Pooler Out of Luck

A busy rugby weekend started with the little matter of Newport v Pontypool in the Super Rugby Cymru Cup. Barring an unexpected result both sides are effectively out of the cup so that match was played for bragging rights. The game took place at the Newport Stadium on a chilly dry night. The Newport Stadium is a good facility but somehow seems soulless which I guess is one of the problems with multi-purpose stadia. A decent crowd with both teams well- represented did not seem to be able to create the normally crackling atmosphere that pervades when these tow old rivals clash.

The first half was evenly contested with both sides showing a willingness to move the ball. Defences were on top and whenever one or other of the sides threatened it ended with a turnover either due to a handling error or strong defence. The teams were really evenly matched and it was going to need something exceptional to break the deadlock.

The stadium clock showed thirty eight minutes when the unexpected happened. A speculative kick ahead from Newport bounced near the right hand touchline and nine times out it ten it would have gone into touch. This time it bounced back perfectly into the arms of the chasing Newport players, Moments later Lloyd was dotting the ball down for a try that he converted himself (7-0). Minutes later another kick ahead bounced awkwardly in the Pooler twenty-two and this time Newport wing Andrew was the beneficiary scoring a try wide out on the right. Lloyd again converted and from nowhere Newport had built a 14-0 lead.

It was tough on Pooler to be 14-0 down at half time after such an even first half. Such are the vagaries of the bounce of a rugby ball.

Pooler needed to have a good start to the second half but there was calamity. A mix up in the Pooler mid-field led to Newport scrum half Hope being presented with the ball. He needed no second invitation and galloped up-field to score under the posts. A simple conversion for Lloyd and Pooler were 21-0 down.

Pooler then enjoyed their best period of the match as they attempted to retrieve what seemed to be a hopeless situation. Concerted pressure on the Newport line by the Pooler forwards saw Hill force his way over for a try that Meek converted. There was half an hour or so remaining so Pooler had plenty of time to stage their comeback.

Things looked even more optimistic when ten minutes later Walker Price crossed for Pooler’s second try after good work by the backs. Meek converted the try and Pooler were back within a score at 21-14.

Pooler were perhaps guilty of overplaying and conceded too many penalties as Newport bounced back. With ten minutes remaining, it was Newport who scored the all-important next try. Fullback Penny evaded some would-be tackles to score in the right corner. Lloyd again converted and Pooler were staring defeat in the face at 28-14.

Newport finished the stronger and a late penalty from Lloyd sealed their victory. Final score Newport 31 : Pontypool 14.

A good game with both sides trying to play open rugby. On this occasion perhaps the rub of the green went to Newport. We look forward to the next encounter this time in a league match at Rodney Parade in a couple of weeks. Next Saturday Pooler take on Carmarthen Quins at home. The have one victory each so far this season so this should be another close one.

I am off to Cardiff to watch Wales play England. Let us hope that Wales can show the same spirit that the Under 20s did and pull off an unlikely victory.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!