This week Pontypool 'entertained' Llanharan at a sunny but cool Pontypool Park. I think most people thought that we had a fifty-fifty chance of winning and at least that it wouldn't be a trouncing.
As we have seen many times before this season, Pooler set off like a house on fire and quickly raced to an eight point lead before Llanharan realised that the game had started. Pooler created a couple more opportunities but failed to take them and then visitors stronger pack gained the ascendancy. They were stronger at scrum and in ruck and maul and the pressure told and the home side conceded too many turnovers. The inevitable happened and the Pooler lead was quickly overhauled by two Llanharan tries one of which was converted. Pontypool did manage to reply with a Gullis penalty goal to leave the score at 11-12 at half-time. This is quite a familiar situation for Pooler this season and we fervently hoped that we had learned from the narrow victory over Whitland.
Llanharan came out for the second half meaning business and turned pressure into points brushing aside some feeble Pooler tackling to score another two tries to extend their lead to 11-24. This was not meant to happen we wailed. The second half was also noteworthy for a massive brawl involving all thirty players that lead to a red card for each side plus a yellow card for Pooler. This left the game at thirteen men a side for a while as a Llanharan player was already in the sin-bin. The fracas reminded me of the "99" call that the Lions used in Soth Aftrica in 1974 and you had to feel sorry for the referee who was not supported by neutral touch judges. Anyway after this fisticuffs tempers cooled and we got back to the rugby. There was a further flashpoint following a tip tackle by the Llanharan fullback which resulted in a yellow card that many thought should have been red. It was pretty poor stuff but at least Pooler started to apply some pressure. They did not seem to be able to play with any fluency and when they scored a try they had virtually run into a dead-end but Norton somehow managed to break a couple of tackles and race to the line. The try was converted and with the score now 18-24, Pooler sniffed half a chance. Soon after they scored a try from deep within their own twenty two with Dyckhoff showing a fine turn of pace to finish off a super break. We wished that he had managed to cross nearer the posts to make the conversion easier particularly as regular kicker Gullis had been substituted. Mills narrowly missed the conversion to make the score 23-24 with only injury time remaining. Llanharan, however, looked after the ball well and Pooler never really had a scoring opportunity from then on.
Another narrow loss and another losing bonus point. I suppose the question is are Pooler improving? Certain aspects have certainly improved particularly the lineout and at times they do play some attractive rugby but they lack consistency and at times look frail in defence. It was ironic that a certain Mr Huish scored two tries for Llanharan, how we could do with someone like his namesake now.
There is definitely still a long way to go but with a bit of luck we could have won a few more games. Keep working at it Pooler!
Talking of a long way to go, what a disastrous weekend for our East Wales regions with both suffering major defeats at the hands of the Irish. This follows on from the previous weekend when all four Welsh regions lost in Europe. There looks to be a major gulf in class developing at regional level. I was racking my brains to think of one truly world class foreign player playing in Wales and could not think of one so we need to rely on developing our own talent. Starving the clubs of cash lower down the pyramid is not going to help.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Saturday, 20 October 2012
A Bad Day at Blackwood
The Pontypool faithful travelled to near neighbours Blackwood with a degree of optimism following last week's victory. Blackwood had not had the best start to the season either so here was a chance to secure an away victory. Yet again we were blessed with a sunny afternoon and we settled back in eager anticipation to watch what we hoped would be a keenly fought local derby..
It took less than a minute for a swift mood change. Blackwood kicked off, Pooler got the ball back to the full back for a relieving kick as per the plan. The kick was charged down and Blackwood were in under the posts - not in the plan. Worse was to follow, Pontypool were awful and could hardly string to passes together. True they were not helped by a rather liberal interpretation of the offside law by the referee with respect to the Blackwood defence and a very harsh yellow card for Sam Mills, but this really was a first half from hell. Blackwood for their part played some decent stuff and if it were not for some profligate finishing should have been more that 13-0 ahead at the end of the half. Pooler did manage to finish the half with some decent pressure in the Blackwood twenty two but, in truth, never looked like scoring. Surely the second half half would be better.
