Pooler’s Backs Run Riot

There are few certainties in life but and the result of Pontypool’s return match against Tata Steel was as near as you could get to one of them. After Pooler had defeated Tata 0-63 away last weekend, another overwhelming victory was surely on the cards. There was none of the teeming rain of the previous encounter but there was a strong breeze across the ground to contend with. It was top versus bottom on a dry pitch with a dry ball though so a points fest was likely. You never know though!

If there had been any doubt about the result it quickly disappeared as the Pooler threequarters cut loose and were clearly too hot for Tata to handle. In about ten minutes Pooler had run in three good tries from Powell , Smith and Nove as Pooler moved the ball wide as quickly as they could. This marked a considerable change from the last few outings where the scoring was very much dominated by the pack. All three tries were scored wide out but in tricky conditions Langdon converted two of them to give Pooler and early 19-0 lead.

One of the biggest cheers of the day came when Tata steel managed to get on the scoreboard with a penalty from Bamford (19-3). The visitors were hopelessly outgunned but they were certainly not going to go down without a fight.

Pooler got their fourth and bonus point try as the first quarter ended. Scrum half Jones pounced on a loose ball near the Tata line. The conversion attempt hit the post but stayed out (24-3).

The next ten minutes belonged to Pooler fullback Anderson who underlined his enormous potential as he scored two excellent tries. For the first he cut a great angle to burst through for a try and for the second he showed his pace to sprint in from the halfway line. Both tries were in the right corner and both went unconverted (34-3).

There were still ten minutes to go before halftime in this very one-sided competition. A couple of minutes later, left wing Nove crossed for his second try in the corner after a break and a good pass from Mahoney. All seven tries scored thus far had been near the corners and had made goal kicking difficult to say the least and Langdon’s conversion attempt went wide (39-3).

As half time approached, Pooler charged down an attempted clearance kick by Tata and the ball was moved to Powell who scored in the corner. This time the conversion from Langdon went over off a post (46-3).

I am sure Tata Steel were delighted to have a few minutes respite after a difficult forty minutes. Pontypool had recorded eight tries with no forwards on the scoresheet. Of course, the forwards had played their part and were dominant in set piece and breakdown with the backs supplying the cutting edge.

The second half was more of the same with Tata Steel continuing to be put to the sword. Jarvis came on as outside half and took over the kicking duties. He was quickly in action as Anderson put Nove in for his hat trick try which Jarvis converted from wide out (53-3). A couple of minutes later some slick inter-passing amongst the threequarters saw Smith score his second try which was again converted by Jarvis (60-3)

Some positional rejigging by Pooler saw Nove playing flanker as they used up their bench. Babos had come on at scrumhalf and quickly made his mark with a try as he popped up in support after a race for a kick ahead that Powell had won. The conversion attempt from Jarvis hit the post but stayed out (65-3).

There was still a quarter to go and speculation started as to whether Pooler could get to a hundred points. Three quick converted tries seemed to make this a distinct possibility. The forwards finally got a look in with wing cum flanker Nove crossing for his fourth try as he supported a Jarvis break. Normal service was resumed when Smith made a searing break and put Powell over for his third try of the afternoon. No 8 Ieuan Jones had been prominent all afternoon with his powerful carrying and he got his just rewards as he charged over for a try. These three converted tries brough the score to 86-3 with ten minutes or so remaining.

Pontypool got into the nineties when Langdon scored their fifteenth try which Jarvis converted (93-3). Could Pooler bring up the century in the last few minutes? To their enormous credit it was Tata Steel who looked the more likely to score as they kept the home side pinned in their own half. Sadly there were unable to get any reward for their valiant efforts but did avoid conceded a triple figure of points. Final score Pontypool 93 : Tata Steel 3.

As expected, this really was a mismatch and despite Tata Steel’s efforts it was a trouncing. For Pontypool it was an opportunity to play expansive rugby and the backs made hay as they ruthlessly exposed the away team’s defensive frailties. There will much harder challenges to come for Pooler that is for sure.

Speaking of which. Pontypool will take on Neath in the semi-final of the Championship Cup at Ebbw Vale next Saturday. This promises to be an exciting tussle if the two previous encounters between the two sides this season are anything to go by. Pooler managed to win both narrowly and so they will hope that this continues and they get to meet Ystrad Rhondda in the final in late April.

