First Half to Forget Leaves Pooler Too Much to Do

Pontypool’s final home game of the season was against Merthyr on a Wednesday evening. Conditions were ideal for rugby with the game starting in daylight although the gathering gloom meant that the floodlights were needed in the latter part of the first half.

Gathering gloom was an apt description of the way the Pooler fans felt as the first half progressed. While Merthyr started with purpose and aggression, Pooler seemed strangely lethargic. We have seen this at times this season but this time it lasted for the whole forty minutes. In fairness Merthyr played well while the home side suffered from a lack of possession and territory. The Merthyr scrum was dominant and Pooler gave away far too many penalties.

Right from the off Pooler were on the back foot and Merthyr scored a try through Hoskins after ten minutes or so. This was converted by Thompson and Merthyr led 0-7. Pooler could well have conceded more points in the first quarter as the away side laid siege on their line but their defence was heroic and just about managed to stem the tide.

At the start of the second quarter, Pooler had the temerity to launch their first attack and Merthyr were left short-handed with a yellow card for Bradbury. Sadly, their time in the Merthyr twenty-two did not lead to any points and the action was soon back in the Pontypool twenty-two. Even with fourteen men, Merthyr managed to create space for Thompson to score a try that he converted himself (0-14)

The referee finally got fed up with the collapsing scrums and showed a yellow card to Pooler prop Williams. This was shortly followed by a yellow card for Stratton as Pooler battled furiously to keep Merthyr out. The numerical advantage that the away side had eventually told  and there were tries for Bradbury and Hoskins that both went unconverted as a painful first half for Pooler was coming to a close (0-24).

There was a glimmer of a chance for Pooler to register some points on the board right at the end of the first half but alas that came to nought. In Pooler’s attack, Merthyr prop Whiting was shown a yellow card so at least Pooler would start the second half against fourteen men although they had a mountain to climb at 0-24.

One suspects that Pooler received a severe mentoring during the half time interval and despite playing up the slope in the second half we had to believe that things would improve drastically.

Well things certainly did get better and Pooler started on the front foot and after five minutes or so a break by Jarvis saw Pooler in the Merthyr twenty-two. The ball was moved left and Lewis touched down for a much-needed try. The conversion failed but at least Pooler were up and running (5-24).

Pooler made wholesale changes at this point with the bench being virtually emptied. This gave fresh energy and a few minutes later Pooler were again on the attack. The ball was spread right to Walker Price who kicked ahead. The ball bounced over the Merthyr try line with Price leading the chasing pack. He was adjudged to have been unfairly impeded and the referee awarded a penalty try. Hoskins was shown a yellow card and the home side could sense a miraculous recovery was on the cards (12-24).

The optimism was short-lived as, after another scrum penalty against Pontypool, Merthyr took up an attacking position in the home twenty-two. Some slick handling by their backs saw Meaclem score a try in the left corner. The conversion failed but Merthyr’s lead was back up to seventeen points with twenty minutes left (12-29).

Back came Pooler as they certainly did not regard the cause as lost. This time, it was substitute flanker Herbert who pierced the Merthyr defence to score their third try. Jarvis converted and it was back to “game on” with the score 19-29 and most of the final quarter remaining.

Not long after, Jarvis made a break from in his own half but in the ensuing ruck he was sin-binned. This was, I think, the sixth yellow card of the match and had the effect of blunting Pooler’s attacking prospects. Despite being short-handed, Pooler continued to put pressure on Merthyr as the went in search of a bonus point or two.

Pooler pounded away using their forwards but time was ticking away. Finally, Moa crashed over the line after lengthy series of forward drives following an attacking lineout. Jarvis converted but this was unfortunately the last action of the match. Final score Pontypool 26 : Merthyr 29.

Pontypool did redeem themselves after a  poor first half showing. They did not quite manage to overhaul Merthyr’s substantial lead in the second half but grabbed two bonus points which is at least some reward for a tremendous comeback against tough opposition. Those two points mean that they have overhauled Pontypridd in the table and currently occupy a hugely creditable fifth place. Whether they hang on to that position will be determined in the last match of the season. Pontypool travel to RGC while Merthyr, who are two points behind, are away in Swansea.

Come on Pooler! 