The second half started badly for Pontypool with Blackwood pressing. They got their reward when from a scrum that had wheeled through 185 degrees, their scum half ran in for a try unopposed as Pooler waited for the whistle that never came. 20-0 down and a pithy comment from the Pooler water carrier led to his dismissal by the referee. This was turning into a nightmare!
Then things began to change. A couple of Blackwood injuries and the introduction of the experienced Calwyn Morgan at scrum half certainly contributed to a shift in momentum. More telling was the referee remembering the offside law and penalising Blackwood five or six times before finally administering a yellow card. Suddenly it was all Pooler and their confidence seemed to grow exponentially and forwards and backs began to combine effectively at last. Their efforts were soon rewarded with two unconverted tries and a penalty to bring the score to 20-13. There was a lot of injury time to be played and Blackwood were hanging on desperately as they were reduced to fourteen by another yellow card. A draw was still on the cards but try as Pooler might they could not quite complete the come back.
An away bonus point was the reward for Pontypool but you were left frustrated and wondering why it took them so long to show the urgency and sense of purpose that they showed towards the end. It would be too easy to blame the referee, critical self-examination is required.
It took less than a minute for a swift mood change. Blackwood kicked off, Pooler got the ball back to the full back for a relieving kick as per the plan. The kick was charged down and Blackwood were in under the posts - not in the plan. Worse was to follow, Pontypool were awful and could hardly string to passes together. True they were not helped by a rather liberal interpretation of the offside law by the referee with respect to the Blackwood defence and a very harsh yellow card for Sam Mills, but this really was a first half from hell. Blackwood for their part played some decent stuff and if it were not for some profligate finishing should have been more that 13-0 ahead at the end of the half. Pooler did manage to finish the half with some decent pressure in the Blackwood twenty two but, in truth, never looked like scoring. Surely the second half half would be better.
The second half started badly for Pontypool with Blackwood pressing. They got their reward when from a scrum that had wheeled through 185 degrees, their scum half ran in for a try unopposed as Pooler waited for the whistle that never came. 20-0 down and a pithy comment from the Pooler water carrier led to his dismissal by the referee. This was turning into a nightmare!
Then things began to change. A couple of Blackwood injuries and the introduction of the experienced Calwyn Morgan at scrum half certainly contributed to a shift in momentum. More telling was the referee remembering the offside law and penalising Blackwood five or six times before finally administering a yellow card. Suddenly it was all Pooler and their confidence seemed to grow exponentially and forwards and backs began to combine effectively at last. Their efforts were soon rewarded with two unconverted tries and a penalty to bring the score to 20-13. There was a lot of injury time to be played and Blackwood were hanging on desperately as they were reduced to fourteen by another yellow card. A draw was still on the cards but try as Pooler might they could not quite complete the come back.
An away bonus point was the reward for Pontypool but you were left frustrated and wondering why it took them so long to show the urgency and sense of purpose that they showed towards the end. It would be too easy to blame the referee, critical self-examination is required.
Monday, 15 October 2012
A win at last
Nothing has gone right for Pontypool over the last six months and it came as a real tonic when we finally won our first game of the season after a string of defeats. The opposition was Whitland who have been struggling too and battled hard in a basement battle in the Championship at Pontypool Park.
The sun was shining brightly as then teams took the field. Pooler got off to a flier and scored two excellent tries in double quick time. Everything looked set fair for a good win but those of us who have watched Pontypool know it can never be that simple. A promising back move led to disaster when a loose pass was intercepted and resulted in a Whitland try under the posts. What should have been 17-0 turned into 10-7 and yet again Pontypool seemed to become deflated letting Whitland back into the game. Whitland pressed hard as their pack gained the ascendancy and Pooler were lucky to go in at half time at 13-10. With Whitland playing down the slope in the second half, things looked decidedly dodgy for the home side.
The second half started with Whitland on top through their more powerful pack and the lead changed hands. Whitland's scored a converted try and a dropped goal with Pooler only managing a Gullis penalty in response to be down 18-20 with time running out. The home crowd feared the worst but Pooler were not done and pressed hard. They got their reward with a fine individual try by wing Sandells that was converted from wide out to lead 25-20. We still knew that the game was far from over and Whitland pressed hard and, after an exchange of penalty goals, the game went into injury time at 28-23 and the nerves were jangling. Fortunately a good relieving kick from a penalty put us deep into Whitland territory and with the last move of the game Pontypool captain, Macey crashed over for his second try to seal victory for the home side. The conversion failed but Pooler rejoiced in a hard earned victory 33-23 and a bonus point for scoring four tries.