Pontypool still have a heavy workload to complete by the end of the season and still have not managed to reschedule all the fixtures yet. It would be a disaster if all the matches are not played.

Today sees the crucial vote for the clubs which could determine the future of Welsh rugby. It seems pretty certain that the WRU will get the result they want and wrest control away from the clubs. Of course, no one actually knows exactly what this will mean in the future as Welsh rugby struggles to reinvent itself. Everyone agrees with the need to stamp out discrimination in all its forms but as to how to restructure the game in Wales there are many different opinions. For once, I hope that out of this we can manage to get a measure of stability so that everyone knows where they stand for an extended period. I do hope that those in charge realise you need more than seven home games a season to keep a club going. I do also worry that there seems to be an assumption that everyone involved in the community game is incapable of managing a business.

I think I will just look forward to Ebbw Vale next weekend and the challenge of Neath and dismiss all thoughts of Turkeys and Christmas from my mind.

Come on Pooler!

Ireland Make History, Wales Ease the Misery

The Six Nations Championship reached its conclusion yesterday with three home wins. The most significant result was the Irish clinching the Grand Slam in Dublin against England. The pressure created by a highly expectant home crowd and the highly motivated English team trying to atone for the previous week’s debacle made Ireland’s predicted victory hard to come by. Indeed, until Steward’s sending off reduced England to fourteen men, the visitors were threatening to spoil the party. Still ,it all worked out well for the Irish as they came home 29-16. Cue a major celebration and record Guinness consumption. There is no doubt that Ireland deserved to be champions with their victory over France the key match.

So, what of Wales? They had to make the daunting trip to Paris to take on the French. France had trounced England at Twickenham the previous weekend so a handsome home victory was certain in virtually everyone’s eyes. Warren Gatland had picked an experienced team with virtually 1000 caps seemingly to avoid an embarrassing defeat.

Wales , however, started as they meant to go on playing at a higher pace and more freedom than thus far in the Six Nations Championship. They even had the temerity to score first with a try from North after the forwards had banged away at the French line.

The problem was that the French, although initially surprised by the Welsh approach, soon had things under control. In the rest of the first half, they built a substantial lead through two converted tries and two penalties and went in at halftime 20-7 to the good. Wales had given everything but the French held all the aces. Sitting at home I began to fear the worst – the second half could well be horrible. Should I break out the cognac and apply for French citizenship?

The second half started badly for Wales as the French broke tackles and made ground with ease. A try from man mountain Antonio increased the lead to 27-7. Gatland rang the changes but a few minutes later Fickou was over for a try and it was 34-7. This had all the hallmarks of a drubbing and I covered my head with a rug and thought of Pontypool.

What’s this have the French taking their feet of the gas? All of a sudden, Wales were resurgent and replacement hooker Roberts burrowed his way over for a try. Biggar converted and it was 34-14. At least we have scored more than England did against France I thought. Wales had momentum and sensed that the game was not quite over. With fifteen minutes to go Tomos Williams dived over to score their third try. It was now 34-21 – Wales were within two scores. Stranger things have happened – I tore up the application for French citizenship but the cognac bottle stayed close.

The French responded but the game was far more even and Wales still threatened. With a couple of minutes to go, France showed killer instinct after establishing a position in the Welsh twenty two. Penaud had the freedom of Paris after the pack had laid the foundations and strolled in for a try. The flawless kicking of Ramons continued and the French thought the game was over at 41-21.

The fat lady has not yet appeared on the stage and Wales were determined to end with a flourish. Some good work down the left flank saw Dyer get the ball. He had a couple of men to beat but, as slippery as an eel, he found a way through to score a try in the corner. Halfpenny converted and at the final whistle it was France 41 : Wales 28. Wales had actually got a bonus point! Sean Edwards is still seething I am sure.

This was much better from Wales. Although outclassed, they showed much more grit and determination and not a little flair. The truth is they were never going to beat the French but at least we did not see the capitulation of Edinburgh and they gave their fans something to cheer about. Wales have improved through the tournament and I am sure can improve further. Does Gatland know his best team yet? I very much doubt it. Then there is the mess that remains in Welsh rugby off the field…..

