Hard Times at HQ

I had taken the precaution of moving the couch forward on Saturday evening. I had to make sure there was room behind it if the going in the England v Wales game got tough. Strong drink was also near at hand. Yes, I feared that things could go badly for Wales. In the sweep I had Wales to lose by ten points. Of course, we Welsh do tend towards pessimism – it is a national pastime. It is only a two horse race and in sport anything can happen. If we can but only stay in touch, we can sneak it at the end as we have done before. Here was a welcome ripple of optimism from the room as I settled down.

From the first whistle, it was clear that England were going to bring brutality to the game. Dan Biggar was public enemy number one and the kick off was perfectly judged for him to receive the ball along with a posse of fired-up large men in white. The video ref probably hadn’t had time to take his seat and get the TV warmed up as it looked mightily like a few no hands tackles were involved.

This set the tone for the first half with the fearsome English defence rocking the Welsh players back at every opportunity. This coupled with expert box kicking from Youngs which meant that the Welsh catchers were receiving man and ball was making me wince. England got the early try they wanted when Watson jinked his way over and I was all but heading for my haven behind the couch. England’s try meister May had to leave the field with a head injury. Rather cynically, England kept the clearly injured May on the field while they got Slade ready to come on as a replacement.

Wales to their great credit stuck to their task manfully and kicked a couple of penalties to stay in the game. England continued to dominate the collisions though and it was no great surprise when they scored their second try when Daly outflanked the Welsh defence. Fortunately for Wales while England have a potent back division, they seem reluctant to use it unless they have a penalty advantage.

A 40^th minute penalty from Biggar meant that at half time Wales were 20-9 behind but still in touch. It could have been a lot worse! In fact, if North had held on to a ball on the English line it could even have been better.

Wales needed a fast start after the interval and by George they got it. Straight from the kick-off some lovely running from Tompkins, scrum half Williams and Tipuric saw Tipuric score under the posts within thirty seconds of the restart. 20-16 and Wales were flying.

Pragmatic England used their forward power to gain a couple of penalties that were duly converted and soon Wales were back to square one at 26-16 with a mountain to climb. Worse was to come as the substitutes’ benches were emptied and England added fresh beef. A powerful surge from England saw Tuilagi score unopposed and England were well clear at 33-16 with twenty minutes to go.

From then on, it was mostly Wales on the offensive with the England defence looking to negate their frenzied attacks. Time was running out as England gave away a raft of penalties with Wales hammering away at their line. The referee lost patience and a yellow card was shown to Genge. Worse still for England, moments later, Tuilagi was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on North. England were down to thirteen men with five minutes or so left. Too little time for a miraculous win but Wales seized the opportunity to run in two tries from Biggar and Tipuric and gain the losing bonus point with the final score 33-30.

In truth, England were the dominant force and, while Wales played some great rugby at times, English power and pragmatism won the day. They win the Triple Crown so congratulations to them. After a brutal encounter, Wales will be battered and bruised and with the Scotland game only a week away there will be some enforced changes that is for sure. The coaching team will have a busy week but I must say there are some encouraging signs that their approach is beginning to look effective.

The two main topics of conversation after the game seemed to be the Marler “bag snatching” incident on Alun Wyn Jones and Eddie’s rant about the red card. True to form, Marler and Eddie are never far from controversy.

Well done to the Wales Under 20’s on their fine victory over their English counterparts. Wales outside half Costelow certainly looks a great prospect.

I was really sad to hear of the passing of Matthew J Watkins. My condolences to his family and friends.

As for Pontypool, my withdrawal symptoms are getting worse. The next match is not until the 21^st March when we take on Tata Steel. With the Six Nations over it will be back down to the important stuff and the battle for promotion with Bargoed. Bargoed’s bonus point victory at Neath in the week leaves then just five points behind Pooler with both having played sixteen games. There is still a lot of rugby to be played with ten games left including “le Crunch” -the Bargoed v Pontypool match. Hold on to your hats it’s going to be some ride!  

Come on Pooler!

Come on Wales!