Pooler Hang Tough but It’s Not Enough

A Gwent derby is usually a tight and hard fought affair and over the years there have many such matches between Pontypool and Ebbw Vale. Somehow when two valley teams meet each other it seems even more fierce no matter what league position the protagonists hold. So it was that Pontypool visited Ebbw Vale on a Thursday evening in a televised game.

This game certainly lived up to expectations in terms of aggression and commitment with the local rivals going at it hammer and tongs right from the off. No one could say that the technical quality was of the highest order with errors and penalties dominating a scrappy first quarter. What was abundantly clear was that Ebbw Vale had dominance in the scrum where Pontypool conceded three penalties. Fortunately for Pooler this only led to them conceding three points through a Lloyd penalty. That left the score at 3-0 after twenty minutes bossed by the home team.

Pooler equalised a couple of minutes later through a Jarvis penalty (3-3) and brought on Kelleher-Griffiths to shore up the scrum. This made the battle more evenly contested but both sides were guilty of not being able to take the few chances that were created. The Ebbw Vale backs looked the livelier outfit and as the first half drew to a close they struck. Meek made a break from around halfway and although he was tackled Ebbw spread the ball from the ensuing ruck and Rees-Weldon was able to scamper over in the right corner. The conversion failed but the home side were able to leave the field at half time with a narrow 8-3 lead.

Pooler started the second half in fine style and worked their way down into the home twenty two. A slick planned move from a lineout saw Matthews break and find the supporting Morgan Lloyd with a clever pass. Lloyd dotted down and Jarvis converted which meant that Pooler were in the lead 8-10.

Both teams have fine goal kickers in Jarvis and Lloyd but both found the conditions difficult to master with each missing shots that they would normally expect to convert. Nevertheless, Lloyd did manage to convert a penalty for a high tackle fifteen minute into the half which put the home team back in the lead (11-10).

The hard-fought skirmishes continued with Ebbw Vale perhaps looking the more likely to score. The benches were used to bolster both teams with the final result very much in doubt. With ten minutes remaining, it was the Ebbw Vale backs who broke the deadlock. Lloyd made a good break and he was finally brought down in the Pooler twenty-two. Ebbw Vale recycled the ball and found Phillips on the right wing. He touched down in the corner for Ebbw’s second try and although the conversion failed the gap in the scores had grown to 16-10.

Pooler were still within a converted try but although they huffed and puffed they could not find the penetration or continuity to crack the aggressive home defence. Ebbw Vale also created a chance or two in the last few minutes but when the final whistle was blown the score remained the same. Final score Ebbw Vale 16 : Pontypool 10.

Over the eighty minutes Ebbw Vale were the better side and deserved their victory. Pooler created little in attack but never stopped contesting with fierce intensity. They do come way with a losing bonus point which is some reward for all their effort. Ebbw Vale go on to the play-offs and good luck to them there. Pooler have two more league matches with the next one against Merthyr at home next Wednesday. This is closely followed by the trek to RGC on the following Saturday. Fifth place in the Premiership is very much up for grabs which would be a brilliant effort for the first season back at this level.

It has finally been confirmed, to nobody’s surprise, that Cardiff will take the tenth place in the new Elite League for next season. When you look at the ten teams involved it does seem that the Welsh Valleys are poorly represented. At the start of the blog, I mentioned how local derbies between Valley clubs were particularly hard-fought and eagerly anticipated. Well in the Elite League there will now just be Ebbw vale and Pontypool representing the valleys. No Pontypridd, no Merthyr, no Neath it is a crying shame. I never liked the idea from the start and now I like it even less!

Come on Pooler let us finish the season in style!. 

Pooler Tough It Out

We are now into the last three weeks of the season with Pontypool only having four matches left. The first of these was a home fixture against RGC who had made the long journey from North Wales. It was a dull grey afternoon with a strong wind blowing into our faces as we took our places on the Bank. Thankfully there was none of the rain that has been so prevalent in the year so far.

Pooler kicked off playing down the slope and, unlike recent matches, got off to a fast and furious start. Within a couple of minutes, some purposeful rugby resulted in a break by Mahoney that was supported by scrum half Lloyd. Lloyd threw a pass to right wing Powell who still had a lot to do but showed his power to force his way over in the corner for a try. The conversion failed but Pooler had registered the first points of the afternoon (5-0).