In Scotland, the Italians tried their damnedest but could not get the victory that their contribution to the tournament this year deserved. They really missed the cutting edge that Capuozzo provides against both Wales and Scotland and so despite creating plenty of chances are left with the wooden spoon. They will be a handful in the RWC I am sure.

With the Six Nations over, it is back to club rugby and there will be plenty of it. For Pontypool there is half a season’s rugby to be crammed into a couple of months. Promotion to the Premiership is still up for grabs although Lord knows what happens beyond that. Can someone get a grip please and stop all the rumour-mongering? Everyone hates uncertainty – especially sponsors.

Come on Pooler!

Pooler in the Swim

I checked the weather forecast before setting off to Port Talbot to watch Pontypool play Tata Steel. Whilst it was raining quite heavily it assured me that it was drying up from the West and that it should be dry for duration of the match. Well, they certainly got that wrong – it poured down for pretty much the whole of the match. They do say that rainwater is good for the complexion so I am sure a few of those wrinkles will have disappeared.

Anyway, to the match. This was a match where top club met bottom club in the Championship. Of course it is never that simple and Pooler, as always, would have to earn a vital victory against a side that would be busting a gut to stop them.

Pontypool played with the wind in the first half and were soon in charge. Some good attacking play saw Powell in space on the right wing. He still had plenty to do but beat the defence to score a try near the corner. Langdon converted and Pooler were off to a fast start (0-7).

With the rain teeming down, it was abundantly clear that this was not an evening for expansive back play. Pontypool therefore turned to their powerful pack to do the honours. This they did with glee and scored tries at regular intervals as they ground down the Tata pack in the rest of the first half. Strong driving play saw tries from Brown and Herbert and two more for Matthews. All were converted by Langdon who kicked superbly in difficult conditions. All this meant that Pooler had gained the bonus point and a substantial lead when the whistle went for half time (0-35).

In the second half, Pooler did try to be a bit more adventurous but the driving rain and a slippery ball made this difficult. Around ten minutes into the second half, Langdon crossed for a try in the right corner as Pooler put a few passes together. He failed with the conversion attempt into the wind but Pooler were out of sight at (0-40).

This was the cue for substitutions and it was all Tata needed for the powerful figure of Ieuan Jones to take the field for Pooler among their changes. He soon made his presence felt and when a Tata lineout went wrong in their own twenty two he supported a carry by Herbert to score an unconverted try in the left corner. Fortunately, we had Peter Jeffreys on the p.a. to keep the score which was by now (0-45).

Despite the rain, Pooler were still attempting to run the ball and were rewarded when Anderson playing on the right wing scored a try in the right corner. The conversion again failed but Pooler had reached the half century at 0-50.

With ten minutes left in the match Pooler fed Ieuan Jones on the burst and he powered over near the posts from around twenty metres. This time the conversion from Langdon was good (0-57).

The last ten minutes saw the introduction of Betts one of the Pooler coaches at scrum half. He rolled back the years with some slick passing which got Pooler moving up the field. The Pooler backs took full advantage and Mahoney found some space and outpaced the defence to gallop in thirty metres or so for Pooler’s tenth try of the evening which again went unconverted (0-62).

In the last few minutes, Tata who had played with spirit and had never given up put together some attacks but the Pontypool defence was able to snuff the out. I have to say I was mightily glad to hear the final whistle as I was soaked through and my coat seemed to be twice as heavy as it had at the start of the match. Such are the joys of community rugby! Final score Tata Steel 0 : Pontypool 62.

This was a solid win for Pontypool in trying conditions. The five points earned keeps them in pole position at the top of the Championship after fifteen matches. There are still another eleven league matches to squeeze in before the end of the season so with the cup as well this will be a lot of rugby to be played in a condensed time frame. It is good that Pooler gave such a strong squad.

The next match will be again against Tata Steel but this time at Pontypool Park next Saturday. Tata Steel despite a substantial defeat gave a good account of themselves and will test Pooler again no doubt.

This afternoon sees the climax of the Six Nations Tournament. It has been a two horse race from the start with Ireland and France being the two outstanding teams. The Irish will be playing for the title and the Grand Slam at home to England and it is hard to see them slipping up. Wales face the daunting trip to Paris to face the French who put England to the sword in such devastating fashion last week. This has been a difficult tournament for Wales both on and off the field and anything other than a convincing French victory would be a surprise. I have moved the couch away from the wall in case I need to hide behind it.