Wales Wails

After Wales had suffered a rare home defeat to a revitalised French team, emotions ran high amongst the Welsh. There were plenty of “if onlys” and an incredulous “how could the ref only give a knock on” or two hundred as we made our way through the streets of Cardiff. Yes, Wales had lost 23-27 to France in a frantic game with its fair share of controversy.

In the cold light of a windy Sunday morning, you realise that France probably deserved to win. Their defence was strong and their kicking game actually put the Welsh players under pressure. These were the planks of their victory. In contrast, the Welsh kicking game just seemed to present the ball to the French on a plate - the occasional Dan Biggar special apart. It was difficult to discern a game plan for Wales but for France it was plain to see. It seemed that France were becoming old Wales and Wales were becoming a mixture of Scotland and old France before our very eyes. Not a pretty sight!

In truth, France did not create very much but relied on pressure to force Welsh mistakes and the home side duly obliged. A spilt ball from a high kick and an interception accounted for two of the French tries.  The French pack, as always, was strong and aggressive while for some reason Wales’ toughest and most abrasive forward Alun Wyn Jones was seen roaming out on the wing on several occasions.

Yet Wales still could have won this game as they certainly had enough possession and territory but found the French defence, a la Edwards, in their faces making things very difficult. It was all too frantic for Wales with seemingly little control. They ran the ball from their own twenty two but persisted in using countless forward drives when they got near the French line.

The major turning point in the game was probably the interception by Ntamack. It came when Wales had closed the gap to one point at 16-17 and were in the ascendancy in the third quarter. Wales were on the attack and looking dangerous and the next thing you knew Ntamack was sprinting eighty metres or so to score. Wales will also point to the moment when a French knock on denied Adams a try – was it deliberate? If so, it was a penalty try. The officials ruled it was accidental and that was that.

The game ended in disappointment after a promising last gasp attack from Wales fizzled out when Wales were penalised at a ruck. A scuffle broke out amongst the players as the final whistle went – not really what you want to see.

Wales had their share of injuries with North and Adams both needing to be replaced. North seemed to suffer yet another head injury and I wish him and Josh a speedy recovery.

I suspect we will hear the phrase " no need to panic" a few times over the next few days. Pivac and co will have to work some magic to get the team ready and competitive for the visit to Twickenham in a fortnight's time.

There was, however, some good news on a disappointing day. Pontypool had a 0-45 victory at near neighbours Pontypool United in the quarter final of the Ben Francis Cup. Next week Pooler return to league action with the visit of Ystrad Rhondda to Pontypool Park. Neath’s win over Bedwas yesterday means that the race for the Championship title probably now has only two runners: Pontypool and Bargoed. It promises to be tremendous run in from here on in.

All too many rugby clubs were affected by Storm Dennis with horrendous scenes of flooded clubhouses and grounds. I wish you all well on the road to recovery. Indeed, my good wishes goes to everyone who suffered flood damage. It has only happened to me once and I know how just how heartbreaking it is.

So it’s back to the important stuff next weekend while the Welsh team lick their wounds.

Come on Pooler!

Wales Overpowered by Green Energy

Wales travelled to Dublin off the back of a convincing home win against Italy while Ireland had rather scraped home against Scotland. This was an entirely different kettle of fish for Wales and I was mentally prepared for Wales to come down to earth with a bump. I had Ireland to win 26-12 in the sweep before the game and in blustery conditions I saw no reason to think any different on the day. It is not that I am disloyal but I had felt some concerns with the scrum and also the defence in the Italian game as I watched from behind the posts.

So to the match. Ireland proceeded to dominate the first half in terms of territory and possession and Wales had to put in an extraordinary defensive stint to restrict the Irish to just twelve points. Ireland scored two tries both through Welsh defensive lapses – the first by Tompkins allowed Larmour to slip through and the second a knock on from Williams close to the Welsh line with Furlong ploughing over from the resulting scrum. Sandwiched between the two Irish tries, Wales scored a try against the run of play through Williams after some excellent offloading. For Wales to go in at half time only 12-7 down was something of a triumph. They had, however, lost Adams their main try scoring weapon through injury but at least they were still in touch.