It was soon clear that Pooler had the edge in the scrums and it was from a penalty at a scrum that Jarvis added another three points from a penalty (8-0). This was quickly cancelled out by a penalty from RGC kicked by Dion Jones which brought the score to 8-3 with fifteen minutes played.

With a dominant scrum and a lineout that was functioning well, Pooler had plenty of possession and territory. As the first quarter ended, another penalty awarded against RGC saw Pooler kick for the left corner. The ensuing lineout was driven by the forwards for Scarfe to touch down for their second try. This time the conversion by Jarvis was successful for Pooler to build a 15-3 lead.

In the second quarter RGC came much more into the game with their lively backs looking dangerous and their forwards a handful in the loose. Both sides were guilty of handling errors and Pooler started to leak penalties. A penalty for offside was converted by Dion Jones (15-6) and Pooler were soon having to defend a series of attacked from the North Walians. The defence was stout but just past the half hour mark it finally cracked. Young RGC outside half Ford jinked his way over to score a try near the posts. Jones converted and RGC were snapping at Pooler’s heels at 15-13.

Pooler produced another great try just when they needed it with time running out in the first half. Right wing Powell burst out of his own half  and found Bancroft steaming up inside him in support. Bancroft cruised in for Pooler’s third try  which although unconverted gave Pooler breathing space at 20-13.

There was still time for RGC to signal that they were not going away with a third penalty from Jones to leave the score at half time 20-16. It was still anyone’s game and Pooler would have to work hard if they were to record a victory against their doughty opponents.

The third quarter was scoreless with both sides guilty of making too many errors and defences on top. Both sides spurned good attacking positions and the game was very much still in the balance and the players and crowd were beginning to feel frustrated. The benches were used by both sides to try and gee things up.

As the fourth quarter started, an awful high tackle from RGC prop Hone left Pooler prop Drake prostrate on the ground. The referee immediately showed Hone a yellow card when most thought a red card would have been more appropriate. There was a delay of around fifteen minutes while the unfortunate Drake received medical attention before being carried off on a stretcher. I am glad to say that Drake has since recovered with no lasting damage.

The delay seemed to breathe new life into Pooler The absence of Hone meant uncontested scrums which took away one of Pooler’s areas of dominance. Club captain Matthews had joined the fray shortly before the delay.  He picked the ball up from the base of a static five-metre scrum but still had the power to force his way over for Pooler’s fourth try  a couple of minutes after the resumption. Jarvis converted and Pooler were in the box seat with a 27-16 lead and the try bonus point secured.

The game was still not won with almost twenty minutes remaining. RGC still looked dangerous at times and it took some great defence to keep them out. Pooler too had their chances but could not seem to find the continuity to change possession into points. It was stop-start stuff and I have to confess I found myself wanting the referee to blow the final whistle.

With a couple of minutes remaining, Pooler were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and Jarvis duly slotted it (30-13). A few more skirmishes later, the referee brought the game to an end with Pooler clinching the victory they deserved. Final score Pontypool 30 : RGC 13.

Pontypool had to fight hard for this victory against a combative RGC team. Keeping RGC scoreless in the second half in the conditions was no mean feat. At times Pooler showed flashes of great rugby but could not find the rhythm and continuity that they desired consistently. They can be pleased with their set pieces but discipline remains an issue. A great win though so congratulations to everyone.

Next match for Pooler is a local derby with a visit to Ebbw Vale on the 18^th April. Ebbw Vale have been having a great season so this will be a tough test for Pooler. The match will be televised on S4C Clic.

I did watch the Ospreys on the TV last and congratulations to them for their fine victory against Sale in the European Challenge Cup. It seems that there is still some life left in the Regions with a vociferous crowd at the Brewery Field shouting the Ospreys home. I must admit I have given worrying about what is going to happen in Welsh rugby next season – perhaps there will be yet another rethink of the rethink of the review who knows.

In the mean-time let’s look forward to Ebbw Vale on the 18^th.

Come on Pooler!

Second Half Surge Seals Pooler Victory

Easter seems to have crept up out of nowhere. As we stood on the Bank at Pontypool Park that was bathed in sunshine, we reminisced about Easters gone by when Pontypool played as many as four games in five days . It seems hardly credible that so much rugby was played in such a short time period with rugby tours being the order of the day. The match against London Welsh in particular used to draw a large crowd to Pontypool Park.