The Pontypool team and fans were elated but you had to feel a bit sorry for a dejected Whitland team as they trooped off the field - a feeling Pooler know only too well! Let us hope that this win lifts the Pooler team and brings some much needed confidence as we move into yet another tough local derby at Blackwood next week.
I watched quite a lot of Euopean rugby on the TV and overall it was disappointing from a Welsh perspective. The Ospreys did at least manage a bonus point win but Toulouse and Leicester are much tougher prospects than Treviso in the matches to come. The Blues should have won after taking a substantial lead but woeful tactical kicking let Sale pinch a win. Scarlets and Dragons were both well beaten away from home even though both managed to score some tries. Sam Warburton was off injured again and you have to worry about his durability in a very demanding position.
Anyway Pooler won - well done boys!
The sun was shining brightly as then teams took the field. Pooler got off to a flier and scored two excellent tries in double quick time. Everything looked set fair for a good win but those of us who have watched Pontypool know it can never be that simple. A promising back move led to disaster when a loose pass was intercepted and resulted in a Whitland try under the posts. What should have been 17-0 turned into 10-7 and yet again Pontypool seemed to become deflated letting Whitland back into the game. Whitland pressed hard as their pack gained the ascendancy and Pooler were lucky to go in at half time at 13-10. With Whitland playing down the slope in the second half, things looked decidedly dodgy for the home side.
The second half started with Whitland on top through their more powerful pack and the lead changed hands. Whitland's scored a converted try and a dropped goal with Pooler only managing a Gullis penalty in response to be down 18-20 with time running out. The home crowd feared the worst but Pooler were not done and pressed hard. They got their reward with a fine individual try by wing Sandells that was converted from wide out to lead 25-20. We still knew that the game was far from over and Whitland pressed hard and, after an exchange of penalty goals, the game went into injury time at 28-23 and the nerves were jangling. Fortunately a good relieving kick from a penalty put us deep into Whitland territory and with the last move of the game Pontypool captain, Macey crashed over for his second try to seal victory for the home side. The conversion failed but Pooler rejoiced in a hard earned victory 33-23 and a bonus point for scoring four tries.
The Pontypool team and fans were elated but you had to feel a bit sorry for a dejected Whitland team as they trooped off the field - a feeling Pooler know only too well! Let us hope that this win lifts the Pooler team and brings some much needed confidence as we move into yet another tough local derby at Blackwood next week.
I watched quite a lot of Euopean rugby on the TV and overall it was disappointing from a Welsh perspective. The Ospreys did at least manage a bonus point win but Toulouse and Leicester are much tougher prospects than Treviso in the matches to come. The Blues should have won after taking a substantial lead but woeful tactical kicking let Sale pinch a win. Scarlets and Dragons were both well beaten away from home even though both managed to score some tries. Sam Warburton was off injured again and you have to worry about his durability in a very demanding position.
Anyway Pooler won - well done boys!
Monday, 8 October 2012
Spirit but no substance in the ghost league
I had been on holiday for the last couple of weeks and had missed the previous two Pooler matches - a predictable heavy defeat at Ebbw Vale and an unlucky last minute home defeat by Bridgend Athletic - so I was keen to see whether things had improved at all. I have to say it is difficult to find out anything about the Championship on the TV as it doesn't seem to exist according to all the teletext services. It seems to occupy some ghostly world between the premier League and the first divisions. Fortunately my season ticket informed me that we were away at our old rivals Newbridge (the Blue Pigs as they are affectionately known). Newbridge are one of the stronger sides in the league so would present a formidable challenge for a Pooler side still trying to find its way in the Ghost League.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon afternoon as we took our places on the familiar old terrace and it was reassuring that nothing has really changed at the Welfare Ground even though significant construction has taken place around it. A good crowd had gathered and hoped for one for one of the classic encounters of yesteryear. The game was very even for the first fifteen minutes or so with both sides threatening to score. It was good to see that the Pooler scrum was solid with two chunky props keeping Newbridge at bay. The turning point in the match came when Pooler opted to run a kickable penalty. The subsequent move broke down and Newbridge seized on the loose ball and scored a try with some excellent combined play. Worse was to follow as Pooler's early assurance seemed to vanish and that together with a rather harsh yellow card led to a period where Newbridge seemed to score tries at will. Pooler did manage a try but the half-time whistle could not seem to come quickly enough and with the score at 35-5, the match was effectively over. We feared that a record defeat was in the offing.
