Pooler Very Much Second Best

Pontypool’s first match of the season on their travels was an away fixture at Carmarthen Quins. A good contingent had made the journey from Pontypool and were in a positive frame of mind as kick-off approached.

It was a blustery day with a strong breeze but thankfully dry after the monsoon of the previous Saturday. The pitch was in perfect condition and it was all set for a good game of rugby.

The breeze seemed to be blowing across the pitch but did, if anything, favour Pooler in the first half. Carmarthen started with energy and purpose and totally dominated the first quarter of an hour with Pooler unable to escape from their half.  Pooler did not help themselves by conceding too many penalties as the pressure built. This gave the Quins the opportunity to kick for the corner and use their powerful pack to drive for the line. Some credit is due to the Pooler defence as, despite limited possession and territory, they prevented the home team from scoring until the fourteenth minute. The try came from concerted Quins forward pressure and was converted by Price to give Carmarthen a deserved 7-0 lead.

The first scrum of the game came as the first quarter ended and Carmarthen looked to have a degree of dominance here too. The lineouts had not gone particularly well for either team as the blustery conditions made life difficult. Pooler strayed offside at the start of the second quarter and Price converted the penalty  to increase the Quins lead to 10-0.

At last, Pooler put some attacks of their own together but it was all very disjointed  and the home defence showed plenty of aggression coupled with a challenging defensive line speed that meant the sporadic attacks were quickly snuffed out.

About half an hour had been played when a Pooler move broke down around halfway and Quins booted the loose ball up to the Pooler try line. It was a race to see which side would get the touchdown and it was Carmarthen that go their first for Williams to score a try under the posts. Price converted and it was now 17-0 with Pooler looking all at sea.

The rest of the half was dominated by Quins who added a third try when the forwards again drove over the line after a period of intense pressure. Loosehead prop Fawcett was credited with the try that Price converted (24-0). The first half ended with Pooler having come off very much second best in a very one-sided contest. Harsh words were no doubt spoken in the Pooler changing room.

Pontypool had to play better in the second half – didn’t they? Well, they started well enough playing their best rugby of the match so far. They managed to hang on to the ball and challenged the Quins defence. It looked much more like the old Pooler. They deserved a try and it was new recruit full back McDonough who scored in the left corner. The conversion failed but at least Pooler were on the scoreboard (24-5). Was this the cue for a Pooler comeback? Pooler continued to attack but found the Quins defence a tough nut to crack. Quins too continued to look dangerous and it was far more evenly contested.

In the final quarter things changed. Pooler started conceding far too many penalties with the scrum under big pressure. Quins were searching for their bonus point try and kicked most of the penalties to the corner. We went through what seemed to be an endless series of scrums and lineouts deep in the Pooler twenty-two. It really was a surprise that a penalty try was not awarded even though a yellow card was issued. Pooler’s defensive effort was remarkable and Quins must have been totally frustrated as they just couldn’t get the try they craved.

The clock ticked down and there were only a couple minutes  left when Pooler finally escaped from the siege. Ironically they did what the home side had failed to do in their fifteen minutes of total domination. Pooler scored what can only be described as a consolation try when McDonough touched down for his second. Meek converted and that was that. Final score Carmarthen Quins 24 : Pontypool 12.

After what was a pretty uninspiring first half, Pooler did show signs of spirit in the second half. There is no doubt that on the day the home side were well on top and thoroughly deserved their win. Pooler can claim to have “won” the second half but this is scant consolation for a bad day at the office. After ringing the changes, Pooler need to come up with a more settled team that can take them forward.

It is same again next Saturday as Carmarthen Quins visit Pontypool Park. It is a chance to get some revenge after this rather salutary defeat. Seeing Pontypool at the bottom of the SRC table is very disappointing.

Come on Pooler!

Pain in the Rain for Pooler

The second league match of the season saw RGC from North Wales visiting Pontypool Park. Rather like last week there had been a lot of rain in the days leading up to the match but the pitch looked in remarkably good condition. This week as the rain had stopped, as it happened briefly, we took our usual position on the Bank. This proved to be a mistake as the rain soon returned and basically alternated between heavy and torrential for the whole match. An odd collection of umbrellas was used to try and keep us dry but to limited effect.

Anyway, Pontypool played up the slope in the first half and at least there was no wind to speak of. This match would be won by the team that managed the difficult conditions best. Unfortunately for the spectators this would surely mean little running rugby and plenty of kicking.