Those days are long gone and we had a home fixture against Bridgend as the only Easter fare. We were hoping that Pooler could build on last week’s victory at Neath and avenge their narrow defeat at the Brewery Field earlier in the season.

Bridgend kicked off playing down the slope and were quickly into their stride. Their backs looked sharp and cut the Pooler defence a couple of times but it was the forwards who  put the first points on the scoreboard. Less than five minutes had gone when a lineout drive was clinically executed with Bridgend hooker Yardley to touching down for a try. Hodgkins converted and yet again Pooler were starting sluggishly (0-7).

Pooler rallied quickly and just a few minutes later were in the Bridgend twenty-two. Bridgend conceded a penalty and ever alert scrum half Lloyd took a quick tap and the ball was moved to Marcus Jones who powered over the line. Jarvis converted and Pooler were level (7-7). Sadly, Jones was injured in the act of scoring and was replaced by Harry Jarvis who was making his debut.

The rest of the first half was evenly contested as both sides set out to play open rugby. The away backs looked dangerous but several promising moves broke down with handling errors as the Pooler defence closed in. For Pooler the forwards were to the fore with the back row looking particularly lively. The pitch was a little slippery after the recent monsoon which did make quick changes of direction a bit precarious.. Both sides created good attacking positions but the only further score of the first half was a penalty from Jarvis which gave Pooler a narrow half time lead (10-7).

It had been an entertaining first half with the match evenly contested but a feeling that the Pooler forwards were beginning to get on top.

It was the home side that immediately took the initiative in the second half. A penalty from Jarvis increased their lead to 13-7 in the first couple of minutes. Pooler soon worked their way back down the field and into the Bridgend  twenty-two. The forwards hammered away and eventually the away side’s defence cracked and Sweet touched down for a try. Jarvis converted and Pooler had built a useful lead at 20-7.

Bridgend were swift to counter but tried to smash their way through the Pooler defence rather than use guile. The Pooler defence seemed more comfortable with this and looked rock solid. Pooler looked to have more teeth in attack. As the third quarter came to an end, Pooler struck again. They again worked their way down field with purpose and finally breached some brave goal-line defence when scrum half Lloyd touched down for their third try of the afternoon. Jarvis converted and the 27-7 lead looked enough to clinch the win.

Pooler were looking well on top and were now seeking the bonus point try. The all-action flanker Herbert made a great break and after running thirty metres or so fed the supporting Mahoney who dived over the line to score the all-important fourth try. Jarvis converted and Pooler were now 34-7 to the good with ten minutes or so remaining.

Pontypool were not finished and piled more misery on to Bridgend. They had a lineout close to the Bridgend line in Goff’s corner. A short throw and a front peel saw hooker Scarfe force his way over in the corner for Pooler’s fifth try. The conversion failed but the lead had now grown to 39-7 with very little time remaining.

Bridgend had certainly not given up and their backs showed just how dangerous they could be when Howley scoring a late consolation try from a sweeping passage of play. Hodgkins converted with the last act of the game. Final score Pontypool 39 : Bridgend Ravens 14.

In the end this was a resounding victory for Pontypool after a very competitive first half. It was the Pooler forwards who held sway after the interval with a very vibrant performance in the loose with the back-row and hooker Scarfe to the fore. They were probably conceding weight to the opposition but revelled in the dry conditions. It was also pleasing to see that the discipline had improved considerably with far few penalties conceded. All in all, a very satisfactory afternoon – well done everybody. Congratulations also to Harry Jarvis who looked a very lively performer on debut.

Next match for Pontypool is a home game against RGC next Saturday. Pooler find themselves in a creditable sixth place in the Premiership with fifth place within their grasp. Making the play-off is now probably beyond them but is still mathematically possible with four games remaining.

Come on Pooler!

Thrills and Spills as Pooler Take the Spoils at the Gnoll

Pontypool were back in action after the Six Nations Championship with a visit to the Gnoll in Neath. Watching Pooler in 2024 seems to have been severely rationed so it was good to get back to it on a bright sunny day after the trauma of a distinctly underwhelming set of Welsh defeats. Bright and sunny it might have been but there was a keen edge to the wind.