Pooler, however, emerged with a new resolve after the break and dominated the early exchanges. After camping on the Newbridge line, they eventually scored an excellent try. Perhaps all was not lost and a bonus point was at least possible. Unfortunately the harder Pontypool tried, the more mistakes they made so they mad little impression from then on. Newbridge, for their part, could not find any continuity either and the second half degenerated into a whistle fest. Newbridge did manage to score a couple of tries when the Pontypool defence parted like the Red Sea did for Moses. This gave a final score of 45-10 and another afternoon to forget for the Pooler faithful.
Pooler again showed plenty of spirit and Luke Dyckhoff deserves special mention for his efforts as a ball carrier. The set piece seemed to have improved but the other teams seem to be quicker in thought and deed in seizing scoring opportunities. The first win of the season needs to come soon to boost the flagging confidence of the team. The recent defection of club captain Jamie Jeune to Newport will not have helped.
The one good thing about playing in a ghost league is that the taunting and teasing in the pub on a Saturday night is kept at reasonable levels as no one who didn't go to the match knows the score.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon afternoon as we took our places on the familiar old terrace and it was reassuring that nothing has really changed at the Welfare Ground even though significant construction has taken place around it. A good crowd had gathered and hoped for one for one of the classic encounters of yesteryear. The game was very even for the first fifteen minutes or so with both sides threatening to score. It was good to see that the Pooler scrum was solid with two chunky props keeping Newbridge at bay. The turning point in the match came when Pooler opted to run a kickable penalty. The subsequent move broke down and Newbridge seized on the loose ball and scored a try with some excellent combined play. Worse was to follow as Pooler's early assurance seemed to vanish and that together with a rather harsh yellow card led to a period where Newbridge seemed to score tries at will. Pooler did manage a try but the half-time whistle could not seem to come quickly enough and with the score at 35-5, the match was effectively over. We feared that a record defeat was in the offing.
Pooler, however, emerged with a new resolve after the break and dominated the early exchanges. After camping on the Newbridge line, they eventually scored an excellent try. Perhaps all was not lost and a bonus point was at least possible. Unfortunately the harder Pontypool tried, the more mistakes they made so they mad little impression from then on. Newbridge, for their part, could not find any continuity either and the second half degenerated into a whistle fest. Newbridge did manage to score a couple of tries when the Pontypool defence parted like the Red Sea did for Moses. This gave a final score of 45-10 and another afternoon to forget for the Pooler faithful.
Pooler again showed plenty of spirit and Luke Dyckhoff deserves special mention for his efforts as a ball carrier. The set piece seemed to have improved but the other teams seem to be quicker in thought and deed in seizing scoring opportunities. The first win of the season needs to come soon to boost the flagging confidence of the team. The recent defection of club captain Jamie Jeune to Newport will not have helped.
The one good thing about playing in a ghost league is that the taunting and teasing in the pub on a Saturday night is kept at reasonable levels as no one who didn't go to the match knows the score.
Sunday, 16 September 2012
Second half blues
Pontypool played against Bargoed in their first Gwent derby match of the season. Pooler had lost their first two matches of the Championship season while Bargoed had won their two which made Bargoed strong favourites to win at Pontypool Park.
This was the classic "game of two halves" with Pontypool starting like a firecracker playing open attacking rugby that seemed to take Bargoed completely by surprise. Pooler quickly raced into a 17-5 lead scoring two excellent tries with centre Macey and new fullback Gullis prominant. As the first half wore on, the strong Bargoed pack began to take a grip and, although the pacey Pooler backs continued to threaten, Bargoed hit back with their second unconverted try just before half time to make the score 17-10.