Come on Pooler!

Come on Wales!

Webb’s Wonderful as Wales Win At last

The Welsh rugby team have seemingly had the weight of the world on their shoulders with all that has been going on in Welsh rugby over the last few weeks. This of course is on top of a dismal run of defeats that has served to rack up the pressure on Warren Gatland and his men. It will surely have done the squad good to get away from the goldfish bowl that is Wales and travel to Rome to take on the resurgent Italians. The Italians have looked the better team but like Wales have not managed to secure a victory in the Six Nations so far. The last match for Wales is in Paris next weekend so they really did need a victory in Rome if they were not going to end up with the wooden spoon. No pressure then!

It was great to see Wales playing with much more verve and passion in the first half. They certainly looked like a team again thank goodness. For once the rugby gods smiled on them and they had a decent slice of luck with the bounce of the ball. They also had the recalled Rhys Webb who was not about to let slip maybe his last opportunity to show what he can do in a red shirt. Webb put on a masterclass of scrum half play as he pulled the strings to great effect.

The Italians for their part seemed to find their unaccustomed role of favourites not to their liking and looked nervous as they made too many errors. This and the improved Welsh performance resulted in Wales building up a substantial 3-22 lead in the first half with three tries in the bag. A rather fortunate bounce of the ball saw Dyer score the first while Liam Williams showed his power to force his way past five defenders to score the second. A penalty try after powerful work by the forwards put the icing on the cake on a great forty minutes.

I suppose this couldn’t last and the Italians played with far more purpose and skill in the second half. They scored early and this seemed to suck the confidence out of Wales. I think everyone’s mind went back to the Australia game in the Autumn when a similar sort of lead disappeared. That was everyone but Webb. The Italians were shorthanded due to a yellow card for Bruno (which incidentally should have been red). Webb made a break near the halfway line and looked like he might score himself but the Italian cover got to him. There was Faletau galloping up in support and he gleefully took Webb’s offload to score the fourth Wales try. The conversion restored a nineteen point lead (10-29) but there was still half an hour to go.

Webb departed not long after following treatment to a calf injury and was replaced by Tomas Williams. Both sides emptied their benches and the Italians looked stronger and attacked with purpose. The Welsh kicking game deteriorated and allowed the Italians the space to counterattack. Stubborn Welsh defence and Italian profligacy, however, restricted the Italians to just one try. It was a hard watch but all of Wales was delighted to hear the final whistle and Wales had a 17-29 bonus point win against all the odds.

The scoreboard suggests otherwise but this was not a convincing Welsh victory. The most important thing was that it was a victory. At the moment, that is surely enough! It is something to build on  but it is worrying that it took a thirty four year old scrum half to show us the way.

We were then treated to a tremendous all round display by the French who dismantled England at Twickenham. England were outplayed, out-thought and outfought and out just about everything else as the French racked up fifty three points. Borthwick and his England squad were left bewitched, bothered and bewildered and will need to do some serious work to recover from this drubbing.

It was great to watch but, as a Welshman, your mind moves on to Paris next week and what France might do to Wales if they continue in this vein of form. I had better reserve my place behind the couch just in case. You never know though ….

This afternoon Scotland take on Ireland for the Triple Crown. It should be a good match but I think Ireland will be just too strong.

Well done Wales and good luck next weekend!  

Pooler Forward Power Wins the Day

Saturday afternoon saw me in Trebanos in the Swansea Valley. Pontypool were playing the local team in their latest Championship match. Trebanos Park is alongside the Swansea Canal  and it took me back all those years ago to rugby at West Mon on the Skew Fields. It is a compact ground with probably the shortest in-goal areas I have seen. It is one of my pet subjects – I cannot understand why there is such a disparity in the size of in-goal areas at all levels of rugby. I know of course that it is due to available space but it can and does have a significant effect on the way the game is played. Surely some more standardisation is in order – I understand that the regulations require 6-22 metres. Perhaps someone can enlighten me.

Anyway back to the match! Pooler kicked off on a dull, grey but dry afternoon. They started with a bang and within a couple of minutes Anderson had squeezed in in the left corner after some good attacking play by the backs. The try went unconverted but Pooler had made a fast start (0-5).