Wales needed to start well in the second half but failed to do so. Van der Flier was credited with a try for Ireland after a forward drive close to the Welsh line. The mystery is how the ball ended up over the line when it was clearly grounded short. Wales were now 19-7 down with it all to do.

As we hoped, at last Wales rolled up their sleeves and went to work. It was their turn to dominate territory and possession and they hammered away at the Irish line for ten minutes or more. Parkes got over the line but was adjudged to have lost the ball as he touched it down. Then came the moment that sealed the Welsh fate. They opted for a scrum from a penalty under the Irish posts and were penalised for collapsing the scrum. As momentum changers go, this was as big as it gets. The Irish were elated and the Welsh deflated and there was no way back for Wales. A rejuvenated Ireland marched back down the field and minutes later Conway was crossing for a try in the corner to make it 24-7.

The Irish relaxed with the bonus point secured. Stander was shown a rather belated yellow card for an offence at the ruck. With the last play of the game, Wales salvaged some pride when Tipuric touched down for a try from a forward drive that was converted by Halfpenny. The final score at 24-14 slightly flattered Wales.

This match was much more reminiscent of an Irish Province playing a Welsh Region than the recent internationals. Aside from about ten minutes or so in the second half and the occasional flash here and there, the Irish put a stranglehold on Wales and fully deserved their bonus point win. The Welsh coaching team will have some thinking to do before the next match against the resurgent French in a couple of weeks.

Terrible conditions at Murrayfield led to an awful spectacle as England just managed to beat the Scots 6-13. If ever there was an advertisement for the benefits of a stadium with a roof this was it. France play Italy in Paris today and it is difficult to envisage anything other than a resounding French victory.

Next week we are back to the important stuff! Pontypool travel to Trebanos as they continue their quest to secure promotion to the Premiership. With ten games left and Bargoed hot on their heels they cannot afford to slip up.

Come on Pooler!

Wales Back in the Swim

A great start for Wales with a resounding 42-0 win over the hapless Italians. The Italians were hugely disappointing and made life easy for Wales under their new coaching regime. This makes it really hard to judge where Wales are in terms of preparation for the much tougher games to come.

From my seat at the end of the ground, the Welsh defence did not seem quite so watertight as when Sean Edwards was in charge but, nevertheless, they didn’t concede a single point which speaks for itself.

In attack, Josh Adams continues to collect tries whenever there is a sniff of a chance. New boy Tompkins showed some nice touches and Halfpenny hurried and scurried as he ran the ball back at every opportunity. There were still periods of the game when the attack looked a bit toothless but five tries scored, again, speaks for itself.

The most worrying part of the game was the scrummage which creaked and conceded penalties. This is probably the only area where the Italians gave Wales any trouble. The other teams in the Six Nations would certainly exploit this so perhaps we need to consider a larger tight head prop.

So, all in all, an encouraging start but there will be much sterner tests to come.

I only saw flashes of the Ireland v Scotland across a crowded room but the Scots seemed to be a little unlucky to lose 19-12. Their cause wasn’t helped by Hogg making a pig’s breakfast of touching the ball down over the line with a crucial try up for grabs.

France v. England on Sunday was a full-blooded affair with the French dominating the first half and just about managing to hold out the English in the second half. The French defence was much improved and Sean Edwards has surely had a major part to play in that. The French took their chances to score while a rather cumbersome English attack on the whole did not as the aggressive French defence knocked them back. That England got anywhere close was due to two pieces of individual brilliance from Jonny May.

The first round of matches sees Wales on top having had a far easier ride than the other the other teams. With a quick turnaround before the next matches this should surely be an advantage. On the evidence of the first round, France now look to be favourites and should brush Italy aside next week. Scotland will be really up for it against England at Murrayfield and will be hoping to send the English home to think again. Of course, my focus will be on Dublin where the Welsh will have it all to do. This will be the first real test for Wayne Pivac and wales will need to go up a couple of levels if they are to get anything out of their visit to the Irish capital.