In the second half Bargoed stepped up their game and Pooler were comprehensively blown away as the visitors scored six tries. The Bargoed pack was in complete control in set pieces and at ruck and maul and won possession at will. The Pooler scrum was in total disarray and were fortunate only to concede one penalty try. The home team only managed two penalty goals and "lost" the second half by a staggering 6-42 to give a final score of 23-52. This was a real thumping and with Ebbw Vale away next week it does not get any easier.
If it is any consolation, it is interesting to note that Pooler have been leading at half time in their two home matches and were leading until injury time in the first half in the match at Tata. In all three matches the opposition pack took control in the second half as the young Pooler pack tired and did not win enough possession for the promising backs to fire. How things have changed since Ray Prosser's days in charge!
I watched the Ospreys against Glasgow and the Dragons against the Blues on the TV and found both games quite depressing. I don't think the latter will have done a lot for the prospects of filling the Millennium Stadium for local derbies. At this rate there will need to be a lot Scarlets in the Welsh team for the Autumn internationals if they are to compete against the Souther Hemisphere countries.
This was the classic "game of two halves" with Pontypool starting like a firecracker playing open attacking rugby that seemed to take Bargoed completely by surprise. Pooler quickly raced into a 17-5 lead scoring two excellent tries with centre Macey and new fullback Gullis prominant. As the first half wore on, the strong Bargoed pack began to take a grip and, although the pacey Pooler backs continued to threaten, Bargoed hit back with their second unconverted try just before half time to make the score 17-10.
In the second half Bargoed stepped up their game and Pooler were comprehensively blown away as the visitors scored six tries. The Bargoed pack was in complete control in set pieces and at ruck and maul and won possession at will. The Pooler scrum was in total disarray and were fortunate only to concede one penalty try. The home team only managed two penalty goals and "lost" the second half by a staggering 6-42 to give a final score of 23-52. This was a real thumping and with Ebbw Vale away next week it does not get any easier.
If it is any consolation, it is interesting to note that Pooler have been leading at half time in their two home matches and were leading until injury time in the first half in the match at Tata. In all three matches the opposition pack took control in the second half as the young Pooler pack tired and did not win enough possession for the promising backs to fire. How things have changed since Ray Prosser's days in charge!
I watched the Ospreys against Glasgow and the Dragons against the Blues on the TV and found both games quite depressing. I don't think the latter will have done a lot for the prospects of filling the Millennium Stadium for local derbies. At this rate there will need to be a lot Scarlets in the Welsh team for the Autumn internationals if they are to compete against the Souther Hemisphere countries.
Sunday, 9 September 2012
Steel too strong for Pooler
If Pooler needed any further reminder about how tough this season is going to be, then this was it. They received a warm welcome at Tata Steel RFC in more ways than one on a sunny September afternoon. This was always going to be a tough assignment against last year's West Wales Division 1 high fliers for the new look Pontypool team.
As it turned out, it was a really one sided battle with Tata dominant from the start. Their tough cohesive pack won plenty of ball for their pacey backs and Pooler were on the back foot throughout. The amazing thing was that until the 40th minute of the first half were in the lead thanks to two penalties resulting from two of their rare sorties into the Tata half. The fact that Pooler kept the score down was due to a resolute scrambling defence coupled with wrong options and dropped passes from the Tata players when the try line was at their mercy. Tata eventually scored a converted try to lead 10-6 at half time.
The huge defensive effort and the baking sun inevitably took their toll on Pooler and they leaked tries throughout the second half as they tired and Tata reduced their error count. Tata raced to their bonus point try and an unassailable lead. With the game effectively over, both teams made mass substitutions and the game became more even. To their credit Pooler never gave up and scored a brace of good tries in the last quarter but these were very much a consolation prize. The final score of 41-20 did not truly reflect the gulf between the two teams.
The positives for Pooler were the fantastic defensive effort in the first half and the fact that they never stopped trying their hardest. The reality is that sadly they are not good enough to compete with the stronger clubs at this level yet. I am sure that they will improve but there are those tough local derbies looming. Ebbw Vale, in particular, are enjoying an excellent start to the season.
It was not a great weekend for the Welsh Regions either with the exception of the Scarlets who continue to impress. It was good to see the two big young wings North and Cuthbert playing well however - let's hope they stay injury free.