Pooler got off to a great start when a RGC kick downfield was returned with some mazy running. The move started on the left and ended up on the right with flanker Davies going close. The ball was recycled and it was fullback Price who touched down for a try with only a couple of minutes on the clock (5-0). The conversion failed but from the restart RGC were a man down when Brown was shown a yellow card.

The kicking games took over and it was clear that this was an area where RGC had an edge. There were some lengthy exchanges of kicks as both sides waited for a mistake. This normally happened when someone tried to run the ball back with the slippery ball making handling difficult. Despite some typically strong runs from Morgan Allen, Pooler were unable to make their numerical supremacy tell as the first quarter passed us by.

Early in the second quarter a penalty form Meek saw Pooler extend their lead to 8-0. This game was going to be decided by the team that could capitalise best on the many handling errors that were occurring in the treacherous conditions. After around half an hour played, it was RGC  who took advantage of good field position when a great kick downfield made the Pooler defence struggle. After some powerful forward drives, Thirsk touched down for the visitors and McBryde added a well-struck conversion (8-7).

A few minutes later a knock on from Pooler was compounded by an offside penalty that McBryde converted to give RGC a slender lead at 8-10. The RGC scrum was getting on top and a welcome source of penalties for the visitors as the rain continued to teem down. Pooler’s lineout which had functioned well started to creak a bit as well as the conditions made things difficult for throwers and jumpers alike. There was no further scoring as the half drew to a close. The second half was going to be a war of attrition for players and those brave souls on the Bank alike.

RGC started the brighter in the second half and could have increased their lead when a clever cross kick was knocked on within a couple of yards of Pooler’s try line. There followed a period of Pooler dominance as they tried to get back in front. They had a couple of periods where they hammered away at the RGC line but a combination of the conditions and stubborn defence frustrated them. The RGC kicking game and their strong scrum were still giving Pooler plenty to think about.

At last, as the fourth quarter started, Pooler edged into the lead with a penalty from Meek (11-10) accompanied by a yellow card for Gareth Parry of RGC. The lead was very short-lived as RGC hit back with a penalty from McBryde virtually straight from the restart (11-13).

Could Pooler bounce back?  They tried their best with some strong attacks but the RGC defence held them out. The pressure told and another penalty from Meek did edge them back into the lead at 14-13.

There was around ten minutes remaining and both sides desperately tried to keep their error count down as the kicking duel continued. Pooler tried to keep possession but it wasn’t easy with the slippery ball. It was tense stuff that was for sure. It was Pooler who cracked and conceded a penalty in the last minute that McBryde converted with aplomb to give RGC back the lead at 14-16.

There was still time for one last chance for Pooler. They won the ball back from the restart but in their desperation lost control of the ball just inside the RGC half as they tried to make one too many passes with the slippery ball. RGC wing, Parry, took full advantage of the loose ball and scooted away to score under the posts. McBryde converted and Pooler had lost the losing bonus point. Final score Pontypool 14 : RGC 23.

This was a game that could have gone either way right until the end and was played under extremely difficult conditions. The pitch did stand up very well to the heavy rain which in years gone by might have led to the match being abandoned. Both teams gave it their all but it was probably the superior kicking game of RGC combined with an edge in the scrum that won the day. Pooler will, of course, rue those missed chances when they were camped on the visitors’ line.

Welsh Rugby continues to stagnate as the number of regions debate rages on. It really is difficult to predict the outcome so I will not even try. I don’t think anyone really wants to cut the number of regions but results on the field and financial constraints mean something has to be done.

Next week there will be another tough assignment for Pooler in what looks to be a highly competitive league. Pooler will visit Carmarthen Quins where they are sure to get a warm welcome. Let us hope that we are spared the rain.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Start with a Win

At last, the rugby season proper has started after what seems like an age since Pontypool played their last league match. This time the season opener was a home game against Swansea who had an indifferent start to last season before finishing quite strongly. As always, there have been  many arrivals and departures during the closed season so the first few games invariably are a bedding in period for new recruits.

Pontypool Park was looking pristine with a lot of hard work gone on to spruce the place up in readiness for the new season. The weather was unsettled after the long hot summer and had alternated between torrential rain showers and sunshine all week.  A heavy downpour just as we were arriving disappeared as quickly as it had appeared and the match started in sunshine.  I did, however, decide to watch from the packed stand rather than take my customary place on the Bank.

