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!