I remain to be convinced by the WRU's regional double-header idea. I am not sure whether the total attendance will exceed the normal attendance for derby matches played on different days. I never really enjoyed the playing of the Cup semi-finals as a doubleheader. I am not sure how many fans actually want to watch two matches in succession one of which does not involve their team. If the idea is to attract people who don't normally watch rugby live then the ticket pricing policy needs to be carefully thought through. I assume one match will be live on BBC2 and the other on S4C to make sure the telly money comes in. I suppose you shouldn't criticise the WRU for copying something that seems to work in England.
As it turned out, it was a really one sided battle with Tata dominant from the start. Their tough cohesive pack won plenty of ball for their pacey backs and Pooler were on the back foot throughout. The amazing thing was that until the 40th minute of the first half were in the lead thanks to two penalties resulting from two of their rare sorties into the Tata half. The fact that Pooler kept the score down was due to a resolute scrambling defence coupled with wrong options and dropped passes from the Tata players when the try line was at their mercy. Tata eventually scored a converted try to lead 10-6 at half time.
The huge defensive effort and the baking sun inevitably took their toll on Pooler and they leaked tries throughout the second half as they tired and Tata reduced their error count. Tata raced to their bonus point try and an unassailable lead. With the game effectively over, both teams made mass substitutions and the game became more even. To their credit Pooler never gave up and scored a brace of good tries in the last quarter but these were very much a consolation prize. The final score of 41-20 did not truly reflect the gulf between the two teams.
The positives for Pooler were the fantastic defensive effort in the first half and the fact that they never stopped trying their hardest. The reality is that sadly they are not good enough to compete with the stronger clubs at this level yet. I am sure that they will improve but there are those tough local derbies looming. Ebbw Vale, in particular, are enjoying an excellent start to the season.
It was not a great weekend for the Welsh Regions either with the exception of the Scarlets who continue to impress. It was good to see the two big young wings North and Cuthbert playing well however - let's hope they stay injury free.
I remain to be convinced by the WRU's regional double-header idea. I am not sure whether the total attendance will exceed the normal attendance for derby matches played on different days. I never really enjoyed the playing of the Cup semi-finals as a doubleheader. I am not sure how many fans actually want to watch two matches in succession one of which does not involve their team. If the idea is to attract people who don't normally watch rugby live then the ticket pricing policy needs to be carefully thought through. I assume one match will be live on BBC2 and the other on S4C to make sure the telly money comes in. I suppose you shouldn't criticise the WRU for copying something that seems to work in England.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Pontypool prove the most generous of hosts
The game of snakes and ladders with the WRU is over and the snakes have won. Unfortunately this has left Pooler without the vast majority of last season's players and coaching staff and a mountain of debt. To make matters worse the WRU have also taken the ladders away for the foreseeable future.
It was with a feeling of some trepidation that we went along to Pontypool Park for the first league game of the season against Beddau. Pooler will be playing in the Championship and it is sad to see that we will in the company of two other great Gwent clubs in Ebbw Vale and Newbridge. Add Glamorgan Wanderers and the former UWIC plus a number of other strong sides and it is clear that this will be a tough division for a group of young players who have not had time to bond as a team.
For all that, the initial pessimism began to clear as it was a beautiful sunny afternoon and there was a buzz of excitement around the ground. We had driven past the Hanbury which will now serve as the rugby club, there was a queue to buy season tickets and there was a whisper that we had a back-line with some potential. We took our usual place on the Bank and could see that a healthy crowd was building up. It was also apparent that Beddau had brought more supporters than Bedwas and Swansea combined had mustered in the past.. We glanced at the programme and did see a few familiar names but for the most part they were unknown quantities. A far cry from the days of the Pontypool teams containing umpteen Welsh internationals
So to the game. Pooler started quite well and it was immediately obvious that we had plenty of pace in the back three. Beddau would kick aimlessly down-field at their peril we thought. This was borne out when fullback Norton showed excellent pace in a long run that eventually led to an excellent try for Sandals. This combined with a couple of penalties saw Pooler into a 13-3 lead. Both sides tried to run the ball for the remainder of the first half with Pooler looking the most likely to score. Handling errors, however, were all too frequent and these plus a late penalty for Beddau meant that Pooler's lead was restricted to 13-6 at half time.