Pooler played down the slope in the first half and the first quarter was rather non-descript with the two old enemies feeling each other out. A lot of kicking and neither side managing to seize the initiative. What was clear was that Swansea had a big combative pack of forwards who were going to give the Pooler eight a run for their money particularly at the breakdown. Both sides had kickable penalties with Meek on target for Pooler while an attempt by Phillips for Swansea went wide (3-0). The only other thing of note was a storming run from Pooler’s Morgan Allen who looked in fine fettle.

The second quarter was more entertaining with Pooler gaining a level of ascendancy. There was still a lot of kicking but at least Pooler gained good field positions. The Pooler forwards took play into the Swansea twenty-two and the alert Pooler scrum half, Cole, spotted a gap and scooted over for a try under the posts. Meek converted and Pooler had built a 10-0 lead.

Swansea enjoyed a period of possession and the Pooler defence had to work hard to repel them. The Swansea backs looked dangerous at times but were just about kept in check. Swansea did get some reward for their efforts with a penalty from Phillips which reduced Pooler’s lead to 10-3. There was still plenty of kicking from both sides and rather too many mistakes for the coaches’ liking I am sure.

On the half hour, the referee was injured and was replaced by one of the linesmen. As you might expect, the new referee had a slightly different way of refereeing the ever more complex laws of game and the players would have to adjust to that.  Meek added another penalty while Phillips missed a penalty to leave the halftime score 13-3 in favour of the home team. A little bit of argy bargy as the players left the field added spice to a closely fought first half.

Swansea started the second half very strongly and were soon in Pooler’s twenty-two and looking dangerous. The Pooler defence worked hard to keep them out but, after nearly ten minutes, they finally cracked with a try from Cox which Phillips converted (13-10). Pooler were not entirely happy with the decision to award the try but the referee was not to be swayed.

Pooler needed to regain the initiative as the momentum was now with Swansea. Pooler did exactly that and played some of their best rugby of the match as they managed to increase the pace they were playing at. Some really good play by forwards and backs saw Morgan Allen standing out on the left wing power in for a try. The conversion failed but Pooler were back more than a score ahead at 18-10.

Swansea were far from beaten and were giving as good as they got as we entered the final quarter. A penalty from Phillips brought Swansea back in range at 18-13 and it was still anyone’s game. The Pooler lineout had been efficient all game and a couple of minutes later Pooler kicked a penalty for the corner and  a pre-arranged lineout ploy worked perfectly. Hooker, Wood, received the ball after a front peel to score in the right corner. An excellent conversion from Meek saw Pooler increase their lead to 25-13 with 15 minutes left.

Both sides strove hard to add to their tallies in the time remaining – Pooler in search of the try bonus point and Swansea a bonus point. Both sides went close but it wasn’t to be. Final score Pontypool 25 : Swansea 13.

Pooler will be pleased to get a win in the first league match against a tough Swansea team. They did look understandably rusty at times and there are plenty of areas for the coaching team to work on. All in all, an encouraging start so well done to everybody.

Next up for Pooler will be a home game against RGC next Saturday. Matches between these two sides tend to be high scoring and entertaining. Let us hope the weather plays ball.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Warming Up Nicely but Welsh Rugby in Turmoil

I didn’t make the trip to Moseley but I was delighted to see that Pontypool had a great pre-season workout against stiff opposition and came away with a narrow 29-31 victory. Good to see that Scott Mathews hasn’t forgotten the way to the try line. The next warm up match will be at Cinderford where Pooler can expect a warm welcome in more ways than one. The season proper gets ever nearer and I for one can’t wait for the first league game against Swansea at home on September 13^th.

Welsh Rugby seems to be hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons with the WRU not really building much confidence as they propose two team professional rugby as the way forward. I for one have never really embraced regional rugby finding a diet of Pontypool and Wales quite sufficient. I therefore do not really feel able to match the passion of the regional fans who are understandably up in arms. Having watched some regional matches on TV there always seemed to be large swathes of empty spaces in the stands for most games. The four regions have certainly not set the world alight and seem to be in a death spiral financially as they try and compete with wealthier opposition. Something needs to be done as if we keep doing what we are doing we will keep getting what we are getting.

As in all such situations, it is uncertainty that does significant damage to all involved. It seems that we have reached the consultation stage as to how we get to two professional outfits rather than whether we should. I don’t expect to be consulted but good luck to those who are. It makes splitting the atom look like child’s play.