Trebanos then showed what they are made of and camped out in the Pontypool twenty-two for virtually the rest of the first quarter. Although they pressed hard the home side could not break down the strong Pooler defence. To make matters worse for Trebanos when Pooler broke out they scored their second try with Powell touching down in the right corner after good passing by the threequarters. Jarvis banged over the conversion and Pooler were 0-12 to the good.

Some skulduggery in the right corner saw an almighty dust up. The outcome was a red card for Pooler’s Pat Lewis. The action took place right in front of me and I have to say there were a few more players who should have been receiving cards. So it was to be fifteen against fourteen for the rest of the match which gave Pooler something to think about.

Despite the disparity in numbers, Pontypool still looked the stronger team. Their pack was still fully manned and they used that to good effect when they drove over for a try from a lineout near the Trebanos line. Lloyd got the touchdown to add to his impressive tally for the season. The conversion hit the post but Pooler had a comfortable lead and were three tries to the good at 0-17.

There was no further scoring in a rumbustious first half which had seen the home side pose more than a few problems for Pooler.

The second half was really all Pontypool. The forwards took over as Pooler adopted a more pragmatic approach and pinned Trebanos back in their own half. The Pooler scrum dominated and was the source of several penalties which they used to good effect.

Five minutes in, it was Matthews who crossed after a series of powerful thrusts by the forwards. The try was converted by Jarvis and secured the bonus point (0-24). A few minutes later the Pooler scrum was too powerful for the home side to contain five metres out and Matthews touched down for his second try. This was again converted by Jarvis and Pooler were out of sight at 0-31.

This initiated a series of substitutions as Pooler emptied their bench and the fresh legs only served to press home Pooler’s advantage. As the third quarter ended, the dominant Pooler pack almost drove over the line and were awarded a penalty try (0-38).

Straight from the kick-off Trebanos flanker Jones received a yellow card for taking a man out in the air and Pooler were back in the Trebanos half again. This time, however, a misplaced pass led to an interception by Lewis who raced eighty metres to score a consolation try that was converted by Jones (7-38).

There was still time for a tremendous scrum from Pooler to push the home pack of the ball and over their line. Matthews touched down to complete his hat trick of tries and Langdon converted (7-45). This completed the scoring on a productive afternoon for Pontypool. Final score Trebanos 7 : Pontypool 45.

This was a physical encounter where the Pooler forwards wore down the Trebanos eight as the match progressed. Pontypool dominated the second half and were good value for their seven try haul even though they were a man down. Another bonus point win and another game out of the way. The battle for promotion continues.

Next up for Pontypool are back to back matches against bottom club Tata Steel. The first match is away on a Friday evening in two weeks.

I still look on in disbelief as Welsh rugby descends in to some kind of civil war cum self-destruction. It looks like there will be an exodus of players from the Regions as contracts are offered or not offered as the case may be. All this and a match against the resurgent Italians in Rome next weekend. Maybe some good will come of it when the dust settles but I somehow doubt it.

Let us hope the Welsh team can put all the distractions behind them and put on a great display in Rome and avoid the wooden spoon.

Come on Wales!

Come on Pooler!    

Welsh Woe

What an awful week for Welsh rugby! First we had the Welsh team threatening not to take the field against England as the unedifying running sore about professional players contracts came to a head. The arguments between the WRU and the players continued until almost the last minute when Nigel Walker and Ken Owens emerged from the depths of the Vale Hotel to declare “peace in our time”. Judging by the body language, this seemed the most uneasy of truces as both sides realised pragmatically that the match against England had better proceed as losing the money made would be like cutting off the supply of oxygen.

Of the three demands made by the players, only one had been fully met which was the players having a representative on the Professional Rugby Board. A second demand was that the rule which prevented Welsh players based outside Wales from playing for Wales unless they had sixty caps should be scrapped.  This was changed to twenty five caps but this smacked of compromise with no real logic why twenty five was chosen. The third demand about players’ contracts being in place and without the performance element seemed very much like “trust us, the cheque is in the post”. I can’t help feeling that there is more milage in that one.

Of course, there is still the vexed question of finance and the overall structure of Welsh professional rugby. Should we have four regions that are uncompetitive or three or fewer that have a better chance of success? This debate is far from resolved with many opinions voiced by cleverer people than I.