It was Neath that made the early running and soon left wing Griffiths was haring down the touchline from his own twenty two. The Pooler defence finally managed to pull him down but in the ensuing breakdown they transgressed and Williams kicked the penalty to give the home side a 3-0 lead with only a few minutes played.

Pooler got into their stride a lot quicker than in some of matches of late and played some good positive attacking rugby. Backs and forwards combined and eventually Mahoney saw a gap and powered through to score. Jarvis converted and Pooler took the lead (3-7)

Back came Neath and centre Charles bumped off would-be tacklers galore as he raced to score under the posts. With the conversion from Williams, Neath were back in the lead (10-7). The game had the look of an open entertaining encounter with both sides willing to throw the ball about.

A critical moment came just before the half hour when the first scrum took place. It was immediately clear that Pooler held the whip-hand in this phase. A series of scrums led to a series of penalties as Pooler pressurised the Neath line. Eventually the referee had seen enough and awarded Pooler a penalty try. As the players disentangled themselves, there was some skulduggery from Neath prop Powell. This was spotted by the officials and led to a red card (10-14).

Pooler took full advantage of Neath’s reduction to fourteen players when a couple of minutes later Herbert drove over after powerful carrying by the Pooler pack from a lineout in the home twenty-two. Jarvis converted and things were looking rosy for Pontypool at 10-21.

Did Pooler relax or did Neath step up their game – possibly a bit of both – but suddenly the game turned on its head. The Neath number 8, Morgan, brushed weak Pooler tackling aside to power over the try line from at least twenty metres. Williams converted and there was a distinct feeling that the momentum had switched to the home side (17-21).

Minutes later, the home side were attacking down the left side again and nearly scored. This time the referee felt that Matthews had unfairly prevented Neath from pressing home their attack and found himself in the sin bin. Almost immediately afterwards the Neath backs put left wing Griffiths in for a try in the corner. Williams converted and Neath had regained the lead ( 24-21).

Things go worse for Pooler when they lost Mahoney to a yellow card after some unnecessary argy-bargy. Fortunately, there was little time for Neath to take advantage of their numerical supremacy before half time. HT Neath 24 : Pontypool 21.

It had been an entertaining first half that was for sure with the lead changing hands five times. It was hard to choose a winner but surely Neath being permanently down to fourteen and the power of the Pooler scrum would be enough to get things done.

Pontypool made some changes at half time and started the second half with purpose. There was frustrating period of around ten minutes when Pooler leaked penalties when they got into promising positions. It was clear, however, that Pooler were gaining the upper hand in possession and territory. Neath defended stoutly and their backs were still menacing when they got the ball but the breakthrough would surely come for the away side.

It was Mahoney who did the necessary soon after returning from his yellow card.  He scored his second try as he burst through the Neath defence. Jarvis converted and Pooler had secured a bonus point and, more importantly, had taken back the lead (24-28).

Pontypool remained on top but continued to leak penalties. The four point lead felt precarious as Neath were certainly not going to back off. It was not until the fourth quarter that Pooler managed to turn possession into points. Some great running and passing from the backs saw substitute wing Marcus Jones score in the left corner. Jarvis converted with aplomb and the Pooler fans felt a little more comfortable with an eleven point cushion at 24-35.

Pooler remained the dominant force but continued to frustrate. Finally, after Neath were reduced to thirteen men by a yellow card for their substitute prop at a scrum, Pooler scored their sixth try. This was scored by Scarfe who was lurking with intent on the right wing. The conversion failed and this was the final act in an all-action game. Final score Neath 21 : Pontypool 40.

Any win at Neath is a good and hard-earned win so congratulations to Pontypool. It was an entertaining game and Neath though reduced to fourteen men after half an hour made things extremely difficult for Pooler. Keeping Neath scoreless in the second half was no mean feat. Pooler will know that their discipline let them down at times but they did play some great rugby when they put pace on the game. It would be nice to think that we could play Neath next season but as things stand this looks rather unlikely. They are a fine club and I wish them well whatever happens.

Next up for Pontypool is a home game against Bridgend. This should be another cracking encounter.

Come on Pooler!  

That Puts the Tin Hat on It

I am not quite sure whether you win the wooden spoon or lose it but Wales certainly earned it with a woeful display against a well-drilled Italian side.  The final score line of 21-24 is flattering as Wales scored two very late tries when the game was already lost and the Italians had relaxed at 7-24.