Last Gasp Defeat for Pooler

Here we are again with a new rugby season just around the corner. As what has become alarmingly normal, Welsh rugby remains in a state of flux. At least the national team ended their dismal run with a victory in Japan. The debate about how many regions Welsh rugby can support rages on and seems no nearer to resolution. Something akin to a civil war has broken out in the West with Scarlets and Ospreys at each other’s throats. The rationalisation can has been kicked so many times down the road it probably looks more like a flat sheet. No more reviews surely. Someone needs to make a decision and soon. Its emotive and difficult but for the good of Welsh rugby it has to be done.

The return of the prodigal son Rees Zammit has caused a major distraction. True he is an excellent player, but he needs to be given the ball in situations that he can exploit with his speed. Have we got a team that can do that? Hopefully new coach Steve Tandy can build a team to bring some much needed pride back at the top of the game in Wales.

Meanwhile we are in the realms of pre-season friendlies. Pontypool travelled to Dings Crusaders in Bristol for their second outing of the season after travelling up the road to Talywain last weekend. Dings have an enviable set up on the outskirts of Bristol with a magnificent clubhouse and at least three pitches. They are in the English Division One and can present formidable opposition. As always, in pre-season friendlies the teams selected are often experimental and this was certainly the case for the Pontypool team.

The weather was warm and sunny and the match was played on an artificial pitch. I am glad to say it was played under proper match conditions with a normal sized squad of players for each team. Play was quite scrappy in the early stages as both teams tried to find a rhythm.  It was Pooler who scored first when Mahoney burst over for a converted try (0-7). It did not take long for Dings to hit back as they scored from a lineout drive (7-7).

Pooler retook the lead after some smart play from the backs saw Jarvis score a try which was converted by Meek. It was clear that Dings were settling down to play the more cohesive rugby. They had a strong scrum and an efficient lineout and began to look threatening. Pooler were also guilty of conceding too many penalties with high tackles incurring the wrath of the referee and in the end resulted in a yellow card for the Pooler tight head prop.

Dings deservedly took the lead with two converted tries which saw them 21-14 ahead at half time. Pooler needed to respond and start the second half strongly.

Right at the beginning of the second half the Dings openside flanker suffered a nasty head/neck injury which meant a delay of around 20 minutes while he was attended to by the medics. I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

The delay set Pooler back and Dings looked the more determined side when the game restarted. They quickly went back on the attack and scored a try near the posts after a break by their scrum half (28-14).  Pooler brought on reinforcements from the bench and began to look much more threatening. A converted try from short range after strong play by the forwards saw the lead trimmed to 28-21.

Pooler continued to attack and a try in the left corner by Rees was quickly followed by a try from Jones in the right corner. Both conversions from wide out failed but the ten points gave Pooler a 28-31 lead with not long left.

Yet another Pooler infringement gave Dings field position for the last play of the match. They put together a well-constructed lineout drive with virtually the whole team joining in. This was enough to force their way over the line for the winning score. The try was converted and the final score was Dings Crusaders 35 : Pontypool 31.

This was an entertaining game and I am sure a good workout for the players before the season proper. Pooler will know they can play much better than this and that they have some strong resources that weren’t on view. They will need to look at how to avoid conceding so many penalties which can prove so costly.

The next friendly is away at Moseley next weekend. It will be interesting to see the team that is selected.

I applaud the work that has been done in setting up the Pontypool Supporters Club. Congratulations to all  you are doing a fine job.

Come on Pooler!  

Pooler Make Llandovery Work Hard for Victory

A glorious May afternoon and almost a party atmosphere greeted us at Church Bank, Llandovery. This was a quarter final of the Super Rygbi Cymru playoffs. The artificial pitch was in pristine condition and Pontypool were going to have it all to do against a team that thrives on playing in these conditions. The Drovers of Llandovery are the reigning champions of the Premier League and had already beaten Pooler twice this season. Yes, this was going to be difficult.

Llandovery kicked off and almost immediately seized possession. Some powerful running from backs and forwards alike gave the Pooler defence an early workout. Eventually the pressure told and right wing Doel touched down in the corner for an unconverted try with only three minutes on the clock (5-0).

The Drovers continued to press with Pooler really struggling to keep them out. But keep them out they did and eventually managed to get out of their own half. Pooler were awarded a penalty that Ford converted to register their first points (5-3).