Come on Wales!

Pooler Squeeze Home

A Friday night fixture under floodlights at Pontypool Park is normally something to look forward especially when it is first playing third in the league. Pontypool were entertaining Gwent rivals Bedwas but the weather had misbehaved. Rain was being swept down the pitch by a strong gusting wind. You could tell how bad it was as I took no persuading to make a rare visit to the stand. There were still some hardy souls stationed on the Bank  - they must have had good waterproofs!

Pontypool lost the toss in this vitally important league match and kicked off playing with the elements in the first half. This was one of those games where you really wanted to get a decent lead in the first half and then try and protect it in the second half.  Pontypool needed a good start and, whether it was a consequence of the quick turn around after last Saturday’s titanic struggle against Carmarthen Quins or the absence of a few wise words from absent coach Leighton Jones, they had completely the opposite. The first fifteen minutes or so was a catalogue of errors from the home side. Lineouts went awry, penalties were given away at the scrum and breakdown, the ball was knocked on as Pooler struggled to get to grips with a lively Bedwas outfit. Bedwas looked the more likely to score as they fed off Pooler’s mistakes. This was going to be a tough night for Pontypool as the rain continued to fall.

Pontypool started to play a bit better in the second quarter and worked their way into promising field positions but the crucial pass always seemed to go astray as the awful conditions made any sort of back play high risk. To make matters worse, Pooler lock Gregory received a yellow card on the half hour for an offence at a maul. This was certainly not the first half that the Pontypool faithful wanted and there were plenty of concerned looks as Bedwas continued to play exactly the right tactics against the elements.

As the half drew to a close, strong running Bedwas wing Rees was sin-binned for a high tackle. Powell kicking the ensuing penalty and at least Pooler had some points on the board (3-0). Powell had a chance to double Pooler’s lead with a penalty in injury time but missed narrowly. The narrow half time lead looked very vulnerable with Bedwas playing down the slope with the wind behind them in the second half. This was going to take something special from Pontypool.

The early exchanges in the second half saw Bedwas on the attack but, rather like Pontypool in the first half, they found it difficult to capitalise on good field position. Pontypool brought Leonard on at scrum half and this seemed to inject some energy into their game.  A powerful surge from Coundley in midfield ignited Pontypool’s best passage of play of the night. Good support play and multiple phases resulted in No 8 Ieuan Jones squeezing in for a try in the left corner. The conversion failed but Pontypool were two scores ahead at 8-0.

Both sides made substitutions to bring on fresh legs on this energy-sapping night. Pontypool could be grateful that conditions improved with far less rain as we entered the third quarter. Pontypool seemed to be gaining the ascendancy but conceded two penalties in succession which transformed a promising attacking position into desperate defence. Bedwas were not to be denied and after a series of forward drives flanker Jones crossed for a try under the posts. McIntosh converted and Pooler’s lead had all but disappeared at 8-7.  

The tension mounted as the next score would be vital. Bedwas kicked the ball field using the following wind to gain field position. Pontypool tried to run the ball back at them which often led to errors and much angst in the crowd. Pooler fullback fielded such a kick from Bedwas and put up an up and under. The chase was good and Bedwas knocked on. Substitute home wing Nove grabbed the loose ball and burst clear and sprinted from almost halfway to score near the posts. Powell converted and Pooler had re-established their eight point cushion as we entered the last ten minutes (15-7).

There was a long break in play as Pontypool hooker Ball received treatment. I am pleased to say that he that he managed to walk off the field. When play resumed, the home side looked a little subdued and Bedwas seized the opportunity to attack. Their initial thrusts were repulsed but finally Bedwas wing, Rees, who had been a thorn in Pooler’s side all night, scored a great individual try from a well-judged kick ahead. The conversion failed but Bedwas were back within touching distance at 15-12.

There were a few anxious moments as the game drew to a close but Pooler managed to see them out and we were all delighted to hear the final whistle. Final score: Pontypool 15 Bedwas 12.