I am one of those dinosaurs who has not been enamoured by regional rugby but prefers to watch my rugby come rain or shine at the so-called community level. I have supported Pontypool for fifty five years and do not propose to change now. I like my rugby to be at 2.30pm on a Saturday afternoon with local rivalries very much the order of the day. The life blood of league rugby is promotion and relegation and when jeopardy is removed by ringfencing there is a negative effect. The idea of a ten club, ringfenced Premiership that has been suggested is therefore an anathema to me. Jeopardy aside, how does a team survive on nine home games a season? How satisfied is someone playing the game he loves with eighteen games in an eight month season? Of course, you will think I am a Pontypool fan and I would say that. Pooler are an ambitious club and there is nothing wrong with that. Too long they have been denied their opportunity to play in the Premiership. Please do not take that away again - there must be room for ambition surely.

Throughout the current controversy I have heard little reference to the rugby fans and what they want. Remember no paying customers no professional game.

It is in this context that Wales had to take the field against England in the Principality Stadium. The game was also second on the afternoon’s bill behind a cracking game between Italy and Ireland. On paper this should have been a comfortable victory for world number one Ireland but the resurgent Italians were having none of it. Italy are playing great, entertaining rugby at the moment. They move the ball at every opportunity and play a high-risk high-speed game that is fantastic to watch. Naturally it does go wrong at times and against a pragmatic, well-drilled side like Ireland they can come to grief. Italy pushed Ireland all the way but in the end the Irish took the spoils.

In contrast, the match between Wales and England was a turgid affair with loads and loads of kicking. The problem for Wales was that their kicking was not as good as England’s. Virtually every Welsh kick seemed to find its way into the welcoming arms of Steward the English fullback who barely had to move to receive the ball. Wales seemed to be banging their head against a brick wall and were unaware of the damage it was doing to their prospects.

England prospered on the back of Welsh mistakes and there were plenty of them. With a bit more ambition, England would surely have scored more than eight points in a one-sided first half. An interception try by Rees Zammit even gave a very temporary 10-8 lead to Wales early in the second half. The England response was swift and they regained the lead through a try from Sinckler. From then on, they never looked like losing it as their powerful defence stifled all of what Wales could muster.

Wales did stay in touch at 10-15 for most of the second half but a try from Lawrence near the end put the game beyond doubt at 10-20. Fortunately for Wales, Farrell had an off day with his kicking or the margin of defeat would have been greater. Apart from a few young players gaining valuable experience, I find it hard to find much positive about the Welsh performance. Compared to the Italians it is like watching the game played in slow motion.

This leaves Wales with nul points and sitting alone at the bottom of the table. With away games against France and Italy to come, you would not bet against the wooden spoon. It is not a great time to be a Welsh fan that is for sure. Very much a week to try and forget.

Next Saturday Pooler are back in action and are playing at Trebanos and know that they must not take their opponents lightly. Although Pooler top the Championship table, they cannot afford any slip-ups with Neath and Bargoed still lurking just behind them.

Come on Pooler!

Nil desperandum Wales – it can only get better can’t it?   

Pooler Edge a Championship Showdown

There seems to be nothing but bad news about Welsh rugby at the moment. The situation both on and off the field is a real cause for concern and you feel that the rugby world looks on in disbelief at the shambles that has been created. It was therefore with great joy that I felt the tingle of excitement as I arrived at the Gnoll in Neath yesterday. Here at least we could get away from the madness and watch a truly competitive match with something tangible at stake. Unbeaten Pooler were taking on Neath who occupied second place in the Championship with the winners putting themselves in a really strong position for securing promotion and winning the title.

It was like old times as the familiar old ground filled up with expectant and vociferous fans of both persuasions. It was a dull afternoon with a strong, chill breeze blowing towards the clubhouse end of the ground. Pontypool kicked off with first use of the breeze and within a minute or so Neath wing Griffiths made a dangerous tackle on Walsh from Pontypool and received a yellow card. A rather drunken ball flight from the penalty kick from Jarvis just made it over the bar and it was 0-3 before anyone had time to draw breath.

Pontypool did most of the early attacking and a few minutes later doubled their lead with another penalty from Jarvis (0-6). Pooler continued to press hard on the Neath line as they quickly gained the ascendancy. They were perhaps a little too eager and a spilled pass was seized upon by Neath and gave Neath their first foray into Pooler territory. Pooler transgressed at a breakdown and Williams kicked the penalty (3-6).

