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.