This was a gutsy performance from Pontypool who were far from their best at times against a streetwise Bedwas side. The conditions played a big part in the high level of errors but the penalty count against Pontypool remains a cause for concern. Pontypool had to dig deep especially when the after effects of last week’s cup match are considered. Well done boys - a truly hard-earned victory.

Pontypool’s lead over Bargoed is now ten points with Bargoed having a game in hand. It is tight at the top and Pooler’s tough away games at Bedwas and Bargoed will surely decide who wins promotion. The league programme during the Six Nations Championship is nothing like as intensive and Pontypool will be able to recover their mojo in time for the crucial fixtures to come.

Speaking of the Six Nations, I am just about to set off for Cardiff to see what Wales can do against Italy. The first big decision is it brunch or lunch?

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!

Pooler Go Agonisingly Close

What a miserable night for a long-anticipated cup tie. A heavy drizzle and a dank mist greeted us at Pontypool Park as we filed into the ground. Pontypool of the Championship were taking on Premiership high fliers Carmarthen Quins in a National Cup quarter final. Both teams were doing well in their respective leagues and it was a classic cup tie – could the team from the lower league use home advantage to topple their higher ranked opponents?

In previous encounters against Premiership opposition Pooler have sometimes had a slow start as they got up to Premiership speed. This was certainly not the case here – a sliced clearance kick by Carmarthen following Pontypool’s kick-off gave the home side good field condition. The lineout was won and the Pontypool backs took over. An excellent strike move saw left wing Thomas join the line at speed and the ball was then shipped out to Lloyd Lewis on the right wing in space. He almost made the line himself but was able to offload the ball to the supporting Pat Lewis who scored in the corner. The conversion failed but Pooler had struck within a minute or so of the start to lead 5-0 – wow!

Almost before Carmarthen could draw breath, Pooler were at it again. An excellent chase by Thomas following an up-and-under from Walsh saw the wing wrestle the ball clear and head for the line. He didn’t quite make it but Meek was on hand to take his offload and score in the left corner. The conversion again was missed but the Pooler faithful were in dreamland with a 10-0 lead in just over five minutes.

The Pooler army was in full voice but there was a more worrying sound and that was the sound of the referee’s whistle as Pontypool started to concede penalties at the breakdown. This allowed the Quins to get a foothold in the game and use their powerful driving lineout to good effect. The Pooler pack did remarkably well to stop the visitors from scoring a try but continued to get on the wrong side of the referee. Two penalties from Carmarthen’s Marshall for Pontypool offences at the ruck meant that, as the first quarter ended, the home side’s lead had shrunk to just four points at 10-6.

This game was going to be close with the visitors’ pragmatic forward dominated kicking game in contrast to Pooler’s desire to run the ball even though conditions were far from ideal. It was role reversal from those classic games between Pooler and Llanelli in years gone by! The Pontypool scrum held up well and the steam rose as the two packs locked horns. It almost looked if the forwards were all vaping!

On the half hour, a kick ahead by Pooler outside half Powell was gathered by Quins. Lock Clarke managed to charge down the attempted clearance kick. Not only that but he also won the race to get to the loose ball and touched down for Pooler’s third try. This time Meek nailed the conversion and Pooler had taken a useful 17-6 lead.

The remaining ten minutes of the first half were nip and tuck with both sides playing at full throttle. Neither side managed to add to their tally and the sides trooped off for a well-earned rest. Half time Pontypool 17 Carmarthen Quins 6.

A great first half from Pontypool playing down the slope but we all knew the game was still very much in the balance. I was certain that the Pontypool team would miss the wise words of Leighton Jones during the half time break. Sadly, Leighton was admitted to hospital a couple of days before the match. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

We knew that Carmarthen would come out firing after the break and that the first ten minutes of the second half would be critical. Pontypool were a little slow to get up to speed and the visitors capitalised on that. A Pontypool lineout on their own twenty two went wrong and the Quins took full toll. For almost the first time in the match, they spread the ball wide which ultimately led to a try for No8 Millin. Marshall converted and, five minutes or so into the second half, the Quins were back within touching distance at 17-13.