This score seemed to galvanise Neath and  Pooler gave away a few penalties as the pressure told. Neath had a strong driving maul and an impressive lineout and used both to good effect as they turned the screw. A try seemed inevitable and it was scored by Neath No 8 Griggs who had made several powerful carries. The try was converted by Williams and Neath led 10-6 as the first quarter ended.

Pooler responded well and had a valuable weapon in their scrum which had the edge over the Neath eight. They again forced their way back up field and were hammering away in the Neath twenty two.  Some slick passing from the half backs and forwards saw a gap created for Lloyd to force his way over the line for a much needed try for the away team. The try was converted by Jarvis and Pooler were back in front at 10-13.

With the breeze at their backs in the first half, you really felt that Pontypool needed to build a bigger cushion before the teams changed ends. They pressed hard but time was running out as they pinned Neath back into their own twenty two. Their cause was assisted by a yellow card for ex Welsh international Aled Brew from Neath for an offence at a breakdown near the Neath line. As time was running out in the first half, Pontypool had a series of five metre scrums with Neath giving away penalties. The referee finally lost patience with the home side and awarded a penalty try to Pontypool (10-20) and that was the last action in a pulsating first half.

Pontypool had built a ten point lead but the half time debate in the stand was about whether it was sufficient with Pooler facing the breeze in the second half. It was going to be a close run thing that was for sure.

As you might expect, Neath came out of the changing rooms with fire in their bellies and were quickly on the attack. Pooler found it difficult to clear their lines against the wind and soon lost Lloyd to a yellow card for transgressing at a ruck. Neath took full advantage of this and Brew showed his power to surge over the line for a try that was converted by Williams. It was 17-20 with half an hour left and Pooler needed to respond.

The response came quickly as Pooler club captain Matthews entered the fray from the bench. Within minutes of his arrival he forced his way over for a vital try for Pooler after strong work from the pack. The conversion failed but the away side had a two score lead at 17-25 but it was still very much all to play for.

The next fifteen minutes were scoreless but the rugby was intense with the Pontypool defence having to work hard to keep Neath out. Both teams emptied their benches as the battle continued. Now and then Pooler broke out and threatened to score but it was Neath with the breeze at their backs who had the lion’s share of territory.

Pontypool were giving away penalties at the breakdown and this was giving Neath opportunities but desperate defence from Pooler kept them at bay. The clock seemed to be moving incredibly slowly for the anxious Pooler fans but finally we got to the last few minutes of normal time. Neath were awarded a penalty and knowing that they had to score twice went for goal but the attempt went wide. Moments later they had another shot at goal and this time Harris converted (20-25).

Virtually from the kick-off Herbert forced a turnover at a ruck in front of the Neath posts. To the great relief of the Pooler fans, Jarvis made no mistake from the tee and the vital eight point lead was restored (20-28).

We were in time added on now but there was still time for Neath to be awarded another penalty at a breakdown in the Pooler half and to make matters worse Lewis was given a yellow card. Harris thumped the ball over and Pooler’s lead had been trimmed to five points again (23-28).

The referee still found some time to keep the game going and Neath threw caution to the winds and attacked from deep in their twenty two. The Pooler defence was not about to let this game slip from their grasp and held firm. Final score Neath 23 : Pontypool 28.

Wow what a game! On balance I think Pooler did enough to deserve to win but will rue a few scoring chances that went begging and a high penalty count. Neath were everything we expected and gave Pooler their toughest test of the season. It was a game that was surely Premiership standard in front of a good crowd. It would be a crying shame if these two teams do not gain promotion. They will meet again in a few weeks in the semi-final of the Championship Cup – another spikey encounter for sure!

Next up for Pontypool is Trebanos away on March 4^th which starts a run of away fixtures. The Championship race is far from over but Pooler are in the box seat but there is certainly no room for complacency.

Next Saturday Wales may or may not take on England at the Principality Stadium. That it has got to the stage that the players are driven towards strike action is quite frankly ridiculous. For pity’s sake we need to find a solution and quickly. As Canned Heat would have it, “Let’s Work Together”.  

Well done Pooler on a fantastic performance!

Come on Wales sort things out!