Pontypool Run Hot

Pooler’s final pre-season game was against Cinderford at Pontypool Park. Cinderford had proved a tough test in wet conditions the previous pre-season. Conditions were absolutely perfect for running rugby on this occasion however. The sun was beaming down and the pitch was actually looking a little greener than the previous week due to the occasional shower during the week.

The first quarter did not prepare us for the onslaught that was to come. Pooler began strongly playing up the slope and soon had recorded two tries following slick play by the threequarters with Rosser and Cole touching down. Meek converted both unerringly and it was 14-0. Pooler were then guilty of conceding a few penalties giving Cinderford field position. The well-drilled visitors’ pack took full advantage with two short range converted tries to bring the scores level at 14-14.

Pooler responded strongly with a typically powerful burst from Allen who brushed defenders aside to score under the posts. Rosser added his second a few minutes later after more good play by the backs. Meek converted both tries and at half time Pooler were 28-14 to the good.

The second half saw Pooler playing down the slope and completely dominant. The raft of substitutions made Pooler stronger but the visitors weaker as Cinderford rather wilted in the sun. Rosser grabbed another two tries either side of a try by Joe Davies all three tries were converted the first two by Meek and the third by Lloyd from the touchline. The score was now 49-14 and it was turning into a rout as Cinderford had no answer to Pooler’s pace and power.

In the final quarter, Pooler ran in a further four tries to complete the demolition job. Remarkably Meek converted all four tries to give him a perfect ten out of ten successful conversions in a brilliant display of kicking. The referee called time on the game a little early with the final score Pontypool 77 : Cinderford 14.

This was an awesome display from Pontypool who completely overran Cinderford in the second half. Rosser with his four tries and Meek with his outstanding kicking will get the plaudits but it was a great all round performance by the whole squad. When the season proper starts with a tough home opener against Llandovery, things will surely get more difficult. The three warm-up games have certainly given the squad confidence and there looks to be strength in depth particularly when you also add in the Dragons players who will become available. I can’t wait for the season to begin!

I got home in time to watch the last hour or so of the South Africa v New Zealand test. When I started watching it was all South Africa with their scrum in charge and their backs catching every high kick. The All Blacks somehow kept that at bay and in the second half having stabilised their scrum took over. Once the Boks main weapon had been neutralised, they looked far more vulnerable and the All Blacks with their running game took full advantage to run  out 16-33 winners. It sets up the rest of the series intriguingly.

Another week has passed and Welsh rugby still seems to be in limbo. Plenty of opinions being voiced but no action. How long can this go on?

Meanwhile, I am counting down the days to the next Pooler game which seems a long way off at September 12^th.

Come on Pooler!