The momentum had shifted and Pontypool were suddenly very much on the defensive as Carmarthen’s confidence grew. The Pontypool defence had to work overtime to keep the powerful visitors out as they continued to use tactical kicking and their pack to make ground. The mist thickened and it was difficult to see the width of the field as the two fully committed sides went at each other hammer and tongs. Worryingly, Pontypool continued to leak penalties and the penalty count must have been at least 2:1 in Quins favour. As we approached the hour mark, one such penalty was converted by Marshall and the game was agonisingly poised at 17-16.

Pontypool started to empty their bench. It was a great luxury to have eight replacements instead of the usual five in the Championship. The fresh legs energised the home team and they began to break the Carmarthen stranglehold and go on the attack. We felt that Pontypool needed to score again as Carmarthen would surely create another opportunity. Pooler managed to force Carmarthen into conceding a couple of kickable penalties as the clock wound down to ten minutes to go. Both went close with one even hitting a post but a valuable opportunity to create some breathing space was lost.

Pontypool gave everything that they had left to keep the Quins penned in their own half but with the finishing line in sight Quins finally managed to break out. The visitors powered down the field and a well-judged cross kick was gathered by left wing Newman who crossed for the match winning try. The conversion missed but there was not enough time left for Pontypool to hit back. Final score Pontypool 17 Carmarthen Quins 21.

This was heartbreaking for Pontypool who were in the lead until virtually the last minute. Nevertheless, Pooler gave an excellent account of themselves and gave the powerful Quins a thorough examination. They outscored the Quins three tries to two and but for some wayward kicking could have won. Congratulations to Carmarthen Quins who scored fifteen unanswered points in the second half and showed why they are near the top of the Premiership.

Pontypool now need to regroup and focus on their main objective which is to secure promotion to the Premiership. Next Friday evening will see a vital home game against Bedwas who have started the season well. Pooler know that Bargoed are breathing down their necks in second place and that they cannot afford any slip-ups. Let us hope that the bruised and battered bodies from tonight’s titanic encounter will recover in time. Our thoughts are also with Leighton Jones and praying that he makes a full and speedy recovery.

The Six Nations Championship has crept up on us and kicks off next weekend. Wales take on Italy in Cardiff and all eyes will be on the team that Pivac selects as a new era commences. The back row is where we have an embarrassment of riches and in the centre the situation is the polar opposite. I for one would like to see Faletau back at No8 with Tipuric and Navidi. Popular opinion is that North will play in the centre with Parks – not really my favourite combination but needs must I guess.

Anyway before that we have Pontypool v. Bedwas to look forward to on Friday.

Come on Pooler!

Come on Wales!

The Pooler Points Machine Rolls On

For various reasons, I have missed the last three Pooler games which has been hard to bear. Of course, I kept up with the scores and I knew that they had recorded three victories but when I asked I was told that Pooler had been playing “pretty well”. If “pretty well” means three fifty point plus victories scoring 29 tries and amassing 193 points what would they do if we played really well? For the record, the scores were Cross Keys 3 Pontypool 54, Beddau 12  Pontypool 62 and Pontypool 77 Ystalyfera 8. A fantastic set of results that keeps the Pooler points machine rolling on.

My return to the fold was to watch Pontypool play Neath at the Gnoll. This was never a place for the faint hearted and I have watched many fine Pooler teams come unstuck against the Welsh All Blacks in the past. Times have changed of course and both teams find themselves in the Championship and facing a tough battle to return to the Premiership. Neath’s financial problems are well-documented and they are very much in a rebuilding phase after relegation last season. Nevertheless, table-topping Pontypool were expecting a tough examination.

On a bright sunny afternoon, things started well for Pontypool when after five minutes or so right wing, Lloyd Lewis, popped up in mid field to make good ground. The ball was moved right and there was hooker Hughes on the right wing to receive the scoring pass and touch down in the corner. Meek converted and Pooler had drawn first blood at 0-7.

Pontypool were looking lively and moving the ball at every opportunity. After a quarter of an hour they added to their tally and this time it was Hughes who made the bust. The predatory Herbert was on his shoulder and received the off-load to canter the twenty metres to the line. Meek converted and Pooler had doubled their lead to 0-14.

