal kickers in Jarvis and Lloyd but both found the conditions difficult to master with each missing shots that they would normally expect to convert. Nevertheless, Lloyd did manage to convert a penalty for a high tackle fifteen minute into the half which put the home team back in the lead (11-10).

The hard-fought skirmishes continued with Ebbw Vale perhaps looking the more likely to score. The benches were used to bolster both teams with the final result very much in doubt. With ten minutes remaining, it was the Ebbw Vale backs who broke the deadlock. Lloyd made a good break and he was finally brought down in the Pooler twenty-two. Ebbw Vale recycled the ball and found Phillips on the right wing. He touched down in the corner for Ebbw’s second try and although the conversion failed the gap in the scores had grown to 16-10.

Pooler were still within a converted try but although they huffed and puffed they could not find the penetration or continuity to crack the aggressive home defence. Ebbw Vale also created a chance or two in the last few minutes but when the final whistle was blown the score remained the same. Final score Ebbw Vale 16 : Pontypool 10.

Over the eighty minutes Ebbw Vale were the better side and deserved their victory. Pooler created little in attack but never stopped contesting with fierce intensity. They do come way with a losing bonus point which is some reward for all their effort. Ebbw Vale go on to the play-offs and good luck to them there. Pooler have two more league matches with the next one against Merthyr at home next Wednesday. This is closely followed by the trek to RGC on the following Saturday. Fifth place in the Premiership is very much up for grabs which would be a brilliant effort for the first season back at this level.

It has finally been confirmed, to nobody’s surprise, that Cardiff will take the tenth place in the new Elite League for next season. When you look at the ten teams involved it does seem that the Welsh Valleys are poorly represented. At the start of the blog, I mentioned how local derbies between Valley clubs were particularly hard-fought and eagerly anticipated. Well in the Elite League there will now just be Ebbw vale and Pontypool representing the valleys. No Pontypridd, no Merthyr, no Neath it is a crying shame. I never liked the idea from the start and now I like it even less!

Come on Pooler let us finish the season in style!.