At the start of the second half, the Pooler backs dropped a few balls and Beddau immediately changed tactics and kicked the ball long at every opportunity and fed off Pooler's mistakes. This tactic worked well and Pontypool duly committed suicide gifting Beddau with three tries from interceptions following sloppy handling. The second interception try was actually from a scrum close to the Beddau line and seemed to knock the stuffing out of Pooler. Heads began to drop and with the score at 13-30 it looked bleak for the home side. To their credit Pooler rallied and scored two fine converted tries in the last few minutes to close the gap to 27-30 and earn a losing bonus point.
On reflection this was a game that Pontypool should have won. There were glimpses of real potential amongst the backs and surely things will improve as the players get to know each other better and their match fitness improves. There is a lot of work to do, however, and this promises to be a long hard season with some tough local derbies in prospect.
I note that "M4 rugby" has also kicked off and the Dragons recorded a win against Zebre. I hope this Italian side last longer at the top than did the Zebras of Treorchy in Wales but somehow I doubt it. In addition, Newport fielding a significant number of Pooler old boys pulled off a win against Aberavon. A clip on the TV showed the ground at Bedwas looking like a construction site in stark contrast to the picturesque Pontypool Park. Not that I am bitter, but every time I look across at the stand at Pontypool with it's costly combination of seating and standing I will silently curse the WRU.
It was with a feeling of some trepidation that we went along to Pontypool Park for the first league game of the season against Beddau. Pooler will be playing in the Championship and it is sad to see that we will in the company of two other great Gwent clubs in Ebbw Vale and Newbridge. Add Glamorgan Wanderers and the former UWIC plus a number of other strong sides and it is clear that this will be a tough division for a group of young players who have not had time to bond as a team.
For all that, the initial pessimism began to clear as it was a beautiful sunny afternoon and there was a buzz of excitement around the ground. We had driven past the Hanbury which will now serve as the rugby club, there was a queue to buy season tickets and there was a whisper that we had a back-line with some potential. We took our usual place on the Bank and could see that a healthy crowd was building up. It was also apparent that Beddau had brought more supporters than Bedwas and Swansea combined had mustered in the past.. We glanced at the programme and did see a few familiar names but for the most part they were unknown quantities. A far cry from the days of the Pontypool teams containing umpteen Welsh internationals
So to the game. Pooler started quite well and it was immediately obvious that we had plenty of pace in the back three. Beddau would kick aimlessly down-field at their peril we thought. This was borne out when fullback Norton showed excellent pace in a long run that eventually led to an excellent try for Sandals. This combined with a couple of penalties saw Pooler into a 13-3 lead. Both sides tried to run the ball for the remainder of the first half with Pooler looking the most likely to score. Handling errors, however, were all too frequent and these plus a late penalty for Beddau meant that Pooler's lead was restricted to 13-6 at half time.
At the start of the second half, the Pooler backs dropped a few balls and Beddau immediately changed tactics and kicked the ball long at every opportunity and fed off Pooler's mistakes. This tactic worked well and Pontypool duly committed suicide gifting Beddau with three tries from interceptions following sloppy handling. The second interception try was actually from a scrum close to the Beddau line and seemed to knock the stuffing out of Pooler. Heads began to drop and with the score at 13-30 it looked bleak for the home side. To their credit Pooler rallied and scored two fine converted tries in the last few minutes to close the gap to 27-30 and earn a losing bonus point.
On reflection this was a game that Pontypool should have won. There were glimpses of real potential amongst the backs and surely things will improve as the players get to know each other better and their match fitness improves. There is a lot of work to do, however, and this promises to be a long hard season with some tough local derbies in prospect.
I note that "M4 rugby" has also kicked off and the Dragons recorded a win against Zebre. I hope this Italian side last longer at the top than did the Zebras of Treorchy in Wales but somehow I doubt it. In addition, Newport fielding a significant number of Pooler old boys pulled off a win against Aberavon. A clip on the TV showed the ground at Bedwas looking like a construction site in stark contrast to the picturesque Pontypool Park. Not that I am bitter, but every time I look across at the stand at Pontypool with it's costly combination of seating and standing I will silently curse the WRU.
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