Where do I begin? First, we must congratulate the Italians who played with verve and look transformed from the serial losers of a few years ago. They have a developed a good all round team with strong forwards and exciting backs. They must be delighted with this year’s Six Nations campaign with two wins and a draw and a narrow defeat by England. Yes, it can be done with only two professional teams.

Wales were awful yesterday particularly in a woeful first half. They had possession and territory but virtually the whole team was guilty of making a series of cock-ups that the under-elevens would be dismayed by. The only thing that functioned well was the lineout the rest was way off the required standard. The only surprise was that Wales only conceded eleven points.

The second half was little better with Italy scoring a brilliantly conceived try to lead 0-17. Wales continued to misfire much to the frustration of the crowd. They still had enough possession but the Italian defence seemed to know exactly what they were going to do and forced errors. There was a total lack of innovation – haven’t the coaching team got any bright ideas?

Wales finally got on the scoreboard with a try by Dee to make it 7-17 but really it was too little too late. Incredibly the front row was not substituted and looked out on their feet which didn’t help. Grady came on in the centre and made a considerable impact as did Rowlands in the second row. Sadly, Wales conceded two kickable penalties which foiled any chance of a late Wales victory. The Italians gleefully converted the penalties to open up an unassailable 7-24 lead with only a few minutes remaining.

There was time for Rowlands and Grady two bag a couple of consolation tries but by then the Welsh fans were already streaming out into a soaking wet Cardiff seeking a stiff drink. Played five lost five and the wooden spoon. Can it get much worse than that?

I do feel sorry for George North. This was his last game after a glittering career. He was one of the few Welsh players who played to something like his best and must have been devastated to leave like this. Thanks George you have been a credit to Wales and good luck for the future.

So, what now for Wales? On the positive side they have blooded several promising young players. The question is will they manage to reach the levels of the illustrious names that they will replace. I certainly hope so. I can’t help feeling that there need to be some changes in the coaching set up as the team seems short on ideas and the rest of the world is rapidly leaving them behind. The poor form of the Welsh regions is certainly not helping and the poor performance of the Welsh team will make the finances that much tighter. It is a depressing picture.

Congratulations to Ireland on winning the Six Nations Championship they were the best team. France secured second place with a last gasp victory over a resurgent England.

Now it is back to club rugby for me and Pontypool’s visit to Neath next weekend. It should be a good game between these old rivals.

Come on Pooler!

Wales Wilt as French Power Tells

 A lot has been said about the crushing 24-45 defeat Wales were handed by the French last weekend. I have to admit that, after a bright beginning from Wales was quickly cancelled out, it looked to me sitting in the stand that a French victory seemed inevitable.

The French ball carrying was immense and hardly ever was one Welshman able to stop a rampant Frenchman on the gain line let alone knock him back. This kind of pressure usually tells and that it was exactly what happened. As the Welsh team tired, France were able to bring on more heavyweights from the bench which eventually broke Welsh resolve and what had been a reasonably close match ended up as a bit of a rout. It is hard to know what more Wales could have done with the hand that they were dealt. They were brave and scored three good tries but the French were just too powerful.

Tactically it is hard to see why you would kick the ball to possibly the best winger in world rugby in Penaud. He always made ground particularly as the energy in the kick chase ebbed away. Wales did try to move the ball and this proved reasonably effective. In the last ten minutes or so, however, this looked far too pedestrian with ball been shovelled on to men standing still – easy meat for the French defence.

The sixteenth player that Wales expect in the support of the crowd also ebbed away and the thousands of French supporters out-sung and out-cheered the Welsh. A sobering experience for sure.

Did anything good come out of it for Wales? There is of course much promise amongst the new members of the squad and we are told to be patient. It is hard to keep smiling when your team loses so many times. Yes, plenty of green shoots are evident but will they flourish in the harsh environment of test rugby. I sincerely hope so. We will need some pretty powerful fertilizer if we are to harvest a bountiful crop.

Wales now face the resurgent Italian team in Cardiff on Saturday with the prospect of a wooden spoon looming. Surely it is time for them to step up but the Italians will be a mighty tough nut to crack and are brimming with confidence.

Come on Wales!