Normal service was resumed with Pooler back on the defensive as Llandovery kept playing at a tremendous pace and Pooler tackling like demons. After a couple of narrow escapes, the pressure told and Jones touched down after powerful work by the home forwards. Hughes converted  and Llandovery had extended their lead to 12-3 with a quarter of an hour played.

The Pooler set piece was coming under pressure with the scrum creaking and the lineout misfiring at times. The home side were certainly getting the better of things.

Pooler managed to gain a rare foothold in the Drovers half as the first quarter ended. They were awarded a penalty and Morgan Lloyd took a quick tap penalty and made good progress. As ever, Matthews was there in support to touch down near the posts. Ford converted and, rather against the run of play, Pooler had closed the gap to just two points at 12-10.

Back came Llandovery and, after a series of forward drives, home prop Hughes was awarded a try after TV review. The conversion failed but Llandovery had extended their lead to 17-10.

The last part of the first half was a bit more evenly contested and Pooler were rewarded with another penalty from Ford. So, at half time the score was Llandovery 17 : Pontypool 13. The scoreline did not really reflect a dominant performance from Llandovery but the grit and determination of Pooler had kept them in the game. Pooler seemed to have come away with points on almost all their visits to the home half while Llandovery were probably ruing many missed opportunities. Still, it was all to play for.

The third quarter proved to more of the same with Llandovery dominating territory and possession and Pooler battling to protect their line. Llandovery had a “try” disallowed on review but eventually Davies scored a try that was converted by Hughes to open up a two score lead at 24-13.

Pooler began to get their hands on the ball more frequently and fresh legs from the bench helped their cause. As the final quarter started, Pooler seemed to have scored when they broke from a lineout on the Drovers twenty two with Chapman touching down. Unfortunately, the try was ruled out after the officials reviewed a replay on the TV monitor. This could have been a real turning point for Pooler.

Pooler were now giving as good as they got but did make errors at crucial times which cost them dear. With just five minutes remaining, Hughes kicked a penalty for Llandovery and they were two converted tries clear at 27-13.

Pooler were not about to give up and some fine attacking play saw Cole score a try just a minute later which Ford converted. There was still a chance at 27-20 with four minutes left.

Pooler’s hopes were instantly dashed as they failed to deal with the kick off and Doel squeezed in at the corner for his second try. Although the try was unconverted the home side had surely secured victory at 32-20 with only a couple of minutes left.

Pooler threw caution to the winds in those last minutes and paid the penalty when Llandovery seized possession for Williams to score a try that was converted by Maynard. This was the last action of the game. Final score Llandovery 39 : Pontypool 20.

There is no doubt that Llandovery were deserved winners but Pooler made them work damned hard for their victory. Pooler’s defence was heroic at times as they strove to stem a seemingly endless stream of Drovers’ attacks. Llandovery are a really good team with all round strength and there is no disgrace in losing to them on their own patch.

That will be the last game of Pontypool’s season. They can reflect on a great first year in the new Super Rygbi Cymru league where they have been very competitive and have beaten every team but Llandovery at least once in finishing in fifth place. There is plenty to build on for next season and plenty to look forward to.

Well done Pooler!  

Pooler in their Pomp – and I Missed It!

I have just got back from a week in Spain with a dreadful cold.  The holiday meant that I missed Pooler’s narrow defeat at Aberavon (26-24) and my ropey condition meant that I also missed Pooler’s final home game of the season against league leaders Cardiff. This is a real shame as it sounds like it was a crackerjack performance by Pooler who won 47-27 with a dominant second half display.

There was little but pride at stake in this match as Cardiff were in an unassailable position at the top of the league and Pooler were bound to finish in fifth place. A game between Pontypool and Cardiff, of course, always matters to players and fans alike so it was a great ending to the league programme. It means that, with the exception of Llandovery, that Pooler managed to beat every team in the league at least once which is some achievement. Pooler have really demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with that is for sure. In what has been a dismal season for Welsh rugby in general, Pooler’s performances have certainly cheered me up.

The season is not over for now we enter the world of play-offs. As luck would have it, Pooler must travel to Llandovery for their quarter final as the team finishing fourth in the league play the team finishing fifth. This is a tough nut to crack but Pooler will surely be in good heart and no doubt will give it their best shot. Pooler will have two weeks in which to prepare their game plan as the wild card play-offs for the lower ranked teams will take place next week.

Come on Pooler!