Hughes breaks, Herbert in support

Everything in the garden looked rosy for Pontypool apart from the scrums. The scrums were a shambles with virtually every scrum ending up in a pile-up on the ground. It was not helped by the disparity in the height of the two front rows but still the referee did not seem to have a solution apart from to penalise one team or the other after a series of resets. It certainly did not add to the afternoon’s entertainment that is for sure. From such a scrum penalty, Neath gained good field position and after a series of lineout drives managed to get on the scoreboard when Griggs powered over near the posts. Rees converted and Neath had clearly signalled that they were not about to go away (7-14).

On the half hour, Pontypool hit back with Walsh crossing for a try after some brilliant running and handling by backs and forwards. The conversion was good and Pooler were back in command at 7-21.

A few minutes later Pooler lost the services of influential lock, Clarke, through injury and brought on flanker Stratton as a replacement with No 8 Jones moving to the second row. As the first half drew to a close Pontypool were awarded a penalty. Powell kicked for the corner and the Pontypool driving lineout came up trumps with Jones getting the try. Another excellent conversion by Meek saw Pontypool go to the half time break with a substantial lead and the try bonus point secured. HT score: Neath 7 Pontypool 28.

Pontypool were on the attack at the start of the second half and battered away at the Neath line for five minutes or so until centre, Pat Lewis, found the way through the hardworking Neath defence. Meek converted to give Pontypool what was surely a match winning lead at 7-35.

The scrums continued to be a problem for both sides and the referee seemed to be awarding alternating penalties as he struggled to make the scrums work. Neath again got good field position and showed what they could do with a period of sustained pressure. The Pontypool defence was finally breached when left wing, Roberts, squeezed in for a try in the left corner. The conversion failed but Neath were into double figures at 12-35.

An all too familiar sight

Any thoughts of a Neath comeback were scuppered by a yellow card for Barley and two bits of great play from Meek. With a quarter of an hour to go, he made a neat break on the Neath twenty two and fed his fellow centre Barnett who scored Pontypool’s sixth try which Meek converted (12-42). Minutes later Meek made a scything break on the halfway line. The cover defence got back to tackle him before he got to the line but the support arrived for replacement scrum half, Quick, to score a try in the corner. Although the conversion missed narrowly, Pooler were approaching the half-century at 12-47.

With the last play of the game, Pontypool broke the fifty point barrier yet again. Brilliant interpassing between the back row and Quick saw Quick score his second try of the match. Meek converted giving a final score of Neath 12 Pontypool 54.

Another good victory for Pontypool against doughty opposition. It keeps them at the top of the Championship and maintains the unbeaten run. Bargoed in second place are keeping up the pressure, however, and every point is precious for both sides as they move towards an end of season showdown. While Pooler currently have an eleven point lead, Bargoed have a game in hand and with Pooler yet to visit Bargoed it is still very much nip and tuck. There is no room for even a missed bonus point!

Next week Pontypool face the daunting challenge of high-flying Premiership team Carmarthen Quins in the National Cup. Those of us who watched the Quins, playing with fourteen men for most of the game, demolish Premiership leaders Cardiff RFC on the TV on Friday evening could see what a threat they pose. A strong pack and a great kick and chase game kept Cardiff under pressure for long periods in difficult conditions. This is a big step up for Pooler despite having home advantage.

The Six Nations Championship is just around the corner and it is good to see some new faces in the Welsh Squad. Italy at home as the first match is probably the best chance for Pivac to get off to a winning start with tough games in Dublin and Twickenham on the horizon. His first selection will be illuminating.

Congratulations to the Dragons and Scarlets for getting through to the quarter finals of the European Challenge Cup. The Champions Cup remains out of reach for our regions unless some of the Saracens players fancy a change of scenery.

So on to the cup quarter final for Pontypool next Saturday evening in a televised game. Of course, the most important thing this season is the battle for promotion, but wouldn’t it be nice……

Come on Pooler!